The new movie “42” has done well at the box office. But there is something
missing from this story about Jackie Robinson, who wore number 42 during his historic
career. Once again Hollywood swung and missed by downplaying the faith factor in this
incredible story.

Chris Lamb, writing in the Wall Street Journal, reminds us that Brooklyn
Dodgers President Branch Rickey picked Jackie Robinson to break baseball’s color
barrier because he could model Christian behavior. At their first meeting, Rickey opened
the book “Life of Christ” and read the words of Jesus: “But whoever shall smite thee on
the cheek, turn to him the other also.” Jackie Robinson knew the gospel and understood
why Rickey said: “I’m looking for a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back.”

One biography of Robinson tells the story of how Reverend Karl Downs (Scott
United Methodist Church) rescued Robinson from the streets. Downs became a father
figure to Robinson and brought him back into the church. In one interview Robinson
talked about his nightly ritual of knelling at bedside to pray. “It’s the best way to get
closer to God,” Robinson said, and then the second baseman added with a smile, “and it’s
also the best way to stop a hard-hit ground ball.”

Eric Metaxas, writing in USA Today, also noticed the missing element of faith in
the movie “42.” In his column and his new book, Seven Men and Their Secret of
Greatness, he describes Branch Rickey as a “Bible-thumping Methodist” who refused to
attend games on Sunday.

There were many other players in the Negro Leagues that Rickey could have
picked. He chose Jackie Robinson because of his Christian character. That is what
sustained him during the years of racist taunts.

When it comes to the faith factor, Hollywood chose to pitch around it rather than
throw strikes. Here’s hoping that these movie producers will some day find the strike
zone.