THE PERFECT STRANGER “…For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” --- John 3:17 One of the dilemmas that modern Christian movies face is the fact that they generally, “The Passion of the Christ” withstanding, lack the funding necessary to give them “the look” that modern film goers are used to. Many efforts I see lose their effectiveness because they try to imitate effects that are difficult to duplicate without spending the cash to do it right. Like a cheap paper towel that doesn’t absorb properly, these movies lose their audience and ultimately their attempt to evangelize. The films that work are the ones that make no effort to imitate the modern film look. The effect is often-times cheesy, but if done well can be attractive on that level to the movie viewer and therefore be effective in getting the message across. A series that works well on that level is “The Perfect Stranger” series that includes the original movie, a sequel and several television episodes. These shows, with limited scenes often-times filmed with only two cameras, feature a character with a modern-day problem meeting up with a character playing a modern-day Jesus. There is little or no action (the original feature film was just basically a dinner conversation between the lead character and Jesus), but the script is dynamite. The Jesus character is made to be warm, funny, engaging and most importantly, relevant --- Much as one would expect Jesus to be if He really came down to earth at this time. In His conversation, He neither condemns nor offends the people perpetrating modern deceptions out there against Him. He simply gives thought provoking arguments that poke huge holes in those deceptions. While I believe the series works well evangelizing the “intellectual” non-believer, I also believe it has a sharp, but once again non-condemning, rebuke against modern-day evangelists, like you and I. An example is the way the problem-plagued characters carry a common perception of the modern-day church. They see these “church” people coming off as hypocritical and condemning, which I’m afraid we oftentimes come off as. We have a tendency to “belittle” or act condescending against those who don’t share our views. Though we are called to give answers when we are questioned about our faith, we are usually just called by the Spirit to share Jesus’ light and love with the unsaved world --- Something we don’t do when we act in that manner. Though technically unrealistic --- we know Jesus will not actually come down again until He comes in judgment --- the movie and series does a wonderful job of drawing the picture of the humanity Jesus had when He actually walked the earth. The gentle, loving way He handles the inquiries of His subjects in the series is a wonderful Christ-like example of the way we should relate and evangelize non-believers. One of the funny cheesy effects used in the movie is that every once in awhile they show the Jesus character, who shows up in modern neat clothes and a modern-day clean-cut look, with long hair and full beard and wearing Biblical-times clothing. It’s amusing and doesn’t get in the way of the message --- in fact, it’s a reminder of the film’s intent to put the actual Biblical Jesus into a modern situation. There’s one other inexpensive special effect that works in very powerful way: When He leans His arms up and reveals His wrists that have been covered by His modern garb, they have huge scars on them --- a reminder of the suffering He did on the cross for you and I. Regardless of the talk, that’s the walk that Jesus did to assure all believers a place in His kingdom and to remind us that someone out there really loves us. The original movie ends with the conclusion of the dinner and Jesus leaving the woman wanting more of Him, simply because He shared His love. That’s where once again it diverts away from the usual “Hollywood formula” --- Instead of heading to the nearest bedroom, Jesus leaves the woman with a verse from the Bible: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” --- Revelation 3:20 Which leads to a TRUE “happily ever after” --- Eternal life in His kingdom! | 
