#chuck smith

Jesus Revolution (2023)

Directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle

This movie is gaining popularity among Christians in the U.S. and yes I have seen it.

I think of myself as a left leaning Christian and I wish I could say that Christianity played positive role in the radical movements of the late 60’s that gave our country so much progress. I wish it was possible to “reclaim” Christianity for the left.

To some extent I do think that is possible.

However, I was disappointed to find that they “strait washed” a character in this movie who in real life was a bisexual man who died of AIDS. I guess Christian cinema has a long way to go with homophobia 😞

I know the “hippies” were mostly rich, white, college educated Berkeley students who did a lot of gentrification and culture appropriation, but there WAS a movement that was actually radically against poverty, prejudice, pollution, war, and authoritarianism.

This movie is good if you are into the idea of a hippie Jesus. If you want to have a connection between Christianity and radical activism I would suggest looking into Black southern church history. If you want to learn about hippie history, I would watch “trial of the Chicago 7”

The portrayal of drug use in this movie is surprisingly progressive for what I could have been IMO. It portrays taking ecstasy at a concert as genuinely fun, harmless, and even a sweet moment between a young couple! ❤️ it is also genuinely sympathetic to people with drug addiction and doesn’t stigmatize it IMO

“I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.” —Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

“God does not want anything we do for Him or give to Him to be given out of necessity or out of pressure. God never uses pressure tactics on man.” —Chuck Smith

Paul is honest in his plea on behalf of Onesimus, but doesn’t force his needs or opinion on the decision he is asking Philemon to make. By leaving room for the Holy Spirit to do His work he reveals his faith in God’s Word.

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” —John‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)

With good intentions we rush to advise others but forget that the burden of believing and acting on how to make godly decisions is on the individual. Decisions reflect the heart values and spiritual maturity of a person. We can advise them to spend time in prayer and consider God’s instructions but the final say is between them and God.

“At this critical moment in history, the Lord needs men and women who know how to make wise choices.” —David Jeremiah

Jesus Revolution Set to Release February 24, 2023

HOLLYWOOD — “Jesus Revolution,” the faith-based film about the great spiritual revival of the 1970s, has tapped Kelsey Grammer, Joel Courtney, Jonathan Roumie and Anna Grace Barlow to create an iconic cast. “Jesus Revolution” follows Laurie’s journey from Southern California hippie rebel to committed believer at the swell of the Jesus Movement. The film will star Joel Courtney (The Kissing…