Brett McCracken, a senior editor for The Gospel Coalition, has made quite a name for himself as an evangelist for secular entertainment. He has a knack for waxing poetic about movies filled with graphic sex, nudity, and violence, as if ingesting R-rated filth somehow deepens one's faith and equips Christians for evangelism.
If you're looking for a guide to navigate through Hollywood's moral cesspools, Brett’s your guy—just don’t expect any biblical discernment along the way. Now, he’s offering an 8-week “Faith and Film” cohort. In an email sent out by The Gospel Coalition, McCracken offers eight reasons why you should join him.
And here are eight compelling reasons why you should avoid this debacle like the plague.
1. “Movies shape culture, for good and ill.” Of course, the ever-enlightening claim that movies “shape culture.” Clearly, yes, movies shape culture, but mostly for ill. Look at the current state of society, where sexual immorality is celebrated and conservative Christianity is mocked. And Brett McCracken, ever the cultural connoisseur, wants you to “understand” how this happens.
How does he propose you do that?
By watching the same kind of vulgar, blasphemous content that’s corrupting society in the first place. Because nothing says “cultural discernment” like marinating your brain in Hollywood’s toilet.
Maybe Brett has a secret stash of pure, edifying Christian films? Nope—he’s more likely to recommend some “thought-provoking” filth that you wouldn’t let your kids watch.
2. “Hollywood often portrays Christianity in very negative, skewed ways—but occasionally in thoughtful, inspiring ways. We’ll analyze examples of both.” Dudebro, please. Let’s just be real—Hollywood portrays Christianity in the same way they portray a medieval dungeon ... dark, oppressive, and in need of escape.
Sure, there are maybe two or three exceptions over the past 50 years, but why bother wasting your time “analyzing” their rare bone-throwing when 99% of what comes out of Hollywood spits in the face of everything Christians hold dear?
Even more importantly, why should we care about Hollywood’s occasional stumble into a decent portrayal of Christianity? It's like finding a clean spot in a urinal at a public rest stop in New York City. Hollywood’s contempt for Christianity is consistent, and no amount of McCracken’s spin is going to change that.
3. “Movies are often inadvertently theological, informed by premises about God, humanity, morality, and the purpose of life. Discerning Christian viewers can recognize these dynamics and spark good evangelistic conversations.” Right, so, the theology of "Fast and Furious" or the deep existentialism of "The Worst Person in the World"—just what every discerning Christian needs?
Brett McCracken seems to think that stuffing your eyes with scenes of sex, drugs, and profanity will somehow lead to good evangelistic conversations. “Hey, let’s talk about God—right after we finish watching two men simulate intercourse on screen.” Yeah, I’m sure that’s going to open doors for theological dialogue. What Brett fails to grasp is that when you fill your mind with filth, it’s not theological depth you’re gaining, but moral confusion.
4. “Trends in movies often reflect broader cultural trends: existential pain points, spiritual longings, idols, and sources of hope. Understanding these trends is valuable for Christian mission.” Trends in movies reflect cultural trends? You don’t say! Brett’s deep dive into the obvious is stunning and the fact that Hollywood movies are drenched in such depravity is that it mirrors the depravity of culture.