Hollywood has finally figured out that there is an audience for movies that portray Christians as heroes (or at least decent people) rather than intolerant boobs or Bible-quoting psychopaths. And, beyond that, it may just be that people prefer stories that portray hope over cynicism.

The latest in the trend is Disney’s Secretariat which chronicles the true story of the legendary racehorse of the title’s journey to Triple Crown legend in the early seventies.  Like last year’s hugely-successful Blind Side, the film uses a true sports story to convey timeless Christian themes of faith and determination. That faith and determination is primarily embodied in the film by Penny Chenery, the horse’s owner, portrayed by Diane Lane.

Reporting on Disney’s outreach to Christian media to promote the film, Hollywood Reporter quotes Secretariat director Randall Wallace as comparing values-based filmmaking with Jesus’ telling of parables: “Jesus didn’t argue doctrinal questions whenever he was asked a question…He almost always
responded with story — because the stories carry more truth than our
philosophical arguments do.” 

If Secretariat (opening October 8th) wins the Box Office Derby, expect to see more movies with Christian themes coming round the bend. I rooted for Secretariat the horse in 1973 and I’m rooting for Secretariat the movie in 2010.