Many viewers are critical when documentary filmmakers inject their own thoughts into a project, but I am one that actually finds this at times satisfying. The Brothers Williamson do something here that moved me from just being a reviewer, to caring about the subject matter presented, to ultimately questioning my own thoughts and practices—not only in how I see and understand my faith, but how I, as a spiritual person, live my faith. This exploration begins in the film as the Brothers Williamson start to question their own thoughts and their understanding of the world we live in. We see them struggle with their faith and practice, and then an incredible thing happens which moves us, the viewers, to struggle as well. This takes place so powerfully that days after seeing the screening, I find myself thinking about the subject matter of the film.

Rebellion of Thought takes us on a journey that not only entertains, it challenges. Without giving away a spoiler for the film, I will tell you that this journey and these questions are being asked and discussed in a respectful way with individuals on the street. It is a film that, while certainly Christian in origin, will garner the respect of those of other faith values. While the Brothers Williamson are unapologetic about their faith, they ask questions that impact not only those within their faith value, but all people. The dramatic impact of this is illustrated in the closing, shocking moments of the film—something many documentaries don’t have, and don’t display. The conclusion forces us to think about the realities and questions in today’s world. It forces people of faith to evaluate their own beliefs and practices. For Christians, just like Barna’s book Revolution, it also calls into serious question the operations and methods of the church in the Western world.

If you can’t tell by now, I loved this film, but then again, I loved Barna’s book Revolution. Both the book and the film force thought and challenge individuals of faith to actually look at their values (and the practice of those values). I know the hate mail will begin; it already has for The Brothers Williamson and I saw a taste of that right after my interview with them on my radio program, The Virtual Pew Live. I received several emails attacking George Barna and any group that would challenge the church. That is okay, though. Because the message given, if listened to and applied, will make one evaluate one’s faith and practice. I can’t see that as being anything other than a good thing.

On a scale of 1 – 10, for the number of letters in the word Rebellion (which I would challenge us all to be a part of), I pleasantly give a score of 9 to what may end up being one of the best documentary films of the year.

To read more about this film complete with photos and more, click this link. To listen to an interview with the film makers, The Brothers Williamson, click the button below. It is possible the interview will be in the archive section of the broadcast.

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