Movie Review- The Blind Side

Here we encounter a film where Christians are portrayed in a positive light. This film tells the story of Michael Oher, a guy with a horrendous childhood. He bounces around life with pretty much no direction, until he's offered a chance at success via a private school education with athletic potential. He's "de facto" adopted by a wealthy white family who takes him in, essentially out of Christian charity and the goodness of their hearts. He flowers under their generosity. Then they legally adopt him. He develops his athletic prowess, goes to college and is drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. This is all based on a true story.

There would be no problem showing this film in your church, to either a youth group or a larger audience. The demonstration of Christian charity preaches very well. Another point of discussion is when the football coach (out of selfish motivation) questions what it means to be a Christian. he does this toward the beginning when he lobbies to have Michael admitted to the school.

GOSPEL HANDLES

The biggest Gospel handle is the theme of adoption. Michael is adopted by the family. What better way to illustrate Scripture's point of our adoption through Christ? Further, when Michael first starts to live with the family, he is taken in, fed, clothed, sheltered, etc. This provides a fantastic illustration of Christ's words in Matthew's Gospel about welcoming the stranger.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in this film.

I recommend this film for any pastor's film library. He or she may she it with confidence. What?! You don't have a pastor's DVD library?