Sundancing around faith. Writing in First Things, Anthony Sacramone makes some excellent points about how the presentation of faith and religion has changed over the years.
Citing an article in the LA Times about faith-themed movies screened at Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival, Sacramone notes how movie makers have gone from giving us faith-inspired movies like 1943’s The Song of Bernadette and 1944’s Academy Award-winning Going My Way to the list of faith-themed (if not inspired) films screened at this year’s Sundance (a name, BTW, which calls to mind Native American religion).
On paper at least, they appear to be the product of a much more cynical age than the one that brought movies like Bernadette and characters like Father O’Malley. Most of them, that I’m aware of, don’t sound particularly concerned with inspiring audiences to seek solace in religion.

What do you think?

Higher Ground – Based on This Dark World, Carolyn Biggs’ memoir of one woman’s immersion into Fundamentalist faith and her decision, 20 years later, to leave it all behind.”
The Ledge – described as a ticking-clock thriller about a suicidal man that leads to an exploration of the true meaning and faith and forgiveness. The film, reportedly with “understanding rather than judgment,” warns against ‘”the consequences of a too-literal
interpretation of religious texts.”
  I’d actually like to see this one.  
Red State –  Writer/director Kevin Smith’s story of a violent and homophobic pastor.
Salvation Boulevard – A dark comedy starring Pierce Brosnan as televangelist involved in a gun accident. 
Tyrannosaur – Writer/director Paddy Considine’s film about an embittered alcoholic man (Peter Mullan) and his relationship with a Christian charity shop worker. Of his film religious theme, Considine says “I do think
too many people are worried about an existential thought instead of the
here and now. They’re thinking ‘What do I do to get into heaven?’
instead of asking, ‘What can I do to make my life better with my fellow
man?'” 
(Considine actually has a bit of a point there but, on the other hand, positive faith enhances concern for other people. It would be nice to see that more often reflected in current movies.)

However, if you’re really looking for old-fashioned movies with conservative values, Christian Toto writing for Big Hollywood suggests romantic comedies.

More from Beliefnet and our partners