Movie Recommendation

Whenever I decide to watch a Christian-themed movie, I'm always skeptical about how "Christian" the film will actually be in its content, particularly with the gospel. Many recent films have fallen short in my opinion. So even though I heard rave reviews about the new movie "Fireproof" (such as "the best movie ever I've ever seen"), I kept my expectations in check. Obviously, the film is not a high-budget Hollywood production, but there are many reasons why the film should be commended. For those who don't know the story line, it's about a young upwardly mobile couple (Caleb and Catherine) that has drifted apart after just a few years of marriage, and how their marriage covenant is renewed. As our pastor said during a recent marriage ceremony, the biggest problem each of us will ever face in marriage is ourselves. Because of our sinful nature, we continually struggle with self-love, rather than choosing to love our spouse sacrificially. That's what "Fireproof" depicts, two people seeking happiness and fulfillment in their careers and possessions to the detriment of each other. In an attempt to save the marriage, Caleb takes a "love dare" from his father to sacrificially love Catherine for the next forty days, regardless of her responses to his daily attempts. His father frequently counsels him that love is not based on emotion; it's a determined choice. During that time, Caleb also discovers that, in order to save the marriage, he must rid his life of a "parasite," an addiction that has had a devastating effect on his relationship with Catherine.

What I appreciate most about "Fireproof" though, is that it accurately communicates the message of the cross. It's kind of hard to miss, since Caleb and his dad take several walks to a large wooden cross in a park during their father/son counseling sessions. Their conversations speak of man's sinful condition, need for a Savior, God's judgment and wrath toward sinners, Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and salvation from our sins through faith alone in Jesus' finished work on the cross (not by anything good we might do). And it's only through Caleb's new faith in Christ (and as a new creature in Christ) that he is able to persevere in truly loving Catherine, no matter what the outcome of their marriage would be. As you might guess, the movie has a happy ending, and I could hear joyful sniffles all around me as the credits were rolling (yes, I even shed a few tears). :)