5 Awful Christ-ploitation Films That Will Make You Question Your Faith | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

5 Awful Christ-ploitation Films That Will Make You Question Your Faith

Inadvertently putting the lord's name in vain, cinema style.

978
5 Awful Christ-ploitation Films That Will Make You Question Your Faith
Logopedia

With Easter Sunday upon us, it is time to acknowledge that we could do better as human beings.

First things first, lets stop making Christ-ploitation movies.

Now, some of you might not know what I am talking about, so I'll explain. Christ-ploitation films are a sub-genre of exploitation films, which are films that seek to gain financial success by exploiting current trends or lurid content (over the top sex, violence, etc.). Christ-ploitation films follow that model, as they often center around popular points of discussion in Christian circles (prayer in school, the belief in God, etc.). What makes these films so awful is that they go way over the top to get their point across, to the point where no one can take them seriously. All of these movies feature cheap patriotic symbolism, Christians as a sort of oppressed minority (they do know that this is America, right?), and any all non-Christian characters as evil. In the hopes that these films will one day be a thing of the past, we're gonna look at five of the worst Christ-ploitation movies out there:


5. I'm Not Ashamed

This Pureflix (basically Netflix for people who attend church everyday) produced film is based on the life of Rachel Joy Scott, the first child killed in the Columbine shootings of 1999. While the story of Rachel Scott is certainly an interesting one, which inspired the prominent Rachel's Challenge organization, this film goes about it the wrong way. The whole film comes off as the studio using the tragic death of Rachel Scott as a means of promoting a Christian agenda. Even more misguided is the portrayal of the men behind the shootings, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. Not only does the movie portray these men in the most one-note way possible, but they use the tiresome "video games cause violence" narrative to explain why Harris and Klebold conducted the shootings (some things never change).


4. Old Fashioned

Fifty Shades of Grey, which was released around the same time. Ironically, Old Fashioned is really no different from Fifty Shades. While this movie is nowhere near as risque as FSG, the relationship between the two main characters is just as unhealthy. The main male character is an unlikable, controlling jerk, whose "chivalry" comes across as more creepy than charming. Needless to say, this movie doesn't make for the best date night.


3. Last Ounce of Courage

I have ragged on this movie before, so please check out that article for a more in detail critique. This film is basically centered around the mythical War on Christmas, the belief that liberals are trying to get rid of Christmas. Nothing about this movie is subtle, and the idea of Christmas being a dying holiday is laughable. Also add in the shameless exploitation of dead military veterans and an insufferable "We're victims, too!" attitude, and you got film you certainly don't want to find in your stocking.


2. War Room

What makes this Christ-ploitation film especially rotten is its baffling message. This film revolves around how a crumbling marriage was saved by the wife praying in her closet that her husband won't cheat on her. I don't think I need to say any more.


1. The God's Not Dead Movies

The God's Not Dead franchise has arguably paved the way for many Christ-ploitation movies. As such, it arguably presents Christ-ploitation films at their absolute worst. The subtly is nowhere to be found, the characters are as black and white as you can get, and it is disgustingly offensive in how it portrays anyone who is not a Christian. These movies clearly exhibit the biggest problem with Christ-ploitation movies; they're not about spreading the message of Christianity, but rather reaffirming their audience's hatred in certain things. Unfortunately, such methods work, as the third film in this franchise was just released.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

The Great Christmas Movie Debate

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

983
The Great Christmas Movie Debate
Mental Floss

One staple of the Christmas season is sitting around the television watching a Christmas movie with family and friends. But of the seemingly hundreds of movies, which one is the star on the tree? Some share stories of Santa to children ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), others want to spread the Christmas joy to adults ("It's a Wonderful Life"), and a select few are made to get laughs ("Elf"). All good movies, but merely ornaments on the Christmas tree of the best movies. What tops the tree is a movie that bridges the gap between these three movies, and makes it a great watch for anyone who chooses to watch it. Enter the timeless Christmas classic, "A Christmas Story." Created in 1983, this movie holds the tradition of capturing both young and old eyes for 24 straight hours on its Christmas Day marathon. It gets the most coverage out of all holiday movies, but the sheer amount of times it's on television does not make it the greatest. Why is it,
then? A Christmas Story does not try to tell the tale of a Christmas miracle or use Christmas magic to move the story. What it does do though is tell the real story of Christmas. It is relatable and brings out the unmatched excitement of children on Christmas in everyone who watches. Every one becomes a child again when they watch "A Christmas Story."

Keep Reading...Show less
student thinking about finals in library
StableDiffusion

As this semester wraps up, students can’t help but be stressed about finals. After all, our GPAs depends on these grades! What student isn’t worrying about their finals right now? It’s “goodbye social life, hello library” time from now until the end of finals week.

1. Finals are weeks away, I’m sure I’ll be ready for them when they come.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas tree
Librarian Lavender

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays because of the Christmas traditions my family upholds generation after generation. After talking to a few of my friends at college, I realized that a lot of them don't really have "Christmas traditions" in their family, and I want to help change that. Here's a list of Christmas traditions that my family does, and anyone can incorporate into their family as well!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

2142
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

3370
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments