Behold the Earth

Behold the Earth is a profound cinematic exploration that spans science, faith, and culture, directed by the visionary filmmaker David Conover in 2017. It features insights from renowned figures like Cal DeWitt, Katharine Hayhoe, and Ben Lowe, each bringing a unique perspective and interpretation of some of our world's most pressing environmental issues.

The film sets out to address the gradually disappearing biodiversity on our planet and seeks to inspire viewers to become more diligent caretakers of the Earth. Through the wisdom and insight of scientists like DeWitt, a pioneering environmental scientist who has dedicated his life to the study and protection of our planet’s ecosystem; Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist and evangelical Christian who has long contended the faith-driven call to address our environmental challenges; and Lowe, a young evangelical trying to rally his peers around this critical cause, the film gazes through the prism of science, faith, environment, and culture to present a nuanced perspective of the current situation.

Conover has crafted a film with a clear objective to bridge the gap between scientists and faith leaders. Behold the Earth, therefore, serves as a platform for dialogue between these usually mutually exclusive domains, creating a discourse that not only enlightens but also brings hope.

The film creates a fascinating narrative from these diverse viewpoints as it traces the roots of America’s disconnect from nature in the 20th century, incorporating influences from music, history, and the Bible. Several scenes take place outdoors, underscoring the raw and often overwhelming beauty of nature. Musical interludes are woven throughout the film, interjecting a layer of emotional curiosity and intrigue.

Composer Tim Eriksen, former member of the band Cordelia’s Dad, also features prominently in the film. His contributions to the soundtrack, steeped in the tradition of American religious and folk music, infuse the film with a resonant sense of spirituality. His music adds a particularly distinctive dimension to the movie, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the natural world.

Furthermore, Behold the Earth compellingly examines the historiography of the ecological movement and the Christian evangelical response to it. The movie provides a glimpse into the longstanding relationship between religious belief and environmental stewardship and presents a thought-provoking premise that religious conviction could play an essential role in fostering responsible environmental behavior.

The film explicitly takes into account the profound influence of the Christian evangelical community in America and offers a fresh perspective on the connections between the Bible, nature, and science. It emphasizes the necessity of taking science seriously into religious communities and underlines the roles that music, beauty, and a sense of wonder play in rejuvenating humans’ relationship to their natural world.

Ultimately, the movie seeks to ignite a conversation and invoke action. While it fully acknowledges the severity of the issues at hand and the challenges that lie ahead, the film is fundamentally hopeful. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the idea that Earth requires diligent stewards, and it is within our power – and indeed, our duty – to be such.

Uniquely immersive and visually breathtaking, Behold the Earth is a fascinating exploration of our relationship with the environment and the social and ideological forces that shape this relationship. It challenges the audience to question deeply ingrained beliefs about nature and our place in it.

In summation, Behold the Earth serves as an educational, enlightening, and impactful conversation starter that highlights the intersectionality of science, faith, and our world's environmental challenges. A compelling and insightful film, it invites viewers to reflect upon their roles in caring for our shared home, stirring up thought and promoting the betterment of our planet.