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PAMELA'S PRAYER: Unrealistic or Not?
by Dave Christiano
Since the release of the movie Pamela's Prayer in 1998, a number of youth pastors, pastors and adults have taken the time to write or call and label this movie as "unrealistic". And most of these people are quite adamant about it. They are strong in their opinion. Some potential distributors have even turned down the film because they too believe the message is unrealistic. And yet, when you look at the problems with teenage pregnancy and abortion today, none of the approaches taken by the secular world or the church have done anything to successfully solve the problem. But if the message of Pamela's Prayer was followed, it would eliminate every teenage pregnancy and abortion. It would also eliminate many other sins that take place in relationships the Bible describes in Colossians 3:5. So, with that said, I ask you to consider this story below and see if this movie really is unrealistic as some complain it to be.
A youth pastor from Chicago had purchased Pamela's Prayer and was planning to show the movie to his youth. After watching the film, he called my office. The conversation went as follows:
The youth pastor said, I bought this movie Pamela's Prayer and I need to return it because I can't show this movie to my youth.
I asked him why?
He hesitated and then said, Because they won't receive this message. My kids are pretty worldly and they're not going to go for this...
Then I finished his statement for him, and the movie is very unrealistic and you'll be embarrassed to show it to your teens, right?
He said, Right.
I asked him, Is there a teen who would really mock this film the most, who would apply the most peer pressure toward you the youth pastor, who would really make you feel the most uncomfortable, who would totally make fun of the movie and never let you live it down if you showed it? Is there a teen like that, and if there is, what's his name?
The youth pastor thought for a moment before saying, Mike.
I said, Great, can I talk to Mike?
He replied, Mike's not here.
I asked, Well can you pretend to be Mike then?
He was hesitant for a moment before saying, Okay.
So I began to ask "Mike" two questions, I said, Mike, it's your wedding day man and coming down that aisle is your wife to be. This is the girl you really love with all of your heart. This is the girl you're going to spend the rest of your life with. She is the greatest female on the face of the earth and she is going to be your wife. Let me ask you Mike, what kind of a girl would you prefer she be, one who had been with five other guys before you or none, which would you prefer?
The youth pastor delayed before saying quietly, None.
I quickly proceeded to my next question, Mike, it's your wedding day and here comes your bride down the aisle. She looks so beautiful. You can't wait to be with her and you're the happiest man in the world because of your wonderful bride. Let me ask you Mike, what would you prefer, that she had kissed 25 other guys before you, or none? Which would you prefer?
The youth pastor again was quiet before answering, None.
I said, Isn't that great youth pastor, Mike just endorsed the message of PAMELA'S PRAYER, why don't you show the film?
The youth pastor kept the movie and was going to show it to his teens.
Although Pamela's Prayer presents a message that is a very high standard of purity, in reality, it's the standard that deep down inside every single person in life would prefer. I don't believe the message of Pamela's Prayer is unrealistic, but rather it's a message that has not been presented. The devil and the world have sold a compromising message and many people have bought it. The Bible holds purity very high. And purity is a beautiful thing if lived out. I hope that more and more people would see and hear this message. The greatest blessing can only follow for those who uphold purity as high as this film does.
I want to add this as well. In years past, I have spoken to youth groups and when I would open up for a question and answer session, the most commonly asked question was this, "Mr. Christiano, how far can I go on a date?". It seems this is a pressing question for most youth. But in reality, they are asking a very self-centered question. What they should be asking is, "Mr. Christiano, how pure can I be on a date?". Now that is Christ-centered question, and shows a heart that is putting Christ first in this area of life.
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