I’ve read about Noah in the Bible many, many times. Like thousands and thousands of other people, I know the story inside out.

This week I saw the movie, “Noah” in the theatre. To be honest, I didn’t read any of the hype, nor any of the reviews before I saw the movie. I simply went to see the movie of a script I knew very, very well.

After seeing the movie, I’m happy to report that there is a character named Noah, there is a flood and an ark (a very large boat). But the movie is not about the Noah that I’ve read about, nor does it have anything to do with God or the Bible.

There are people who have written all kinds of reviews on this movie. You could read a review or two if you want, but I would suggest you just read Genesis 6-9.

Read it a few times – it won’t take you the 139 minutes it takes to watch the movie (plus the previews and waiting in line for popcorn). As an added bonus, and just to get your math down on who lived when, you could read Genesis 5 as well.

That’s a really good start if you are interested in seeing the movie because, after reading the Biblical account of Noah, you will be able to view this movie without confusion. It’s clear that it’s not taken from the Bible.

I’m not saying that’s a bad thing; I’ve seen movies that aren’t from the Bible. I can’t recall any reference in the scripture to “Jason Bourne” or “Blackbrier” of the Bourne trilogy of movies, and I’m okay with that.

I saw the Lord of Rings series and I may even go see the Captain America movie that’s coming out soon. Those movies are entertaining; not enlightening; not revealing truth. And I don’t expect them to be any of that either.

For me, if I want enlightenment and truth I read the Bible. When I want to be entertained, I may watch a movie.

This was not a bad movie to watch. However, it is violent in places, and I still have a few marks on my hand where my wife dug in her nails.

There are some amazing rock creatures that help Noah build the ark. I’m sure they cut his workload and time down by about 60% … these guys had six arms!

If you haven’t seen the movie and are wondering if you should, consider your motives for seeing the movie first.

See it for entertainment only. If you want to get some visual depiction of the story in Genesis, then don’t see the movie. Instead purchase some flannel, some paper cut-out Bible figures, and an easel from a craft story. Then have someone read Genesis 6-9 and you work the flannel graph.

Here’s the thing: Everything you watch, hear and read has a slant to it. Someone has put their own thoughts, ideas, interpretation to it. But God has given us the Bible. Yes, it was written over 2,000 years ago and has 40 authors. But it was written under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit.  2 Timothy 3:16 says it was “breathed out by God”. God has made sure that we have what He wants us to have in the scriptures: His truth, the truth.

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: Will you see the movie? Why or why not? If you have, what are your thoughts on it?

I’d love to hear from you; leave your comment below.