Even though I wasn’t alive during the 1960s and 1970s, I feel like I have a decent grasp on them because I’ve watched Jesus Revolution. It’s an excellent Christian movie—better than most Christian movies I’ve seen over the years. Whether you were alive during the real Jesus Revolution or not, I think you’ll enjoy the movie version of this time period.
Pleasantly Surprised
Christian movies often get stereotyped as cheesy and/or preachy—and there’s a reason for that. Unfortunately, many low-quality Christian movies exist. Unrealistic storylines and unpersuasive acting often taint them. Plus, many of them move too slowly.
But Jesus Revolution doesn’t fit that stereotype. The quality is truly impressive. Everything from the dialogue to the sets feels authentic. It doesn’t drag on and on; it simply tells the story of the real Jesus Revolution in a compelling, entertaining way.
Another thing I like about Jesus Revolution is that it provides a general overview of the Jesus Revolution and its broad impact, but it also focuses on a specific person whose life was transformed during that time—Greg Laurie. If you haven’t heard his testimony, just watch this movie! It shows how God pursued him, using people like Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee to guide him to the truth.
Gritty in a Good Way
Another reason I like Jesus Revolution is that it doesn’t shy away from hard or uncomfortable realities. For example, it depicts Greg Laurie’s difficult childhood—and his attempts to deal with it by experimenting with drugs. It also depicts Chuck Smith’s reluctance to reach hippies with the gospel in a way they could understand personally. But God worked mightily in their lives—Chuck Smith became compassionate toward hippies, and Greg Laurie gave his life to Jesus.
Some depictions of Lonnie Frisbee are honestly hard to watch. Initially, he’s portrayed as someone who could connect with hippies because he himself was a hippie. He wanted other hippies to find freedom from drugs through Christ. His intentions seemed good.
But the movie also portrayed his slow spiritual decline. His (seeming) pride and selfishness affected his ministry and relationships. Still, I genuinely appreciate that the creators of Jesus Revolution saw Lonnie Frisbee’s story through—even though it didn’t have the happiest ending.
A Much-Needed Reminder
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 NASB1995)
Though the Holy Spirit is always working, Jesus Revolution covers a specific period in which He was very clearly working, especially in the lives of young people. It’s encouraging to learn about the revival that took place during such a tumultuous time in U.S. history, but it’s also sobering to learn about the effects that building a ministry or spiritual movement can have on those who are building it. Though I know Lonnie Frisbee had an important role in the Jesus Revolution, I think the theme of submitting to the Holy Spirit (in order to avoid giving into sin) is an important one to take away from Jesus Revolution.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 