Christian Adjustment

Rating: 6/10 (21 March 2011)

Before I state my points about the Adjustment Bureau, I want to state that I enjoyed watching the movie for its entertainment sake. My purpose here is to compare the movie to Christian theology. This movie makes no pretense at being a Christian film, so I am not faulting the film-makers. Rather, I wish to alert Christians in the audience viewing the film how this movie strays from the reality of Jesus Christ.
Christian reviews of movies are usually trivial which focus almost solely on nudity, violence, foul language. They never really address the world view expressed in the film. The closest comment on the world view I found from Christian movie critic, Ted Baehr, said: "there is one slightly ambiguous, theologically false "Joan of Arcadia" comment toward the end about God appearing in different, personal ways to individuals that can lead people away from Jesus Christ," - a thought that crossed my mind, as well.
Jewish critic, Michael Medved, had nothing but praise for the film. His review is fine for me, but I know that many Christians listen to conservative talk shows without considering the host's world view, blithely assuming it is Christian, too.
Here then, are my concerns. We are led to believe that the Adjustment Bureau are angels working for God in assuring that the lives of people follow the plan of God. At one point, David Norris (played by Matt Damon) is told that he and Elise (played by Emily Blunt) have to be separated because he is supposed to become president someday, and she a great ballerina and choreographer. This won't happen if they are together. It is true that God has a plan for our lives. And for some, it is to be in positions of worldly authority. But the plan of God is for us to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, first. Such worldly goals are on the bottom of His list. Discipleship means dying to self, not pursue worldly acclaim.
Ted Baehr points out the main premise of the film is whether or not we actually have free will. The film leaves that answer ambiguously. There are Christians who believe that we do not. They are Calvinists. So for Calvinists this film will be agreeable to their world view. But, the ambiguous answer of the film, is a little close to the truth. We have free wills. God does not plan our sins. But the divine will works with our choices according to Romans 8:26 - "all things work for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." The problem I have with the Adjustment Bureau is that their actions are more characteristic of demons than holy angels. The chairman is implied to be God, but, in my viewing was more easily identified with Satan. It is Satan who offers us power and prestige in this world, not God. God seeks to humble us so we may follow His way, not the world. These cold-hearted agents of the bureau cause accidents to redirect our paths - spilling coffee on us, causing auto-wrecks, interrupting us with phone calls, and so forth - these are actions of demons, not angels. Angels edify and encourage, not distract and bump.
So, while I enjoyed the movie for its entertainment value, I disagree with the world view presented. For me, the highlight was Emily Blunt. I found her portrayal of Elise to be charming and captivating.