One Christian Film that Deserves a (Second) Chance

When you hear the term "Christian movie," a few things probably come to mind: cheesy, fake, out of touch with reality, too preachy, bad acting and bad writing.

While it's true that many Christian films are unfortunately lower than average, things are beginning to change. Some Christian films, like the "Passion of the Christ" and the "Chronicles of Narnia," have made it to the big screen and have gained huge followings. Others either have small theatrical openings or go straight to video, and contrary to popular belief, neither of those necessarily means "bad movie."

In "The Second Chance," Grammy award winning recording artist Michael W. Smith plays Ethan Jenkins, a former rock star who now pastors a white, affluent, suburban megachurch called The Rock. When his unconventional ideas don't sit well with the church board, he's sent off to help The Rock's sister church, Second Chance, located in a poor inner-city neighborhood that includes mostly blacks and Hispanics.

Jake Sanders (Jeff Obafemi), the pastor of Second Chance, helps men get off drugs and get jobs while his wife helps prostitutes turn their lives around. While The Rock gives generously to Second Chance in terms of money, Sanders is upset that nobody is willing to actually get their hands dirty and instead, are trying to make themselves feel better by writing out large checks. When Jenkins comes to Second Chance, Sanders believes he's there because it makes him look good and he enjoys having an audience; not because he truly understands the needs of the inner-city.

Worlds collide when both men are forced to work together and confront their own prejudices while finding that they have more in common than they originally thought.

There are those who believe that no Christian movie should show prostitution, gang banging, violence, or contain bad language and "The Second Chance" has all of that, which is why some Christians have shunned the film. In fact, some Christian bookstores have refused to carry the movie on their shelves because of the so-called objectionable material.

In one scene, Sanders says to a church board member, "You know what makes me crazy about the Bible? It says I have to love you, but right now I just want to beat the hell out of you."

Harsh, yes. But how many of us, as Christians, have secretly thought that to ourselves, when it came to our enemies? We may enjoy putting on a façade, but it's no wonder so many non-Christians don't take us seriously. How can they, when we can't get serious ourselves?

Sometimes we become too concerned over how we are perceived by the church and by doing so, we come off as holier than thou, self-righteous and arrogant. We're too afraid to show our faults for fear that we'll be judged or that others will see that even though we're Christians, we still struggle and sometimes even fall flat on our face.

This movie isn't afraid to show imperfect people struggling with their faith. But it also shows imperfect people finding redemption and learning from their mistakes.

When a member of Second Chance criticizes another for using the word "hell," he not only seeks forgiveness, but he proceeds to wash the feet of the young man he criticized, saying, "I cared more about you saying hell than I did about how you were feeling," which is followed by Jenkins washing the feet of Sanders in another act of forgiveness.

After hearing some of the complaints, I came away from the movie somewhat surprised.

It wasn't nearly as gritty as I expected it to be, but it still touches on issues that at times, Christian are afraid to delve into.

"The Second Chance" demonstrates that while you can try to save people from their dangerous lifestyle, not everyone will be won over, but you still need to try, and while giving financially is nice, it shouldn't be used an excuse to not get involved yourself. Jesus wasn't afraid to go out among the lowest of the low and become a friend to sinners and neither should we.

Christian filmmakers are finally beginning to step out of their safe little boxes and get real, even if it means being ostracized by those in their own community. But they're in good company. After all, it was the religious leaders who detested Jesus when he reached out to the outcasts of society and didn't behave like those in the religious community wanted him to behave.

In the 1980s, musician Steve Taylor challenged Christians to examine their own views through his lyrics and now he's turned his talents towards filmmaking, with this provocative directorial debut.

"The Second Chance" isn't exactly award winning material. It has its faults and the ending left me somewhat disappointed, but the story of faith, redemption and stepping out of your comfort zone was enough to garner my appreciation.