Praise This - Singing from the heart of Faith


 Every so often I have the good fortune of being asked to preview a movie for a Hollywood Studio - call it a perk of having a weekly podcast called “Christ, Culture, and Cinema.”  The Hollywood studios don’t typically come knocking on my door for the next horror movie or thriller…but, when it brushes up against the Christian faith, they must figure a podcast that starts with the word “Christ” might have something to say about the movie.  Now to be honest, my partner Michael Popp and I are typically open to every genre of movie and usually avoid the Christian themed movies - maybe we don’t want to be accused of picking “low hanging fruit” for our podcast.  But when asked to watch a movie in advance, Michael and I are all in!  Well, maybe Michael and I need to start paying more attention to movies like Praise This.  

Set in the backdrop of Atlanta and the large non-denominational African American churches - as well as the hip hop and rap music scene, this movie was slightly out of this Eastern European’s comfort zone.  But this movie is relevant…this is a real and important segment of the Christian church and the culture in the United States today.  Music is a gift of God - in fact, musical instruments, singing, and dancing are found all over the Bible.  Maybe some faith communities don’t want to recognize these gifts from God, but clearly there are other Christian gatherings that recognize how important these tools of ministry can be.  

The movie uses a praise team competition to take us on a journey of exploring the people, their hurts, their desires, and their stories of redemption.  Just consider the mix of characters and the burdens they are individually carrying around in life.  Sam  (played by Chloe Bailey), a young woman forced to move - by her father - from Los Angeles following the loss of her mother and some legal troubles.  She aspires to be a singer but her heart and soul are adrift.  Aaron (played by Drew Desbordes) is a drug dealer who finds Jesus but struggles as he falls back into his former life.  Quavo (played by Ty) is a singer/song writer who creates incredible music but doesn’t understand the first thing about the story behind the large cross he wears around his neck.  Even Pastor 'PG' Goodman (played by Tristan Mack Wilds) struggles serving in a world where his tattoos and personal story do not neatly mesh with the typical stories of his fellow pastors - he strives for acceptance where none can be found.  Every character in this movie has a story - and when you watch it you will more than likely find a character that you can identify with.

All of this to say, the movie really is an exploration of peoples stories and how they each come to understand that praise music - real, authentic praise music- flows from a place of peace and acceptance only found in the arms of Jesus.  There is not a character that is perfect - far from it.  But with each character we discover that sins can be forgiven, lives can be changed, and peace can be found.  In a culminating scene in the movie - when the praise team from the Oil Factory Church rocks the house and all the other praise teams join in - we realize that it’s the unifying and unyielding power of the Holy Spirit through song that unites this disparate group of people together.  They are filled with joy…with laughter…and with a peace that transcends all understanding.  

To be sure, the worship music experience of Praise This is not what one would necessarily find in the congregation I serve on a Sunday morning.  And…that’s okay.  It doesn’t have to be!  What I would tell you is that when the people of my congregation sing, they too are united by the Holy Spirit in a similar way.  The power of music and song, when given to us by God, unites us in ways that our personal stories melt away and our unity in Jesus Christ shines brightly.  

Praise This reminds us that faith matters…that pains can be eased…and sins can be forgiven.  Get ready to laugh, to tap your feet (or even dance), and to be filled with joy - Praise This reminds us that faith matters and that the power of the Gospel can transform lives.  I’m not sure if I would have chosen this movie to watch while scrolling through Peacock Streaming when looking for a movie.  Maybe…just maybe…the Holy Spirit worked through Hollywood and gave me a nudge - and I hope this blogger spot post is a nudge for you to check it out yourself.

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