The Essential Church

Documentaries are in our midst in order to teach us about a certain topic whether it be about sports, religion, politics, entertainment, universities, diseases--the list is endless. When the Covid 19 virus hit our country back in 2020, there was so much we didn't know or realize about it. Many died and suffered in the process, but through the years that ensued, we came to learn more about it. But was this enough for a society to have to be caught up in lockdowns, quarantines and the incredible fear that followed?

When governments use Covid emergency act edicts to restrict the gathering and worship of the Church, three pastors, John MacArthur, Phil Johnson and James Coates facing the risk of imprisonment, unlimited fines, and their own Churches splitting apart take a courageous stand and re-open in the face of a world that has chosen to comply. "The Essential Church" is a feature-length documentary that explores the struggle between Church and government throughout history. This story takes us to multiple countries and uncovers those who have sacrificed their lives for what they believe in. Journey with them as they rediscover why the Church is essential and how they prove that  their stand remains true from a scientific, legal, and most importantly Biblical perspective. 

Others interviewed are Scott B. Atlas, M.D., Voddie Baucham, Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Gary Brady, Erin Coates, Jenna Ellis, Leighton Grey, Chris Hamilton, Ian Hamilton, Darrell B. Harrison, Paul M. Jonna, Charles S. LiMandri, Tim Stephens, Spencer Revely and Carl Hargrove.

This was brilliantly and exhaustively researched by writer and director Shannon Halliday. Her ability to be able to shoot and edit by Cinematographer, Nathan Bonsell and Zachary Weintraub respectively was amazing and surely was gripping and compelling. While this is the only project she has been involved with, this was treated with such clarity and the exhaustive research was simply captivating. If this is her first tackle at a documentary, I can't wait to see what she will do with her next one...and there will be a next. This was a 2 hour and 6 minute running time and felt like it was only an hour and a half. Some of the information in this I already realized, however there were aspects that were surprising that were exposed in this that was an eye-opener. Such as religious persecution has been going on as far back as 1637 when, in Scotland, the Church of Scotland persecuted, even to the point of death, those that wouldn't recant their faith in Jesus Christ and held King Charles as the King of all. So much, as we know at this point, of the lockdowns were derived from the government's over reach or power over the people. If it was about Covid and spreading the infection, why were places like big box stores, liquor and cannabis stores considered essential, but churches were not? As it has turned out, it has been considered conclusive that the lockdowns were a total failure, but how many people's lives were destroyed in the wake? As this film says nearing the end of it, "who has the right to tell me how to live out my faith"? As back in the 1600's when our society was corrupt, today as our society becomes increasingly corrupt, we will see more and more suppression from our government and any other entity that has this kind of power and control over its people. 

This is a film that every human being needs to see. If more people become informed out there  with how grossly inaccurate our government was during the pandemic, the more likely that hopefully, HOPEFULLY this will not happen again. Can we not learn from history? Time will tell. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                          Rated: PG-13                                        126mins.