Back in 1997 a book came out that was instantly a powerful success in Christian retail. “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers was that book. This book told the story of how God’s redeeming love changes us. It was a beautiful book that sold like crazy. My wife has given out more copies of this book than I can even imagine.
The book tells the story of a farmer who asks God to bring him his wife. God points him to Angel the town Prostitute. He then spends his money to buy time with her, yet never sleeps with her. He then saves her after a beating by her “pimp”, the brothel owners. At the same time asking her to be his wife. And he nurses her, and cares for her. She though has a hard time understanding his love, and God’s love, and leaves him countless times. Each time going back into her old life. Yet because of God’s Redeeming Love he continues to pursue her and prove his love.
A more beautiful book on God’s grace and redemption is hard to come by.
When we saw it was being made into a movie, we were excited for it, as was my teenage daughter who has read this book. My wife and I were shocked and very disappointed in the actual film. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this movie as it was done to my congregation or friends.
I believe that the intent was to make this a movie for the secular world, not a Christian film, so that they would then be interested in the book or subsequent Podcast on the themes of the movie and thus be won to Christ. The problem is the outcome of this movie is more akin to a Soft Porn film (And sometimes not that soft) like 50 Shades. Scenes of the Brothel where all other women are clothed but Angel and her hair being the only thing covering her. As well as two scenes of Sex that leave very little to the imagination.
Where God was the CENTER of the book, the movie is more about this Man’s love for Angel then God’s love.
As a Pastor, a father, and a Believer, I can’t recommend this movie as is. My fear is many Believers will see the Title and rush to the theaters only to get up and leave. It will hurt this film more than help it. If they would just edit out the 2 scenes of erotic Sex, as well as the naked portion this film would still be around 2 hours long and be something I could recommend. It would not change a single element of the film to not have those portions and would allow this film to be a film that I could take non-believers to and use as a steppingstone to belief in God’s redeeming Love.
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