Signs the Movie: God vs the Aliens

Introduction

Signs, a popular science fiction movie, has intrigued audiences with its exploration of faith and spirituality. While most sci-fi films fail to glorify God, Signs takes a different approach. The story revolves around Graham Hess, a former priest who lost his faith after his wife's tragic death. This theme resonates with many who struggle to reconcile the existence of a loving God in a world plagued by suffering. As crop circles appear in Hess' corn fields and aliens visit Earth, his crisis of faith deepens. However, through a series of events, he ultimately finds restoration and meaning in his journey.

The Challenge to Faith

Graham Hess, played by Mel Gibson, represents a common struggle faced by many individuals today - the challenge to maintain faith in the face of tragedy and suffering. His wife's untimely death leads him to question the goodness of God, ultimately causing him to turn his back on his faith. Unfortunately, this rejection of a normal reading of the book of Genesis has become prevalent in many churches today. By failing to understand that sin brought death and suffering into the world, people often perceive God as a cruel creator. A proper understanding of the original very good Creation would help reconcile millions with the pain and difficulties we experience in this fallen world.

Alien Encounters and Crisis of Faith

As strange crop circles start appearing in Hess' corn fields and unexplained phenomena occur, it becomes evident that aliens are visiting Earth. The reason behind their actions remains unknown throughout the movie. These events further deepen Hess' crisis of faith, leading him to forbid prayer at the dinner table and proclaim that they are on their own without God's help. Ironically, later in the movie, Hess confronts God with anger and proclaims his hatred towards Him.

The True Meaning of "Signs"

The movie reaches its climax when Hess faces a left-behind alien seeking revenge. During this confrontation, the true meaning of the title Signs is revealed. The events that caused Hess to turn away from God now hold meaning and purpose, leading him back to faith. This theme resonates with Romans 8:28, which states that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. However, it is important to note that while Signs explores spiritual themes, it presents a distorted portrayal of the real God of the Bible.

Alien Life and Creation

The existence of intelligent alien life can only be attributed to two possible causes - either they were created by God or they evolved through natural processes. Signs presumes the existence of a Creator God. However, if sentient aliens are part of God's creation, it would imply that mankind is not the focal point of His universe. According to the Bible, sin's entrance into the world has caused the entire creation to groan and suffer. This suggests that any intelligent beings on other worlds would have also been affected by Adam's sin and the subsequent Curse. It is crucial to remember that Christ came to redeem not only mankind but His entire creation. There is no provision for the redemption of any other species, just as fallen angels cannot be redeemed.

The Secular Concept of Alien Life

The secular idea of intelligent alien life is based on the assumption that if life evolved on Earth, it must have evolved elsewhere in the vast universe. However, this conflicts with the biblical account of sin and death entering through Adam. Evolution, with its inherent death and suffering over millions of years, contradicts the reason for Jesus' redemptive work on the Cross - paying the penalty for our sins. While Signs entertains with its thrilling story, it fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for the existence of death and suffering in the world. Only when we view the world through the lens of the Bible can we find answers to these profound questions.

Conclusion: Viewing the World Through a Biblical Lens

Signs explores the themes of faith, redemption, and the existence of intelligent alien life. While it captivates audiences, it falls short in accurately portraying the God of the Bible. By understanding that sin brought death and suffering into the world, we can reconcile the challenges we face with the goodness of God. The secular concept of alien life, based on evolution, undermines the significance of Jesus' redemptive work. Ultimately, true understanding and meaning can only be found when we view the world through the Bible as the ultimate authority.