I have some sympathy with the criticism of “Christian movies” because it makes the point that meaning without quality in art has moral ramifications. If we create art that does not value excellence of craftsmanship, we dishonor God (Exodus 36).

However, I fear the “porn again” analogy may be excessive rhetoric that may overstate the case and become more of an insult than an edifying exhortation. Perhaps a better description of “Christian movies” would be not as “pornography” but as “propaganda.” There is some place for propaganda in culture, but its weaknesses are weighty: It sacrifices the complexity of life to an oversimplification which may result in a distortion of the truth, It stresses a singular viewpoint that often lacks the diversity of wisdom, and it tends to manipulate action without contemplation through formula.

Of course, there is well-crafted, excellent quality propaganda, like the Obama “hope” and “change” iconography. And those offended by the porn analogy may argue back that excellence of craft without moral meaning can be just as “pornographic” as moral meaning without excellence. After all, consider the highest quality craftsmanship illustrated in the soft core porn of some advertising and hollywood movies.

5. Bad dialogue.

6. Are only viewed by people who already agree with the message.

7. Most artisans in the craft don’t crossover into mainstream.

Hey – if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…

9. Poorly produced.

10. Artistically irrrelevant.

There!! Now we have a top ten list Phil – “Top 10 reasons why Christian films are like pornography.”  I double dog dare you to bring that up adult Sunday School Class at church.  CHICKEN IF YOU DON’T!!

Great use of a left field metaphor to make a great on the money point.  Let me get autobiographical for a moment.

I was born into a family of communicators – writers, Advertising AE’s, producers, PR people, Media Managers.  In Detroit and New York City, I hung out in movie theaters, TV studios, broadway shows and radio stations.  Can you imagine what an extreme culture shock it was to come into the faith community where “we just don’t go to movies, brother Rick,”?

One day someone showed me a copy of a “powerful film” called “A Thief in the Night,” that they just “knew would lead people to Jesus.”  Getting through it was hard enough – dealing with the sincerely naive person who showed it to me was even more challenging!

I’m hoping and praying that someday we are delivered from the cultural monasticism that produces cultural pornography!  God help us!  We need your help too Phil!!  Great post!

both are only distributed inside their own “culture” ie Christian Book Stores or Porn Stores, not general market.

and most people are embarrassed to discuss that they watch it regularly because of the stereotype it leave you with.

It is what it is, Phil.  Way to call it out.

The “Passion” was rated R and I dare say, none was more effective in it’s message.