With its groundbreaking focus on the critical issue of child trafficking, “Sound of Freedom” has marked a watershed moment for faith-based films. After watching the interview with Jordan Peterson, Tim Ballard, and Jim Caviezel, the film’s plot filled me to the brim with emotion, even though it won’t be released at the Nu Metro Theatre in South Africa until next month. The film depicts the real-life experiences of Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security Agent who has latterly spent his career rescuing victims of human trafficking, who afterwards felt a conviction from God and, together with his wife, risked everything, including the safety and income of their family, to make this movie that has gone miles ahead of the new Indiana Jones. “Sound of Freedom” tells the story of Ballard’s (Jim Caviezel) journey to Colombia to save a kidnapped brother and sister who have been seized by a woman posing as a model scout to be trafficked in the child pornography industry.
This review outlines four critical moral principles that may be underexplored:
Psychological Projection: Evil individuals project negative characteristics onto good individuals. By criticising those who exemplify “the virtuous path”, for instance, Jim Caviezel showcases himself as the protagonist who embodies goodness, compassion, and selflessness and inspires others to pursue the same path of ethical living. Evil people attempt to control and manipulate public opinion by discrediting the protagonist. By casting doubt on the intentions or actions of the virtuous, they seek to gain control and power over others, and by deflecting their attention away from their own malevolence, they maintain their sense of superiority.
The Battle of Worldviews: The New York Times’ Marc Tracy predicted “it will not be the summer’s biggest box office hit” seven days after the film’s 4 July release. Over the Fourth of July weekend, Sound of Freedom became the first post-pandemic independent film to reach gross $100 million in North America, surpassing Indiana Jones. The Old Testament culture would have stoned Tracy. It is appalling that secular media prioritises box office revenue over the film’s message. Sound of Freedom exceeded expectations despite its low budget and lack of Hollywood marketing. Based on a true story about child sex trafficking, which kills 1.2 million people per year, the film has received positive reviews. Why not celebrate this? Secular culture called it a “Q-Anon” far-right conspiracy. Precisely what can be expected from Liberal Sodom.
Attack on Children: The leftist reviewers betray the views of conservative fans by claiming that they care more about their “sordid fantasies” (actual quote) of child sex trafficking (a real, thriving black market industry) than they do about “visible suffering” such as “mass shootings, lack of healthcare, and climate disasters” (again, actual quote). The introduction of new arguments or topics not directly related to the original point does not render the original point false. It is unusual to have a rational discussion with someone who believes that paedophilia liberates children. Why do people on the left think in such a distorted manner? Building on flawed principles or practices is a recipe for failure, as planting rotten seeds in rotten soil yields no fruitful harvest. Our society has politicised and legalised rotten values that have no scientific basis? Based on Alfred Kinsey’s twisted research and pseudo-science, a group of other rotten men, including another film critic, Noah Bertlsky, a well-known advocate for destigmatising paedophilia and opposing laws prohibiting child pornography and prostitution (e.g. trafficking), who, over the last century, rearranged social sexual ethics by taking direct aim at parental authority and, ultimately, fathers. There is no denying it.
Fatherhood Principle: Tim Ballard is shocked by the number of paedophiles he meets. One paedophile with over two million child rape materials was arrested by him. Dr. Jordan Peterson analyses the psychological pathways that can lead to such behaviour using the biblical storey of Cain and Abel. He suggests that some people go on a dark journey of fantasy and sadism, desensitising themselves to increasingly violent and perverse thoughts. Numerous micro-decisions have led these people to commit horrifying acts. They then rationalise their behaviour and self-deception to maintain normalcy and morality. According to Peterson, some paedophiles may think they are forming positive relationships with children or justifying their actions as allowing children to express their true desires. Jesus values children by emphasising the dire consequences for those who harm or mislead them. He understands their vulnerability, innocence, and need for protection. Even conservative and liberal Christians cringed on the idea of fathers ruling their homes. But the “Sound of Freedom” reminds us that not only can a masculine culture that takes this duty seriously better protect children’s innocence, but that this is the very ancient institution, nay, fatherly instinct, that postmodern values have always sought to dismantle and destroy. Men—especially fathers—protect. This is why Jim Caviezel’s onscreen Ballard is driven by what he would do if his own children were kidnapped and abused.
In summary, ‘Sound of Freedom’ is not merely a film; it serves as a wake-up call to address the atrocities of child exploitation and the immediate requirement for compassionate and courageous individuals, especially Christians, to stand against it.
