The Most Important Movie of the Century

I heard that anti-war protestors hated the movie … Liberals hated the movie. “America isn’t ready for a movie like this!” they screamed. I reasoned that if anti-war protestors and other Libs hate this movie I’ve got to see it. What movie am I talking about? “United 93” of course =).

Having seen the film opening night, I can honestly say that “United 93” is the most important film made in recent history. I will do my best not to provide any spoilers, but then again, we all know what happened that day (unless you’re a 9/11 conspiracy theorist).

The movie provides a few unique moments from the terrorists’ perspective. Each of these moments brought out the sincere belief that some Muslims have about killing non-Muslims for the spreading of Islam.

Once Flight 93 was airborne, the movie was intense. Terrorists made their move to take over the plane, and I was angry. It was shocking to see.

Also incorporated into the film were the other events of the day: the twin towers and the Pentagon. These were necessary to include because it had an impact on the passengers of Flight 93. We also got to see the frantic response from our government, military and Air Traffic Controllers.

The many phone calls that were made by the passengers of Flight 93 were reenacted. This is also a difficult thing to see - family members saying goodbye to friends and loved ones. Many actors played themselves: the head of the FAA, military personnel etc. Even some played their own family member who died in the crash.

I can boldly report that “United 93” is completely non-political. It is information and facts being acted out. No matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on, if you’re a patriotic American you will enjoy this movie. (And if you find yourself empathetic towards the terrorists, you should probably join Al Queda, or at least move to Canada).

Never before have I shaken through so much of a movie. I think the reason for this is because I knew this really happened. I was awe-struck. More than once I teared up – and apparently many in the theater did as well.

Why is “United 93” the most important movie in recent history? Because it brings to life the fact that there are many in this world willing to fight and kill for their religious beliefs. 9/11 was so shocking for most Americans because we can’t relate to the Muslim worldview at all. Their worldview is stuck in the Middle Ages. There are many Muslims who will kill and destroy for the sake of Islam; to pretend otherwise is to live in a dream world.

Thomas Madden’s The New Concise History of the Crusades makes some remarkable comments in his opening chapter: “When the crusades of the Middle Ages are remembered, it is usually with disdain and derision. In a post-Enlightenment world, the concept of religious warfare is odious, largely because most people no longer believe that one’s religious beliefs are relevant to one’s view of the world or place in it. Traditionally, modern wars are fought for political and ideological causes, like democracy or nationalism—ideas that would not seem worth the shedding of one drop of blood to most medieval men and women. Only recently, in the aftermath of September 11, have westerners discovered that religion remains a reason to wage deadly war. Nevertheless, war has not changed much in nine hundred years, only its weapons and tactics. Rather than fighting for a patriotic vision of a nation-state, thousands of medieval Europeans marched off to fight for Christ. In both cases, the soldiers felt similarly about their causes. They were willing to sacrifice their lives to defend what they held most sacred” (pg. 1).

A few paragraphs down Madden writes, “Mohammed began his prophecies and preaching in Mecca, a trading city in Arabia. In 622, he moved to nearby Medina and became that city’s ruler. There, Mohammed inspired more than just a religion. Because the Prophet was both a political and religious leader, Islam was at once a faith and a means of government. Commerce, justice, diplomacy, and war were built into the bedrock of the religion. Unlike Christian leaders, who tried to reconcile their prestige, power, and wealth with Christ’s life of poverty, Muslims had in their founder a model of a worldly and spiritual leader. Mohammed waged war, first against other Arab towns and then against Mecca. Muslims called each of these wars a jihad, or holy war” (pg. 3).

Madden continues by discussing the idea of Muslim expansionism being tied to jihad, “After the conquest of Arabia, Mohammed envisioned the continued expansion of Islam. Indeed, expansionism working hand-in-hand with jihad became an important component in the Muslim worldview. … The rapid expansion of Islam was truly remarkable. After Mohammed’s death in 632 a series of caliphs (“successors”) waged energetic jihads against neighboring peoples. Within a century, Arab Muslims had conquered Persia, Egypt, and Syria” (pg. 3).

Is anyone else uber excited after reading that? Doesn’t it make you want to go out and buy a dozen books on the Crusades?! *giggles with glee* … … … *clears throat* Ahem, umm, where was I? Oh yes –

As I sat watching “United 93” I saw Muslim Jihad lived out before my very eyes. Like the Crusaders of old, it is now time for Western Civilization to respond to Muslim aggression. Let us not allow our civilization to be destroyed by the greatest threat our society has ever known: Islam.

See the movie and talk about it with your co-workers, friends and family.

Casey