Movie Review # 457: American Gospel: Christ Alone (2019)

Ladies & gentlemen, tonight, we are going to be diving into some slightly different territory. The reason being is because we will be talking about a movie documentary that apparently aired on Netflix just a couple years ago. Not only that, but it was evidently a two-part series documentary, of which my friend Sean, and I watched at least the first part of it. Still, if the first part was very long, I’m sure the second part was fairly long too. Without further ado, let’s talk about what we watched about a week and a half to couple weeks ago, and dove into the documentary, American Gospel: Christ Alone.

Plot: The first part of this series delves into the Church in America, and the problems that have begun to arise in the Church over the past few decades, including the rise of the “prosperity gospel,” the increase in false teachers, and the possibilities about why the Church, and Christianity has most likely gotten a bad rap as of somewhat recently.

Wow, wow, wow, if there is a second part of this series that I have still have yet to see, then I look forward to seeing it. For now, let me just say that what I saw of this documentary series with my friend Sean, I was really surprised, and astonished by how good this film was. First of all, American Gospel: Christ Alone does so well with addressing the kinds of things that the church has begun to face as of sometime ago. I mean let’s face it, especially when it’s come to the millennial crowd, many of them have begun to leave the church, and have rarely, if ever returned. For some time, many of us have probably why that has been the case, have we not? Well, I, for one, have theorized that it has likely been because of say many millennial beginning to have their own respective cliques, many Christians developing this legalistic attitude on certain topics in life, and things like that. However, one can’t help but wonder if maybe it’s also because of the fact that the “prosperity gospel” has become so prevalent in the church as of today, and a few decades ago as well. Not only that, but American Gospel: Christ Alone reveals how the “prosperity gospel” has begun to spread in other nations overseas as well. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the “prosperity gospel,” and are wondering what it is, it’s basically a false gospel that teaches that God gives us whatever we want all the time, as long as we ask, and ask, and ask. Okay, yes, there are times when we can present our requests to God, and He grants us, especially those of us who follow Christ, those desires. However, this movie does well with showing how sometimes, God will either say no to some of our desires, make us wait, or answer our prayers in a different way than we might expect. Honestly, it’s great to see movies like this one tackle this discussion. All to say, it’s likely safe to say that this is one of quite a few additional reasons as to why millennials, and maybe other age groups are leaving the church. Oh, and it’s also tragic to mention that the prosperity gospel” also teaches that when a Christian follows God, everything will go well for him, or her, without any difficulties, or hardships, whatsoever. Seeing as nothing could be further from true, is it probable to say that this is probably why people either in churches, or even those attending Christian schools have begun to feel less joyful, and more insecure with themselves? One has to wonder, yes? Anyway, next, the movie does well with tackling how Christian have begun to believe that it’s by God’s Grace, plus works, that we are saved. Okay, yes, works are helpful in serving God, and necessary. But in the end, it is only by God’s Grace, and that alone that we are saved. It’s also amazing to see different pastors, who are real teachers, and actually study the Word Of God thoroughly, address this issue as well, and try to go into certain Scriptures, and understand what the Bible was actually trying to say in regards to those particular Scriptures, and this whole deal overall. Finally, it’s good to see the movie show the leaders who have been part of the “prosperity gospel” movement, as well as real preachers address those people, and their false ideologies. Also, it’s good to see the real preachers address the whole deal about salvation, having a true relationship with Christ, and things like that. Oh, and one more thing to mention is that it was great to see different people in the documentary share their testimonies, and personal experiences about being in churches that preached the prosperity gospel, and why they ultimately regret being part of those churches in America. Yeah, you’d be surprised to hear the kinds of stories that they share, and the things said in the process.

And that’s my review for American Gospel: Christ Alone. It is a really superb documentary that goes in depth about how the church has sadly begun to become more harmful than helpful to believers, and those who may not have a relationship with Jesus yet, but wish to. Honestly, if you have Netflix, or at least want a DVD copy of this film, please make it a point to see this film. You’d be surprised by how good this documentary is, and why it is great, and the stories that are shared throughout this documentary. So, please check out American Gospel: Christ Alone ASAP! Thanks!

Final Grade: A+