While many of us have felt the pinch at the pump, what if we compared gas prices to water prices? We can learn to live without oil. But who can survive even a few days without water? When it comes to precious commodities, water is far more essential than silver or gold. Shouldn't the Christian community be a key provider of living waters throughout the world?

Two smart, passionate films about water recently arrived in theaters. Both premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. FLOW: For the Love of Water (www.flowthefilm.com) chronicles the water wars brewing in many developed countries. As companies privatize the distribution of water, will the poor be cut off from precious H-2-0? We can see the start of such trends in the proliferation of bottled water. How much should we pay for a bottle of water? Is that water demonstrably better? Who oversees and checks on its contents? Flow follows Michigan residents battling Nestle's efforts to tap into their lakes, bottle the water, and sell it back to them. This galvanizing film steps on many corporations and governments toes. But it raises important questions about whether everyone has a right to safe, clean drinking water. Thankfully, remarkable ministries like Blood:Water (www.bloodwatermission.com) are leading the way in digging wells and delivering the gift of life.

TROUBLE THE WATER (http://www.troublethewaterfilm.com/) follows the travails of one family during Hurricane Katrina. Filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin were interviewing survivors in Houston. They came across Kim and Scott Roberts, still reeling from the storm in New Orleans. Kim and Scott had stayed in the Ninth Ward during the storm. Trouble the Water reveals Kim's heartwrenching home videos. It puts viewers inside the hurricane with water rising and no sign of rescue. Acts of courage and heroism balance the devastating losses. Kim and Scott's Christian faith endures throughout considerable hardship. Trouble the Water documents inner city New Orleans with unflinching detail. There is plenty of harsh profanity, rap music, and political commentary throughout. But even as Galveston deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Trouble the Water serves as a call to action. It reminds us how communities are rebuilt one family at a time.

For pastors, these films serve as a strong reminder of Jesus' tangible teaching. Trouble the Water reminds us of the flood which wiped out everyone but the well prepared Noah. It has echoes of Jonah in its prophetic rants against our indifference. Flow took me back to the woman at the well. Who needs living water today? Surely, the Christian community understands the power of baptismal water to wash away our sins. Perhaps the calamities occurring around the globe (and documented in these moving films) remind us of our need for a fresh start in caring for our neighbors. Both films will be playing in small, independent theaters this fall.

Craig Detweiler's acclaimed new book, Into the Dark, searches for the sarcred amidst the Internet Movie Database. Craig directs the Reel Spirituality Institute at Fuller Theological Seminary