What Hollywood Gave Me Through Noah
When I First Saw the Trailer (April 2014)
Like most people, I was intrigued. The preview for Noah looked promising. It displayed mankind’s wickedness, animals boarding two by two, and an epic fight for survival as the floodwaters approached. The story that once gave us chills as kids had finally made it to the big screen.
That’s what the trailer promised anyway. And at first, many Christians seemed excited about it. But it didn’t take long before Facebook timelines and Twitter feeds were lit up with disappointment.
Christians Felt Duped
Pastors, leaders, and a fair number of believers (some of whom hadn’t even seen the film) were suddenly up in arms. Some were outright furious. Others warned their congregations to steer clear. And, as usually happens, controversy drove more people to the box office.
As for me? I didn’t have much of an opinion. But I do have a story.
We Went on Date Night Anyway
Nicole and I decided to go see Noah for our date night. We’d both seen the debates on social, but we wanted to see it for ourselves.
Honestly, the movie was exactly what I expected from Hollywood. It was an epic drama stretched well beyond its source material. Like Troy, Braveheart, or Gladiator, it was loaded with battles, survival, family drama, romance; you name it!
Sure, I shook my head the first time I saw the fallen angels who looked like Rockbiter from The NeverEnding Story. But I have to admit, when those giant stone creatures started wiping out Cain’s army, I got into it. Wildly inaccurate, but cinematically entertaining.
Then Something Biblical Happened
We got into the car after the movie. Nicole reached for the Bible we keep in the door pocket. Right there in the parking lot, she opened to Genesis 6 and started reading aloud.
We read the real account of Noah.
We talked through what Hollywood had twisted, what they’d added, and what they completely missed. We talked about God’s justice, mercy, and the deeper meaning behind the flood. And then it hit me: I don’t think I’ve ever walked out of a movie and immediately opened my Bible.
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” – Genesis 6:8
Reading that together after watching the movie… well, that was the best part of the night!
It Wasn’t a Biblical Movie, But It Led to a Biblical Moment
Had we not seen the film, it might’ve been years before I read the story of Noah again. And even longer since I read it with my wife beside me, talking it through. For that, I’m thankful. Hollywood didn’t give us truth that night, but God still gave us truth through it.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good…” – Romans 8:28
Even a twisted movie adaptation can spark spiritual conversation, if we’re open to it.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Have you ever had Scripture come alive through an unexpected experience?
- Did you see Noah? What was your reaction?
- Do you think Christians should engage with non-biblical retellings? Why or why not?
You know what the irony is? Normally I am totally one of those guys who says, “don’t judge a book by its cover” or in this case, “don’t judge a movie by its trailer”. I am the guy who looks for salvific themes in all kinds of Hollywood blockbusters, from LOTR to the Matrix.
But when I found out the line Noah speaks in the trailer “I am not alone” was not a reference to almighty God guarding His purpose and plan through Noah, but in fact to a bunch of Satan’s buddies trying to “earn” their way back to heaven with “good works”, that began my questioning of my earlier philosophy in the case of this film. And the more I learn about the actual textual and spiritual basis for this film, the more I am convinced that I cannot recommend or condone it, even with a movie ticket.
Thanks for leaving your thoughts Oliver! This movie has definitely got all of us talking. I absolutely respect your opinion and position.
My husband did the same thing, pulled up the Bible on his phone and read it out loud. It was a great thing! Of course their were weird things in the movie, but all in all it was a great story, with lots of drama, intense emotion, but also love and mercy!
Thanks for posting Lorraine! So glad you and your husband were able to share that moment!