|PIC1|The Gospel, an indie movie, finished in fifth place at the box office on the weekend that it was released in USA, in spite of the fact that it was shown in less than half as many theaters as most of the other movies. It also had a much lower advertising budget than the other ranking films.

Now, The Gospel is available on DVD.

A modern day retelling of Christ’s parable of the Prodigal Son, The Gospel begins with a preacher’s son named David Taylor and his friend Frank training to become ministers. After a tragedy however, David falls away from his family and his church and becomes a famous musician. In parallel with the 'younger son' of Luke 15, he lives the high life and enjoys the “perks” often associated with being young, rich and famous.

Meanwhile, his friend Frank continues to follow his calling in the ministry. David’s father hires him as an assistant minister at the church. When David’s father becomes ill, Frank is named as his successor.

As you would expect, news of his father’s illness is enough to bring David back home. He leaves his concert tour to spend time with his ailing father in what may be his last few days on earth. Once back at home, David must decide whether or not he wants to be involved in the church he turned his back on as it faces a crisis of leadership. Very few movies have ever portrayed the inner workings of a church as in depth as this movie – meetings, disagreements and struggles among people trying to become church celebrities and committed believers who want to honor God through the church’s ministry.

|TOP|It is this world in which David will be asked to become a participant once again.

In addition to a story, you might also hear some songs with which you are familiar. In fact, music, more than acting or writing, may be the main draw of this film. Prominent Gospel musicians such as Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond sing along with the choir in rousing renditions of praise songs. In fact, Gospel star Kirk Franklin was instrumental in writing some of the original music appearing in the film.

Gospel is a good wholesome Christian movie that stands up well in a Hollywood-driven market - Church attendance, strong families, and even sexual abstinence are all portrayed in a positive light by the time the movie ends.

Christians often complain about the lack of good, moral movies put out in the theaters these days. When one turns up, we should put our money where our mouth is and support it. Though only available in America, please click here for worldwide delivery.