In recent times, a trio of faith-based entertainment projects – “Sound of Freedom,” “Jesus Revolution,” and “The Chosen” – have experienced unprecedented success, capturing the attention of both audiences and Hollywood. Adam Holz, director for Focus on the Family’s media review site “Plugged In,” attributes this surge in popularity to the improvement in Christian and faith-based entertainment, which now resonates more effectively with viewers’ traditional values.
Among the standouts, “Sound of Freedom” emerged as a summer blockbuster, grossing over $130 million at the box office since its debut on July 4th. The film follows the story of Tim Ballard, portrayed by Jim Caviezel, who leaves his job as a former DHS agent to rescue children from a sex trafficking operation. Despite attacks from liberal critics linking the film to QAnon, it struck a chord with audiences seeking narratives aligned with their convictions.
Similarly, the hit Biblical drama series “The Chosen” has garnered mainstream appeal, with its inclusion on the CW network and TV Guide’s cover. Both projects demonstrate that smaller-budget faith-based titles can attract substantial interest, showcasing the growing demand for entertainment that embraces traditional values.
Holz suggests that this surge in faith-based entertainment’s popularity highlights the increasing cultural polarization in society. As major studios like Disney incorporate progressive or “woke” messages, conservative audiences often feel alienated. Consequently, the success of these faith-based projects demonstrates a hunger for content that resonates with viewers’ worldviews and convictions.
The rise in popularity of Christian media also comes amid growing scrutiny from conservatives towards media giants like Disney, accusing them of driving away families through divisive social messaging. Audiences are increasingly turning away from such content and seeking alternatives that align with their beliefs.
Holz’s media review site, “Plugged In,” serves as a valuable resource for families seeking to assess the messages portrayed in various forms of entertainment. By analyzing movies, music, television shows, video games, YouTube channels, books, and music, they provide an even-handed and fair perspective, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects of the content from a Christian worldview.
