In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination, the release of the documentary “Truth Rising” has taken on an unintended yet profound significance. Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, sees this timing as a powerful affirmation of the film’s urgent message.
Daly, who succeeded the organization’s founder James Dobson in 2005, emphasizes that the documentary is timely, stating, “With what happened to Charlie Kirk, the timing of ‘Truth Rising’ is right on the money. It wasn’t us. We’re not that smart. We just got nudged, I believe now, by the Holy Spirit, to say, OK, do this film.”
The film, co-produced by Focus on the Family, examines what Daly describes as “a civilizational moment.” It questions whether the biblical truths foundational to Western civilization can withstand the pressures of modern political and social discord.
Highlighting the Foundations of Western Civilization
Central to the documentary is the premise that Western civilization’s roots are grounded in the biblical assertion that humans are made in the image of God, deserving of respect. Daly notes, “Western civilization was built on one important premise: that they recognize that we’re made in the image of God, and every person deserves respect.”
Os Guinness, a theologian featured in the film, warns against discarding these foundational beliefs, asserting, “Western civilization was founded atop Christian truth. If we kick that foundational building block aside, we cause the whole structure to collapse.”
The narrative is further enriched by contributions from various activists and intellectuals. Among them is John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, who interviews individuals resisting cultural pressures, such as Jack Phillips, Chloe Cole, and Katy Faust.
Personal Stories of Resistance
The documentary shares personal stories of individuals like Chloe Cole, who discusses the implications of her past decisions regarding gender transition, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who reflects on her journey from an arranged marriage to becoming an advocate for women’s rights.
Jim Daly sees these narratives as crucial, providing viewers with a “portrait of what it looks like to stand on the truth in the face of fierce opposition.”
The Impact of Cultural Shifts on the Family
Daly connects cultural decline with weakening family structures, citing a shift from values being cohesively passed down through generations. He references the documentary “Irreplaceable” to illustrate the unintended consequences of the sexual revolution.
He remarks on the reduction of children raised by biological parents, from nine out of ten in the 1960s to just 40% today, pointing to this as having “catastrophic consequences to our culture.”
The Importance of Free Speech
In light of Kirk’s assassination, Daly underscores the film’s message on free speech: “Speech is not hate. Hate is hate. Talking about things is not hate. But you’ve got to be able to hear people.”
He shares an anecdote about Kirk’s gentle approach when addressing a student’s questions about gender confusion, showcasing the importance of respectful dialogue.
A Call to Action for Cultural Renewal
Daly views “Truth Rising” as a tool for inspiring cultural change, emphasizing the need for resilience and understanding. “If you’re willing to learn and willing to empathize with people who are hurting, who does that sound like, by the way? Oh, Jesus.”
He encourages individuals to make a difference in their communities, asserting that one does not need a national platform to effect change. Drawing from his experience as a foster parent, Daly highlights the joy found in giving back to others as embodying core Christian values.
For Daly, the film’s release serves as both a caution and a rallying call for courage and love, reminding Christians of their mission to love others, even in the face of adversity.
Watch “Truth Rising” below:
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
