Let’s be honest… me “almost” being a pastor doesn’t give me full authority or knowledge when it comes to theologically reviewing a new cinematic release. But it does make it almost impossible for me to not overanalyze every moment of any “Christian film.”
Five years ago, or so, I had the privilege of hearing Jeremy Camp deliver his ridiculously incredible testimony of God’s faithfulness, healing abilities, and overall goodness at a concert he was performing in. I’m so grateful for the sovereign timing of me hearing this testimony, as this concert took place right after I recommitted my life to Jesus in high school. I believe that these few moments, as the crowd stood in silent awe while Jeremy spoke about the painful experience of losing his first wife to cancer at an incredibly young age, shaped me as a Christ-follower.
Therefore, I have been eagerly awaiting today! Today I got to go with one of my favorite people and watch one of my favorite testimonies be displayed on the big screen in I Still Believe. I should also note, to not appear biased, KJ Apa (the love of my life) portrayed Camp in the movie.
And yes, we braved the Corona for Jeremy (and KJ). And yes, I double washed my hands when we went to the bathroom. And yes, I used a paper towel to open the bathroom door. And yes, I still feel like I need to take a three-hour shower.
Anyhoo.
Despite the anticipation and excitement, this movie was not what I was expecting. I don’t say that in a wrong way, I mean that in a “let’s discuss a few things” way. It’s no secret that Christian films can go wrong… fast. Again, I don’t say that in a cruel way, but I’m just speaking the reality that false ideas of Christianity and having a relationship with Jesus are often displayed in these types of films.
I Still Believe was different. To begin, this was the opposite of a religion-pushing film. It is apparent that this was not the desire of Camp and his production team, but rather, they indeed sought to simply tell his testimony without shaming or condemning anyone in the theatres that do not share this same faith.
Simply put, this movie was not an altar call.
However, I don’t want us to skim over the theological importance that is embedded (often pretty deep) in the movie. I was highly impressed with a few aspects, particularly the portrayal of young Christian relationships, the importance of family, the questions that surface when suffering arises, and the authority of God’s will over ours.
Let’s start with the portrayal of young Christian relationships…
Jeremy and Melissa’s relationship was so refreshing to watch unfold! Even the last few days, I’ve been scrolling social media, watching television, and listening to music that had me questioning the sanctity of relationships and how far we have strayed from God’s desires for men and women in these relationships. I Still Believe did it right. While there aren’t very many clear guidelines in Scripture that outline how college kids are to be involved with each other, young Christ-followers have seemed to adopt their own guidelines. Many of these are joked about in college settings and on social media, given that our go-to relationship tips are moving fast, saying “I Love You” halfway through the first date, and ring by spring (if you don’t know ring by spring… count yourself lucky). Jeremy and Melissa were portrayed as two kids in a loving, yet incredibly realistic relationships. They fought, they joked, they hung out in more substantial social gatherings as opposed to only spending time one-on-one. It is also clear that these two constantly prayed for their relationship. They sought God’s guidance each step of the way from their first date to their engagement. It indeed was a beautiful love story, one that I am confident God is pleased with.
Family was done so well in this film. I personally was impacted most by Jeremy’s father. We learned towards the end of the film that his father was a preacher with a struggling ministry. Despite his own struggles and frustrations with the Lord, Jeremy’s father was a spiritual leader and solid rock when Jeremy was facing the worst moments of his young life.
Jeremy’s father also leads us to our next point. One of my favorite scenes in the entire movie was a moving moment between Jeremy and his father shortly after Melissa’s passing. Jeremy is honest with his dad and said that he doesn’t understand how a loving God could allow so much pain in his life. Jeremy’s dad identifies with his son and shares his own frustrations with his other son’s disabilities and his suffering ministry. This scene personally resonated with me because these are questions I have also asked. How could God? Why would God? If God is so good, then why? Often, I feel as though Christian films show a relationship with God that is unmarked by suffering. A relationship that is simple, easy to navigate, and nothing but happy. Friends, if you don’t know this to be heretical, please know today this is not God’s promise for us. However, this movie shows God’s real promise: to be faithful to his children in their suffering. Jeremy’s testimony is a brilliant representation of this as God remained faithful to provide Jeremy with a booming musical career, a devoted wife, and three children all serving Jesus. I am touched by this movie’s reminder that even though we are set apart as Christ-followers, we are still humans. We are still shaped by emotions and the brokenness of this world, and we have permission to express these feelings and frustrations, and even our confusion and questioning of God’s will.
Speaking of God’s will, another scene that touched me much was Melissa coming to the realization that God’s will for her life was one that she would “have never chosen” for herself. While her life was cut shorter than she would have imagined, her purpose and impact on others were more significant than she would have imagined. It is comforting to watch the story of a faithful young woman pursuing God’s will even when it is upsetting, scary, and not what we would ever imagine for ourselves. Additionally, when we seek God’s will for our lives, our legacy becomes God’s legacy. This is seen through the sheer fact that Melissa’s story is being seen by thousands and thousands of individuals this weekend alone. Not only are these people learning about Melissa’s faithfulness, but they are also, more importantly, learning about God’s. Friends, let’s pursue God’s will for our lives! This is how others will see him more clearly and most beautifully.
So that was about 500 more words than I anticipated writing! It has been an awesome hour unpacking this movie, resting on these truths, and reliving each moment of Jeremy’s awe-inspiring testimony.
In conclusion, don’t go in anticipating a revival in the theatre. It probably won’t happen. The 20-year-old girls will be too busy sobbing, and the movie really doesn’t encourage one right away. However, if you see this movie, don’t see it and leave and get on with life. Let it sit and soak a little bit. It took me a few minutes to realize the importance of the Camp’s sharing their sweet, tragic story. Dig deep into the simple scenes, because theology does lay within.
With that said, THIS is a great way to spread the gospel. Truth be told, your unsaved friends may not even realize how Christ-centered this movie is. I’m not condoning trickery here, but rather, this movie is a great way to introduce our friends and family to the simplicity and importance of belief over everything.
Give it a shot, let me know how it goes, and let’s keep believing.
TAYLORNICOLESTARR 