Quick Info
American Gospel: Christ Alone is arguably one of the best Christian documentaries of all time. In taking direct aim at popular movements that seek to distort the Gospel, the true Christian gospel truly stands out. The movie is serious and sharp-cutting with regard to the darkness of word-faith / prosperity gospel doctrine and teachers, but is also positive throughout in its outlook for the true Gospel. The film is highly engaging and relevant, and has great value for apologetics, evangelism, and discipleship.
Synopsis
The American Gospel: Christ Alone movie gets going with a look at the Biblical Gospel, along with a comparison to the Roman Catholic idea of salvation. The movie then shifts to the primary focus of the bad practices and un-Biblical claims of the word-faith / prosperity gospel movement. Along the way there are shocking revelations of the evil practices by some in this movement, but even worse, the heretical teachings. Throughout the movie and into the conclusion the true Gospel is well explained and powerfully shines through.
Why This Movie Matters
- In exposing teachings that are not the Gospel, the true Gospel shines through in American Gospel: Christ Alone unlike many other documentaries.
- The movie thoroughly exposes the word-faith / prosperity gospel, which has grown popular throughout the world and steered many away from the true salvation of the Gospel.
- This movie Biblically addresses the issues of evil and Christian suffering.
- The movie features an excellent cast, including many knowledgeable and faithful teachers.
- You will not likely forget this documentary, and you will probably end up watching it more than once.
What You’ll Experience
- See how the Gospel is vastly different from works-based systems, including most other religions.
- See firsthand the greed and lifestyles of prominent word-faith / prosperity teachers.
- Hear the statements of and learn the teachings of prosperity teachers that oppose Christian teachings.
- Powerful examples of the Gospel truth growing under extremely difficult circumstances
- A complete contrast of good doctrine and bad doctrine, and the different results they produce.
- What the Bible teaches about an issue on screen and highlighted.
- High production quality, and expert mending together of themes and narratives around the Gospel truth.
Strengths
- Great Gospel explanations
- Exposes false teachings
- Powerful
- Motivating
- Explanation of Christian suffering
Cautions / Weaknesses
- Shows suffering and death
- For mature audiences
- Some cast have stumbled since movie release
- Some intense scenes
Best Audience
- Individuals who have had exposure to the word-faith / prosperity gospel, and are looking for a deeper explanation of what is wrong with these doctrines and teachers.
- Families with older, more mature children looking to explore the true meaning and power of the Gospel, and to protect against false teachings/movements.
- Small groups looking to learn more about the problems of the word-faith / prosperity Gospel movement.
- Individuals who want to learn about what word-faith / prosperity gospel is in comparison to the true Gospel, or just want to learn more about the Christian Gospel.
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Best Quotes & Notable Moments
“It is a pain to know that there are people who do not know Jesus. It is a greater pain to know that oftentimes Jesus and Christianity is being distorted…so that many people harden there heart against a Jesus, a Christ, a Christianity that is not the true version of it.”
“God is not a supporting actor in my life movie. I have been cast as a player in His unfolding story of redemption. And we’ve got that reversed today.”
“The goal of a lecture is that you leave with information. The goal of a motivational speech is that you leave with action steps. The goal of a Gospel sermon, the goal of teaching the Bible, is that you leave worshipping.”
“So, this demotion of God and deification of man is at the heart of the word faith / prosperity gospel movement.”
“People often ponder the question: why does God let bad things happen to good people? The truth is, that’s only happened once, and that was Christ, who voluntarily gave his life on the cross, so that the greatest evil that ever occurred was used by God to bring about the greatest good I can think of, and that is the redemption of sinners for His glory.”
