Across Pacific Magazine
movie review - United 93


Prepared to Live or Die?
The Christian worldview of United 93 denies a ‘Black Screen’ at the end


By Mary Marr, Founder and Chairman of Christian Emergency Network


ANTHEM, AZ (ANS) -- Deciding how to live is a choice; to die is not. How we do both have eternal effects. What are we willing to live for and die for? That is the question that the movie “United 93” posed of viewers as it opened this past weekend, in a well-crafted, heart racing, unveiling of the events of 9/11. As viewers solemnly filed out of almost 2,000 theatres across this country, the post-WW II elderly appeared resigned, the younger shocked, and all were silent participants of a memorial service dedicated to the victims of 9/11, an event they did not choose.

While not a Christian film or even religious in any meaningful way, “United 93” has touched this nation in a real and powerful way, the evidence of which may not be truly known for years to come. Why? Because it forces each of us to ask ourselves questions on the meaning of life, and death. For the Christian, it begs several questions: Are we wiling to die for our God, to fight for His purposes, or just let life’s tragic events happen? When confronted with the challenges of life and death, can we say “Let’s Roll” for Jesus’ sake? Are we raising children who will be able to stand against the terror of our day? Are we getting our Christian act together?

These were the questions posed by the “real time” event of 9/11, which the movie dredges up again for those who have denied or refused to face them. As we move towards the fifth anniversary of the day that our nation “grew up,” many Christians have been seizing the mounting tragedies – whether man-made or natural – for good, with hope for the hopeless. With each looming nationwide crisis, thousands of Christians are waking up and seeing the open doors of sharing their peace, joy and love flowing from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in these uncertain times. Our work is far from over. Sadly, there are millions of American citizens who have yet to face the daunting questions: How must I live in this age, and how can I be ready to die? Where is God in this? For the Christian, “United 93” says one thing – It is harvest time!

The road is not an easy one. Since the devil roams on a mission of destruction, for the Christian, making the case for self-defense is a tough one in a largely spiritually indifferent world. For almost five years, Christians in the U.S. have had to face threats they have not customarily addressed. The events of 9/11 forced the airlines, military and government officials to face their own communication failures, and as Christians we must do the same. Are we effectively communicating the Hope of Christ to a nation that views death as a “black screen” in a movie which they can walk out of – with their hopelessness, need, and willful denial in tact? Are we going on as business as usual or are we preparing disciples for the “real time end game” of life?

What perspectives of 9/11 do we still need to clearly address from a Christian worldview to earn the right to answer this life and death question? Listen to some “United 93” viewer comments: “It shows you when all people are in trouble, they all turn to THEIR God” “This was the Real World.” “I hope the young people in our country finally understand the difference between the real world and the video-game world they live in.” “Our enemies have longer memories than we do.” “This enemy knows we are asleep at the switch.” “All in the civilized world need to see this film, including France.” “The majority in this country gets it, but the minority rules, and they’re putting us all at risk.” “It was real.” “This shows that this is really a religious war, it is not about land, buying them off, or the latest political spin sound-bite.” “It forced me to ask myself, would I be wiling to die for my God?”

Are you prepared to give an answer for the living and dying Hope within you?

Note: For interviews with CEN Founder/Chairman Mary Marr, contact Judy Hannestad at 701-484-5028 judy.hannestad@cen911.com



Mary Marr is Chairman and Founder of Christian Emergency Network, which was founded after 9/11 with several national ministry leaders and now has over 7,000 ministry, church and media organizations who partner to pray, care and share the Hope of Christ together before, during and after national disasters. To learn more about you or your Christian organization may partner with CEN go to www.christianemergencynetwork.org.




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