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Sunday,  April 6, 2014 pm

Noah – the movie

Last November I preached a sermon entitled, “The Real Noah”.  It described the Biblical account of Noah and the flood as recorded in Genesis 6-9.  At that time I also observed that a major motion picture was in the works and that probably great liberties would be taken in the telling of the story.  That movie has now been released and the observations that were made have proved to be true.

It is a movie that has received mixed reviews in the religious world.  Many professed followers of the Bible and spiritual leaders endorse it, while others outright condemn it (I am in the latter category).   Even among brethren there are mixed reviews with some seeing it as a science-fiction epic of grand proportions while others who have seen it walked out infuriated at its treatment of the Genesis account.  Early last week, I found at least one “church of Christ” that was selling tickets to a theatre for this movie.   It is because of this that I have decided to present this lesson.

Because I wanted to present this lesson, I seriously considered going to the movie.   I decided against it because of everything I have heard and read about it.  We often hear critics tell someone who condemns some activity without firsthand knowledge that he doesn’t have a right to do so.   While I understand that point, I do not believe it to be always true.   I don’t have to drink alcohol to know that it is wrong or the effects of alcoholism.  In broader terms, I don’t have to participate in some sinful activity to call it sinful.  In fact, because I believe something to be sinful ought to be reason to avoid it in the first place. 

When it comes to the world, and even the denominational world, presenting materials about Biblical accounts or principles, I consider myself pretty tolerant.  NOT necessarily in agreement, but if one’s motives are based upon truth within God’s word – there may be some merit to the project (but error still needs to be addressed).   I am in favor of a society that is willing to proclaim the God of the Bible (cf. Phil. 1:15-18).  We need more of it if this nation is to turn around from its immoral path.

But the movie Noah is so far from the truth it should not even be compared to the Biblical account, or endorsed as such.   It makes a mockery out of what the Bible actually teaches.   There is a caption on advertisements for this movie that says, “The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.”[1]

The director, Darren Aronofsky,  is an atheist who in an interview with  the Washington Post called this movie, “the least biblical biblical film ever made.”[2]   He was somewhat truthful about that.  The bottom line, why should I give my good money to support such a project?

Of this movie some have said there is an ark, a flood and a man named Noah, but other than that there is NOTHING that relates to the account in the Bible.

In this lesson, we are going to address some things about this movie.  Then we are going to talk about merchandising God and striving to get an understanding with the world.

 I.                    The Account of Noah

a.       It is recorded in Genesis 6-9.  Genesis 3 records the fall of Adam and Eve and their being cast out of the garden.  The next 2 chapters record Cain murdering Abel and Seth being born to take the place of Abel, and the  genealogies from Adam to Noah.
Genesis 6:1-7 records the depraved state of the world and God’s declaration that the days of man would be 120 years before He would destroy man from the face of the earth.
Then in Gen. 6:8 we read, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”  “This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” (Genesis 6:9–10)
So the Lord tells Noah about His plans to destroy the earth.  He instructs Noah to build an ark and gives him detailed instructions.
We are told in Genesis 6:22, ““Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”

At the appointed time animals, “two of every sort” are brought into the ark and 7 of every clean animal.  (7:2-3)

Then the flood comes and destroys all of humanity save Noah and his family.  They are in the ark for about 1 year.  When they emerge from the ark, they are commanded to replenish the earth (8:17)  Noah builds an altar to the Lord.  The Lord smells the aroma and He says, “And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.” (Genesis 8:21)   
The rainbow is created as a sign of the covenant between God and man that He would never again destroy the world by flood. 
In summary that is the Biblical account of the flood.  It is a story of God’s grief but also His grace and love.  It is an account of faith and obedience.

b.      BUT IMAGINE if the story is changed and dramatized.  After all there are numerous flood accounts associated with most ancient civilizations.  Imagine if in this story:
When Adam and Eve were created they were just spirit beings.  When they sinned, then they received flesh and a physical body that was corrupt.  Their descendants are all corrupt.  But Noah was a man who was conflicted about the way the world (particularly the environment) was being treated.  He’s a vegetarian while much of mankind around his is carnivorous.  The movie portrays some of man’s wickedness, perhaps the greater part was their abuse of the environment.   One night he has a nightmare and is disturbed.  So he goes to see his grandfather Methuselah who is a guru of sorts.  He gives Noah a hallucinogenic drug and he has a “vision” in which he is to build an ark.  He plants a forest to harvest trees and begins to build the ark.  He is assisted by gigantic “rock people” who are actually fallen angels who were cursed with hardened molten lava like bodies (again physical is evil against their spirits) in building the ark.   Of course the world is mocking him and in an effort to stop him they are overcome by the rock monsters.  The ark is built and the flood comes.  As it begins many are fighting with Noah to get on the ark.  He fights them off with the help of the rock monsters.  But one of Noah’s enemies stows away on the ark and plots to kill Noah along with his son Ham.   Meanwhile on the ark, Noah decides that God want to utterly destroy humanity which includes his family.  He plots to kill his children and grandchildren (Shem’s wife is expecting twins while on the ark) and they plot to stop him.  Eventually Tubal-Cain, the stowaway, is killed by Ham.  Noah, in an act of compassion, when facing his grandchildren decides to spare them and allow the world to be repopulated with humans.  The ark lands, the flood dissipates and life goes on.
Friends that is “a different gospel” – see Galatians 1:6-9.

 

 II.                  Lessons from the REAL account of Noah

a.       Noah was a righteous man.  He is NOT described as a conflicted, obsessive, violent  and homicidal man in the Bible.  Recall again Genesis 6:9-10 where he is described as a just man, perfect (blameless) in his generation.  He walked with God.
Hebrews 11:7 says,  “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” 
He had faith and OBEYED God’s every command – something skewed in the movie.
Genesis 7:1, as the flood was about to begin says, “Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.”

b.      Noah was a preacher of righteousness.  He warned the world of coming destruction and wanted mankind to repent and of coming judgment.   He was not vengeful toward them as far as we are told.  We are told that God “and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;” (2 Peter 2:5)
Furthermore, Jesus uses the example of the days of Noah as a warning that we too will face judgment.  Jesus says the people ignored Noah (not that they tried to fight against him) - “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:26–27)

c.       God loves the world.   We are here today because of that.  John 3:16.
In the movie, God is referred to as “the Creator” and never by name.  There is question as to whether or not He desires to continue mankind in the movie. 
Biblically, the reason Noah and his family were spared was to continue humanity.  While the flood was an act of judgment, it also was an act of grace and mercy and Noah and his family are cared for.  Genesis 6:17–18  says, “And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.”

d.      The ark is a type of our salvation in Christ.  1 Pet. 3:20-21 says, “who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”   This is a text addressing how Jesus suffered for our sins to bring us to God.   He makes reference to Noah and his family being saved “through water” and then tells us that we too need water – baptism – to save us (not that the water saves us – but the obedience).
That is the great theme of the account of Noah in Genesis.  Man is wicked and will be held accountable, but the righteous will be delivered from that wickedness. 

 

 III.                Merchandising the gospel

a.       Don’t rely on an ungodly world to promote the gospel.  Hollywood is very anti-Biblical.  This movie is an example of that.   Considering some of its elements and the background of Aronofsky, it has been pointed out that the movie promotes Gnosticism (which was a doctrine John dealt with in 1 John teaching that flesh is evil and is not compatible with the soul). 
The movie also relied some on the Kaballah, which is a text of Jewish mysticism – a sect of Judaism that dabbles in the occult and Eastern philosophy. 
The ungodly world wants one thing with efforts such as this – money.  YOUR money!
Recall the warning of Paul about false teaches who transform themselves into angels of light (2 Cor. 11:13-15).    The ungodly will exploit and deceive (2 Pet. 2:1-3) through covetousness. 
Ephesians 5:11 tells us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather to expose them. 
Friends you don’t need to COMPROMISE with the world to get out the gospel message.

b.      Can it be used as a starting point for dialogue about the Bible? 
One of the arguments being made today is that events such as this movie Noah (and Son of God) are an opportunity to promote discussion on the truth.  
While there is some truth to that – it is NOT justification for endorsement of such efforts.    Why do have to crawl into the den of iniquity and get muddied up to be able to proclaim the gospel. 
We are seeing a trend amid so-called “Christianity” that seeks for just a seedling of the Bible in society and they will sell their birthright for a morsel of food.  Esau was called profane for doing that!
If you use anything other than the gospel to teach the gospel you are going to have problems. 
ON the other hand, we are commanded to teach the gospel to others – Mark 16:16, Acts 8:4.  1 Pet. 3:15 tells us to be ready to give a defense  to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.
The best way to do that is by being a godly example – Matt. 5:13-16, Phil. 2:14-16, “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:14–16, NKJV)

When one allies himself with the devil and his minions, compromise is not far behind.  That is why we don’t endorse, even the good works of denominations.
incidentally, I can start a dialogue WITHOUT seeing this movie just as easily by saying no when someone asks me if I went OR explaining why I didn’t go.
Friends, DON’T be ashamed of the gospel and don’t let the world shame you into compromise.

c.       The danger of turning the Bible into entertainment.

                                                   i.      WE live in an entertainment driven society.   We are entertained all the time.  I am convinced that is why many churches are seeking to make their “worship services” more entertaining.  They do so to keep the attention and to appease the demands of the audience.  Is that a good thing?  I think not!
Worshipping God is NOT about being entertained.   It never has been!

                                                 ii.      BUT there are many, some well-intentioned, who think that they can get out the message of the gospel and tell the Bible story with movies, novels, and dramatic interpretations.    There are many problems with this though:

1.       It can cause people, especially critics of the inerrancy of the Bible, to question the accuracy of their understanding of Biblical accounts.  It lends fuel to those who say we cannot understand the Bible.

2.       It minimalizes the actual Word of God to sound bites and the broader accounts without the details that are sometimes very important. 

3.       Another concern is how our media’s portrayal of Biblical events takes great artistic license, as we stated in this movie.  Sometimes it is done with a genuine respect for the overall theme (i.e. the Passion – while containing inaccuracies about Jesus was created with respect for Jesus and the suffering He endured).   But at other times, it is closer to blasphemy – mocking God and scripture – such as “The Last Temptation of Christ”. 
These “artistic liberties” become the perceived truth to a lazy generation that won’t bother to read the Bible but will assume the movie is absolutely accurate.     2 Tim. 2:15, Acts 17:11

4.       NOTE: This can become an even greater  concern with movies that are CLOSER to the truth (unlike Noah).  In this society, the errors become the perceived truth.  As an example:  If you asked the average American how many wisemen came to visit Jesus what would they say?  3  Why?  Because that is the perception in Nativity scenes, etc.   The same is true with a movie that distorts the facts.  In the 1970s movie about Jesus, He enters the water to be baptized.  He is wet from the waist down and then John pours water on His head.    How many see that and think that is how Jesus was baptized?

d.      Making merchandise of God –

                                                   i.      Our final observation has to do with how our society is trying to make a profit off of God and the Bible.    It’s not just movies, but t-shirts, bumper stickers, music, wall plaques, etc.    When you go into a Bible book store, at the front of many of them is the merchandise table with the fancy plaques, cups, pictures and knick-knacks with scriptures or spiritual sayings on them.  Then you have the video section.  The finally you might find some Bibles and books on given subjects. 
WE continually see themes being introduced to the religious world – 40 days of purpose, WWJD, The Passion, etc.  And they all come with a company that will gladly sell you merchandise and materials. 
And now it’s the movie industry – tapping into a market – and doing a miserable job of getting the facts right. 
Well known preachers/authors will sell you their books and charge to hear them speak, usually about some worldly theme like money or family, etc.

                                                 ii.      Is this what the gospel is supposed to be about? 

Twice, Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers for making the house of God into a house of merchandise.  (John 2:16, Matt. 21:12-13)
When Jesus sent out His disciples He said, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
In 2 Peter 2:3 we note again the false teacher who will exploit you “by covetousness.”
In 1 Timothy 6:3-5 Paul warned, “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”

                                                iii.      NOW I am not saying it is wrong to make money for a book or work you have done, even if it is based on the word of God, (cf. 1 Cor. 9:4-7, 14)  but what are witnessing now is turning the church and preaching the word of God into a “for profit” organization.

I do NOT see that as what God intended! 

And there you have it – some observations about the movie Noah and how it is reflected in our society.   Let us as children of God strive to live in a manner pleasing to Him and we can only do that if we study His word and strive to teach that and that alone.  Think about it!