OPINION:
Growing up, I was enthralled by films that wove Biblical themes into their storylines — “Quo Vadis,” “The Ten Commandments,” and “The Robe.” Charlton Heston, as Moses, became almost a mythic figure in our household, embodying the epic storytelling that Hollywood understood as part of the American psyche.
These stories weren’t just entertainment; they provided heroes, inspiration, and a sense of shared cultural values. Hollywood extended this trend to positive depictions of Jewish history with films like “Exodus” and “Masada.” Faith was part of the American narrative; the good news is that it is returning.
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It’s refreshing to see a resurgence of faith-based storytelling in media and movies today. Even better, this trend feels like the natural expression of faith integrated thoughtfully into content without being wielded as a political agenda. Storytelling strikes a chord because it reflects belief, culture, and identity in genuine and welcoming ways.
As with any emerging trend, it often takes market pioneers to set the stage. For over a decade, the hit series “Blue Bloods,” starring Tom Selleck, has shown how faith can be a grounding element in mainstream entertainment. The show’s focus on family values and the characters’ Sunday dinners reflect a beloved family tradition, much like ours.
More recently, with movie hits “Sound of Freedom” and “Cabrini,” Angel Studios has emerged as a trailblazer, delivering content that speaks to a broad audience while unapologetically embracing themes of faith and morality. Once these productions proved their viability — through viewership, funding, and audience engagement — they opened the door for new voices and stories.
One such story is “Adam’s Fire,” a film slated for release in 2025. Directed by D.C.-based filmmaker Bob Ahmed, producer Tom Ohmer, and co-producer Nida Jamal, the film explores the relationship between Christians and Muslims in America. What makes “Adam’s Fire” particularly unique is its origins. When Ahmed first shared the story — centering on a young boy finding the strength to forgive the woman who killed his mother — story advisor Dan Hennenfent suggested that a Christian character would most authentically embody the theme of forgiveness, given its central role in Christianity.
That comment shaped the project as forgiveness and redemption became the theme. Yet the film transcends labels, offering a profoundly human story that challenges stereotypes and bridges cultural divides.
Faith in media isn’t just a revival of old themes — it’s about rethinking how we connect in today’s fragmented world. These stories remind us that faith, in all its forms, remains a vital part of the human experience, connecting us across cultures and communities. It’s a trend worth celebrating — and one that’s only just beginning.
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Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
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