Cloud Ten Pictures Blog

I think you could very easily draw comparisons to music here, and the reaction to "Christian Rock" a few decades ago. You could ask the same question about the "thriller/horror film" genre as you could about "heavy metal music". You could condemn a genre for the type of content and message that it typically has, or you could be open to the possibilities of putting new kinds of messages and reaching a different set of people in both cases. Don't let the genre condemn the message. To quote Larry Norman - "Why should the devil have all the good music?"

Thanks for your thoughts on this, and your boldness to speak to the world from their vantage point rather than trying to conform them to ours. We, as Christians, are not reaching the world, especially in film, because we still believe that the world understands Christianese. The world does not understand us, and it's high time we get out of our ivory towers (see? more church-speak) and learn to start from their vantage point (the unknown gods) so we CAN communicate with them!

I have two short horror/comedy films (and a third on the way) that have played at several horror conventions. They were created as parables about the wages of sin, and could easily be used as a lesson with a youth group. They also play well in front of an audience that likes horror films. Although they are clean and gore-free and mostly played for laughs, odds are both of these films would be rejected from your typical Christian film festival. That's okay. If Jesus were alive, he'd be more concerned with the folks at the horror fest than the Christian fest anyway.

for someone to be unsaved is a horror/thriller man...there's lots writing material there for a good scipt, like carman's old film "a witches invitation" and many others that i thought were scary but made an impact on my life that i won't forget, and for the better! God bless

Eric you already know my view and opinion. Keep in mind the enemy (aka 'Satan') is always looking for a foothold in. One of the films being promoted on Facebook is without a doubt 'occult'. This is how the devil is able to tempt us because he realizes our intent to do good for God's glory through filmmaking. I believe this is why some of the films that appear Christian could be used to serve the "eviler doer". He is so good and clever and is beyond us in many ways. He has been doing his job of deceiving since the beginning of time. I have begun and quit so many script ideas because I realized somewhere, somehow God had nothing to do with it. The devil is constantly trying to get my characters to take their clothes off, do ungodly things. He is at work here despite God's efforts. We just have to mindful what we are putting out and that Satan is always watching!

Chris

The original message has the comment, "For me personally, it would encourage evil. It would make me believe that it is okay to do horror films." And I would response that it *is* okay to do horror films. There is a place for horror films within the Christian community. And while I acknowledge there is certainly a legitimate argument to be made in the "causing a weaker brother to stumble" arena in terms of horror films, books, whatever, the conclusion of the argument should not be the elimination of horror movies / books from the Christian community.

There are some who feel that horror is an irredeemable genre, akin to pornography. But I don't buy it. To say that a horror film inherently encourages negative thought patterns and paranoia (these being tools of Satan to rob us of joy) lays the blame at the wrong feet. I'm not trying to out-holy anyone here, but "the problem [of] DANGEROUS CALLING is the potential of what it could encourage. It is too close to the occult," strikes me as living in a spirit of fear. I understand the concern that horror might glorify the occult. But just talking about / dealing with / showing the reality of the occult does not automatically glorify or encourage the occult. One way to point to the glory of God is to shine a light on evil, and show it for what it is: evil.

One other way to glorify God is for Christian writers and filmmakers and artists of all stripes to create excellent art, and make it known that the excellence in their art is for the glory of God alone. And this can be done working in horror as well as any other genre.

I completely understand where the original poster is coming from on this issue of “Christian Horror”, but as a self-proclaimed “Christian Horror” author myself, I’ve got to disagree with some of your points.

As far as the idea that horror is populated by “sex, nudity, drugs, profanity, lack of hope in Jesus”—that is hardly exclusive to the “horror” genre. In fact, I’ve nearly sworn off of comedies, because, as far as I’ve seen, modern comedies are nothing but sex jokes and profanity and bong-smoking and it’s all portrayed as being “good clean fun”. But, I wouldn’t say that the entire comedy genre is hopeless or Satan’s playground. I’d just say that it’s worldly and in need of some godly influence. Horror is not defined by its sex and violence. I run into many who, when I tell them I write horror, they think I mean Friday the 13th. But Friday the 13th does not define the genre. I look back to Frederic March’s portrayal in the 1932 film adaptation of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. What a wonderful, complex study on the struggle between the sin nature and the divine nature! I think back to the Universal Monster movies that don’t rely on sex and violence and nudity and drugs and profanity at all. Just good stories.

I wholeheartedly understand and recommend using caution and wisdom in the kinds of horror moves one watches. As a happily married man who’d like to stay that way, the last thing I need is to see an hour and a half of some underpaid, surgically enhanced B-movie actress flaunting her naked body in my face. Discretion is absolutely needed, but, I’m not willing to rule out the genre as a whole because of those examples.

I believe horror—at least for me—is about putting a face to faceless fears in life and confronting them. Fear of the unknown, of things beyond our control. Horror is not on the rise—horror has always been here. “Horror” might be a bad term, because it evokes a lot of “slasher movie” images for people (which is unfortunate, because there’s so much more out there that is offered) but the essence of telling those scary stories is timeless. Even in the Bible, in 1 Peter, it says the Devil is like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Is the Devil literally a lion? Does he literally eat human flesh? I don’t think so. I think the intent in that passage is to convey a spiritual truth using fairly graphic and visceral imagery. When “horror” is at its best, it can be the same way? We’re using exaggerated pictures, perhaps, but what we’re saying is something of substance. What does horror say about us? Is it just rampant debauchery, as some would believe or are there deeper questions there? People are afraid of death, afraid of that unknown. As Christians, we believe the Bible addresses those concerns with the light of truth! What more wonderful of an opportunity to go to those people who have those questions and are already looking for answers, and give them that hope in Christ? I’m not saying that “Christian Horror” as a budding genre has or always will live up to that potential, but that is certainly something I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to do. To face that fear head-on with faith and to give people looking for a way to deal with life’s difficulties some measure of hope.

I realize it’s not for everyone, but that’s where I fear God has called me to serve.

My whole life I've heard these debates rage on, and I'm basically more concerned with reaching lost souls then arguing with those already in the fold.

I do think, though, that there are some strange double-standards among my fellow believers. Many of those who claim they "only listen to Christian music, and only read Christian books," spend the majority of their entertainment time watching "non-Christian" TV and movies. Hmmm.

I also find it strange that so many are willing to see the evil in "Harry Potter," for example, then turn around and tell me I shouldn't be writing fiction because it's a waste of time. Really? Then why are they so concerned about Mr. Potter? Don't they believe, as I do, that God can work through the creative arts?

I watch, read, and listen to secular entertainment. I often find redemptive stories and honest searching in those places, and until Christian entertainment is willing to wrestle with the true darkness from which we've been saved, then it will continue to offer up platitudes and lukewarm alternatives.

We're created in the image of the Creator. If we create art in a shoddy manner and then attach God's name to it, isn't that, in a sense, using His name in vain?

I loved "Dangerous Calling." I thought it had a great message, while telling a story in manner that could be enjoyed by audiences both in and outside of the church.

That should say "feel" at the end of my last post up there, not "fear" :p

I'd just like to add that I’ve met Christians who have had problems breaking away from the occult in the past, and they won’t go near my work, and I encourage them not to. I wouldn’t want to cause a brother or sister to stumble. Some Christians who are recovered alcoholics are called to deal with other alcoholics, but others would find that only a greater temptation to slip back into their old habits. But, I still believe that the work is important and I’m not ready to hand over the genre to Satan or just plain worldliness. There will always be people drawn to the horror genre, and I hope that there can be mature believers waiting for them with something more than just fright-filled fun.

Sorry for the double-post everyone!

Greg

i recently saw the last interviw "ted bundy" made before dying on death row for nearly 100 murders, he said that media had a great influence in his life along with alcohol and he tried to re-enact what he saw on horror movies with his victims, so i know there's people who are weak to this and will impact them for the better or for bad, you just really never know!

I do not see anything wrong with Christian horror films. It does not do any good to preach the same message to the same people over and over. If you can use a different venue to reach the ears of those who would normally steer far clear of any film calling itself "Christian" then you have truly done God's work. It's not the envelope that matters. It's the message inside. If the message is never read, then what's the point?

I think it could be a slippery slope. Really the Left Behind series were a horror story. I don't think getting into satanic educational things would serve a good purpose. One could go there without really going there. Like a murder is about to be committed without showing the actual killing. Dangerous to show causing fear gives one power. Maybe it shouldn't be classified as a HORROR film. Maybe mystery action adventure. Where fear may grib you if you aren't prepared. I don't know. Like I said before it is a slippery slop. I too loved horror movies when in high school. I was afraid of the dark and to be alone. I haven't watched them for decades and I'm at peace with my protector and fear is at bay. It may not be good if this film would bring "fear" to someone's heart. Sometimes the news does that when it is about some joe blow seeming regular guy who stalks and kills for no apparent reason. I don't think I give reasons but with that type, you just never know. Creepy and there comes the fear. Be careful.

I think any kind of Christian Film can be good as long as it glorifies God in some way or another. Blood and gore, however, is probably not a good way. Suspense and thrillers could certainly be beneficial as long as they are presented in the right way as well.

David Harrington

Being a Christian filmmaker myself, I have to say that I am definitely supportive of very careful, well thought out ventures into the thriller genre. If you read the Bible, it is not filled with poofy Angels with harps and happiness, but is a gut-wrenching book that deals with countless battles between good and evil, guiding the Christian soldier through the battlefield.

The way I see it, if The Truth (God's Word), can retell these events, why can't we, as fishers of men, use the genre that satan has taken over and perverted. We can use it to tell exciting and adrenaline pumping stories that glorify The Lord! Spiritual warfare is real - whether you acknowledge it or not. Why not teach how to fight the battle and declare the victor in an entertaining way?

Just my 2c. Looking forward to seeing Dangerous Calling!

You know the Passion of the Christ could be termed a Horror movie. Stalking and murder of Jesus. The movie ended just as the good stuff was starting. It depends how much you use the tools of the devil versus the power of the Lord to tell your story, I guess. Thanks for you work though, cu_mr2ducks @twitter

What a great question!! I have not seen the movie Dangerous Calling as of yet but i believe there is a place for suspense, horror & thrillers in film making!! True that it may affect others in different ways but as i read the BIBLE i see suspense, horror & thrilling & chilling stories all over...and yet God himself felt it was IMPORTANT to tell us these things!! There is story after story of such evil things that has gone on over time & i really believe God has raised certian people up at this time in history in Christian film making to continue stories that are relevant to our times & show the ugliness of our world & how God can redeem mankind & give them love, forgiveness, purpose & hope in this life!! God bless Christian filmakers...you each have your place & keep giving it up to God & do what He has called each of you to do as different it may be!! :()

I'm all for the "unknown god" theory - been personally trying to head in that direction for 4 years, now. Thought I was the outcast! I view myself not as a friend of the world, but as a guide to those in the world. How can I guide people if I don't speak their language? How can I sit with the publicans and prostitutes if I can't relate to them on a certain level? Wasn't Jesus here to gather the lost? Isn't that part of my job, too, as a Christian?

I think any genre is acceptable for faith-based works, if handled in a way that reaches those that otherwise might remain lost. Rather than offending the religious, it should be gathering the lost. Rather than seeming a dark blot to Christians, they should see it as the candle to guide the lost in with.

As an actor, I really would rather be in faith-based films. But not the pandering, holier-than-thou, whitewashed, goody-two-shoes type of film that "Christians" seem to like and the world can't help but reject as phony. I am waiting in hopes that God wants to use me in realistic ways, where the "Christian" will say "that's right" and the unchurched or even the unbeliever will say "wow, I didn't know that... I need to look into that further...".

Yeah, I know. Dream on :o)

Brittany posted this same question recently and here is my response. Some might describe surviving birth as horrific, others being 'left behind', while others a mysterious noise in the closet... the point is life can be very horrific in subtle or very intense situations according to different perspectives and I defy you to define it precisely, yet God is able to work through everything.

It seems some have used Christian horror with varying degrees of success, be that actual salvations or planting/watering seeds: "Thr3e", "The Last Sin Eater", "Hangman's Curse", along with many Peretti novels. It's not that horror is the height of conflict/resolution we need for drawing audiences, but as a part of our reality, in my opinion it should not be overlooked because of secular mis-uses/perversions.

Some great conversation here - I am an actor, and have appeared in several films. I have acted in straight forward Christian films, horror films and some that would probably be considered right down the middle (much like "Dangerous Calling"). - I'm guessing most Christians would not want to see a full-blown horror movie, and horror fans are not rushing out to buy Christian dvd's. - That's just the way the genres are, and likely will be for a long time. As a Christian myself, I have always looked at horror films as "just entertainment" (plain & simple). - I have enjoyed the genre since I was very young, and have never once tried (or even thought about) hurting anyone because I had seen a horror movie. I've considered them fictional stories aimed at making an audience jump, laugh and scream. I've also watched many Christian films in my life, although not as many... Not because I didn't want to see them, they just weren't as readily available when I was growing up.
Personally, I see the merging of the two genres as a blessing, a good thing. Because I believe it will bring people together and open up communication and friendships between film-makers.
When I worked on a Christian film set, crew members were constantly asking me about working on horror films - What was it like? Was it fun? Were you scared? Did anyone get hurt for real?
I think they found it amazing that this (normal) Christain actor that they've been spending hours at a time with, had also spent hours and days with a horror film crew.
Oddly enough, there's not a big differance between the two...

Which genre of film can Satan use more of a foothold? A horror film that has suspense and/or killing? a romantic-comedy where the couple sleeps together? I think more people are tempted (and it's accepted by society) to do what they see in the romance flicks rather than the horror show. If we are not to make a certain genre film because Satan might be able to use it, than pack your camera and sell it on ebay.
Is there a genre of film that God can't use? I had the privilege of sharing Christ with a movie goer in the theater Lobby after seeing, "Bless The Child" (the 2000 horror film with Kim Basinger). I took an atheist friend to see "Stigmata" with (1999 horror film with Patricia Arquette) afterwards we had an in depth conversation about God and Christ.
I've always told film makers if you want to conquer the game of Hollywood you have to play by their rules; make a good story with high quality that audiences will go see. If you don't have all three (story, quality, audience) you'll NEVER impact Hollywood. I've seen Dangerous Calling and believe the DAWS brothers have achieved this, will impact Hollywood and have inspired plenty of people.

I haven't read all the replies, but as I myself am working on a christian horror script, I 100% believe that we should encourage this genre just as any other as long as we are staying focused on doing this for God's kingdom. After all, much of what happens in this world and in the bible would be considered horror by many, and if we are trying to reach people we should be real and present the truth, all aspects of it, even the darkest ones.

I think a movie like this is another symptom of our church condition and it is very sad. :(
I think the American Church as a whole is becoming so much like the world and because of this we have lost much of our power and testimony.there is as much sin in the church as in the world...there is as much divorce in the church if not more..pornography addiction etc..and I will quote David Wilkerson as saying "and I see more of the world coming into the church and impacting the church rather than the church impacting the world" The American church has become mostly powerless because we have not come out of the world and become seperate as the bible says we should. This is an emergency and we better wake up soon or this country is in for more problems than it has already seen.

I have been taught that we live in a world of balance - tears vs joy, love vs hate, good vs evil. The bible and indeed our lives are filled with real spiritual battles. As Christian filmmakers, we cannot embrace just one side of the story of human life - we are faced with the evil of the world everyday so why shun it in the films produced? The difference in the way the darkness is portrayed by Christian filmmakers lies in the end result - good will always overcome evil in the form of faith in our redemption through Christ.

You know, why are we really debating this - some people think that the thriller/horror genre is Satanic and others think that we can and should use every tool at our disposal to reach the lost. Personally I am in the latter group. But that's just me...i recently saw a quote that i think makes sense here, "No one ever comes to Christ because they lost the argument." We, as believers, who have been equipped by God with His whole armor spend far too much time shining our weapons and fighting each other. Why can't we all follow our own convictions and be about the Father's business?

BTW - to sometimescrazy - you may want to reread the interview that Ted Bundy gave with Dr Dobson, as he never mentions horror movies that I recall, but, rather talks about an escalating addiction to pornography...not quite the same thing.

And Dangerous Calling is about church politics gone crazy, not the occult. There's nothing occultic in the movie at all. To me, I walked away thinking about "If you have hatred for your brother in your heart, you are guilty of murder in the eyes of God." The movie takes the heart attitudes that we all have at times, and puts them into physical form.

Besides all that, there is the fact that if the Bible were to be made into a full movie including everything discussed, it wouldn't JUST have elements of horror, it would quite frankly be the bloodiest movie ever made, and have a whole section that would be NC-17, if not X rates(Song of Solomon).

It absolutely can! Horror/Suspense/Thriller is a favorite type of movie among many people, myself included. There are countless ways one can convey a Christian, Faith-based message through any type of storytelling.

I LOVE your films. When I saw the trailer on this, I was very excited to watch it. However, that excitement quickly left once I began the trailer.

I was allowed to watch horror films at a young age. I can still see images from them. This trailer immediately brought some of those images flooding back into my mind.

I don't know film making, but I know seeing you involved in this was a huge disappointment to me. I'm sorry, but I can't support this.

I'm a Christian who has been making films in Hollywood for almost 30 years. I haven't seen "Dangerous Calling," or "The Familiar," so I cannot speak to their merits or defects, whether Christian or of technique. But my perspective is that all film genres should be fertile ground for Christian storytelling. For me, the criteria are: 1) is Church doctrine accurately portrayed? and 2) Does Christ win? Beyond that, it's a matter of taste. I do recommend, however, that any filmmaker who wants to make a Christian film with adult themes be sure to have a spiritual director whose understanding of scripture and doctrine exceeds the filmmaker's own.

As a fan of the horror/thriller genre, I would definitely watch this film. I believe that as christians our 2 purposes are to live a life like Christ, and to go out into all the world and seek to save those who are lost. More often than not, the lost are out in the "wild" so to speak, not sitting in the church pews. We must go to them, and this, in my opinion is one way to get there.... I am a supporter of christian horror films. As the one poster stated above, the Bible is full of horror stories, and being an active Christian in itself puts you in a heated battle with the enemy on a daily basis. Just my two cents :)

The Bible has all kinds of story telling in it. War, rape, starvation, plaques, magic, and miracles to man a few of the subjects covered in the bible. There is gore in the bible...samson had his eyes gouged out. King David had a man killed in order to take his wife. Tamar was raped by her brother. I can see both sides of this disagreement. I am concerned with "christian" horror genre is that it may not be for christians. Our word tells us to think on things that are pure. Those that are backslidin or falling away or never have come to God maybe ministered to through these type of films. A Christian label does not mean that it glorifies Christ. Someone referred to Christian Rock above and it not being accepted at first. If it does not glorify my Jesus I want nothing to do with it. If its full of suffering and trails but does not offer Thee solution its not forth my time. Film is very powerful we dont forget some images from them becuz we use at least 2 senses sight and sound coupled with emotion that makes a lasting impression. I dont agree or disagree I just ask please be careful.

The world loves the thriller genre, or else how do you explain all the thriller movies out there? And from that point of view, horror is also a popular genre. Taking these genres and implying Christian principles into them is possibly the best way to reach others. These movies can't be corny or they won't be accepted by the world, and they can't conform to the standards of worldly people because God wants us to be above them. Finding the mix between those two genres is the difficult part but is crucial to reaching the world through film-making.
God can use all things for good.
~Carl

Christian thrillers need to know how to be used. If they're not careful, they can portray a wrong image OF Christianity. The movie "Dangerous Calling" takes church politics to rare and almost fictional extreme. And its views on methods of worship are not defined. On the other hand, "The Familiar" shows the truth behind spirits and demon posession. This is what really happens and how it all starts. As long as Christian thrillers don't create misconceptions about Christianity, then I say bring 'em on!

One thing I don't see mentioned here is the importance of how the story is handled. If it's "thriller/suspense" without a message of Christ, redemption or has some facet that causes someone who is not a Christian to question their choices/morality or whatever, then IS it a Christian film?

We face evil every day on this planet, the enemy seeks to actively destroy lives every day...and succeeds. Is there a way to show the truth of what Satan is up to...especially in the lives of unbelievers...and bring that unsaved viewer to a place of awareness of the danger they're in without Jesus? I know pastors who can make me laugh really hard and then hit me with the message. Sometimes those messages stick with me much longer than others. Perhaps the same can be true for suspense/thriller films...the truth of the enemy behind evil can "hit" an unsaved viewer hard and leave them with the knowledge of their lost state...with the film pointing to Jesus as the answer.

This may sound too simple but if a film doesn't point to Jesus in some manner, then to me it's not a Christian film. That goes for all genres of film. Seriously folks...NOBODY is watching 1950's bible epics anymore and people ARE going to go to the movies...do we give them things along the lines of what they're used to in the hopes of reaching them for Christ or not? I say "yes!"

The world is quite a horror show already. In film, the task of the filmmaker would be to show that it is not real, and that there is a real alternative to pain, sickness and death, because nothing God did not create exists. If the task is something else, I think it is pointless.

I believe the answer to this question lies in the subject matter, theme and entertainment value of the film. There are horror films that force us to look within ourselves, and there are horror films that are there to simply show blood splatter on the wall. I have not seen a Christian horror film that has been scary - rather they fall on the ridiculous side. What is the intent of the film. Is it to get us to face our fears? Or is it simply there to shock value us into Christ (the latter does not work). It is subjective to the filmmaker's vision and the audience's interpretation.

The Master came to destroy the works of the devil. We do that by exposing the devil to the light. As the Light in this world we are obligated to produce so-called horror films because we not only educate people (not just believers) in the power of the Holy Spirit but encourage believers to use the power of the Holy Spirit to fight the works of darkness. Believers still do not understand that Satan is real and that the supernatural is real and the only weapon against them is the Holy Spirit. They are not going to learn that in a church sermon. I congratulate and encourage all who have accepted the challenge to tell the truth and shame the devil.

Okay so we read the article, looked at the cover, we looked at the still scene and we looked at the trailer. Honestly, watching the news in South Africa is more horrifying/thriller......

Evil exists and sugar coating it is not going to help. How are we going to learn to identify evil, occults if we are not educated on it. There are so many denominations and many look innocent to the eye, until you do the effort and obtain more information. Its time we start seeing the truth.

I see Christian thriller/horror/suspense as a tool to expose Satan and educate people.

We need to stop living with the attitude of "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil". Just because we are Christians does not mean the devil will leave us alone, we are his greatest enemy, we are targeted. So how are we going to identify the wolf when he comes to our door in sheep skins?

So we read the article, looked a the cover, still scene, the trailer and honestly watching the news here in South Africa is more horrifying/thrilling......

It is time we stop sugar coating Christianity. We need to stop living with the attitude "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil". Satan exists and we as Christians are his biggest enemy.

I have friends who do not even want to watch Passion of the Christ because it is to terrifying. Why? Because its the truth, because watching it you actually can start to comprehend / realize the horror Jesus went through.

So I say yes, use the Thriller / Horror / Suspense genre for Christian Film making. Please.

Jaye I couldn't agree more... If you are going to war you don't do so not knowing who the enemy is. As in eph 6 we are to go into battle prepared and if we have the whole armor of G-d we are covered.. But to battle an enemy you must know who the enemy is and how to fight them.. I would hate to go to war with an army with onlyn airplanes to find out the army has only anti aircraft guns.. Or take tanks into battle in the swamp lands... Know who you are fighting and what they are fighting with.. If we hide behind the Stained Glass walls with our Stainded Glass friends only and go Home to our Stained Glass houses then what do we do when the enemy comes in to do battle and just tears them down.. Yes we can get on bended knee and pray but again it is only us praying.. Why? because we didn;t go out to make new friends and witness to them to pray with us.. yes pray does wonders but what reward should G-d give us when we just bury the talent instead of investing it? We Must be a witness of all the good but even as much if not more so of the evil and bad..
I say if Christian horror is availible and it is done with a teaching message i say all for it.. If it is going to be Freddy Vs Jason kinda thing or some Saw Movie type where it is just killing and mayhem for the purpose of fear alone then I say no. If no one is aware one of the top rated movies in the mainstreet top 5 was called "Paranormal activity".. I would diamonds to donuts bet there is no message concerning spiritual warfare or how to deal with it just a bunch of people opening the doors to the spirit world when they get home who may even get a witchboard to try and communicate with the enemy thinking they are good spirits in the house they live in.. I know many non believers in these days that talk about shows like the Ghost whisperer and Medium in addtion to Reality shows like Ghost hunters and some group called Taps who try to talk to and film the "Ghosts". Which in turn they my firends who are not saved, talk about their own experience with a ghost.. Hmmm Now they are trying to talk to ghosts. I can add my 2 cents in with them and tell them being evil not to mess with it but to call the name of christ it has no power over them through Christ. But why would they listen unless they knew more biblical facts concerning the occult. I can try and teach them but until they are taken over or have a bad experince in it how can they be saved until they have become a believer Yes a bad experience can leave a door open for a long time and even make it more difficult to close the door they opened.

I feel the Movies Cloud 10 has the chance and the ability to create and film movies concerning the occult and how to battle it properly creating warrior christians who can go into battle and teach properly how to battle the enemy that oppresses and takes over lives of those who are unaware or innocent.. We need to If eph says to inmitate christ then why aren't we if we are his disples then he directed them first in what to do and how to handle evil we see this even evidenced throughout the new testement.

I say Cloud 10 needs to address this yes We serve a g-d of love and compassion and grace but we also serve a G-d of righteousness protection and holiness.. He never said our lives would be easy but he did promise to be with us.. Some of the best writers even address through teaching the demons and evil such as C.S.Lewis and the"Screwtape Letters" That in itself deals directly from the devils view of how easy and vulnerable we as christians are and while Satan can't get our soul he can infact oppress our lives and ulitmately our witness. My opinion we must address this openly and be prepared. Be wise as serpents and gentle as Doves as the scripture says

YBIC
David

I think it depends on the film. There are points to both arguments that I agree with. Generally I would like not to think that a Christian should be watching a thriller of any kind. However, to use it as a evangelism tool; it's very true that a lot of people may watch these movies who wouldn't watch traditional Christian films...and I would rather them watch a Christian thriller than a secular thriller any day. However, since I have never seen either of these movies I really cannot formulate a solid opinion. I do think there is a VERY fine line as Christians as to what we can & cannot put into our ear & eye gates. We REALLY just need to hear from God as to what's appropriate for us as individuals. It's different for everybody. If it's created with and by the spirit of God then that's just what it is. However we need to be realllly careful about discernment on that.

At the point there are 3 nos & other than John who thinks we are all fake writers, the rest are all favorable comments. I'm another with a strong yes. I don't like Horror & never rent or go to see a film of this genre, I just don't like to be scared, BUT I had the opportunty to screen DC at the Gideon & was blown away but it. I loved the fact that this film will appeal to so many more than the typical christian audience. I will be buying it just to share with friends, people who I could never get to watch a Christian movie.

I watched in spite of the fact that it was a horror thriller. Many folks wil watch because it is a horror/thriller. Same end, great result, audience attracted form both sides of the debate.

Yea Daws Bros! Do it again!
Francine

To Eric & "name withheld," in this movie do any people receive Jesus as Savior and become discipled? If there are any Christians, how are they portrayed? Is Jesus or God even mentioned in this? Is this another tragedy where a Christian has to lose his/her life? (If the latter is true, I'd never recommend it - there's proportionately TOO MANY so-called Christian films that do that already, though I know Jesus said some of his Believers would lose their life for his sake.

On the other hand, I plan to do a future Christian Teen Action Film, with two teens receiving Jesus as Savior, and the viewers will watch the first teen get discipled. In addition to the action, humor, mystery, romance & suspense in my film, there will be horror of sorts because there will be plenty of visible clashes with demons - only by using the Name of Jesus and the Armor of God can the demons be defeated. I learned that by adding "horror of sorts" to my film, that I increased my audience greatly, and that there is a demand for such material.

The entire Bible itself is the inspired Word of God. Some don't want to admit that it contains horror, murders, lust, adultery, rape, and even nudity in it with Adam & Eve and with all the stories of "who laid with whom." One thing the Bible doesn't have in it is profanity, and God inspired Paul to speak against it in Colossians 3:8, so if your movie has profanity, change it or else it's as much a piece of trash as any other secular movie. At the same time, as much as some old-timers would like to see the return of "Father Knows Best" or "The Andy Griffith Show," it's never gonna happen, and I know some horror stories about the lead actors of both of those shows.

A final note to Eric. You leaked something out which you shouldn't have: you referred to "extreme right-wingers." Right-wingers will take this as an insult, and if you keep doing this, none of them will watch your films, and that will cause your films to flop.

Winton Hancock
http://www.youtube.com/author

There is nothing wrong with "shocking" people in the realization of the Truth. In my Christian Fiction Mystery novel, Angel Falls, I use death, deception, betrayal, confusion and other tools to bring about the fact that satan is very knowledgable in the ways of Christ and uses that knowledge all the time for evil. Dealing with a persona that exists on the destruction of humanity is not pretty and very frightful and should be presented as such. As long as the message is there about the Truth, the presentation can be (within limits) graphic. Author Alan Riehl

Personally, We all know that the Bible says that the Gospel must be preached to all the world... Now, this is a definite task, as not everyone speaks our language, shares our culture and interests etc.
Now, while one person may like a genre of something another may not. I think that God knows this, and to give everyone a chance to hear the Gospel, he is taking the different things and making them his to reach persons who would otherwise not be reached.... For example, here in the Caribbean, reggae, soca, dancehall and calypso are the main music genres. A few years ago, there were no "Christian Soca music" or "Christian dancehall" etc. However, artists such as DJ Nicholas and Chevelle Franklyn who used to sing this kind of music have become saved and started using their singing talents to sing songs in these same genres to make Christian music to glorify God. This will give people who are not Christians to hear the Gospel in a format that they would accommodate.
Now, it created a big debate as to whether these can be considered Christian music.. but now, the debate is over.
God will/can use whatever is available to Him to his advantage if he wants.

What we should consider is this..... IF THIS "CHRISTIAN THRILLER" GENRE IS OF GOD, THEN IT WILL STAND... IF NOT, THEN IT WOULD FALL.
------------
God reading,
Kenice.

I think for the nay sayers in Christian thillers and horror to be so against it is ignoring the 1000 lb gorilla in the room if I pretend Satan doesn't exist he won't bother me... It reminds me of my daughter when she was very little covering her eyes and saying out loud "You can't see me now" Just because her eyes were covered didn't mean I couldn't see her did it? But she thought so. Satan is a roaring Lion looking to devour. We as christians cannot just cover our eyes and pretend he doesn't know we are there. In fact if we are covering our eyes with satan in the area he may just eat you whole bones and all so to speak cause you never saw him coming... With a christian thriller it deals and can deal with anything from the healing of rape/incest in finding G-d still loved the person and has a plan for them still in some ministry even to the orginal offender.. Imagine a movie where a woman is raped and goes to her rapist in jail and begins to witness to them and brings them to christ through that forgivenss.. What a testimony of taking lemons and making lemonade for G-ds big Lemonade stand.. When it comes to Horror I am not sure about you but for me the occult has always been around.. I grew up in the days when the kids were Head Banging to Shout at the Devil by Moely Crue.. in that case for me it was almost a form of worship to the devil in the way they head banged and jammed out to it.. Now we have the like of Rob Zombie and others who children of all ages are listening to and for other cultures there are the Gangsta Raps which promote sex killing and Sorcerys/Pharmacos/drugs as Revelation would put it from the greek. Talking about smoking Bluts/marijuana and dealing crack again toools the devil uses in greed and addictions... then dealing on the occult level directly those who are truely involved in occult have families that have prayed and looked for answers in how to deal with it and the fall out that comes. Movies can in fact be a teaching tool for them and a deterant for others to stay away..

Does anyone remember the story about the 2 boys driving along one was a christian and the other was not..the christian lives through the wrecking of the car the non christian doesn't. The one that was not came to the boy who was from hell asking why didn't you tell me? why didn't you warn me.. what a great witness of a tortured soul lost asking why we as christians do not do the commission and be a witness to the world we touch.. each person deserves to be told and witnessed to but we don't as it is an uncomfortable thing sometimes..

I always wondered what if we offered a job paying 40 dollars an hour at a church only setting without telling the qaulifications and then when the people showed up for the interview you asked how many did you witness to this morning or today...Yesterday...This week... How many in our churches would qaulify? Sad numbers I would bet.

The bottom line and point is this too many churches have a feel good message and happy people in happy pews singing happy songs and playing happy family and when they get home deal with all the real world or for that matter spiritual warfare, don't have the skills becuase our churches are not teaching them what to look for and how to deal with it in a biblical manner.. Christ lived and walked and gave all the examples of what to do but unless they are sitting in a church pew with the scriptures up on a screen with a feel good message every week and never a hard message of dealing with the enemy or suffering or any other inflictions of life. They will never will know because they don't read and study their bibles and don't ask questions.

As for some in our churches they are so caught up in the Rapture they never address those not saved... Anytime you bring up how things might be in the Tribulation for being a witness to those left behind what to expect they dismiss it with "I don't worry about it I won't be here for it" They will not even entertain the point of the tribulation and how those who they didn't get a chance to witness to will have to endure the tribulation if there were a rapture..So I will ask every christian here... One thing..If by chance there was no rapture and you did have to go through the tribulation, when it came to the point of having to take the Mark of the Beast, Could you ever imagine watching your wife or husband endure torture or rape while you are forced to watch unless you take the Mark of the Beast... That is all it would require give up your soul and we will quit torturing your spouse or kids or parents or brother and sisters..Just take the Mark.... Could you stand for christ then?? what if you and your family being in the tribulation starving with no warm clothes and the only way to get food and clothes and stop the pain of hunger for your family is to take the Mark, would you be able to stand up for Jesus? Again the question is what if the rapture never happened for you and you had to endure it would your faith be strong enough? Jesus said though "he who is first shall be last and last shall be first." Yet so many are so selfish in their salvation that they are bilnded by the stained glass and not the enlightened by the Light of Christ Just my take

YBIC
David

David (comment #47) we couldn't agree more! That is exactly why last July we started our project that we just finished called 'Paranormal'. Unbeknownst to us Paramount was working on ramping up "Paranormal Activity" at the end of this year! God's timing never fails!

We knew that dealing with ghosts, ghost hunters and hauntings in general from a Christian viewpoint was going to be controversial, but we felt that it was truth that had to be revealed.

The enemy is the king of lies and schemes, he has done such a terrific job of fooling the unsaved in believing in ghosts, mediums and the sudo-religions that it can evolve into. To me the more impressive deception is he has managed to make it a complete do-not-touch subject for Christians in general! How clever is that? Not only is it a grand deception that can lead people ever further away from the savior Jesus Christ, it has managed to disable the enemy from training their soldiers on the subject because it is "taboo".

Try this test: Go into Church Sunday, and ask around, "Do you believe Ghosts exist?" or "Do you know the Bibles viewpoint on ghosts?" and you will be shocked about the variety of answers you get.

So what does this have to do with this thrillers or horror movies in general?

The secular versions of these genres work to enhance the public and Christians misguided viewpoints on a lot of these subjects. WHY NOT strike back with the same medium? Show the TRUTH and the VICTORY on screen, let people leave the theater empowered and knowing they serve the God that has created everything, that has whipped the enemy and that HE is the one living in fear, and that we as children of the living God don't need to be.

That was more like my 4c. ;) Thanks c10 for starting this thread - it has been a terrific read!

~Tiaan Kruger
Executive Producer - Paranormal

Horror? What could be more horrible than going to hell?

I totally agree Tiaan (#56)

As a film maker myself, I would have to agree that we HAVE to stop preaching to the choir with our movies - if we're trying to reach the LOST. Movies like Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Secrets of Johnnathan Sperry, etc. are fine for edifying, encouraging and building up the body of Christ. And they do. I've been inspired by each of those films. I suppose there is a place for that. But like my wife said, "If you need to have a movie inspire you in your walk with Christ, I would question how deep your relationship with Him truly is. I mean come on, we have His Word and church and small groups and testimonies that should already be doing that right?"

Considering the enormous amount of time, money and effort that has to go into making movies, why waste it on the church when there are so many who are lost and dying... and going to see Saw XII, and Halloween 82 in the movie theaters. We have GOT to become viable in the entertainment industry. There is no question about it, movies and television have an ENORMOUS influence on culture. If we want to reach the culture, we have to start making movies, television shows and music that they will actually go see and listen to. I mean seriously, what chance does Johnnathan Sperry have going up against G.I. Joe and Transformers? ZERO.

We talk about making "Christian movies" and the world says, "Isn't that nice. They have their own movie." They don't go see it. So, I completely agree with the idea of using the "unknown god" technique. I think Christians need to make secular movies (movies with mass appeal - done with excellence), but not compromise on moral values. You don't have to show gore to scare people. You don't have to have sex and nudity to show love or interpersonal relationships between your characters. Language on the other hand... I have a different opinion on this. To write BELIEVABLE dialogue - especially in conflict, I think you need to write it as it is in life. Even as a Believer (not proud of this), I am prone to a curse or two when I get angry. That's real. That's life. Besides, ONLY Christians get wrapped around the axle about that anyway. Non-believers don't even hear swear words. It's just part of everyday dialogue. So, in that regard, I'm not afraid to write it (only if needed to advance the story making a scene more believable).

I think the same is true with trying to reach the horror genre. They are NOT going to go see Facing the Giants. That's not the type of story that would ever appeal to them. Likewise, they are not likely to go to your church youth group activity or see the next great evangelist coming to a church near you. So, how are you going to reach them? You have to go where they are - just like Jesus did. You have to tell parables that they will relate to in order to reach them.

- Rob Skiba II
Writer/Director
The Revolutionary Film Project

To the poster that is not ERIC, I would definitely suggest that if Horror/Thriller material is what you struggled with prior to coming to christ that you stay away from it. There may be a reason you feel uncomfortable by it, and as I beleive you pointed out there are other genres you can focus on. Just as I would not suggest every person who struggled with addiction will be able to minister in that area to others.

We are making headway in the entertainment industry. People are no longer looking at Christian made movies as inferior. So why wouldn't Satan want to divide us on this issue, if we begin fighting one another with this much passion, we aren't fighting him. Turn that fight in his direction and we will definitely see some changes.

Several years ago, Frank Peretti introduced a couple of books, "This present Darkness" and "Peircing the darkness" These were "accepted" and I use the term loosely by the Christian community in much the same way. We were letting Satan in, by talking about Spiritual Warfare in such a matter. If those two books (Hint, Hint Cloud Ten) were made into movies, they would be deemed in the horror/thriller genre because they deal with demons.
I recently caught an episode of a popular TV series where a Character was demon possessed. Her family in an effort to save her, tied her to a chair. They were doing everything they knew how. Finally, in exasperation, and to comfort themselves they begin quoting scripture. The possesed women quiets. As Christians we all know why. I prayed that for once mainstream TV would followed thru but of course they didn't.
Wouldn't it have been wonderful if they had seen the effect, and realized they had the key all along. That each time they said the name of Jesus, the demon had to quiet because it too had to bow the authority of the name of Jesus. Why couldn't or shouldn't we step up and create that type of movie. Of course alot of Christians won't follow them, Just like they called Carman, Petra, and some of the very music we now use in Worship not of God. But what about those who watch this type of thing as a regular entertainment Diet? What if they stumbled onto this movie or another, not realizing that somewhere in the middle the answer to every thing they seek would be presented too them. The Supernatural is real! Hollywood is embracing it and finding their own incorrect answer. Christian film making needs to do the same. Because WE HAVE THE RIGHT ANSWER! We know who is Master of the Wind is, We know WHO is the ultimate authority here is. For we are not Fighting against Flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers, an authoriteis of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore put on every peice of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm!

Bridgett

What I don't like about some of the Christian movies is when the actors/actress are not dressed modestly. We have enough problems in society without this problem in Christian films. It really ruins it for my wife and I when we watch a Christian movie have someone is dressed inappropriate. So now I have to be carefully of buying Christian movies!

Dennis

Perhaps this guy that opposes horror and thriller films feels we should eliminate the book of Judges too. There is tons of sex, homosexuality, murder and scary stuff in the Bible. If it's ok for God to use these topics for teaching, why isn't it ok for us? Last I checked we were supposed to be following God's example? did that change? Oh wait, changing the Bible is the basic definition of a cult! and to compare the genre to pornography??? come on.

It's a movie! Intended for entertainment. This is why people run from Christians... because we aren't like Christ at all. We argue over stupid topics instead of loving on others, and we attack fellow believers. Has he even seen this film? If you knew the Daws Brothers at all, you would know that they are about as far away from the occult as you could get. Shame on you. They told a story that was clean. No nudity, no foul language. What the heck is your problem? This story is about politics in the church, not horror.

Perhaps as Christians, we should only be doing jobs/careers with other Christians. This would be great! a movie theater only for Christians. A restaurant, only for Christians. Neighborhoods, only for Christians. Cars, only for Christians. Accountants, only for Christians... It would be the perfect Christian society. God would be so happy that we are truly "in" this world and not "of" it.

WOW!

Paul Morrell
www.sumoJACK.com

As the writer and director of Dangerous Calling (along with my brother), I'm quite interested in this discussion. I'm actually going to come down on the side AGAINST Christian horror. I'd much rather see Christians producing straight horror films in a way that glorifies God.

My brother and I didn't set out to make a Christian film. Our goal was to make an entertaining film in the thriller genre. The story just so happened to take place in and around a church and involved Christian characters. I'm pleased that film has an important message for the church and that we were able to positively portray Christians in our film. However, I firmly believe that it was our desire to make an entertaining film that has been the key to Dangerous Calling's success and not any calculated plan to disguise our message as a Hollywood thriller.

It bothers me when we try to use films as Trojan horses to sneak a message in. We package films as entertainment and then deliver a sermon. Audiences don't appreciate that. This is also true of films produced by those on the political left. Films are meant to entertain. If they're not doing that, then you're actually hurting your message. A used car salesman might be trying to sell you a great car, but if his methods are slimy, you're not going to buy it.

Christian filmmakers should be just as excited about entertaining an audience with a compelling story as they are with sharing the incredible message of the gospel. Otherwise, I'd question whether or not filmmaking is the best avenue for them to be sharing that message. Filmmakers should be students of film - all genres including horror.

So to bring it back around, if a Christian wants to make a great horror film, there's no reason it can't be glorifying to God and contain a powerful gospel message, but it had sure better be scary!

Josh Daws
Writer/Director of Dangerous Calling
http://www.dawsbrothers.com

Since when the horrors of hell as described in the Bible is entertainment? What fellowship has light with darkness? And at what point is Christianity going to stop looking like the world and more like Christ? We already have the peddling of the Gospel in print media and music, now what? On to the movies? WHAT NEXT?????!!!!!!!!

Wow Josh I think you just managed to loose a lot of respect on here. You sure you should be with Cloud Ten?

I think horror, when used right, can certainly be used to glorify God. There is darkness in our world, and we should not deny that. It can be inspiring to watch God work through the most horrific events for the good of His Kingdom. Again, it depends on the movie and how it uses its message.

I am personally a fan of horror movies and Christian horror books, especially those of Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. If you read Ted Dekker's Veritas Project teen series, the books are very disturbing towards the end, but they tackle moral and philosophical issues from a Christian standpoint, with an emphasis on trusting and standing firm in God even when the world seems to be collapsing around us.

Of course, each one of these genres is not intrinsically God-pleasing... perhaps because all of them are results of a fallen nature. However, History is God's great novel (or film, if you would)! There's plenty of horror in scripture. Historically, you see God allow plenty of Macbeths and Hamlets and Julius Caesars and Benedict Arnolds and Palaiologi and Mohammeds and Saladins and Leo Xs, not to mention the Hitlers, Mussolinis, Stalins, Husseins, Trotskys, Theodoras, and Bloody Marys.
-The fact being, then, that I believe God has plenty of thrill and horror in his story. I imagine that horror is a very touchy, borderline subject because I can't imagine how a movie entirely about heads getting chopped off could be God-honoring. However, the Left Behinds are somewhat thrilling yet completely God-honoring. Why not do in film what Jenkins and LaHaye did in prose?

Let me be brief: Whatever the medium or genre, the theme (theme as in lesson)must remain God-honoring. A movie about a mass-murderer or dictator could be used to teach the audience the value of human life, or the injustice and cruelty of a system such as fascism.

Interesting debate... Very interesting. I'd like to ask how is the film different from the horror or thriller "House" by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker?

IF you ask me, House was great and Dangerous Calling is okay. There will always be scheptics. @Josh (post 62)- I disagree with your post. In fact, I find this startling..... If your brother and yourself didn't set out to make a Christian Film, then why is Cloud Ten Embracing this movie which was not intended to be a Christian Film.... Makes you wonder where Christianity is heading

As someone who is currently writing a "dark" story with Christian themes I have to say this debate has really given me food for thought. Both sides have offered intriguing arguments, but I want to address the articles use of "the unknown god" in scripture. The article is offering this piece of scripture as evidence of things of the world being used to preach the gospel to unbelievers. However, I feel this is a bit off the point. First, Paul didn't build the alter to the unknown god. It was already there, erected by the unbelievers. So using this as a reason to say that we ourselves can build (make a movie in the case) something similar to that of the world seems to me to be the exact opposite of what Paul actually did. Paul simply used the unbelievers lack of knowledge against them. He pointed out that they had all these "gods" that they worshiped, yet still had to include one that was unknown to them. He proved that they lacked knowledge and wisdom on the very subject of the idols they had erected. Paul didn't build an idol or an alter to prove his point, he used their work against them to reveal their own thoughts on the subject.

Look at Acts 17:16-While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

He wasn't happy to see the idols, he was distressed. Paul preached first the gospel. Those who were listening thought he was merely babbling about foreign gods, but Paul was preaching about the resurrection of Jesus. It was only after this that Paul referenced the alter to the "unknown god". He was simply saying that despite being very "religious", they lacked knowledge about the one true God and their alter to the "unknown god" revealed their ignorance.

While there may be some very good arguments for the use of horror in "Christian" films, I don't believe this is one of them.

May the Lord bless and keep all of you.

Fred

Wow, some strong opinions here - great! Let me address a couple of things. First, how do we choose which movies Cloud Ten wants to be involved with. Remember, that not all of our titles are PRODUCED and CREATED by Cloud Ten. Some like, Dangerous Calling are ones that we watch and decide that they have a worthwhile message to share, and are entertaining. I think the message of Dangerous Calling is that sometimes we (and I will include everyone I know in that group) can be intolerant based on our own beliefs of what is good and right and what honours God. In the movie, we see that taken to an extreme, and while the actions of the characters in question (not here to spoil the story) are in fact extreme, they are not so extreme as to be unbelievable and that to me was the scariest part of the entire experience. Sometimes we take ourselves a little too seriously. ANother issue here is the very widely disparate interpretations of "horror". We are not talking about a slasher movie with gratuitous violence like you'd see in SAW or TEXAS CHAINSAW movies. W'ere talking about a THRILLER MOVIE that will draw in viewers that you wouldn't find in a church basement on Sunday night watching Faith Like Potatoes. If you want to reach to the unsaved, sometimes that means stepping outside of the Church. Does that mean standing outside a bar and witnessing to drunk people? That's certainly how Billy Graham spent a lot of his time in the early days of his ministry. And as for the use of fear as an evangelistic tool - I say absolutely. If the message is right and the intent is right, then God can use any vehicle for good. Some people respond to "believe and you will go to Heaven" and some respond to "believe or you will go to Hell". The Bible uses both. Hell is not just a place to be aware of. It is a place to be TERRIFIED of. Does that make Hell an inappropriate topic because it's ugly and lacks the message of love? I guess that's what we're here to talk about. But as someone who has written a lot of end-time stuff over the past twenty years I have to say, if you want some good horror - read the book of Revelation. Forgive me if this sounds a bit rambling, I just woke up with my laptop on my chest and decided to chime in.

Paul Lalonde
Cloud Ten Pictures

Here is my 2c on this. As Christians are we not suppose to bring hope into other peoples lives, not fear and horror? If we create films that are about killing christian's, and in a horror/thriller film way, would we not be risking pushing people farther away from Christ? Causing them to have fear that the same thing might happen to them. As has been said by many people before, TV and Film is one of the biggest influences that people use for making Decisions. It's called Marketing, and if were marketing horror, and fear what good does that do the people that see this that don't get the point that TV is just a form of entertainment, not what to base your decisions on.

I guess this might also sound like some rambing, but unlike Mr. Lalonde I havn't fallen asleep... yet. :)

Travis Kunze
GMP & KE

I think it's interesting that in all this discussion, we don't have a common definition of horror, let alone "Christian horror." And, I should also point out that the horror genre of years past is not the same as horror today. I think of some of the earliest horror movies that I remember: Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde....in all of those movies, the horror was caused by a man who turned into an evil being because something caused the restraints of society to disappear. While not Christian, per se, these horror movies explored the depravity of man and the answer to dealing with the horror was found, in many cases, by gaining those moral restraints in society that many would cast aside.

I have often said that the greatest horror story of all time is the story of the Gaderene Demoniac. The first horror is the story of the man who, possessed by demons no longer is fit to deal with society. The second horror is that the former demoniac, cleansed by the word of Jesus Christ, is still no longer fit to deal with society. The fact that the Gaderene Demoniac...rather the former Gaderene Demoniac...doesn't fit into society is a message to the church, reminding us that when we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, we won't necessarily fit in with society. Society tries to press us into a mold that is not too bad...but not too good.

I'm hoping that Dangerous Calling will make a comment about Christian society (based on what I've read) that will call us to repentance. It sounds from what I've read, as if the horror deals with what happens in the church. Ultimately, if the movie ends with redemption through Christ being portrayed as man's only hope, whether overtly or subtly, then I can support it as Christian drama in the horror genre. If, otoh, the story is dark without redemption through Christ...it isn't Christian.

eric, step away from the keypad....way too many deletes, lol on the matter, when i came to christ my grandpa would try to scare me in to becoming a christian, i would laugh and he would tell me about the great tribulation and the antichrist and that one day if i didn't accept christ i would go to hell! and there are many christians that use that same tactic, where they want to scare people with the bible, what's more horrifying than stoning people to death, great wars and battles, incest, rape, etc...but the bible has all of this great material but it always has a teaching at the end, we always learn from them

I believe that if a film truly glorifies God, that we should,
at least, be open-minded about it. Certainly, we, as Christians,
have to speak the language of the natives (the lost), while still honoring the Lord. Can that be tricky sometimes? Yes, of course
it can, but we seek His will in all things. In all areas of the
arts, we seek His will, and part of that, of course, is reaching
the lost. To witness to them, we must be able to attract them.
This is perhaps where things tend to get sticky sometimes. We need
to remember that we are "in the world, not of it." Since we are in
the world, we can't hide our heads in the sand, and believe that
non-believers will seek us out. We have to meet them where they are.
We know that the mission fields are not limited to foreign countries. Filmmakers, musicians, writers, visual artists, all, are part of one
of the ripest mountains of culture, now more than ever before.
People crave entertainment, and if we can use that for God's glory, shouldn't we? If God has gifted us in the area of the arts, we are obligated to follow into the areas where He leads us, where we will
find the lost, while always remaining sensitive to His Spirit.

As a Christian viewer, I can choose to see the movie or not, based
upon what the Holy Spirit speaks to ME. As artists, though, we must
be willing to reach out to the lost, while keeping our integrity
intact. I know that when I'm reading through the Bible, there are
parts that are so horrific, particularly in the Old Testament, that
I can't wait to get past them, yet I know those parts are there for
a reason. God intended for them to be there. There is a purpose.
I believe that if we truly seek His will, His purpose, He will lead
us where He wants us to go, and we must be willing to follow. We must
do this prayerfully and with accountability. I believe that the
Church needs edification now more than ever. We need to be supporting each other, and if something is God's will, we need to be able to lay aside our own opinions, and follow Him. In order for us to reclaim
the 7 Mountains of Culture, and media is one of them, we must be
willing to go to the mountain. As long as God is leading, it's safe
to follow.

Lisa Fink
Christian Writer & Actor

So here is a great idea for all the christians lets get a campfire and sing kumbiya and tell each other happy feel good things.. Let's just go back to the 60's era and sing songs of love and peace and pretend nothing in the world is bad and there is no reason for fear.. So when satan comes knocking on our door with real problems and oppression give him flowers and sing him a happy song about the love of the one who created.. i am sure satan will be dancing and skipping along singing right with all of us right?? Maybe we can just tell Satan you were a bad boy go to your room you are on time out would that work??

Here is what it comes down to Satan in all honesty doesn't care if you are saved or not and could careless if he gets your soul He wants to oppress and to take your soul not because he wants it but because he is jealous and mad and doesn't want G-d to have it... He does it so he can hurt G-d not you are just collateral damage on his mission to try and take the throne of G-d and to imagine how much G-d loves you and me and all others imagine equally when a soul is lost or oppressed... When my child fell and got hurt I hurt along with her..When she got older and made choices that I don't feel are right again I hurt because I know the choices she is making are going to hurt her.. So why would it be anydiffernt for we who are G-ds children>> As G-d's Children we as christians and older more mature in christ brothers and sisters in christ have been given a duty and commission to raise up, teach and also protect our fellow christians...So if you know giving an 8 yr old charge of a fatboy harley is dangerous why do you turn your head and just hope for the best instead of correcting teaching and starting them out corrctly with all the possible dangers that could happen and how to ride a motorcycle correctly so one day they can ride a harley fat boy if they so choose when they are taught and prepared... Again Our job as christians is to give the message and just like watchmen we are to warn all of those around us about coming danger and prepare for any battle Eze 3 and 33 We are watchemen Eph 6 put on the whole armor of christ

Eze 33:1 AGAIN the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
Eze 33:2 "Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: 'When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman,
Eze 33:3 'when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people,
Eze 33:4 'then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head.
Eze 33:5 'He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life.
Eze 33:6 'But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.'
Eze 33:7 "So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.
Eze 33:8 "When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die!' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.
Eze 33:9 "Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.


Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[fn3] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Eph 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Eph 6:15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--


Mat 10:12 "And when you go into a household, greet it.
Mat 10:13 "If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Mat 10:14 "And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Mat 10:15 "Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
Mat 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.


What does it mean to be "Wise as serpents and Harmless as doves?? Anyone with an answer to this??

YBIC
David

I would love to hear more comments from people who have actually seen Dangerous Calling. I have seen it several times. It is not 'Texas Chainsaw'. I believe every pastor and youth pastor will identify with the content and have fought these same battles. The overall message to me is about a pastor who has been beaten up by a church before and now struggles with giving a church what they want to hear or standing your ground for your convictions. This is a movie that needs to be seen. The 'horror' if you want to call it that, is that spiritual warfare is going on in our churches. Most people in the pew see our conflicts as just that and do not realize that we are at war...a spiritual war that is going on. There is just no pretty way to illustrate that. This film does a good job of portraying what is going on in the church and how pastors struggle with the pressure.
I know these two young men. I know their walk. They are genuine believers who walk by faith and have a desire to impact Hollywood with the truth of Jesus Christ. Go to this site and read the interview with them: http://www.christian-movie.com/dangerous_calling_interview.html .
Watch the movie and then make a comment. This is not slasher horror. It is 'Alfred Hitchcock' intense drama.

Anna and Kenice, I think you may have missed the point of my comment. Dangeous Calling can very fairly be described as a Christian film. It's also a very entertaining movie. That's my point. If we want audiences to get our messages we better be giving them what we're promising. If we call it Christian comedy it had better be funny. Christian drama needs to be dramatic. And yes Christian horror had better be scary.

We've had the opportunity to screen DC with several mixed audiences of church and non-church people. We've had tremendous feedback from both. Our film isn't Fireproof, but our film is being seen by people that would never watch Fireproof or FTG. This has sparked countless conversations about our faith. Why don't you reserve judgement and see it for yourselves?

As a student Minister of a 'liberal' protestant Christian denomination .. the United Church of Canada .. I have to say .. I agree with Paul .. whole heartedly ..

that which we know as 'God' .. is beyond our capacity to understand .. as is HIS plan .. or how .. or whom HE chooses to fulfill that plan .. Daniel Miligore writes .. "The problem of God is also a continuing topic of philosophical discussion in our time. An important critique is advanced by process philosophers and theologians who argue that traditional doctrines of God are hopelessly inadequate because they view God as absolute and unaffected by the events of history.” Karl Barth writes .. "“In the light of God’s self disclosure in Christ as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it is necessary to say that speech about God is made possible by virtue of God’s own speech and not otherwise. We do not decide in advance that flesh and blood cannot reveal the truth of God. There are no a priori grounds for such an assertion, or indeed for the converse claim that humanity does have the capacity to render God accessible. Only in the light of the fact that God has spoken, and reveals Himself as the Lord, do we learn the He is sovereign over the relation between humanity and himself. God’s revelation in its objective reality is the incarnation of the Word ... It becomes the object of our knowledge; it finds a way of becoming the content of our experience, and our thought; it gives itself to be apprehended by our contemplation and our categories. But it does that beyond the range of what we regard as possible for our contemplation and perception; beyond the confines of our experience and thought. It becomes the object of our knowledge by its own power and not ours. Everything that one believes reflects and says about God the Father and God the Son ... would be demonstrated and clarified basically through God the Holy Spirit, the vinculum pacis between Father and Son"

Here's a different question since this one seems to have "lost its way" and escalated along the thread. Is it ok for a Christian filmmaker to make a horror movie?

Fantastic Blog Post somewhat on the topic... Not really taking a side in this debate, but a great perspective:

http://www.philcooke.com/power_of_stories

Paul #79 Yes by all means it ok for a christian filmmaker to make a Horror movie.. Just keep in mind and all involved in crew to have the eph 6 verses in mind and as I am sure you do all members on set begin with and through each set take time for prayer as we would know this is one a touchy subject but if done to glorify G-d well worth it! Much Like Lightning boy in the "Passion of the Christ" being hit multiple times by lightning while on set the enemy will be a roaring lion when it comes to the light being exposed on his ways and lies... As with the same movie it was so moving that hardened men who don't know what tears are left misting alot. as brutal and blunt as the movie was the message was bold and true and through that witness with even satan roaming through the movie scenes somewhat an edge of thriller horror to it. the message Glorified G-d and did so across all denominations and faiths..Our Message must be bold and shed light of truth no matter how ugly what is in the dark maybe to be seen in that light so the truth is told Matt 5 tells us to not keep our light under a bushel basket but to let it shine so all can see.. if that is What Jesus said to do, and even by his own actions and examples did then if as in this verse lead



Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Mat 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

If Christians can not handle horror in a Christian venue,such as a film, then we might need to stop reading the Revelation.

Thanks josh for clarifying. I appreciate that.

As a fan of scary movies, I think this is a great discussion for Christians to have! Especially with "horror" movies like "Paranormal Activity" selling out theaters right now.

I'm VERY intrigued with the upcoming Christian movie with a similar name coming out soon as well. Anyone know more about this one? http://christianfilmnews.com/1943/paranormal/

I've produced several films with edgy, adult-themed content, but always within the strict limits of my production code and always with a message built in. In a couple of my films, a character experiences Conversion and is then seen in a changed-life state. In other films, there are various references to Biblical doctrine and principles in one way or another. Some of my films have implied sex, but nonmarital sex is never presented positively. And when editing, I ask myself whether a problematic scene, as edited, might cause a weak-willed 12 year old boy who's just hit puberty to become aroused. If the answer is "maybe," I re-edit until I can honestly answer "no." I also show drug use, murder, whatever the story requires. But negative behavior is never glorified. I've had a Feature film accepted at a Horror/SciFi/Fantasy Film fest, in the Fantasy category. It was an alternate-reality, parallel-universe type film that showed the long-term consequences of one very bad decision. The themes included incest, murder, and suicide. The audience praised my film as a very welcome relief from the usual fare at that Fest, which was gore and exploitation with no point to the story. I have another Feature that deals with the possible murder of a baby. And still another in which an aging hitman expernences Conversion and then giveshis own life to save the life of his intended victim. I also write screenplays for the sales market. I've optioned a Western, and nearly optioned a misdirection cop thriller. One of my future projects to film myself is another story with the theme of long-term consequences of bad decisions, and involves a Snuff filmmaker.

I guess it's obvious where I stand on this question. The issue is not the genre. It's how you handle the material, how you shoot and edit it, and where you go with it.

I went to Cloud Ten - Marketing to church youth groups for Halloween - Guys I have seen way to many kids going down the wrong path because of horror - I think the film has merit but the marketing does not!

I can see this being an effective movie for me to bring some of my adult friends but to market it to youth or to church youth groups is irresponsible.

This is an interesting controversy. I think both sides presented their arguments horribly, no matter which side you're on. The first guy gave no reason for his position other than personal experience, which I don't think should be used to convince other people. The guy after him just talked about witnessing opportunities, which is only valid if you believe that Horror isn't wrong. Anyone who had sided with the first guy would write the second off as just a compromiser.

My biggest objection to this film is my total inability to take it seriously. I haven't seen the actual film, but I stifled a laugh when I saw the poster and the tagline on the front.

My opinion is that horror is fine for Christians and, ultimately, no different from any other genre. I feel that the burden of proof is on the side of those who say it shouldn't be done. I'm fine with saying we should be careful with this type of film, but can anyone give me a reason why horror is wrong in absolute terms?

"...that we need to stop preaching to the choir with our films..."
BINGO.
( :

It's interesting though not surprising how many have responded. It seems for the most part a great majority of people, many of whom are Christian are supporting the use of horror films if in their minds there is sufficient reason to do so. Where we may all have our opinions (I certainly have mine) they are nothing more than just opinions. When we are introducing our own way and not God's we are treading on dangerous territory. Some people here have gone as far as quoting scripture to support their on petty arguments. I fear the day will come where almost anything is tolerated and considered legit when we invoke our own human standards rather than biblical ones. Evil cannot be used to create a greater good and where the filmmakers to "Dangerous Calling" and "The Familiar" may have a genuine heart to reach people it will in the end do more harm then good as there is no biblical basis for the work.

Jeremy horror is never fine. We cannot support occult in any form.

I intentionaly steered clear of this controversy at first because I try to steer clear of controversies as much as possible. But I'm going to post a simple idea that I think shows the "real" problem with this argument all together: Should we label anything "christian film" besides a documentary?

In the main stream world films are split into genres: action, suspense, drama, comedy, horror, etc. But some how in the "christian world" we slap the word "christian" in front of everything. I have a few concerns on that issue. First, it sticks you in a limited niche market of people who like that genre and are christians. Very limiting. Second, by sticking the world "christian" in front of the genre it puts the emphasis on the "christian" more than the genre. Third, by putting the emphasis on a religion over the story it requests that the audience first judge the film on whether they think it's "good" enough to fit that title". By doing this we open ourselves up to criticism on "religious" terms vs. being criticized based on how well we told the story through the cinematic arts.

As a cinematic storyteller and a Christian should I have to always think, "what story should I tell that is acceptable as 'christian'"? or should I be led by my ability to tell a story? I would rather allow the story to dictate the artistic and story decisions and allow my "who I am" to bleed through into my work. (Not everything I make reflects my spiritual beleifs, some are just interesting stories, reflections of the world as I see them).

sincerely,

John W. Bosley
Revolutionary filmmaker who created "The Allan Carter Saga Part I: AMNESIA" and the new site for indie filmmakers: rebfest.com

I am not an expert on this subject at all. However the question to me would you be comfortable with the Lord Jesus Christ sitting next to you watching a so called Christian horror movie. I remember a hearing a former rock star saying you don't have be a rock star to tell kids about Jesus. We sometimes try to fit in with the world. We try to be just like them to like us. The convicting power of the holy spirit is what brings people to make a decision in their lives . If you are a movie maker, or whatever your goal should be to please God. I grew up in legalism. However we try sometimes to pawn off everything as legalism when its not. If you are just making a movie fine. If you try to sell it as Christian, then make it pleasing to the Lord. He will be your judge not me. Thanks tom McCall

Chris, my only response to that can be to ask what in the world you're talking about. If you can give me a logical argument linking horror film inseparably to the occult, I'll gladly concede your point. But no one's done that so far.

It seems to me that the real question here is; "What does horror inherently actually have to do with the occult?" If someone can answer that question intelligently, we'll have something solid to discuss.

Aren't all Christian films horror movies?

I don't feel it is in any way supporting the occult as it is exposing it! I guess as it was put you cannot ingnore the gorilla sitting in the room and pretend it doesn't exist. In addtion to my knowledge I don't know many film makers that don't have a target audience. If you are filming something that you ask "If I was a 12 yr old boy would I be aroused?"
and you affirm that it is then you yourself maybe shouldn't have filmed it to begin with. While I understand there are weaknesses, I don't think we are talking about porn,blood,guts, and gore. What I believe we are talking about are things of a spritual nature and some of the behaviours that would go with oppression or even possesion and how to deal with that in a biblical manner. Didn't that happen several times in the bible? Were not the Apostles "exposed" to demonic forces? Were they not tuaght how to identify and deal with them? If you believe there are Angels from Heaven surrounding us then being in the world why would there not be the Fallen angels of Lucifer also being around us? One post brings up C.S.Lewis and the "Screw Tape Latters" The entire book is a disccusion between an Arch Demon and a lower Demon on how to opress a believer. Yet many read the book and it is highly informitive in the ways of the Satan and his hoard and how to deal with them. What differnce then would it be if Cloud Ten made a movie about the book? In fact it might really open some eyes.

Paul and Eric....wow. You guys really struck a chord in the community, with this explosive question. I could get just passionate about this subject as the next person, since Christ through media is close to my heart.

** I HAD TO CONSIDER THIS SUBJECT BEFORE I AUDITIONED AND ACTED IN A LEAD ROLE IN A "THRILLER" Christian faith film.**

I sought God's heart first. Then, I searched MY heart about why I would want to visit FEAR time and time again, for the sake of being BELIEVABLE to the audience. Well, that wasn't hard since we have ALL DEALT WITH IT A TIME OR TWO. However, as the actress, my motivation all the way through was to equip the audience the tools to combat fear in their own lives. Who it comes from, what avenues we take to allow fear to torment you and how not to!

IF, and that is IF we DO a horror film as a "Christian", OUR MOTIVES SHOULD BE PURE. There better be a message that leads to the redemptive power of Christ which ultimately casts down all fear. We should reverance God with "fear and trembling". All else, is questionable.

ALSO, another thing to keep in mind as a scriptwriter or like a CLOUDTEN pictures company, Jesus was always PASSING THRU. So, if we do a HORROR FILM, don't get hung up there. Evil has many faces. Keep moving or we are just "entertaining the spirits!! There is lots of material people!! Let's use our resources...look to us little people!! :)

I do however, agree with a couple writer up above. How would we reach a porn audience?? A homosexual audience?? God will certainly DOWNLOAD the CORRECT and CREATIVE material, WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT. We should not be carelessly putting out "entertaining" film for the sake of creating something. At the same time, while not being careless, do it "AS UNTO THE LORD", or else we will just be offensive and stained.

We must stay pure hearted and check our motives.

Hey!! I think we should pray for more writers that have "been there", so THEY can make these creative film/edgy and relatable AND be pure hearted at the same time! Amen. I'm on it!

God Bless You All and may he increase our discernment!
Dawn Bursell

It really doesn't matter, because there is no God.

Seriously. Knock it off.

Like most of the contributors to this conversation, I have seen a number of non-Christian "thriller", "horror", even "occult" films in my time, although in recent years I've shied away from them, as filmmakers reach ever downward into depravity in their efforts to reach audiences that I think have been desensitized to human suffering. We know that some of these films could not have been made or released, say, 50 years ago - and I suspect some of that represents standards of right and wrong that were higher then ... but I also recognize that contemporary audiences have been fed ever larger doses of sadism, violence and evil ... and seem, like the young Greeks on Mars Hill, to be looking constantly "for some new thing".

In any event, I've noticed that in most of these non-Christian films, the characters, especially the victims, seem to be utterly devoid of any system of belief that would enable them to deal with their tormenters. And I think that a film in this genre that demonstrates the power of Christ to empower his people to overcome evil, and save themselves and extend Christ's love to those who come to discover him, would be a great evangelical tool. But the script would be a very tricky proposition - you'd want to avoid "preachiness", and give us real flesh-and-blood characters, as opposed to cardboard "line sayers" whose only function is simply to spout Bible verses or dogma.

One thing that's always been a comfort to me is the vast range of personalities, backgrounds, income, professions and reputations of the 12 Apostles - from a fisherman to a civil servant to physician et al. What it says to me is that Christ's message can come from many different voices and in many different formats. I would love to see a "horror" film that shows us some of the varied ways in which Christ can give us victory.

@Eric-

Prove there IS a God. It works both ways. I accept that there is no god because there is no concrete evidence of one, and the existence of a God matching the Christian description makes far less sense than the fact that the universe is a place far more vast than I can imagine and I am incredibly fortunate to have come to be.

As for the book, congratulations, that is very exciting. I look forward to the testimonials, I'm sure they will be an interesting read. The 'proofs,' however, I expect to be torturous.

<3, #97

For the last year, my associates and I have been filming a movie based on a novel I wrote, The Death of Kevin Frye. Since beginning this project last year, I have been praying about this very question. On this last weekend, our last weekend of shooting, one of the principle actors sent this blog to me. I've been pondering how to answer ever since then.

First I want to say that I do not like horror films and can only take very mild suspense. Given that, it would be easy for me to say that I don't think Christians should create horror, but I don't feel released to say that.

I feel that the Lord wants to reach all people to rescue them from the enemy who is out to get humanity. God is Almighty and He knows there are some who will only be reached through this medium; and the fact is that satan, demons and hell all exist and will be so much worse than what anyone can imagine. I feel that as long as sin is not glorified, horror film can reach people for the Lord; however, I do have to agree with those who oppose creating "Christian Horror". We have to be very careful what we're doing. With every project, whether it's horror or not, we must ask ourselves if we're using this film to glorify God or glorify ourselves. As we earnestly pray and ask God's direction, He will show us what we should or should not do.

Proverbs 16:3 says "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Part of commiting whatever we do to the Lord is to be willing to discard whatever He tells us to. To be in perfect obedience to Him is to find freedom. If we commit our films to Him, be they horror or not, we will find that what we do will have lasting, eternal value.

Now, I have to add an absolute concerning a subject from another writer on this subject: Pornagraphy cannot be a tool the Lord will use. At it's very root, pornagraphy is a glorification of evil. The Lord will not use that medium for His kingdom.

Thank you for the opportunity to post our opinions.

How about a different perspective?

If Marshall McLuhan is correct and the "medium is the message," then we should NOT make Christian horror films. It was his perception that part of the medium embeds itself into the message and influences how the message is perceived. If of course he is wrong, then it doesn’t matter what medium or techniques are used to tell the story.

To test his theory to some degree, I’ll ask an extreme question. Can you reach those steeped in pornography with the gospel by making a pornographic film with a message of repentance and hope in it? I believe that it is obvious to all that you can’t make a pornographic Christian film and that genre will never be a part of wholesome and moral filmmaking because the medium or genre itself is hypocritical to the message.

Now, lets go back to a gray area that isn’t so extreme. Can a Christian horror film demonstrate God’s grace in a loving way that can be received by the audience? I chose the words "grace" and "love" because of the great commission and how Jesus tells us we are to share that grace. So, is it possible to do it using the genre of horror?

Well, if you properly demonstrate the story of Revelations with the lake of fire, I’m confident many will see it as a horror film and clearly understand the message. But, if you show a guy running around wearing an ice mask and carrying a chainsaw, it would most likely be hypocritical to the message.

This highly controversial question posted by Eric is so subjective, that only the filmmaker can know if his film honors God or not, that is until its released and we can all see it for what it truly is. As for me, I’m not going to judge it for being right or wrong, for fear that my films might be judged in the same manner. Instead, I’m going to make the films God asks me to make and do it to his glory, whether controversial or not.

Well I haven't seen the movie (and won't) but watched the trailers! Haven't read all the posts but all I could before my eyes got tired (but will try to finish later).

As an alcoholic I can never drink alcohol no matter how watered down it is. As an addict I cannot do drugs even for pain without extreme supervision. As an ex-wife beater I cannot slap my wife even a little. As someone who caused someones death I cannot watch this stuff.

My wife and I have prayed for more good christian movies that we can watch that will edify our minds and spirits. There is a shortage.

Horror or intense supense releases chemicals in the brain and body that are not healthy and conditions us to those chemicals and feelings so that we don't notice. It is much like a drug and needs more intensity to affect us the same next time. As we get conditioned the people needing to sell increase the intensity so we get the wanted feeling and so on and so on. I see many comments from film people and writers but few from the people in jail or divorced for violence or without their children because of abuse. Is it all caused by films? No but a lot did start with "Frankly Scarlet! I don't give a D-mn!" and "I won't hit you! The H-ll I won't!" and the increasingly low neckline and the bikini beach movies. Now I have a hard time finding a decent movie and can't watch most TV including the news because of the language.

I spent four years going into the county jail once a week ministering to men that could not get over their violent behavior. They needed to be shown another way not pump up the same chemicals and emotions they felt in life. Once Christian films go this way it will progress just as it has in the world. I am afraid the enemy is already laughing. Matthew 24:24
"For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible." I wonder if perform may have more than one meaning? If teachers and preachers will be judged by a harsher standard, what about film makers and writers that may even reach more people? I pray for the salvation of all that may be lost or deceived and hope that the film industry will give them good entertainment to watch so that they will not be tempted to re-enter the world. I watch and rewatch many Cloud 10 pictures and await more of even better quality and story lines but not what I saw in the trailers.

Love in Christ.

The Bible tells us to set our minds on what is lovely and of good repute. I stay away from movies such as these in the world because they sadden my soul. This is not what I choose to set my mind on.

I personally feel that I would be opening the door to fear to come into my mind and heart. I don't think my soul would benefit or be blessed by watching this type of film. I believe that there is a spiritual warfare taking place and I think it would be inviting evil spirits to come into my mind, home & life if I watched this type of movie. So I would rather steer far away from it.

I am absolutely angry that we would go to this genre. I believe with all my heart that we have to steer clear from all sin. If I had my way, I would shop only at a Christian grocery store, at a Christian barber shop, and a Christian auto dealer. We need to come out of the world! God called us to separate! Israel was told not to intermarry. We are not to intermarry with anything of the world. We need to separate ourselves from the taverns, the pool halls, the porn shops, the drug houses! We cannot associate with harlots and the homosexuals. We need to stay pure and that means we never venture into any of this culture! I think that Jesus would have us to separate ourselves unto a holy and pure lifestyle unstained by this awful world.

We are the chosen...we should separate from anything Hollywood. Most of these people are so doomed to hell anyway. Lest we get trapped like they are...we need to stay away. Satan lives in Hollywood and all his demons. Let's stay with fellow believers and we will grow stronger and purer. I don't want to go to movie house and invite the demons on me especially not to a horror movie. Separate...isolate...cast out the impure from our churches! Where is my Christian Yellow Pages...

I understand now why we are losing the world! I believe some Christians would be happy if they never saw another sinner! This is stupid! Weren't there people saying the same things when Jesus went into the tavern...when he talked with the harlots...when he went to Matthew's party after he followed Jesus...Matthew was the vilest man in all of Carpernaum! Only the vilest were on the guest list..check out Matthew 9! Jesus had to go there to reach him into his world! God would not send an alcoholic into the tavern...so if you have problems with horror movies, don't go but someone has got to reach this group!

Please...see the movie, 'Dangerous Calling'...it is not what you think...it is more Alfred Hitchcock suspense!

I was recently talking with an elder at our church and he said something that made total sense: The word Christian is not an adjective, it's a noun.

Sometimes I think the "Christian" community needs to take a step back and really look at what it means to be a Christian. Just because someone listens to secular music (country, rock, pop) or watches a secular movie on tv or goes to see a secular movie, doesn't mean they're not a Christian.

If anyone on this post can claim that these things don't play a part in their life daily, I think they're fooling themselves.

Being a follower of Jesus doesn't mean standing on a pedestal, looking down on all the "sinners" and telling them what they can or cannot do.

Jesus called us to love each other, regardless of our personal opinions.

No one says you have to like Christian Horror, but you shouldn't condemn it either.

It is our jobs as Christians to reach out to the world and show others there's another path. That may mean crossing into genres we're not comfortable with.

I for one believe that God has called me to follow the Christian Horror path. When I decide to take this leap of faith imagine the impact it could have on the world and the people it could reach that may never have given Christianity the time of day.

I believe God calls us to follow a path. Just because it's labeled Christian Horror doesn't mean it's automatically rejected by God.

It may be rejected by other Christians, and that's fine. In fact, I could care less if any Christians bought my book/s - because I'm not trying to reach Christians, I'm trying to spread the word to those who don't believe. That's the whole premise of Christianity - sharing the message of God with others.

I am very much intrigued by this genre and look forward to working in it one day.

God bless and have a great day!

Steve Blum
nesixmarketing@yahoo.com