Fireproof....

This past weekend Jim and I went to see the much hyped Christian film Fireproof. The movie was great, however, I am still after a few days questioning part of it's message. While it was appealing to see God's message of love, grace and forgiveness on the big screen, I couldn't help but ponder a couple things. So I thought I'd share.



I take the issue of porn viewing very seriously. It's great that the main character was a fireman, but how many men out there could realistically take a baseball bat to their computer? How many women for that matter? According to a Focus on the Family survey in 2003 found that 47% of families thought that pornography was a problem in their home. (source: http://www.safefamilies.org/sfStats.php )


Pornography Time Statistics
Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography
Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography
Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines
Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States

http://internet-filter-review.toptenreviews.com/internet-pornography-statistics.html (source)



Let's face it, this is a huge problem, one that is generally swept under the rug and it ruins lives and destroys marriages. Now back to the movie...I would have loved to have seen the next time..for him to become accountable to a friend, to call someone, to walk away...even to fail because that is what happens sometimes. Speaking from someone who has walked a mile in the wives' shoes, it doesn't just go away, it is an on-going battle and one that has to be taken seriously. (please note: Women look at it too, and i am in no way bashing here.)

My second issue was, and I know I may catch some flack here, but the whole concept of now that you've got Jesus your life is going to be great. Again, life doesn't work that way. Suffering is a part of life. When Jesus spoke to the disciples about "taking up their cross" I am sure He wasn't talking about the easy road. Look where taking up the cross got Him. He suffered, bled and died. None of that was great....yes it was for the greater good...our good. But even He asked for the cup to pass from Him, but went on to say, "not my will, but Yours be done." It is a little disconcerting that people will get this prosperity gospel message and wonder why their lives didn't get better. Then what for them? Thinking...look I gave my life to this Jesus and nothing is better, in fact it could be worse....look at the couple in the movie. That guy gave his life to Jesus and he kicked a porn addiction, healed his marriage and even made up with his mom.


I commend the filmmakers for even taking on a project like this, for even attempting to show the world what it is like. It really was a good movie...but since this is my blog, this is my opinion.