LTRP Note: The following out-of-house article (after our comments below) is posted for informational and research purposes. Lighthouse Trails is a research ministry and does at times post articles by various news sources to bring light to events happening in our world and in the church. Regardless of whether the source of these out-of-house news stories is secular, Christian, or religious, we encourage our readers to always use discernment with everything they read—here on this site or elsewhere—and weigh all things against Scripture.
Regarding the new movie out in theaters, Jesus Revolution, our office has received numerous calls and e-mails asking if we are going to be making a statement about the movie. While there are several pro and con articles on the Internet about it, we do not at this time intend on writing a point-by-point critique of the movie. However, there is an aspect we want to address.
Since our inception, the mission at Lighthouse Trails has been to defend “truth” and “bring light to areas of darkness in the world and in the church.” Thus, it is increasingly troubling to witness the massive numbers of professing Christians (including pastors) who quickly follow after and embrace popular books, speakers, and movies without giving the slightest consideration for truth and biblical discernment. Millions of Christians have praised and do love The Shack, Jesus Calling, the Purpose Driven Life, The Passion of the Christ, Celebration of Discipline, and The Chosen (to name a few but significant examples). And it seems that so many Christians today are chasing after the next spiritual high, not caring if what they are chasing after is grounded in truth or not. If it makes them feel good, feel closer to God, feel happy, then they take it for granted that it must be from God. And, of course, top it off with the spiritually high esoteric experiences of contemplative prayer (so popular in today’s evangelicalism), it’s like we now have a bunch of addicts (not the drug kind, but rather the experiential spiritual kind) walking around in the church.
It is interesting to note that The Chosen’s director, Dallas Jenkins, said that 95% of The Chosen is not from the Bible (in other words not true but rather made-up stories about Jesus and the disciples)1 and then to note that in the article below, Lonnie Frisbee’s wife (during the Jesus movement) and an eyewitness to what took place says that 90% of the movie Jesus Revolution is not true. While what she said is somewhat subjective in that it is based on one person’s experience, it is sad to think that many Christians wouldn’t even care about these two statistics because they are enamored with another spiritually high, emotionally driven experience so much so that truth takes a back door.
In a review of Jesus Revolution, Mike Oppenheimer of Let Us Reason ministries points out numerous scenes in Jesus Revolution that contradict or are different than in both Lonnie Frisbee’s and Greg Laurie’s (the two major characters portrayed in the movie) own books on the Jesus movement. Oppenheimer states:
This movie does give a few general events accurately but does not portray certain other details of its real-life characters and instead invents other details. What we have are real names and partial or made-up stories to enhance the theme of the movie the Jesus Revolution, a movie that is presenting a Jesus revival to the public.2
Also worth noting here is Jonathan Roumie,* the actor who plays both Jesus in The Chosen and Lonnie Frisbee in Jesus Revolution. Our 2022 report on The Chosen documents Roumie saying he has “had personal interactions” with Padre Pio, a deceased Catholic priest and mystic; and now with Jesus Revolution, Roumie admits he tried to connect with the deceased Lonnie Frisbee at Frisbee’s graveside. John Lanagan of The Word Like Fire states:
In a recent interview about Jesus Revolution, Roumie spoke about his visit to Lonnie Frisbee’s grave: “I sat by his grave and I prayed a Rosary with him. . . . In fact, I sat down and I prayed with him. . . . At one point I even lied down because I just thought it would be kind of interesting to try and connect in some way. . . . I said, “Lonnie, I want to honor you with this film . . . have somebody give me a sign. Give me a sign, have God give me a sign.3
Sadly, many Christians and Christian pastors don’t care about this kind of thing (even though the Bible calls it necromancy and an “abomination”). And they don’t care whether movies like The Chosen and Jesus Revolution are based on truth or not. Apparently, in much of today’s church, truth is not a criterion to judge whether something is good or bad. But can lasting fruit come from something that is not based on truth?
In Warren B. Smith’s booklet, Truth or Consequences, he states:
Amongst many believers, it’s no longer “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). Rather, it’s “I just eat the meat and spit out the bones” as if lies and leaven are no big deal. Or if we don’t agree with what has been traditionally accepted as truth, we go along with others who “stretch the truth” or “enlarge the truth” to create a “new truth” that is no truth at all.4
In 2 Thessalonians 2:11, it talks about God sending “strong delusion” (“that they might believe a lie”) to those who do not have a love of the truth (v. 10). As believers in Christ, let us love truth and thereby avoid strong delusion.
Now please don’t misunderstand us; we are not suggesting that if you go and watch Jesus Revolution, you are going to come under strong delusion. As you read the following article/interview with Connie Frisbee, keep the following in mind: Whether you choose to watch the movie or not, our greater concern than the lack of authenticity of the movie itself is the unhealthy lack of discretion and discernment common among so many of today’s Christians. Revival did occur during the sixties and seventies, but it happened when people (in this case the young people) became desperate enough to hunger after truth—until they got it. It was God’s response to genuinely seeking hearts. Perhaps, as Connie Frisbee explains, the greatest flaw of the movie is double faceted in that:For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. (Psalm 33:4)
a) it may leave the viewer with the idea that the Jesus movement was largely the fruit and to the credit of Calvary Chapel when in fact “people were getting saved all over the place,” happening spontaneously throughout the world apart from Frisbee or Calvary Chapel. “There are a lot of people taking bows, and a lot of people taking credit,” Connie stated.
And b) it was whitewashed (Connie: “If the truth were known, I wouldn’t look so good. Lonnie wouldn’t look great. Chuck Smith wouldn’t look good. Greg Laurie wouldn’t look good. But who would look good? God would be looking stellar.”)
4/5/23 Note: Based on certain comments made (here below, on Facebook, and a few which we removed), we want to clarify that our posting the article below (as well as our own comments above) is not an attempt to throw the Calvary Chapel movement under the bus. From its inception, Lighthouse Trails has never tried to do that with any evangelical-type denomination. What we have attempted to do is bring light to dangerous and deceptive teachings within the church at large, and while we do name names (including the names of particular denominations and groups), we have never felt it to be our calling from the Lord to condemn entire denominations, including Calvary Chapel. Within many denominations, there are pastors and leaders who are trying to stay true to God’s Word. That’s why we have often said that finding a good church within any particular denomination has to be done on a church-by-church basis (and goodness knows, it’s increasingly difficult to do especially because many denominations are bringing in false teachings from the top leadership down to the individual congregations).
Out-of-house article:
“Connie Frisbee’s Surprising Reaction to ‘Jesus Revolution’ Movie”
By Mark Ellis
God ReportsAs Lonnie Frisbee’s former wife, she is perhaps the greatest authority about Lonnie’s life and his central role as the “hippie preacher” of the Jesus movement. An actress portraying Connie appears in Jesus Revolution, but inexplicably, the filmmakers failed to contact Connie or consult her about the movie.
They thought she was dead, or so they explained to her in an apologetic Zoom call a few weeks ago. . .
“I have to say it broke me,” she told God Reports. “For two days, I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t believe that as a Christian, you [the film makers] couldn’t reach out to me, you couldn’t reach out and find out. You couldn’t let me know that you were going to put a facsimile of me in a movie.”
When she went to see the movie, it provoked a strong reaction. “I can tell you that that 90% of the movie isn’t true,” Connie maintains. “The truth is that dealing with people is very messy. And they want to make it very tidy. They’ve tidied it all up so much that it just stinks to high heaven to me —and whitewashed it. That’s not how it was.” Click here to continue reading.
Endnotes:
- A Candid Conversation with Dallas Jenkins, Director of The Chosen (Melissa Dougherty, 4/27/21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__-Yyq1FPQI), mm 25:11.
- A Review of Jesus Revolution by Mike Oppenheimer: Part 1, Part 2.
- https://thewordlikefire.wordpress.com/2023/03/29/jonathan-roumie-prayed-with-deceased-lonnie-frisbee-and-asked-him-for-a-sign.
- https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/new-booklet-tract-truth-or-consequences.
*In the interview God Reports did with Connie Frisbee, she mentions how strange it seems that the Jesus Revolution film makers use a 48-year-old man (Roumie) to portray an eighteen-year-old teenager (Lonnie Frisbee). While we can only speculate why a near-fifty-year-old Roumie was used, the article suggests it was because of Roumie’s successful role as Jesus in The Chosen; and of course, we know this could convert into success for Jesus Revolution. It also could give Frisbee more credibility in the eyes of movie goers seeing an older mature-like figure instead of a teenager.
I was saved during CA Jesus Revolution era 1970 ish in Isla Vista CA. Uni of Santa Barbara. I’m here to testify: It was Jesus( still is).
The Children of God cult preached The Word directly out of New Testament on the streets.
They sang .prayed .preached salvation verses asked if we wanted to accept Jesus. I did accept Jesus on the beach and great demonic darkness came off me and flew into the dark sky over a deep ocean. Im 72 married 51 years to same man and all my children are saved. My girls are Married to first husbands and attending churches in San Diego; Los Gatos And NYC. Mostly Baptist derived denominations but we still believe in Supernatural move of Holy Spirit(Jesus). The Rock Church San Diego and Christian Church Realife Clermont Fla. Have been great homes for us too. Jesus was and is and always will be The Jesus Movement, He is coming very soon for His Bride. Stay awake!
Patricia,
This isn’t the only time Jonathan Roumie has practiced necromancy. He also says he has had communications with a dead Catholic priest named Padre Pio. Here’s a 10-point critique we wrote about Roumie and The Chosen where we discuss that: https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/new-booklet-the-chosen-series-10-critical-concerns/. We know it’s hard for people because there is a lot of emotional draw to The Chosen.
I am disappointed in Jonathan Roumie actually lying on Lonnie Frisbee’s grave trying to communicate with him. As a Catholic I found it quite alarming and wonder what part Satan had in it.
Mr. Roumie was doing such a great job playing Jesus on The Chosen. Sadly, Ive lost my confidence in him portraying Jesus in future seasons.
I think Greg Laurie is on a trip and looking for fame in the world. First was the Steve McQueen movie, now Jesus Revolution in which his character played a major part. As a pastor he should focus on doing his job and on preaching the Word of God (and not his version of it).
It is totally unacceptable for a “Christian” film to have an actor who is a necromancer have any part in the film. The level of compromise on the part of Greg Laurie is unspeakable!
Time will tell where this is all going.
I watched the movie curious about the movement.
I don’t know if all that was portrayed was an accurate picture of all of the actual events that took place, but I looked more at the point of the movie which contrasted the stiff dead church with an evangelistic church that opened its doors to those who needed Christ the most. We have personal experience in many churches who have shunned the drug addicts and prostitutes and who were more interested in the color of the carpets. Despite its flaws, the movie gives hope that pastors and church members alike can change and start embracing people they normally wouldn’t have before so they can get saved. I also think that those most rejected by church may watch it and feel there is hope for them…that even while men may reject them, God hasn’t rejected them if they will repent and come to Him. All movies have flaws…guess I was there to see how God can move if people will let Him. The actors are not the point…it’s the message they bring to the screen. God can use a donkey to speak to someone if need be. If someone gets saved watching this, I would think that is a good thing. We passed out bible tracks to those who came to watch it.
People are searching. Not a perfect movie for sure but I think God may use it to reach some. Hand out some bibles or tracks as people go in or out.
This is a good opportunity to witness…don’t miss it.
I wonder how much of this tragic life could have been prevented if Chuck Smith hadn’t failed in his pastoral duties with Lonnie and Connie. His marriage is more important that the church movement. Not having a working marriage disqualifies him from pastoral duties. How tragic this was to read. I used to have so much respect for Chuck Smith.
My comment from discussing a linked review of the movie…
I was saved in a cult Hebrew roots movement, Worldwide Church of God. When I saw the error, I left and am okay testifying to the error of their views destroying the Grace of God through Christ. Sure there may be some good, but I do not endorse these beliefs as wise fellowship to seek the Lord.
To help cut through the “noise” for myself, I’ve lately written…
Why does God tells us beforehand what He will do? Is it to avoid… https://hopeishereblog.wordpress.com/2023/04/01/beforehand/
I wanted to share with you two articles about Lonnie Frisbee and the Jesus People Movement that I found helpful. Here are the links:
https://www.wayoflife.org/reports/lonnie_frisbee_and_the_jesus_movement.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonnie_Frisbee
By the way, I should note that I believe that Lonnie Frisbee was a fraud and that Chuck Smith knew this and didn’t care.
Just to clarify, in case some may be wondering, this is not Brother Andrews of Open Doors. This was a comment on the God Reports article by a reader of theirs.
Speaking of reactions, “Bro. Andrew” shared this in the comment section:
“I witnessed a Lonnie lead church service in 1990 in Morro Bay, CA. At a Odd’s Fellow Hall. I helped pass out the flyers to this meeting. I attended a Los Osos Vineyard at the time. It was the best church service I ever went to my entire 45 years of following Jesus. I shook on the floor for 10 minutes, spoke in tongues, laughed my head off. The service was to be 2 hours, it lasted 6 hours, the band kept playing people were singing, filled up. No one wanted to leave. People were getting healed, filled to the max. etc. I was high on the Holy Spirit for 3 days after this meeting. I would say about 3/4 of the people who attended this meeting LOVED IT and 1/4 of the people judged the entire show and had frowns on their faces, they did not get it. Then I heard 2 years later Lonnie had passed. After that I looked up Roger Sachs and later bought his books. listened to Set Free church meetings. Mother’s Day at the original Vineyard in Anaheim. I had to learn all about Lonnie. I heard Greg wanted to be Lonnie, but just did not have the same anointing. I give the Jesus Revolution movie a C-. I wanted to leave the theatre all pumped up for a bigger revival! but left the theatre bummed and only 6 other people were in the theatre in SLO.”
This is just a small part of an article covering reported issues with things under the leadership of Smith:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/march/7.53.html
“Critics say this “Moses model” produces pastors who refuse to let their authority be challenged. Such pastors often resist accountability measures such as financial audits and providing detailed financial statements. Some curious Calvary Chapel attendees, who have sought financial information from their churches, say they were ostracized.
“Other churchgoers say Calvary Chapel pastors also don’t like to be questioned. During the investigation for this article, Smith cautioned CT’s reporter: “The Lord warns, ‘Don’t touch my anointed. Do my prophet no harm.’ I think that you are trying to do harm to the work of God. I surely wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.””
“Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa sometimes hires pastors who have recently been removed from their churches for misconduct and immorality.
“In 1992, the board of Calvary Church, Santa Ana (which is not affiliated with Calvary Chapel), removed its then-prominent pastor, David Hocking, for having an affair. Within three months, Chuck Smith had hired him. At the time, Smith told CT, “This man is a gifted Bible teacher. And if he doesn’t resume his teaching, I’m afraid he’ll be literally and totally destroyed.” Hocking’s church complained that Smith had interrupted the restoration process they had established.
“In 2005, Calvary Chapel of Laguna Beach, California, fired pastor Joe Sabolick, accusing him of embezzlement and adultery. He denied the charges and sued the church and its board. Smith then hired Sabolick to lead worship in Costa Mesa. Sabolick later dropped the suit.”
I was supernaturally saved and truly born again during this revival. Chuck Smith, Lonnie, Calvary Chapel had zip to do
With it. I did NOT follow any man. I sought a bible believing church, and there was a lot of baloney going on. God caused me to line my life with the Word. I stopped all book reading. I’m still a bible literalist. God says it.
Period.