I have not seen the film “Morningstar” about the life of John Wycliffe. The film is not set to be released until sometime in 2021. I never endorse any so-called Christian fiction novels or any so-called Christian films. My wife and I do not even watch all the old classic movies supposedly based on Biblical events or Biblical characters.
There just is no need and if even a small seed of fiction, something added or omitted that little seed can mislead and misdirect as if it were an avalanche tumbling down later on. It is not worth investing the time in such things when that time could be much better spent investing in reading and study of Scripture, prayer, or being of service.
There are rare exceptions. Very rare exceptions. My wife and I did see the 2003 film “Luther” for the first time last year and we found it a remarkable and very moving film.
I’m very interested in the period of the corrupt church of Rome that in truth devoured true Christianity and became a tyrannical, violent, greedy entity that bore nothing of Christianity or Biblical teachings, and how men moved by the power of the Spirit of God, such as John Wycliffe and all he endured, and Martin Luther and what he endured for the sake of the gospel. For bringing the light and life of Scripture into the world for all people to have access to in time, and shatter the dungeon of darkness and iron-fisted power mad men in Rome and outward in the theocratic Roman Empire that arose after the fall of the militaristic one, one in which the early popes were spoken of, written of, and considered as emperors, not unlike the Caesars!
To learn of the power of the Spirit of God prevailing above, beyond and against all foes to bringing light and truth, bringing the God-breathed Word of God to the people and wresting that evil tyrannical and corrupted power from those men of Rome.
The strength and focus, the spiritual faith and commitment of men such as Martin Luther and John Wycliffe are of great interest and inspiration to me. To endure what Wycliffe did all because he translated the Scriptures into the English language!
I will look for this film “Morningstar” when it does come out, Lord willing I am still in the flesh with breath and a beating heart.
It is one movie I think I could recommend.
But keep your heart, your spirit clean and refrain from almost all of what is passing for “Christian” films, programs, and especially the tsunami of “Christian” novels. There is no need, no place for FICTION in the Christian life or story. There is story enough to cover anything that can happen to anyone at any time contained in the Scriptures. Of such drama, scope, impact, love, intensity, tenderness, conviction, and emotion. There is no better history or drama book on earth written! There is no need to seek out “Christian ENTERTAINMENT” in the form of fiction when it is the truth we ought to be always seeking. Not fiction. Not this ridiculous low-level need to be constantly “entertained” no matter the age or place.
I will give “Morningstar” a shot though. Lord willing I am still in this realm when it is finally released.
Ken Pullen
Saturday, June 13th, 2020
ACP — A Crooked Path
Upcoming film Morningstar brings John Wycliffe’s story to life (Video)
4 June 2020
Reprinted from: The Christian Institute
A Christian filmmaker has shared why he is so keen to bring to life the “fascinating” story of the life of Bible translator John Wycliffe in his new film Morningstar.
Born in the early 1300s, John Wycliffe grew up at the height of the Roman Catholic Church’s powers. But as an early reformer, long before the likes of Martin Luther, he fought against the growing corruption and worked tirelessly to translate the Bible into the English language.
Speaking exclusively to The Christian Institute, director Murdo Macleod, who has a breadth of experience of working in both Christian and secular filmmaking, shared his passion for the story as he raises funds for the film’s production.
The Morning Star
The idea for Morningstar was born out of Macleod’s work on his previous film ‘Knox’. His research about the life of Scottish reformer John Knox led him through the complex story of the Protestant Reformation in Britain and Europe.
He said the story of John Wycliffe’s life “is chapter one of this huge Reformation saga”.
“I wanted to tell John Wycliffe’s story almost as a stepping out point for people to then go on to investigate the rest of the Reformation.
“John Wycliffe is known as the Morning Star of the Reformation, the first flash of light just before the dawn, and in many ways he is the precursor. He goes beforehand and then everyone else follows.”
‘Warts and all’
Macleod explained that what set Wycliffe apart from others in his day was his focus on the Bible: “It was putting the Bible at the front and centre of what he believed that made him different, and that makes him continue to be relevant to us today.”
He believes that post-coronavirus, people will be searching for a ‘new normal’, but that for Christians, it is imperative that we, like Wycliffe, put the Bible front and centre “in our own lives, in our churches, and in society”.
Historical accuracy is imperative to the film, as Macleod says that while some filmmakers can oversimplify historical figures by labelling them “a goodie or a baddie”, it is imperative that Morningstar is “truth, and not merely propaganda”.
“It’s not to be one-sided. It’s to present Wycliffe, warts and all.”
Docu-drama
Wycliffe will be portrayed by Jared Morgan, an experienced actor whose TV credits include ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawntreader’.
Morgan will be joined by presenter Philip Todd, who also presented Macleod’s previous film, Knox.
The film will be a hybrid of both drama and documentary, with the goal of releasing the final cut before the end of 2021.
‘Blessed’
As with many Christian films, Morningstar is grassroots-funded: “We don’t have a big studio that’s coming on board and giving us millions of pounds”, Macleod said. “We are largely dependent on donations and small investments by people who feel as passionate about this film as we do.”
He added that the team had been “very fortunate and very blessed so far that we’ve had a lot of generous support”, but added that there is still some way to go before the film is fully funded, and they hope more Christians who believe in the importance of Wycliffe’s story will choose to get involved.
For more information about Morningstar visit morningstarfilm.co. uk.
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