Noah, the movie, premiers the 28th of March, 2014. Much like the flood waters, excitement for the film has elevated. While I am interested in seeing the portrayal of the majestic scene modern technology has to offer, I am more interested in how far the film will stray from the biblical account in Genesis 6-8. At the conclusion of the theatrical trailer there is a note about the film. It reads,
“The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.”
While the makers of the film have confidence that their portrayal of the biblical account is accurate, discrepancies are already seen. Characters have been added to the story, and to the inhabitants of the ark, clearly contradicting the biblical account. Of course, theatrical drama has been added to attract more people (because the destruction of the world by a universal flood is not dramatic enough to begin with).
While there is nothing wrong with viewing the film, we need to remember the true account. These things actually occurred and were “written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Remember where the lifesaving truth is found, the word (cf. John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).