Movies And The BibleSample

Classic Olympic Themed Biopic Draws Inspiration From The Bible

In the Academy-Award-winning film Chariots of Fire (1981), the true story of Eric Liddell came to life and made a lasting impact on moviegoers all over the world. The legendary Scottish runner and missionary famously missed out on a chance to compete in the 100-meter race at the 1924 Olympics due to his strict adherence to his interpretation of Exodus 20:8-11’s command to honor the Sabbath.

That was just one of many ways in which the Bible is present in the movie. In a conversation with his father, Liddell paraphrases Luke 17:21 and Jeremiah 29:13 while explaining his approach to running. Later in the film, Liddell preaches a message on the day he has withdrawn from his 100-meter heat. His text is from Isaiah 40 and concludes with an iconic passage:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings of eagles.  They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:20-21, KJV)

Just before competing in the 400-meter race, an American opponent handed Liddell a piece of paper with a biblical note of encouragement:

“Those who honor me I will honor.” (1 Samuel 2:30, KJV)

Holding the piece of paper in his hand, Liddell won the gold medal in world record time and also won the bronze medal in the 200-meter race.

While the film’s dialogue is laced with Bible verses and biblical analogies about running (e.g. 1 Corinthians 9:24, Hebrews 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:7, etc.), the title itself is derived from the story of a prophet named Elijah who was swept into heaven on a horse-led “chariot of fire” (2 Kings 2:11, NIV). The phrase appears at the end of the movie as a choir sings “Jerusalem,” a song inspired by William Blake’s poem “And did those feet in ancient time.”

Bring me my Bow of burning gold;

Bring me my Arrows of desire:

Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!

Bring me my Chariot of fire!