So how do I feel after watching this film? Not too good.
One of my biggest criticisms is that they lump all of Evangelical Christians into this one group, portraying all evangelicals to have a political agenda and a "war to take back America" mentality. I would call myself an evangelical by definition. But as I watched this film I felt the need to defend my position (as my husband would tell you; I started to preach a little).
Yes, I believe scripture is clear that we should be praying for our country's leadership and standing for truth. But righteous government is not the answer to our spiritual state. Christ is. I also think we need a wartime mentality, understanding that there is a spiritual battle taking place (see Ephesians 6). But we are not at war with people; we are at war with the enemy of God. If we start to think we are at war against people then the foundational tenet of love will be replaced with hate for those Christ came to redeem.
I am not judging the heart or motive of the evangelicals in this film. But from what was shown in the 84 minutes of the movie, not once was love for others mentioned. I want to teach my kids to stand for truth in a world that doesn't. And I want my kids to be passionate followers of the Lord. But most of all I want my kids to be motivated by love, love for God and love for others. If we don't pass the torch of love, then we have missed the mark.
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." (1 Corinthians 12:1-3)
Do my kids see love in me? Oh, how I hope so.
