Hell and Mr Fudge

Nathan Brown
Co-convenor
Manifest Creative Arts Festival

What we believe matters. How we believe matters. And stories matter.

I was reminded of these truths while watching Hell and Mr Fudge in the company of Dr Edward Fudge, the “Mr Fudge” of the film’s title. He introduced the story of this part of his life by telling us he had seen the film 16 times—as well as being closely involved in its development and having a cameo role—and has been moved to tears at a different place in the story each time. That’s why stories matter. They move us—and “based on a true story” stories can draw us into the lived experienced on another person, another family, another church.

This is why this story told in film is so valuable. The experience of a young man and burgeoning theologian is not merely about doctrine, it’s a story of why what we believe matters to our lives and our faith.

Edward’s particular focus came after a challenge from an evangelist who offered to pay him to research what the Bible says about the traditional belief in eternal torment in hell for those who do not accept God. As the film portrays, this was a question that had troubled Edward through life experience and this commission sparked a period of intense research and personal wrestling.

Set in Alabama in the 1950s to 1970s—and the period has been carefully re-created, filmed in many of the locations in which the stories actually happened—the drama comes with the reactions of church members and critics to the questions he raises about aspects of faith and some of the conclusions his research leads him toward. Ultimately, Edward’s research was published in the 500-page book The Fire that Consumes in 1982.

Described as theology “lite,” Hell and Mr Fudge might be better labelled a theological drama, perhaps an under-appreciated and under-populated genre in the history of film. It is first—and had to be when presented in this format—a human drama. As such, the film works to raise questions more than drawing out answers. But the best discussions start with questions, not answers. This is the strength of this story and the way it has been told.

Hell and Mr Fudge urges that we should not be afraid of new ideas, we should be prepared to learn and be led into a greater understanding of the Bible and what it teaches, and to stand up for what is truth even in the face of tradition, opposition and criticism. This is often not an easy journey—as evidenced by the tears re-visiting the story brings to Edward even today. Following truth brings its joys and its sorrows—but we have to trust that it also brings hope, whatever our circumstances or difficulties.

Such is the value of a true, well-told story of someone who did.

Hell and Mr Fudge, presented by Manifest Creative Arts Festival and Adventist Book Centres. Australian premiere screenings:

Melbourne
March 15, 2014, 6 pm and 8.30 pm, Lilydale Seventh-day Adventist Church, Freewill offering

Sydney
March 19, 2014, 7 pm, Fox Valley Seventh-day Adventist Community Church, Freewill offering

Cooranbong
March 20, 2014, 8.30 pm, Ladies Chapel, Avondale College of Higher Education, $10 (Avondale Online Store or at door) or free with Manifest Festival Pass

Brisbane
March 22, 2014, 7 pm, Springwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, Freewill offering