I recently watched Disclosure Day. It’s the latest movie from producer Steven Spielberg.
I was interested because there had been a lot of talk about it, including from within the Christian community.
The reason for this chatter had to do with the topic—Aliens!
But not just that.
Spielberg went out of his way to include several religious themes and subplots throughout the movie. In a film that on the surface was about aliens, it included a prominent nun giving advice to the one of the main characters, a series of experiences that seemed to mimic what the New Testament describes as demonization, religious symbols, and the importance of pursing truth.
I won’t get into all of that here. However, I did put together a blog and podcast episode about all of that (and more). If you’re interested, just follow the link in the footnotes.
Here’s today’s focus.
As we live in a high-paced world that is saturated with screens, propaganda, and carefully crafted advertising campaigns, let’s be proactive—not passive—when it comes to forming our opinions, and when it comes to having a modern, robust faith.
Screens can be persuasive. Sometimes this is good. Other times, it’s not so good. Just as algorithms can skew our perception of what is happening in the wider world, so can big budget movies with well-paid actors which say convincing things about what the Bible does (or doesn’t) say.
Psalm 119:125 says: “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” That’s the key word: discernment. Not passive naivete, but discernment about God’s will.
In the end, I liked the movie. It had some holes in the logic—but hey, what movie doesn’t. What I appreciated about it—and about other movies too—is the opportunity to start thought-provoking conversations about life and God.
Ask big, excellent questions. Ask also the ones that kind of embarrass you. Mostly, study the Bible, use the brain God gave you, pray, talk with other wise people, and put your learning into action as you discern his will for your life.
Screens are everywhere. But so is the word of God. Be discerning.
Notes:
-“The Disclosure Day movie—aliens, demons, nuns, Hollywood, and other wild stuff.” Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)
-Bible quotes, NIV.
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