Cru, a Christian student organization at the University, hosted a movie screening of “Beware of Christians” Tuesday in the Student Union Theater.
The film tells the story of four young men: Alex Carroll, Matt Owen, Michael Allen and Will Bakke, four recent college graduates who went on a quest to find the true meaning of their beliefs. After being raised in the Christian faith, they realized the biases they learned in our American society shaped their idea of Jesus.
Bakke said the group felt disconnected spiritually and didn’t understand why they were following Jesus.
That’s when the group decided to leave America for a tour around the world. The quartet ventured all over, from London to Budapest, and from Barcelona to Munich, in order to reexamine certain issues they were facing in their faith.
Allen said the experience was different from anything he had ever experienced. He said the trip allowed all of them to be out of their comfort zone and vulnerable to letting God in.
After visiting 10 European countries, the group grew to understand their beliefs and found redemption in living a godly life. They joyfully gave up themselves to the word.
The inspiration behind the film came from the group’s first movie, One Nation Under God. When traveling across the United States seeking to find other perspectives about beliefs, they realized how much uncertainty plagued most people when it came to what they believe in.
Once they realized there was a need to answer their questions, Allen said the group realized their mission. He said they knew they weren’t the only ones dealing with these uncertainties.
The idea for the film was formed, focusing on specific issues such as materialism, sexuality, alcoholism and entertainment, he said. It also touched on the youth population’s faith, or lack thereof.
“Culture makes it hard to be involved with a church or faith,” Allen said. “When you see others asking the similar questions you may have, it makes it easier to understand.”
Bakke said it’s easy for students to justify living a college lifestyle when all of their friends are doing it but young people have to live for God, not just themselves.
Now, the group tours the country, bringing their film to universities in hopes of inspiring college students. The cast members of the film were present at the screening to discuss the message of the film and their story.
Taylor Carver, Cru member and agricultural business senior, said the issues the film presents are important to the student body, because of their relevance. These issues, which college students face on a daily basis, were key in Cru’s decision in hosting the movie screening.
“The movie allows us to look at the issues from a Christian stand point,” Carver said. “It exposes a godly perspective for a college lifestyle.”
Carver said he encourages students to get involved with their faith and beliefs.
Students who attended the event said they felt the issues were important to them as well.
Microbiology sophomore Katherine Timm said religion should be important and she decided to attend the screening because she liked the message behind the film.
“I like the focus of ‘Why we believe’ when it comes to Christianity,” Timm said.
English sophomore Kellie Albrecht said she believes it is encouraging to see people live out their faith.
“I wanted to be as equally encouraged to live a life for Jesus,” Albrecht said.
 
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Contact Lauren Duhon at [email protected]