Back in November, I carried a story at GunsInTheNews.com on a new movie starring former “Hercules” TV star Kevin Sorbo.  The article dealt with the fact that the movie received an “R” rating because, according to Executive producer (and president of the United States Concealed Carry Association) Tim Schmidt, “It seems the MPAA gave ‘The Reliant’ an R-rating due to their discomfort with how the movie depicts the responsible use of a firearm by a pre-teen boy. This boy saved the innocent lives of his own family members! It just doesn’t make sense to me.”  After reporting on the film, I was contacted by Patrick Johnston, husband of Activist Mommy Elizabeth Johnston and producer of The Reliant and given a screening of the film, which, in my opinion, presents the real world issues of guns, how they are to be handled and how they are not.

At the time, we reported that the movie had received an “R” rating despite not having nudity, language, sex, gore or other things that often accompany and “R” rating.

The Motion Picture Association of America has given lead actor Kevin Sorbo’s new film “The Reliant” an “R” rating, ensuring many families that don’t know any better will not let their children see the film.

The reason? Executive producer (and president of the United States Concealed Carry Association) Tim Schmidt offers his view:

“It seems the MPAA gave ‘The Reliant’ an R-rating due to their discomfort with how the movie depicts the responsible use of a firearm by a pre-teen boy. This boy saved the innocent lives of his own family members! It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

That will have a major impact on box office receipts and perceived viability of such fare to investors. And that will help to ensure that the information young people get on guns overwhelmingly comes to them from sources intent on undermining the right to keep and bear arms while simultaneously exploiting mind-numbing violence with guns for the sake of “action movie” profits.

The movie is not an out front “Second Amendment” film.  It doesn’t cite the Second Amendment.  It doesn’t appeal to the Bill of Rights or the Declaration of Independence.

However, combined with biblical references, both the positive and negative aspects of the sixth commandment “You shall not murder.”

For instance, I often reference the Westminster shorter catechism, which teaches that the command “You shall not murder” requires:

“…all lawful endeavors to preserve our own life, and the life of others.”

Additionally, the catechism teaches that the command “You shall not murder” also forbids:

“…the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbor unjustly, or whatsoever tendeth thereunto.”

as well as prepping ideas and the issues surrounding God’s Providence and justice, the film seeks to present not only situations that we may face in the future should our country turn for the worst, but also everyday things that we deal with concerning the use of deadly force and arms.

There are several scenes in the film where guns are used to commit unlawful acts, such as at the beginning where a man who is understandably concerned about his little girl is not allowed to go back with her at the hospital he takes her to where he encounters Sorbo, a doctor tasked with helping his daughter.

Without providing spoilers, the daughter does die, but you will notice this at the first.  So, that’s not that big a spoiler.

This, however, puts the father on a course that leads him down the road towards murder and mayhem, which ultimately brings him face to face with some armed teenagers, one of which is seeking vengeance for the man’s actions against a family member.

Throughout the film, there is a battle between not understanding the Providence of God and yet, being reminded to trust Him even when we don’t understand rather than rebelling against him.

There are issues of young children handling guns without being properly taught and the consequences that can occur in those times.

The film also deals with the use of weapons in carrying out personal vengeance against those we harbor hate towards in our heart, even if the reasoning for such hatred seems justified.

As Jesus reminds us:

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. – Matthew 15:19

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’  But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’^[f]shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.  Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” -Matthew 5:21-26

And John reminds us:

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. -1 John 3:15

This becomes a prevailing issue with one of the young men in the film, one he eventually overcomes.

Forgiveness is also a part of the film.  Even when there are those who have wronged us, there is still an opportunity for forgiveness if there is repentance.

The use and training of weapons was not heavily focused on, but it is evident that the father had trained his children not only in how to use their weapons, but also in being prepared for a societal breakdown.  The father had noticeably instilled family values, which I label “biblical values,” as one of the daughters is constantly calling her siblings back to remembrance of what the parents had taught them from the Bible about morality and trusting God.

There is also the use of weapons in defending our neighbors from those who would seek to do them harm, which is something we sorely need in our land today and is part of obeying the sixth commandment as I cited above.

The point of the movie seems clear:  It is to promote a biblical wordview, and in this world view is the doctrine of preserving life and the just use of weapons.

I honestly don’t think I’ve seen a Christian film deal with these kinds of issues in an action-packed movie ever, though I was quite fond of To End All Wars starring Keifer Southerland, which was based on a true story from World War I.  However, though it was a well done Christian worldview film that was presented in contrast to the Japanese evolutionary emperor worship, it didn’t deal with the issue of weapons and their proper use as The Reliant has done.

The film is based on Johnston’s book by the same title

The Reliant has an all-star cast including, Kevin Sorbo, Brian Bosworth, David and Jason Benham, Eric Roberts and others.

It is scheduled to be released in theaters this year, though I don’t have a tentative date.  However, if you believe more films like this should be made and are willing to back them, please go to TheReliantMovie.com where you can donate to help put the film in over 1,000 theaters nationwide.

Where is Michael Lindell?

Take a look at the trailer below.

Article posted with permission from Freedom Outpost

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