Christians and the Visual Media: Responding to Popular Culture’s Hedonism

Written by Richard Bagdazian

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice that our culture is suffering from a distinct lack of positive role models and values in the media and entertainment industry. All one has to do is look at popular shows being offered on network television which promote unbridled hedonism as the norm.

As Christians, how should we react to the seemingly unending attack on the Christian lifestyle? There are many biblical examples where Christians are instructed to engage their culture.  Remember what Jesus said:

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16: NIV)

Christian Message in the Marketplace

As a member of Rock the Word: The Rock Church Writers Ministry, I had the opportunity to teach a few screenwriting workshops in 2009. After one of the workshops, a few of the attendees and I had the sense that God was moving us to take action to engage our culture through our interest in visual media. Recent successes of films such as The Passion of the Christ, Fireproof, and most recently The Blind Side serve as proof that films with a distinctly Christian message can succeed in the marketplace.

We formed a production company with the goal of producing inspirational and family-friendly content. Glass Sea Productions LLC plans to develop original stories that portray the message of the Gospel in fresh and culturally relevant ways.

San Diego Christian Film Festival

In addition, plans are under way for the First Annual San Diego Christian Film Festival to be held in December of next year on the campus of San Diego State University.

The purpose of the film festival will be to showcase emerging Christian filmmakers and provide a citywide event to unite Christians in a joyful celebration of the Christmas season while offering wholesome film entertainment.

We invite you to visit our website at www.SDChristianFilmFestival.com to learn more about this exciting event.

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