Christian author and spoken-word artist Jefferson Bethke took to social media to express his enthusiasm for the upcoming “Noah” film. He also expressed his confusion on why Christians have been so critical of the movie’s fidelity to the Bible.

“Does anyone else find it fascinating that Son of God got little backlash, because it was marketed to Christians & churches, yet Noah isn’t marketed to the Church and is getting a ton of backlash? Even though both took substantial creative license,” Bethke tweeted on Monday.

Steve Patton, a California pastor, responded to Bethke, suggesting that the reaction of Christians might have had something to do with the faith background of those promoting “Noah,” as “Son of God’s” producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey were not shy about sharing about their Christian faith while doing press for the movie.

“I think because Noah is made by a known atheist (Darren Aronofsky), people are up in arms. Let me tell it- meh,” tweeted Patton.

Bethke agreed with Patton’s rationale.

“Ya I’m almost positive that’s the reason. Super fascinating tho that most won’t explicitly say that’s reason. They say license,” he responded.

“Seems to show us Christians want to be catered to? Or we think the director has to be a Christian?” he added.

The film has stirred controversy as some Christians believe it does not adhere to the biblical story. Some of the most vocal critics include Ken Ham of the Creation Museum, evangelist Ray Comfort, and more recently conservative radio host Glenn Beck.

Also adding to the controversy was a Faith Driven Consumers survey, where 98 percent of 5,000 respondents who had not screened the movie, said they would not be “satisfied with a biblically themed movie – designed to appeal to you – which replaces the Bible’s core message with one created by Hollywood.”

A disclaimer by Paramount Pictures was later attached to promotional material, stating: “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.”

Christian apprehension for the film has not dampened Bethke’s enthusiasm, who added that he was “so jacked for Noah!”

“Russell Crowe is a BEASTMODE! And paramount production is gunna be epic I’m sure,” he exclaimed.

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SOURCE: The Christian Post
Morgan Lee