The movie “Noah” has ignited widespread reading of the biblical story found in Genesis, according to a Christian website.
“Two of the most popular online destinations for Bible readers reported robust increases in traffic in the first book of the Old Testament following the release of ‘Noah’ last week,” the Christian Post reported.
The online publication cited tweets from YouVersion and Bible Gateway.
The movie has also generated a diverse reaction from the global faith community.
Three Arab countries and Indonesia banned the movie.
Egypt’s ranking Sunni authority issued a religious ruling against “Noah.”
“Al-Azhar … renews its objection to any act depicting the messengers and prophets of God and the companions of the Prophet (Mohammad), peace be upon him,” the fatwa said.
It said that such depictions “provoke the feelings of believers … and are forbidden in Islam and a clear violation of Islamic law.”
The Christian response has been mixed.
Sister Rose Pacette, a movie critic, said the movie was “not the typical robe-and-sandal Bible film we have become used to.”
She said that she hoped the audience would “find themes from Catholic social teaching, such as the common good, community, family, respect for life, care for the earth, nonviolence and justice.”
Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, expressed disappointment with the film.
“‘Noah’ is a significant departure both from the biblical narrative and message, and faith-driven consumers are likely not going to spend their hard-earned dollars on an entertainment product that fails to resonate,” Stone said.
Reviewing the movie for EthicsDaily.com, Brock Ratcliff wrote the film was confusing and irritating.
“There are too many extra elements for those expecting a film that makes the Bible come alive and too few explosions for those expecting a Hollywood blockbuster,” Ratcliff wrote.
“If you plan to see ‘Noah’ to confirm your faith or to be a spiritual blessing, don’t bother. You would be better served to see ‘The Book of Eli’ with Denzel Washington. It also means you shouldn’t get all hot and bothered if it doesn’t conform to your biblical theory,” wrote Terry Austin in a second EthicsDaily.com review.
