The music that helped launch Christian rock four decades ago takes center stage once again in “Beyond Belief,” an upcoming feature film that features the iconic songs of Petra alongside a story about grief, faith and discovering God’s calling.
In an interview with The Christian Post, star Carson Lueders shared how stepping into the band’s catalog, which includes “Lord I Lift Your Name on High,” “The Coloring Song” and “Grave Robber,” gave him a newfound appreciation for the pioneers of Christian rock and for the story those songs help tell.
“I love their music,” the 25-year-old musician said of Petra, formed in 1972 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “I understand why they were so popular, and they’ve had such a positive impact on a lot of people. It’s cool trying to bridge that gap to now show the younger generation who Petra is and what this music is.”
Directed by Johnny Meier, “Beyond Belief,” named after one of Petra’s most popular hits, follows Andy as he dreams of becoming a rock star while wrestling with grief and what he believes is God’s calling on his life.
“When a mysterious voice urges him to ‘run,’ Andy is drawn into an unexpected journey that challenges his ambitions, tests his faith, and forces him to decide what kind of life he’s truly meant to live,” notes the film description.
For Lueders, whose own career began on YouTube before growing into a music and acting career with more than 13 million social media followers, the role struck an immediate chord.
“I think this opportunity was a true blessing because what drew me instantly was just the relatability to who I am in everyday life,” the Spokane, Washington, native said. “Andy as a character is going through a lot of the same things I was facing in my life of just, ‘Who am I? What is my purpose here?'”
“I think a lot of people are going to be able to connect to parts of that search for meaning in life and ultimately pursuing purpose over success,” he added. “There were parts of this character that were really relatable to me. Sometimes you don’t really know what God’s plan is for your life, and then you look back and you see how things were lining up.”
Before they concluded touring in 2005, Petra released more than 20 albums, earned four Grammy Awards and 10 Dove Awards, and sold millions of records.
Lueders said his dad was a fan of the CCM group growing up, and that connection came to life during filming, when Petra members Bob Hartman and lead singer John Schlitt, who have also endorsed the film, visited the set for one of the movie’s concert scenes.
“They got to see everything come to life,” Lueders recalled. “I also got to FaceTime my dad. He was at work and he’s saying ‘hi’ to Petra, so it was cool.”
Part of that effort includes new music from Lueders himself. Last month, producers released the music video for “One Life,” Lueders’ updated recording of Petra’s classic song that appears in the film, while the young artist also contributed three original songs to the film.
Beyond the nostalgic soundtrack, Lueders said the movie addresses questions many young adults are asking today about identity and purpose.
“I think one of the main themes that resonated with me was just that you don’t always have to have life figured out,” he said. “Sometimes your mistakes are just setbacks. They don’t define who you are forever.”
“A lot of times we just have to trust the journey of what steps God has for you,” he added. “Sometimes it’s easy to step back and just say, ‘What am I doing here?’ But then you realize that everything does happen for a reason, and these certain seasons of your life are ultimately growing character. I’m big on just being a positive impact to those around you. Through faith and positivity, we can make a change.”
Lueders, who has earned more than 100 million YouTube views and previously starred in the popular series “Chicken Girls,” said “Beyond Belief” has also sparked a desire to pursue more acting opportunities while continuing to make music.
“I definitely do want to pursue more of it because I had such a great time filming,” he said. “The cast and crew, we got a little spoiled just because everyone was awesome. … I want to be able to make music that people can turn on and feel good to and feel encouraged. I’m trying to tap into more of the faith-based music and just be a positive outlook.”
The film is the latest to spotlight the world of Christian rock, following recent releases such as “A Week Away” and a Netflix spinoff which featured contemporary Christian hits, and “Electric Jesus,” the coming-of-age comedy inspired by the Christian metal scene of the late 1980s, including the rock group Stryper. The early years of CCM and its highs and lows were also the focal point of the 2021 film “The Jesus Music.”
“I’m almost jealous of artists today because it was so much harder back then,” Schlitt previously told CP. “Now, there are so many doors that are open for artists. I hope that it continues, and I hope the next generation of artists have the courage to be the Christians that they need to be to get the message out in a clear, precise way.”
“Beyond Belief” opens in theaters nationwide Aug. 28 through Iconic Events Releasing. Watch the trailer below.
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: [email protected]
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