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I believe that one's assumptions as to what the Holy Spirit may or may not do through our work in no way limits what the Holy Spirit actually does or does not do. The Holy Spirit can do whatever he wants—wherever, whenever, regardless of human intent or belief. In movies, and in life, I'm often drawn closer to God by the actions and words of those who claim no faith at all—as well as by those who are deeply spiritual. Furthermore, my true personal impact on others, in my life and work, will fully be revealed only in eternity, I believe—and it just might be that my most noble moments are the ones least obvious to me, but flowed naturally out of my walk with Christ.

Be that as it may, I think your definition of what does and does not constitute a "Christian" film is an oversimplification. I don't buy the idea that unless someone is intentionally evangelizing, that he or she is not advancing the Kingdom or engaged in something truly "Christian." Is not all work sacred if it is committed to God and honors God?

Using your analogy of the Christian pastry chef, I would contend he is indeed making "Christian" desserts; if he is doing his job as if to God. If that's not "Christian," what is? Is a Christian builder being more or less "Christian" depending on whether or not he or she builds a church or a home or an office building? Granted, you could push these analogies to extremes and make them collapse upon themselves. Even so …

Would you agree that the process itself is also a part of what makes something "Christian?" Let's say a particular film "promotes a positive Christian worldview," but the filmmakers lied to vendors, treated their crew with disregard, or asked their actors to do things you wouldn't dare ask your grandmother or child or Christ himself to do—is that still a "Christian" film? There's much more going on than the end result alone—a reality that is woefully neglected when discussing the issue of faith and film and what is or isn't "Christian" in cinema.

On the surface, this brief diversion may seem off-topic, but I don't believe it is. Some say we are on the brink of a "new Christian Renaissance" in the arts, especially in regard to motion pictures. If that's true, it's vital that we in no way abandon a spiritually holistic, non-compartmentalized approach to these concerns.

Continued: Part 3: The Recruiting Power of Film

Angela Harvey is a filmmaker, freelance writer and graphic designer in Atlanta. She's also founder of Crimson, which produces independent films, gospel tracts and greeting cards. Angela holds a degree in Organizational & Interpersonal Communications from Oral Roberts University and she worked in full-time ministry for seven years. Angela enjoys hiking, yoga and cooking.

Rik Swartzwelder is a writer-director-producer whose films have screened at more than 120 film festivals and garnered more than 40 major awards, including a Crystal Heart for his 35mm short, The Least of These. He earned his M.F.A. in Motion Picture Production from The Florida State University and is currently in Los Angeles developing several projects. For more info, please visit www.oldfashionedpictures.com.

© Angela Harvey and Rik Swartzwelder 2005, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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