Alan Ritchson: Movie Theaters Are the New ‘Pulpit’
By Movieguide® Contributor
REACHER star, Alan Ritchson recently said that it is important to support faith-based films in Hollywood.
Ritchson compared movie theaters as the new “pulpit,” on a Zoom prayer call with the cast and crew from ORDINARY ANGELS.
Christian Headlines reported that Ritchson has a desire to be in films that honor Jesus.
“People are hearing the name of Christ in movie theaters,” said Ritchson. “And if that’s where the pulpit is for people who wouldn’t normally step foot in a church, then that’s still a great way to have that conversation. It matters that these films get supported,” he added.
When faith-based films are supported it sends a vital message to Hollywood.
‘Other people in [Hollywood] watch this and a groundswell kind of takes place in Hollywood that changes things in a real meaningful way,” Ritchson stated.
In his recent film, ORDINARY ANGELS, Ritchson described the film as a story of God using broken and imperfect people to do His work.
“God continually shows up in our world in a way that kind of boggles our mind. Because we, for whatever reason, I think we continue to buy into the idea that … God chooses heroes to do His work. And it’s just never been the case,” he said.
He continued, “It’s the broken and the dysfunctional that God proves His power and strength through. And this a story of that, too. It’s important that we remember that those who maybe struggle to follow the rules, who don’t look like the perfect Christians, who are the broken, are the people that God has a funny way of expressing Himself through. And that story is very much told in Ordinary Angels.”
Movieguide® previously reported on the rise of faith-based films:
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in Hollywood to produce faith-based films that focus on religious themes and values.
While the trend has taken Hollywood by surprise, there are some clear-cut reasons for audiences’ renewed interest in uplifting entertainment.
The audience for faith-based films has grown, particularly among Christians. According to a study by Barna Group, a research organization that tracks religious trends.
“Four out of ten adults (41%) said that within the past two years they had seen a movie that had caused them to think more seriously about their religious faith,” the study stated.
This has created a demand for more films with religious themes.
Faith-based films have also proven to be profitable. Low budget movies such as “God’s Not Dead” produced $65 million on a $2 million budget. Which attributed to a huge financial success within the industry.
Movieguide®’s annual Report to the Entertainment Industry has shown that year after year, movies with moral, family-friendly, and uplifting content perform better at the box office than movies with excessive foul language, violence and sex.
Despite Hollywood ostracizing actors and directors who stand firm in Christian values, streaming platforms and independent studios have paved away for some of Hollywood’s biggest names to create their own content. Stars such as Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg and Chrissy Metz have either taken on roles or directed films that are faith-based.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
