There is a new documentary that is sure to cause waves in the world of Christianity. Just as some of the debate over George Barna’s book Revolution is about to settle down, it is as if someone has thrown a giant boulder into the water to cause waves in the same measure of thought and reasoning as the Barna book. These waves support, in part, the premise of Barna’s book—a premise that many in Christian circles (especially the “organized,” “established,” and “traditional” church) will take issue with.
Rebellion of Thought does more than cause waves, though. It takes us to an understanding of Post-modernism, giving credit to the struggle of people to reconcile the teachings of Christ with what the church has become. In an intelligent, academic, intellectual, moving, and entertaining way, the documentary takes us beyond a point of just looking at church—what that is or should be. It causes us to think and struggle with the concept of where those involved in church are to go now.
Exploration Films and The Brothers Williamson, Kent and Brad, have done an incredible job putting this documentary together. While I am hesitant to mention this as a “Christian” company, I am pleased to say that the quality of filmmaking—the editing, sound, and so much more—is a thing of beauty. I have to admit, I love the documentary form. (I never really quite realized this until looking at my recommendations on NetFlix. But it didn’t take long to see that, yes, for some time now, I have loved this form of filmmaking when done well.) I have also seen many Christian-themed presentations in the past that seemed preachy, poorly done, and so forth. So it was with some reluctance that I viewed Rebellion of Thought. But, let me tell you, I am glad I did. Academy Award Documentary Winner Paul Wagner stated this film was, “Visually and intellectually rich… Exciting and provocative… it will make big waves in the world of faith and spirituality!” While I am often hesitant to give credence to promotional material, I found myself agreeing with these comments.
In my discussion with filmmakers Kent and Brad Williamson recently, I freely admitted that I first thought this documentary (which explores Post-modernism) was somewhat academic, even running the risk of going over my head. There were wonderful interviews that explored the origins of Post-modern thought, but the initial academic style was more like school than a film. This was necessary, though. We needed to understand that Post-modernism is a concept we have heard a great deal about over the years, and it is a form of thought and philosophy that has greatly impacted our society. So the beginning of the film is filled with the language of academia. Various professors from fields such as philosophy, religion, media, communications, and more talk about the role Post-modernism has played on Western culture. I have to admit, if the documentary had stayed there, I and many others may have gotten lost. What transpires before our eyes, though, is one of the beautiful things about documentary filmmaking.
Many viewers are critical when documentary filmmakers inject their own thoughts into a project, but I am one that actually finds this at times satisfying. The Brothers Williamson do something here that moved me from just being a reviewer, to caring about the subject matter presented, to ultimately questioning my own thoughts and practices—not only in how I see and understand my faith, but how I, as a spiritual person, live my faith. This exploration begins in the film as the Brothers Williamson start to question their own thoughts and their understanding of the world we live in. We see them struggle with their faith and practice, and then an incredible thing happens which moves us, the viewers, to struggle as well. This takes place so powerfully that days after seeing the screening, I find myself thinking about the subject matter of the film.
Rebellion of Thought takes us on a journey that not only entertains, it challenges. Without giving away a spoiler for the film, I will tell you that this journey and these questions are being asked and discussed in a respectful way with individuals on the street. It is a film that, while certainly Christian in origin, will garner the respect of those of other faith values. While the Brothers Williamson are unapologetic about their faith, they ask questions that impact not only those within their faith value, but all people. The dramatic impact of this is illustrated in the closing, shocking moments of the film—something many documentaries don’t have, and don’t display. The conclusion forces us to think about the realities and questions in today’s world. It forces people of faith to evaluate their own beliefs and practices. For Christians, just like Barna’s book Revolution, it also calls into serious question the operations and methods of the church in the Western world.
If you can’t tell by now, I loved this film, but then again, I loved Barna’s book Revolution. Both the book and the film force thought and challenge individuals of faith to actually look at their values (and the practice of those values). I know the hate mail will begin; it already has for The Brothers Williamson and I saw a taste of that right after my interview with them on my radio program, The Virtual Pew Live. I received several emails attacking George Barna and any group that would challenge the church. That is okay, though. Because the message given, if listened to and applied, will make one evaluate one’s faith and practice. I can’t see that as being anything other than a good thing.
On a scale of 1 – 10, for the number of letters in the word Rebellion (which I would challenge us all to be a part of), I pleasantly give a score of 9 to what may end up being one of the best documentary films of the year.
To read more about this film complete with photos and more, click this link. To listen to an interview with the film makers, The Brothers Williamson, click the button below. It is possible the interview will be in the archive section of the broadcast.
