"Light of the World": a Gospel film to watch with your children.

By John Mulderig, OSV News

"Light of the World" (Salvation Poem Project), an animated Gospel story, provides an excellent vehicle for conveying its fundamental message in an easily assimilated form. Although the film includes material that would be too frightening for younger children, its ideal target audience is older children.

Narrated from the perspective of a young John the Evangelist (voice of Benjamin Jacobson), this generally light-hearted journey through salvation history necessarily has its serious moments. Among them are a brief flashback to the fall of Adam and Eve, as well as scenes establishing the oppressive nature of Roman rule in the Holy Land in the first century.

In this historical context, John - a well-meaning but impulsive and irascible boy - undergoes a conversion when he comes under the influence of Jesus (voice of Ian Hanlin). Becoming one of the Twelve, he witnesses the miracles of the promised Messiah and takes seriously his teachings, some of which are conveyed through parables.

From the beginning, John's parents and brother James (voice of Dylan Leonard), Salome (voice of Erin Mathews) and Zebedee (voice of Dave Pettitt), represent the polar opposites of steadfast faith and skepticism, respectively, with John unsure, at times, which of their examples to follow. (Spoiler alert: Mom wins).

The theology behind directors John J. Schafer and Tom Bancroft's endearing, humor-tinged drama is fragmentary from a Catholic perspective. Peter (voice of Sam Darkoh) is presented, albeit in passing, as the rock on which Jesus will lean. And his reconciliation with the Savior after the Resurrection, healing the wound of his denial of Jesus, is portrayed quietly but effectively.

The Virgin Mary (voiced by Rebekah Schafer) also takes center stage, endowed with greater insight than those around her and braver than others in the face of Jesus' condemnation to the cross. A poignant painting reminiscent of Michelangelo's Pieta follows his death.

However, according to David and Drew Armstrong's script, the film shows a strong evangelical character. As a result, the sacraments receive little attention. The institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, for example, is almost informal, as the Apostles do not share the bread and chalice given to them by Jesus, but consume portions of bread and wine already in their places.

As for baptism, the situation is more complex. John the Baptist (voice of Jesse Inocalla) is an important character in the narrative (in a recurring joke, his eccentric fondness for eating insects disgusts both young John and Jesus). And the purification ritual he practices is accurately described as symbolic, not sacramental.

But the fact that Jesus ultimately elevated baptism to the status of a sacrament and established it as the gateway to the new covenant in his blood is ignored. Instead, the recitation of the poetic prayer from which the film's production company takes its name is shown, in a climactic scene, as the closing of a character's desire to convert to Christianity.

Parents might consider these gaps as a basis for a family conversation. It is also worth keeping in mind, in advance, that the Passion is described too graphically for younger children. However, the bottom line is that, as a whole, "Light of the World" can serve as a valuable catechetical tool, as well as an enjoyable viewing experience, for tweens and their elders.

The film contains scenes of suffering and death, and characters in peril. OSV News rating is A-II (for adults and teenagers). The Motion Picture Association rating is PG (PG-II); parental supervision is recommended. Some material may be inappropriate for children.