For Petra's John Schlitt & Bob Hartman 'Beyond Belief' Movie Brings Their Music to a New Generation
Petra's Bob Hartman and John Schlitt. Photo image courtesy Intrigue Films.
For more than five decades, Petra has been more than a legendary Christian rock band—they’ve been a ministry, a musical pioneer, and a voice of faith for generations.
Now, as Petra celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new tour and the release of its first studio album in more than 20 years, Hope, founding guitarist Bob Hartman and longtime lead vocalist John Schlitt are reflecting on a remarkable journey that continues to inspire.
That legacy is also finding its way to a new generation through Beyond Belief, a new movie opening in theaters this weekend starring YouTube sensation Carson Lueders and featuring the music of Petra throughout. Set in the 1980s, the film explores what it means to hear God's voice, trust His plan, and discover that the path God has for us can be bigger than anything we could imagine.
I recently sat down with Hartman and Schlitt to talk about 50 years of music and ministry, their connection to Beyond Belief, and what it means to keep boldly sharing a message of faith after five remarkable decades.
If you were trying to convince your fans to take the time to get out to the theater to see Beyond Belief, what would you say to encourage them?
Bob Hartman: Well, I would say you’ve got to come see John (Schlitt) and my performance in the movie, because we are there. We're waiting to hear from the Academy (about an Oscar nomination) as we speak, but we are very much in the movie ourselves.
John Schlitt: We did a great job; I tell you what. We're thinking of joining the Screen Actors Guild, just in case, so there's no problem there. All you guys, when you see it, all you directors, I just want to let you know that we are available. We are actors for hire!
But other than that, the movie is exciting. It's about Christian kids back in the 1980s. That's why our album Beyond Belief is so important in it, because it's about that time it was happening. This young man is a runner, a guitar player, and a Christian, who is going through life with a lot of different challenges, and how he handles it. And the fact that Petra music is totally interspersed in it was just a real joy for Bob and I, and the band. It was just exciting to watch, and it worked out well. We saw the director's vision when he first came to us. We weren't quite sure, and as we finally saw the movie it made sense.
What was your reaction when you first learned that Petra's music would be featured in a theatrical film?
Bob Hartman: I think our thoughts were, we'll believe that when we see it. And the reason being, over the years, lots of people have come to us with ideas that never came to fruition. And so, John and I are typically skeptical, plus they needed to raise the money. But lo and behold, they actually did, and they made the movie. And we're thrilled that something actually is coming out that features a lot of Petra music.
John Schlitt: For Bob and I, we just had too many big thinkers that disappeared and were never to be seen again. I think the first time we ever talked was four years ago, so he (director Johnny Meier) had to work a long time, but he had movie experience, so we weren't talking to a novice. But just the fact that it did come true, and we got to see it on screen was a real joy for us.
Your first album came out more than 50 years ago, in 1974, before things really heated up for you guys in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Why do you think Petra's music continues to resonate with people decades later?
John Schlitt: I think our music is timeless. Bob's songwriting is absolutely guided by God, as far as I'm concerned. It's anointed. But it's a message that changes lives. If you listen to a Petra record right now you would think it is a current release. And it's still relevant, it's still useful, it still has a life-changing message. The music's important, but the message is what counts. Why do people keep listening to Petra? Well, first of all, it was quality stuff when it came out, but the message is life-changing. So it's a deeper thing than just the music.
What does it mean for you to see a new generation discovering these songs?
Bob Hartman: It has been a lot of fun, especially when we have parents bringing children, sometimes their grandchildren, to our concerts, and they know the words to the songs. Often, they have a favorite Petra song. That is really rewarding, and we just love it, when it comes to being a family project. We're thrilled about that.
Are there particular songs in the film that hold special significance for you?
Bob Hartman: I think "Beyond Belief" would be that song. That's one that we have to play every time at our concerts. I think it’s because it's a very identifiable song with a message about going beyond just believing in Christ. It’s about finding out what God has for us in our lives. And I think the song, not only musically, but message-wise, touches something in people. And they really want to hear that, and I think that says something about why it’s in the movie as well.
The film deals with questions of purpose and calling. How did those themes resonate with you personally?
John Schlitt: I think it's very relevant. That's one of the things we're excited about. It's very, very relevant not only back in the 1980s, but it's very relevant today. I’m talking about purpose and finding direction in life. I don't want to say too much about the movie, but I can say it’s a very relevant theme.
Bob Hartman: I think the things that a young person faces are things that not only young people face, but people of all ages for that matter. Those are questions about who I am. What am I meant to be? What does God want me to be? How can I find what God wants in my life? And that right there is something that's totally universal through all age groups, and this movie is hopefully going to help people to understand that we all go through that time where we question whether God is really working in my life? And when we come to realize that He is, it's a wonderful faith-building proposition.
It has been said that our greatest calling is often found not in achieving our own plans, but in trusting God's. Why is this a timely story for today’s culture?
John Schlitt: I think anything that involves God, and how people react to His leading, how God does lead and anything like that is very important and relevant. I'm using that word again. Relevant. This story is very relevant for today. For instance, with Bob and I, when we're out on tour, when we're on stage, everything that we're doing is relevant for that moment. We choose to stay out of the way and let God do what He does, and I think anything entertaining, be it movies, music, whatever, that is directed to lifting up Christ is very powerful. I'm very excited about the fact that there's a movie now that is dedicated in a roundabout way to be, first of all, very entertaining but also directing the viewer to think about God. How does God work in their lives? Is He working in their lives? If He's not, why not? It's just a very useful tool.
After audiences have had a chance to see Beyond Belief, what would you like to see people take away from this movie after they see it? What is your greatest hope for the film?
Bob Hartman: For me, it would be that there's hope in Christ. Not to give away the plot of the movie, but when this young man believes that God has said something to him, and he goes about obeying, other things fall into place. This is really relevant to all Christians. God doesn't give us the whole big plan at once. He gives us one little thing to obey, and when we do, then other things fall into place. Further down the line, we look and say, okay, now I understand why God told me to do that, or to be there. And that's what I think the message of this movie is. When you just do the simple thing, even if we don't understand why, and that's often what happens. We don't understand exactly why God is telling us this or that. But when we obey, we see why later. And sometimes it takes a long time to see why, but I think that it is important to hang in there and be faithful to God’s plan for your life.
Beyond Belief opens in theaters nationwide on August 28th.
WATCH A TRAILER FOR BEYOND BELIEF:
