Movies for Baptists: Ten of the Best

In my recent research in the Canadian Baptist I was surprised to come across a fairly detailed article on movie reviews. This was one of those times where my interest was piqued and I strayed away from my research focus.

​Take note, the article was written in 1991, so what you are getting is a view of a past generation's take on what was considered edifying to watch (and some commentary on what to avoid). 

What follows below are images of the article (sorry for the poor reproduction). The list of ten movies is a summary of what the author thought were entertaining, healthy, and insightful movies. Some of the movies are well know, such as The Mission, whereas others are long forgotten, such as Babette's Feast (in fact, this is a movie I had never heard of before).

Here are the ten movies:

• Jesus of Nazareth
• Romero
• The Mission

• Places in the Heart
• Tender Mercies
• Babette's Feast
• Dances with Wolves
• Jesus of Montreal
• Crimes and Misdemeanours
• Chariots of Fire

What is noteworthy is the section on page 14 that urges Baptists to be less reactive, more discerning, and somewhat circumspect about critiquing movies that are deemed to be hostile to the faith. After all, it is argued, shallow, shrill, and mean-spirited criticisms do nothing except make Baptists look stupid - and end up inadvertently promoting the movie.

​Another noteworthy item is the section on page 11 that urges Baptists to watch some of the movies that do not make such polished lists, but rather are very popular movies watched by millions. The reason for going to the big screen and watch Blockbuster movies is that it provides a window into culture that will allow Baptists to have a better sense of what their neighbours are watching (and thinking).

Truth be told, I have only seen four of the above ten. I have some work to do to catch up to a 1991 list.

​Click on images to enlarge.