MOVIE REVIEW - THE BLIND
MOVIE REVIEW - THE BLIND
Whenever I write about Christianity, I like to start off by stating that I am one of the fallen, I am flawed and a sinner. We have a loving God, and he loves the hardened criminal’s soul as much as he loves mine.
I understand that many feel judged and are turned off when someone like me proselytizes about the Gospel. I get it, and there are those who ARE judgmental and use the “word” to bolster and bestow undue self-importance to themselves. However, I don’t believe we should shoot the messenger for getting the message wrong. Remember all messengers are flawed because we all are flawed.
Last night I went by myself to see the movie The Blind. It’s about Phil Roberston of Duck Dynasty fame. I know many of you know nothing about Duck Dynasty and if you do, you may think the whole Robertson clan are a bunch of backwater rubes. I assure you they are not. But even if you believe they are, there’s a message here. Many of Jesus’ disciples were “back water” rubes illustrating that his revolution was not just for the rich and famous, but included all: women, fisherman, tax collectors, gentiles…..everybody.
Perhaps the greatest irony of our age is the self-appointing elite, the intelligentsia who sneer and look down upon the humble Mississippi family that goes to church twice a week and openly profess their faith. The greatest question (actually 2 questions) of human existence is/are: is there a God and if so, what is our purpose? It seems to me that the humble Mississippi family is much smarter than the secular academics who sneer at them.
Let’s cross the river into Louisiana where the Robertsons live. The movie is about Phil Robertson. His upbringing, his marriage, his fall and his redemption. It’s also about the faith of an exceedingly good woman, his wife. I will tell you that I am a very well learned hack theologian. Shucks, I probably know more about Christian theology than 99% of the general population. I of course have read the bible cover to cover, been a regular church and study group attendee and have read multiple apologetics, histories of the Jews, the Hellenistic world, the Roman Empire, etc. I will be the first to admit that “knowing” and “doing” are two different things. In following my faith, I “do” some things well, and other things not so well.
Academic learning is essential for my personality, I am inquisitive, and I have to “know stuff.” But the most important part of my journey, and I think it is essential for all others, is the human element. I don’t think one can truly experience the Gospel through academics. It is the personal, the relation to others and the receiving of God’s grace that makes one a believer. In this manner, the most important learning for me has always been the testimony of others. You can read a book about doctrine, but having people you know tell you about their experiences with the Holy Spirit is powerful, meaningful and impactful.
I have read and enjoyed a couple of Phil’s books so I was inclined to get a better picture of his life and the moment that saved him. I won’t tell you anymore other than to break down what I think the Christian journey is all about. We have a loving God. Satan is real. They both want your soul. It is vitally important to understand this. The imagery of the Apostle Paul’s words flood my mind. “Put on the armor of Christ to protect you from the wiles of the Devil.” We all are incessantly being lied to by a clever manipulator. Finally, we have a protector, not only in the words of Jesus but in the Holy Spirit. This guardian gives comfort and no matter how much Satan has seeped into you, this spirit can transform you and give you peace, purpose and salvation.
Phil had some demons that I’ve never had. His testimony is different than mine, and much more powerful, especially when you have heard others who have experienced exactly what Phil experienced. You know what makes the Gospel real? When you hear the same story over and over again from people you trust. It goes like this: they succumb to the wily manipulator, their lives are hopeless and have no meaning, they hit bottom and then cry out for a miracle and desperately want to accept what they have rejected for so long. Like Dudley Do-Right untying the helpless Penelope Pittstop from the railroad tracks, HE comes out of nowhere and saves them. Now, that’s a damned good story!
While I enjoyed the movie, I recognize that I NEED to see movies like this and hear the testimony of others because as members of the Body of Christ, we need each other, and we also need affirmation because we are all fallen.
The Blind | Official Trailer (2023) | The True Story of the Robertson Family
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2Kathy Hoffarth Pantele and John Hardy Willson