Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Facing the Giants Review

Thanks to my amazing daughter Emily, who loves God from her heart and suggested we watch Facing the Giants together. The movie touched her, and I'll devote a few lines to my thoughts. I'll also try to avoid spoilers, though the movie can be pretty predictable.

Quick synopsis: A football coach at a little Christian school struggles with common life issues and with football. His faith and the faith of others play a huge role in the outcome.

Now, the good stuff. From time to time I found myself deeply moved, moved to weeping, by this film. Why? I wondered. I don't know.
  • I watched with my two daughters, and I deeply desire that they participate in the kinds of profound faith experiences that sustained me in high school.
  • The movie took me back to tender places in my high school years, especially in integrating faith with football and the rest of life. I could quickly relate to how renewed (or new) faith could change a kid's whole outlook on life. My Christian peers played a huge role in my life then, and I could strongly relate to how faith actually contributed to my finding the best in myself as an athlete. We shouldn't mock that part of the movie.
  • Some of the plot devices, including kids and their parents, were genuinely moving.

Theologically, the movie maintains that faith makes an impact on your life in positive ways. You see your relationships differently. You find a different meaning in your ordinary responsibilities. You find spiritual empowerment for the most important things you face. You see the good things that come to you as blessings. Prayer matters -- and so do people who pray. In many ways, this film hit those topics at just the right note.

With this movie, my evangelical piety shares a longing for revival. I really long for and pray for spiritual awakening.

I'll add that I wish mainline Christian kids had the same language I had as an evangelical youth for understanding how faith relates to our identity and our lifestyles. We're working on that in Lancaster Seminary's Leadership Now program, but I wish that. (For a critical reflection on that same ethos, see below.)

Technically, I generally dislike football films because the football action is so unrealistic. The football action in this cheaply produced movie is fairly impressive.

The movie also has significant theological shortcomings, and they need reflection.

  • The main thing is that the movie suggests that faith solves all of life's problems. Money, personal matters, football, you name it. Loving Jesus might help a football player (or team) play with passion and courage. It won't take a cruddy team and turn them into all-stars. The movie nods toward the outlook that living faithfully might not lead to success, but the whole plot undermines a healthier outlook.
  • Faith in this movie is still too small. Our little Christian academy has one black coach, complete with weak racial humor. It apparently includes an African American player -- we know this not because he ever speaks but because he appears in a game scene. In other words, faith is all about personal issues and one to one relationships. It doesn't bear on the social realities that so shape our lives. Why is it, by the way, that Southern Christian schools are so white? (And why were so many of them founded just when public schools integrated?)
  • The movie is socially conservative to a fault. The coach and his wife have money problems and no kids. So why does this talented woman keep just a part-time job that makes almost no difference in their financial picture? (I have a sneaking hunch.) Several times the movie insists that following Jesus means submitting to authority. I'm all for that, but you know what? Sometimes authorities, even parents, are unjust and abusive. It's not sufficient to tell somebody to obey authority and leave it at that.
  • I just don't share the theology that God determines everything that happens. This movie assumes that theology. If I win a football game, I thank God for the experience and the ability -- but I would never interpret the win as God's will. Even back in the day, we knew better than that.

Bottom line? I was genuinely touched by this movie. My daughter was inspired. It raises important questions. I just have some serious reservations too.

63 comments:

Sally said...

I thought it was a sweet, if naive and simplistic, movie as well. What a great opportunity to talk about the good and flawed parts of the movie with your daughter and other young people. Those kinds of discussions can help them develope the kind of God-talk or Christian language that will help them articulate their faith among themselves and to others.

Maggie said...

I appreciate your review, Greg. I watched this film with my college students, who adore it. I didn't grow up in that kind of faith environment, nor did I play football, and your comments make me curious. I wonder if you miss and long for the simplicity that isn't there for you anymore?
That'll be 25 cents, and you can call my Lucy.

Unknown said...

I thought Lucy charged a nickel.

No, it's not simplicity I miss. I don't remember ever feeling like faith was simple. What I miss the language that naturally integrates faith with day to day living. I especially sense the lack of that among youth in mainline churches.

Anonymous said...

Greg,

This movie has opened opportunites with unchurched youth to show how God can work in your life if you let him. The movie is a great way to evangelize them in a non-threating way.

Stephanie said...

i watched it with my teens as well... they were really struck by the parental obedience piece and all were ready to admit that they disregarded their parents in so many ways. i was surprised that they didn't find it hokey at all, but instead were super inspired. I think we all long for a sense of confirmation that our actions are godly but this film did make it seem rather formulaic.

Overall, I think the "christian" film industry is trying to break into the mainstream viewing audience and i think there are some really positives to this. wonder what you thought about fireproof....

Anonymous said...

Greg - Yeah, it used to be a nickel but inflation, you know. I agree with you that it's missing for mainline youth (and adults). We're very unsure of how to teach our children to talk about faith. I remember a little girl in one of my sunday school classes telling us, "My mom says you shouldn't talk about Jesus too much."
Steph, I liked Fireproof a lot and I was surprised that I did!

Unknown said...

Haven't seen Fireproof, so I'm ignorant.

Sterling said...

Fireproof and Facing the Giants were both done by the same two brothers who are co-pastors at a church in Georgia. They also did another little independent flick called Flywheel. The youth from my church enjoyed Facing the Giants very much, and it led to some great discussions about their personal faith journeys. I would be glad to help the seminary with incorporating more evangelical fervor and language into their youth curriculum. I was very active in an evangelical youth movement during my teens. (YES, I was a 70's Jesus Freak! LOL) There are some great youth resources that I have used from evangelical sources that have been well received in my church. I am also comfortable with them theologically as a UCC Pastor.

Luke said...

many of the leadership NOW kids talked about this movie and they liked it but felt uncomfortable with it for reasons they couldn't quite articulate. i'll send them your review and see if it fits.

i am skeptical of the whole christian movie scene... esp. Fireproof which is corny and crazed to a fault. they have nice surface messages but don't go deeper... at least the ones i've seen.. i should be more open-minded and give this one a try. thanks for the review!

Unknown said...

Sterling and Luke, this is the kind of conversation we need to be having.... Something that's not all-this or all-that, but honest and engaging, critical and self-critical.

Cowboy Preacher Keith said...

Hey Greg,
Good Review, I saw this movie about a year ago maybe more, shortly after it came out. I really like the movie, I defiantly agree with you that most people in the mainline church seem to lack the integration of faith into their every day lives. I wonder what we can do as the mainline church to change that. Maybe I misunderstood your comment, but I don't think that the movie was trying to say that the winning or loosing of the football games had anything to do with Gods will, but rather to praise God for giving them the chance to play "If we win we praise him, if we loose we praise him" I think I agree with all your positives, not sure if I would go as far as you have with the negatives but overall good review. It got me thinking about the movie again and my own ability or lack there of to express my faith as well as those in the evangelical church are able to.

RC Ministries Host said...

Hello to all. I wanted to thank you for your review of "Facing the Giants". I am hoping it is okay, if not please tell me and I will remove your link, to use this review for our up coming featured movie of "Facing the Giants" at our movie theater here in Vernon Texas. We have started a ministry to the community where we invite EVERYONE for FREE to come to the theater once a month to watch a FREE movie. This is a ministry our church is doing not the theater mind you. Jan we will show "Facing the Giants" and needed a good review for it. Yours seems to be perfect for that job. So I was hoping to direct people here to read your reviews. If that is okay or if it is NOT okay, please let me know and I will make any corrections needed. My email is rcmintv@gmail.com You are welcome to contact me. Also, if you would like to do something like this we can help you get it started. It only costs us $75 dollars to rent the theater for the night and they do open the concession stand and make money that way. So it works out well for all. We get to show the unsaved people a good Christian movie and they get to hear the Gospel. God bless and thank you.

Anonymous said...

Easily I agree but I about the post should acquire more info then it has.

Anonymous said...

Again a good post. Because of your friend

Anonymous said...

Do you have copy writer for so good articles? If so please give me contacts, because this really rocks! :)

Anonymous said...

It is useful to try everything in practise anyway and I like that here it's always possible to find something new. :)

Anonymous said...

homemadeenergy -
home made energy -
how to break 80 -
hyper vre -
instant domain cash -
i software tv -
jamo rama acoustic -
linden method -
lose the back pain -
magni work -
maternityacupressure -
maternity acupressure -
musclegainingsecrets -
muscle gaining secrets -
negative calorie diet -
one minute cure -
one week marketing -
only 4 gamers -
paid surveys online -
panic away -
pc on point -
pc tv 4 me -
perfect optimizer -
phone number scan -
pick the gender of your bady -
power 4 home -
profit lance -
public records pro -
quantum mind power -
quit smoking today -
recipe secrets -
reg clean -
regi cleanse -
registry easy -

Anonymous said...

http://forum.herogamers.frantech.ca/index.php?topic=5536.new#new green bikini bottom http://www.tur-express.com/forum/index.php?topic=12945.new#new ashley tisdale bikini picture http://actresslk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1871.new#new pickler bikini http://manashanthi.org/smf/index.php?topic=4692.new#new booty short bikini http://downlineextreme.com/forum/index.php?topic=312618.new#new jessica renee bikini

Anonymous said...

Hi! I really liked your forum, especially this section. I just signed up and immediately decided to introduce myself, if I'm wrong section, ask the moderators to move the topic to the right place, hopefully it will take me well... My name is Henry, me 34 years, humourist and serious man in one person. I apologize for my English

Anonymous said...

If you are going for finest contents like me, simply visit this site daily
since it offers feature contents, thanks
Here is my web-site - best forex trading system

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate
your efforts and I am waiting for your next write
ups thank you once again.
Also visit my blog post : trading system software

Anonymous said...

This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a
reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost
moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!
) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
My page - Legitimate Work From Home Online Jobs

Anonymous said...

You could certainly see your expertise within the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not
afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Also visit my web page ... real online jobs from home

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I do think your site could possibly be having internet browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but
when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to
give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog!
Feel free to surf my site - how to do well with binary options

Anonymous said...

Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your
site, how can i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a appropriate deal.
I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered
vibrant clear concept
Also visit my website ... chick fil a online job application

Anonymous said...

I am really inspired with your writing talents and also with the format on your blog.
Is this a paid subject matter or did you modify it your self?
Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great weblog
like this one these days..
Here is my web blog :: online student jobs

Anonymous said...

Thanks on your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you're a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back later on. I want to encourage continue your great writing, have a nice morning!
Here is my web-site :: how do i get a job

Anonymous said...

Now I cant guarantee that you will make money or if the traffic will convert to leads
because there are so many factors that determine it. If you do this,
you will soon lose a lot of viewers because there is no diversity in your blogs.
If you can defend your side satisfactorily, you can
anticipate a larger amount of visitors to look at your blogs.



Also visit my page :: hostgator coupon code

Anonymous said...

The more you pay attention to your nails the easier it will be to stop nail biting for good.
Ask your child if anything new is going on at
school. Although it will seem like an innocuous habitual pattern, persistent fingernail biting can definately cause infections within the nail bed
and really consequence in irreversible deformity with the
fingernails.

Also visit my site - http://howtostopnailbiting.webs.com

Anonymous said...

Hello, just wanted to mention, I loved this blog post. It was practical.

Keep on posting!

Look into my blog post ... http://mails-world.com/

Anonymous said...

Apparently, the duct tape, or any other tape, suffocates the
wart as it cuts off oxygen and alloww the body's immune system to kill the wart. Once your mole is dry, cut a piece of duct tape three times the size of the mole. Those with sensitive skin should not use it as it can irritate.

Feel free to visit my weblog ... http://skintagsremoval16ab.webstarts.com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you
have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it

Also visit my homepage; ms Accounting degree

Anonymous said...

That is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.

Short but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one.
A must read article!

Feel free to surf to my page :: ideas2ignite.com

Anonymous said...

Hey there I am so grateful I found your webpage, I really found you by
mistake, while I was searching on Bing for something else,
Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for
a fantastic post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome work.

My web blog: exercises for vertical jump

Anonymous said...

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking
forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!



Visit my homepage ... HTTP://Mayhemrules.com/blogs/user/cesarspea

Anonymous said...

Hello, just wanted to say, I loved this post. It was helpful.

Keep on posting!

Here is my weblog ... exercises to improve vertical

Anonymous said...

Having read this I thought it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this short article together.
I once again find myself spending a significant amount of
time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still
worth it!

My webpage Exercises to jump higher

Anonymous said...

Hey there! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up
for your excellent info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.


my weblog ... exercises for vertical

Anonymous said...

Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

my page; timcruiser1.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

This article offers clear idea in support of the new users of blogging,
that actually how to do blogging.

My blog - exercises to improve vertical jump

Anonymous said...

Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i got here
to go back the favor?.I'm trying to in finding issues to enhance my website!I suppose its adequate to make use of a few of your ideas!!

Visit my blog: sexual favors

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

My blog: lower back tattoo designs

Anonymous said...

Hello! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

Feel free to visit my blog ... simply click the next web page

Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its good conversation regarding this piece of writing here at this web site,
I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.

my web-site; libido enhancements women

Anonymous said...

I've been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i'm happy to exhibit that I have
a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed.
I so much unquestionably will make sure to don?t omit this website
and provides it a look on a constant basis.

Feel free to visit my blog post - female body cream

Anonymous said...

Howdy would you mind letting me know which webhost you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet
browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster
then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a fair price?
Kudos, I appreciate it!

My blog post - Eyelasticity Review

Anonymous said...

I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on few general things, The web
site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D.
Good job, cheers

my web site ... natural collagen production

Anonymous said...

Hello to every one, the contents existing at this website are really
awesome for people experience, well, keep up the good
work fellows.

Look into my blog ... www.Sbwire.com/press-releases/skinception-stop-grow-review-hair-growth-inhibitor-body-hair-reduction-at-follicular-cell-activity-205443.htm

Anonymous said...

Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But imagine if you added some great graphics or videos to give your
posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this blog could definitely be one of the greatest in its field.
Wonderful blog!

my webpage; www.isthewinwin.com

Anonymous said...

Hi there, just wanted to say, I liked this blog post.
It was funny. Keep on posting!

Here is my web-site ... Reputation Management

Anonymous said...

I am regular reader, how are you everybody?
This piece of writing posted at this site is in fact good.



my web site vertical leap exercises

Anonymous said...

Hurrah, that's what I was seeking for, what a stuff! existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.

Here is my web-site vertical jump exercises

Anonymous said...

What's up, its fastidious paragraph regarding media print, we all know media is a fantastic source of facts.

Feel free to visit my site exercises to improve vertical leap

Anonymous said...

I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!

My page; http://www.ayphix.com/

Anonymous said...

I'm extremely pleased to discover this posting. I would like to thank you for adding this very good post!! we definitely liked every function of it and we produce your site saved to my personal favs so we can check out unique stuff.

Feel free to visit my site ... ways to make Extra money

Anonymous said...

Howdу! This is my 1st comment heгe so I just wanted to give а quick
shout out and say Ӏ really enjoy reаԁing through your blog posts.
Ϲan you suggest any othеr blogs/ωebsites/forums that gο over
the ѕamе toρics? Thanks а ton!

Feel free tо ѵіsit mу web sіte: reputation management

Anonymous said...

Really we undoubtedly liked studying it. This suggestions provided by you is really useful for
valid planning.

Here is my blog: Julie Williams

Anonymous said...

Great article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.

Also visit my site semenax ingredients list

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the
pictures on this blog loading? I'm trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.


Also visit my homepage; click through the up coming internet page

Anonymous said...

Genuinely when someone doesn't be aware of then its up to other visitors that they will assist, so here it takes place.

Here is my site - please click the up coming post

Anonymous said...

Good way of explaining, and fastidious piece of writing to get data regarding my presentation
focus, which i am going to deliver in college.

Here is my site :: skinception

Anonymous said...

Do you have any video of that? I'd like to find out some additional information.

Also visit my web-site: skinception eyelasticity reviews

Anonymous said...

Welcome, please check out our top offers for Atacand.

- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week customer support
- Only top quality
- Worldwide shipping
- Secure ordering
- Very low prices

Use the link below or copy the link into your browser
http://www.myonlinegeneric.com/search.html?key=Atacand


The cleaning may be in the way of excessively frequent handwashing, bathing or cleaning of things, sometimes employing copious utilization of soap and also other cleaning agents and in fixed patterns of accomplishing the acts (known as "rituals"). It makes family bond weak, friendships becomes sour and relatives link break apart like never before? Should photosensitive epileptics avoid video gaming. Because women are CAUTIONED AGAINST employing Propecia (1mg finasteride) due to probable side effects that may affect foetus growth and also cause birth defects, saw palmetto may seem to get an all natural alternative for females who will be suffering from baldness! He asks' how can raised testosterone cause prostate type of cancer. The carried out BPH enables choices for treatment? You also can change account because when you brush your hair inside the same direction constantly it tends to flatten! Other causes are skipping of meals, lack of important nutrients like vitamins and mineral necessary for stomach to the production of acid?

Preventing allergies, improve heart function, improve neurological system functions will eliminate kidney disease, controlling blood glucose levels and improve brain functions other advantages in the use of shilajit anti-aging herbal supplement for guys. Phase one liver detoxification is made up of oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis? Common negative effects include: Constipation, drowsiness, flushing, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, swelling inside the lower legs and feet? Under Other Components the gas-chromatographic procedure for Content of propylene glycol is added for the monograph? To enable you to try to recollect to Lipitor, can in the identical time every single day! The condition always brings about death as of this time! Lamotrigine is an oral drug that is certainly applied for addressing seizures. Correcting a hormone imbalance minimizes further thinning hair!

Related:
buy cheap Atacand buy online no prescription UK
do you need prescription for Atacand purchase
cheap Atacand generic identify
best non prescription Atacand at lower price
purchase low price Atacand no prescription overnight delivery
half price Atacand generic name brand
best place to buy Atacand generic cost
order cheap Atacand without a prescription canada
when will generic Atacand without a prescription canada
best price generic Atacand generic canadian co no prescription
no prescription Atacand europe
sales of Atacand cheap pharmacy
canada Atacand canada legal
how to buy Atacand buy at half price pharmacy
want to buy Atacand generic brands
ordering Atacand sample packs
low price Atacand generic substitute
buy cheap online Atacand generic wiki
canadian drugs generic Atacand walmart online pharmacy
half price Atacand canada buy
overnight delivery of Atacand tyler texas medical doctors prescription
buy cheap online Atacand purchase no prescription
american pharmacies for generic Atacand cheap prescription
order cheap Atacand without a prescription canada
best non prescription Atacand where to by without a prescription

http://dentfatih.com/hello-world/#comment-9094
http://www.fm-managers.eu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=643
http://www.tercerojo.net/foro/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18005
http://univbatna.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1572172#post1572172