FROM THE INTRODUCTION:
Art has long been used to examine and comment upon the human condition. Nowhere is this more evident than in the storytelling medium of film. Whether it is a comedy, mystery, romance or action thriller, a movie, at its core, must reflect a recognizable aspect of life in order for it to effectively relate to its audience.
Because God is the Creator of life, and films must reflect life in order to be understood, we should be able to spot evidence of His handiwork woven into every film we see.
Sometimes the evidence is readily apparent, as in Ben-Hur or The Prince of Egypt, which refer directly to scriptural events. Other times the inclusion is more subtle. The Matrix is filled with biblical references for those inclined to see them. Christian audiences flocked to theaters for The Lord of the Rings largely because of the spiritual symbolism to be found throughout that film.
All films will inevitably have aspects which can remind us of biblical truths or principles. Sections of scripture have been used as film titles, as in Ingmar Bergman's Through a Glass Darkly (1 Corinthians 13:12) or Boaz Yakin's A Price Above Rubies (Proverbs 31:10).
Sometimes scripture verses are woven into a character's speech as in Ren MacCormick's defense of dance in Footloose (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4). Other times a character's actions will mirror the events of a biblical record as in Andy Dufresne's long-suffering persistence in getting the state to provide funds for a prison library in The Shawshank Redemption (Luke 18:1-7).
As we make ourselves aware that God's truths have an influence that reach beyond the pews of our Sunday church services, we begin to gain the appreciation that God may very well be Hollywood's most prolific, uncredited screenwriter.
Thus Saith Hollywood was written as an exercise in faith. It is an attempt to connect spiritual knowledge with the most popular entertainment in today's culture. Its purpose is not to try to change the culture in Hollywood but rather to prove that regardless of the intent of the screenwriter, director, producers or actors, we the audience can take their product and use it to remind ourselves of the divine nature of God.
The author does not mean to imply that the films chosen for inclusion in this book are suitable for every taste or temperament. Nor does the author endorse or promote any film or screenwriter quoted here. The only aim the author has is to show how all films can remind us of the truths God would have us remember. What has guided us through this project has been our fundamental belief that, since God is everywhere present, we can find Him anywhere. We can even find Him on the screens of our neighborhood theaters.
