By Holly Chervnsik
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 11:7
With a wealth of good Christian film choices available, do we really need to buy tickets to a completely twisted and atheistic interpretation of the Noah story? Hollywood wants us to do just that, and I regret “falling” for it. The big name stars, including Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson, were a lure. The title, itself, was a lure. Here’s the problem… this movie is packaged, camouflaged and exploited to appeal to Christian audiences. But it is the furthest thing from a faith-based film.
Hoopla and Heresy?
Perhaps you saw the movie, either unaware of the horrendous skewing of holy scripture or curious about the hoopla. The problem is, Hollywood has hijacked the name “Noah” to dupe people into seeing a “value-driven” film… that is anything but value-driven. It’s big and bold and cinematically thrilling, but it is also a money-making ruse that preys upon the current popularity of faith-based movies.
Unfortunately, the agenda is to completely misrepresent God’s intention in Genesis. The absence of God’s love throughout the movie is glaring. Noah is far from a “blameless and righteous man,” and the integrity of the Bible story is shredded. The scriptures are specific about who was rescued aboard the ark from the flood, but don’t hold your breath for accuracy.
In my opinion, this perverted version is disingenuous at best, and heretical at worst. The only positive is that families who have seen the film have an opportunity to correct the enormous flaws and revisit Genesis at home — through the lens of faith rather than atheism. But how sad that we actually paid to see this controversial environmental propaganda in the first place, and then have to deprogram our kids… who are now confused about the “real” Noah.
Now that precautionary reviews have rolled in, those who haven’t yet seen the movie can avoid it. Why line the pockets of creative forces like Paramount and director Darren Aronofsky, who managed to create a $135 million cinematic blockbuster that is anything but faith-based? In fact, Aronofsky (an avowed atheist) bragged about the unbiblical nature of the film, as if that is something to celebrate.
The Least Biblical Film Ever Made
Having the account of Noah chronicled by an atheist filmmaker is a lot like having your house cleaned by a slob… there is something lacking. The wonderful relationship between God and Noah isn’t portrayed at all. In fact, God is not mentioned — not once. Instead, there are references to a “creator” and a veiled reference to a pagan god.
Am I disgusted at this stealthy use of religion, not to mention Hollywood’s “reframing” of Noah’s story into something resembling a Mad Max film? In one word — yes. Artistic license is one thing, but disrespectful nonsense is another. Fallen angels are portrayed as ridiculous rock giants, who help build the ark then ascend into heaven. Noah is a mentally unbalanced environmentalist vegetarian who threatens to kill his female grandchildren. Men are doomed to perish not because of sexual deviancy and wickedness, but because they mine, plunder and abuse Mother Nature. Does this sound even remotely close to Genesis 6:1-22 to you?
Pressure to “See” the Movie
I wish I had known about the insidious deception of “Noah” before I spent my money, like so many other gullible people. Even now, even after the reviews, why is it that Christians are urged by Hollywood-blinded free thinkers to “pipe down, relax and just buy a ticket?” The bottom line, as always, is the almighty dollar.
Those who question the intentions of the film are “guilted” by scoldings of “don’t judge a movie before you see it.” Of course, this only benefits the film distributors, who make money when people unwittingly attend screenings, only to be hit in the face with a disrespectful portrayal of one of the greatest Bible stories in the Old Testament. And don’t expect a refund after sitting through this bizarre abomination.
Todd Starnes sums it up nicely his own op-ed: “I just wish the Christian film snobs would lay off the guilt trip. To the best of my knowledge there is no biblical mandate to support a film that takes great liberties with the Bible.”
A quote in Breitbart sums up the darker nuances of “Noah” in no uncertain terms: “When atheist director and co-writer Darren Aronofsky promised that his epic ‘Noah’ would be ‘the least biblical film ever made,’ that was not hyperbole. ‘Noah’ is a brilliant, compelling, beautifully-mounted, beautifully-acted piece of storytelling conceived for the sinister purpose of leading people to believe that Christianity and Judaism are something they are not.”
The following reading and reviews are especially helpful as people peel back the layers:
• Genesis 6:1-22
• themattwalshblog.com/2014/03/29/im-a-christian-and-i-think-noah-deserves-a-four-star-review/
• www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/03/28/hey-noah-supporters-enough-with-guilt-trip-already/
Why it Matters
In a world turned upside down, and in a society where “wrong” is increasingly construed as “right,” it really is time to demand films that accurately portray what Christians believe, which is the word of God interpreted through the lens of belief. Twisting an Old Testament account and casting a religious hero in a false light is hardly praise-worthy in any religion. Come to think of it, I can’t imagine that any Christian, Muslim or Jew would call this movie remotely accurate, or even semi-reverent, or anything but an altered mockery or Hollywood spoof — if only it were that innocent.
Supporting genuine faith-based movies is preferable to buying tickets to films that confuse, deceive and patronize. I can’t help but wonder what someone new to the faith, or someone who is young and impressionable, will learn from “Noah” — other than that Noah is a maniac and that God is some horrible, vindictive force. I’m sad that some moviegoers may never know the real story… the heartbreaking backstory… the love story… between God and his creation. A true depiction of Noah would reverently orchestrate an understanding of God’s plan, which is the polar opposite of this made-for-cinema horror story.
I’m happy and relieved, however, to see that other films of faith have hit the big screen. “Son of God” was soul-stirring. “God’s Not Dead” had me clapping. And I look forward to seeing “Heaven is for Real” over the Easter weekend. So enjoy the fellowship (and popcorn) at these recommended movies, and reward indie films that risk it all to bring the message of truth to theaters.
Holly Chervnsik is the owner of SuburbanBuzz, a web development and marketing firm. She is a busy wife and mother who loves movies — especially those she can attend with her family. Connect with her at www.suburbanbuzz.com.
