Christian Music Online

Michael W. Smith Christian films

February 23, 2006 – 9:57 am

Religious music - Michael W. Smith is part of a new era in Christian films. He’s making his acting debut in “The Second Chance.”

Not since the 1950s, when a bearded Charlton Heston threw down the stone tablets in “The Ten Commandments” and drove a chariot in “Ben Hur,” have audiences been exposed to such openly Christian themes - and with an eye toward quality story-telling and high-end production.

“The Passion of the Christ,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” “End of the Spear” and “The Gospel” are just a few recent movies that have revived a genre that has notoriously lacked class.

“The Second Chance” co-stars Jeff Obafemi Carr, an experienced stage actor. The movie is directed by Steve Taylor, former Christian music artist and now a music producer and director of several music videos and film shorts.

Christian musicians have had a leading role in this sea of change: Smith for his performance; “The Gospel” for utilizing gospel music stars such as Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker; and the frequent occurrence of movie soundtracks that include songs by Christian artists.
I hope Christian-themed movies can avoid the pigeon-hole effect that plagues Christian music. A gospel message needn’t come across as preachy, and so far reviewers say “The Second Chance” avoids that trap.

We Christians should offer up quality entertainment that challenges our beliefs and stirs our souls. You don’t have to preach fire and brimstone to do that. The gospel message of love and redemption is appealing on its own and can be told through strong storylines and moving melodies.

BY BRENT CASTILLO

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