meeksness

I'm giving this movie a 10 simply because right now it's at a 3.3, and it doesn't deserve that low of a rating. Though I'm a Christian, I will usually avoid these types of movies because they are always unrealistic and horribly acted. Honestly, for a medium budget faith based movie, it's about a 6.5. Joe's young life was filled with abuse, and I felt the movie did a decent job of portraying that without going overboard. I'm sure it was much worse. This is a true story dealing with the hot-button issue of freedom of religion. That's the way I see it anyway. I'm guessing most non-Christians will not like it, but I thought it was well acted, above average, and it's an incredible story of fighting for faith and freedom. I would highly recommend to people who appreciate these values.

Do not look at the 5.7 that is the current rating for Southern Gospel. This is not a cheesy, church actors movie that has the potential to be good but fails miserably because it is so poorly produced. This is as well made as Jesus Revolution, a story of redemption and forgiveness and real life with real issues that can negatively shape our destinies if we let them. Some find their way out of the vortex of darkness by the light of Christ, yet others choose to take matters into their hands and suffer the consequences. Southern Gospel addresses topics such as child molestation, addiction, and suicide and might not be suitable for young viewers, but it has so much to offer as a faith-based movie and I thoroughly enjoyed it.