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Known to his hundreds of friends and admirers as RAB, Bob Briner wrote a book called Roaring Lambs which was the seed from which grew the International Society for Excellence in Christian Film & Television.
Kevin D. Hendricks writes in his Real Magazine review of RAB’s book Roaring Lambs, “Bob Briner was president of ProServ Television and an Emmy Award-winning producer. He was one of few Christians heavily involved in mainstream television and had a heart for taking his faith wherever he went. He understood that Christianity wasn't simply a Sunday morning commitment. He found ways to take his faith to work and be a roaring example to anyone he came in contact with, from sports professionals to the head of the Sony corporation. He did simple things, like working hard and spending time with people. And people took notice.”
“Briner's book, Roaring Lambs, written in 1993 . . . explains this simple concept of changing our culture and challenges readers to step out and make a difference. It sounds kind of obvious, as if it's something we already do. But most of us don't. Is the church a culture shaping force today? Certainly, the church has forged a culture all its own, complete with Christian books, CDs, magazines, web sites, radio and TV stations, stores, and even after-dinner mints. But all the while the mainstream culture doesn't take notice. And that's where it counts, doesn't it?”
“Certainly there's plenty of negative Christian influences. We're good at complaining when we feel wronged and the world at large refuses to agree with our ideology. We're good at boycotting, picketing, and signing petitions. But Briner urges us to do something positive. Rather than boycott the violent movie, support the fledgling Christian movie that needs support to get off the ground.”
“Briner urges Christians to make a dominant stand in our culture. He encourages us to be visible in our work places and make our voice heard by society and he stresses a positive influence. In Roaring Lambs, Briner spends entire chapters speaking to creative professionals, people working in TV, the movies, books, art, and teaching. These are the culture shapers, and how can we expect to have an influence on society if there are no Christians filling these positions? For those not involved in such positions, Briner urges supporting these people in whatever manner necessary.”
“Briner . . . slips when he assumes the church can easily unite in such attempts to reach the mainstream culture. I wish the church were that united. But divisions always arise and then come the accusations of "crossing over." I can't help but wonder how Briner would react to films like Dogma, the Matrix, or the Apostle—films that some Christians would laude as heralding the message of Christ, and other Christians would bash for being violent, crass, flippant and anti-Christian. The church is not nearly as unified as Briner dreamed it is.” (Kevin D. Hendricks)
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