The Forge is a Christian movie with a tale of redemption, It was released on Dec. 21 and surged into the top 5 on Netflix. It has surpassed films with bigger stars and larger budgets. By the 27th it was the fifth-most watched movie in the U.S. on Netflix, surpassing It Ends with Us, That Christmas, Our Little Secret, Barbie, and Sing. The film narrates the story of a young directionless man, Isaiah, who discovers purpose and faith through a discipleship program led by a wise and compassionate employer.
The Forge stars Cameron Arnett, Aspen Kennedy, Karen Abercrombie, Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings, and Benjamin Watson. It was produced by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. These were the same filmmakers who made Overcomer, War Room, and other Christian hits. Kendrick has high hopes that the movie will spark a wider movement.
Alex Kendrick told reporters “We pray between every film that we do.” He explained that “Discipleship is different than just being a convert to the faith,” he explained. “We can go through Jesus for salvation — that’s a free gift. But being a disciple [is different].” He stated that discipleship involves one-on-one relationships. Jesus “poured into” his disciples.”
He also quoted Christ, “‘ Jesus said, ‘If anyone wants to be My disciple, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Me. In other words, there’s a cost to discipleship. So we want to draw people to that.” He said that you can see these themes in his movie. “It was hard on them at times, but they bore fruit at a deeper level. And they walked more intimately with the Lord,” he explained. “And so we want to do that. And we hope the church wants to grow in its discipleship. And so that’s really what the world needs to see.”
He thinks the world needs to see more Christians practicing their faith. “We don’t need to see more lukewarm Christians in churches,” the filmmaker said. “We need to see people that are devoted to Jesus, that truly want to glorify and honor the Lord, and [that] walk more intimately with Him. So this movie focuses on what that could look like.”
Not all Christian productions go so smoothly. Christians on social media have expressed their anger over a teaser for the upcoming season of “The Chosen. In a scene posted to X, Jesus speaks to Judas Iscariot, the Disciple who betrayed Christ to Jewish Leaders. Critics took issue with the scene which they describe as ‘unbiblical.’ Some users defended the show for taking creative liberties.
Last week, showrunner Dallas Jenkins, previewed a scene for the next season of ‘The Chosen’ a drama that follows the life and work of Christ. The scene, which centered on an interaction between Jesus and Judas proved an angry response from devout Christians. “You have a choice to make, Judas,” Christ says and Iscariot asks Jesus to “reclaim” his “birthright.” “Who do you belong to? Who has your heart? I want it, and I’ve had it before. You followed me willingly.”
“I want to continue,” the Disciple replies. “There’s nothing more that I want than that.” Christ takes Judas’ distraught hand and says “Then I will pray for you. But for now, please leave me in peace.” Pastors criticized the scene. Many drew attention to how much this scene contrasts with scripture and worried it would distract from the original narrative.
Arizona Pastor Gabriel Hughes of Providence Reformed Baptist Church said “Contrary to ‘The Chosen,’ the Bible does not say Jesus told Judas, ‘I will pray for you on” social media. “He called Judas’ son of perdition’ (John 17:12), destined to betray the Son of God according to Scripture. Jesus did not pray for Judas to make a different choice, or we wouldn’t be saved.”