09/02/2026
As a pastor, it’s always great to get free tickets or a free livestream of an upcoming Christian movie. Harriet and I have enjoyed quite a few over the years, after first hearing about this perk from my late pastor uncle, Larry Embry of Cedar Grove Church. This time, we got to view Daniel and the Fiery Furnace from the comforts of our home, two and a half weeks before it hits theaters. We wholeheartedly thank the filmmakers for this gift.
It is a gripping movie, no doubt, with great sets, quality special effects and good acting performances. There is virtually no Biblical movie or TV show that can get by without at least a little “filling in the gaps” to make the narrative flow or make more sense. Whether we’re talking The Ten Commandments, The Passion of the Christ or The Chosen, some of it occurs, hopefully not at the expense of any Biblical Truth. Unfortunately there was one glaring creative choice that basically ruined the movie for Harriet and me, centered around Daniel 3:1 and following. It sort of skews Daniel’s character, motivation or intentions, to the point that even Meschach, Shadrach and Abednego question him.
I believe I understand the moviemakers’ logic, but I disagree with it because (in our opinion) it could be taken as altering Scripture. We feel this decision might confuse moviegoers who do not have a good handle on the Biblical account, as well as give more seasoned Bible scholars pause. I really hate to say this, because I do not believe the filmmakers had nefarious intentions whatsoever. Just a poor choice for interpreting certain events. Add to that a post-credits scene that makes things worse, and we decided it’s a movie we’re not necessarily endorsing. Prayers, please, for all of us and our discernment. We are all very human, sinful vessels!
