Neil McDonough on Faith and Healing Through Film
Actor Neil McDonough believes that the Bible’s perspective on humanity and forgiveness can play a vital role in healing the world and promoting love. In his upcoming film, Guns and Moses, he portrays the mayor of a small town. The movie, releasing on July 18th, revolves around a rabbi who bravely seeks the truth after the Jewish community faces violence.
As might be expected from the title, McDonough, known for his roles in Captain America: The First Avenger and Homestead, addresses the theme of violence yet urges audiences to reflect on questions like, “What am I so against?” and “Why can’t we respect each other’s beliefs?”
Co-starring in the film is Mark Feuerstein, who takes on the role of the rabbi.
“God creates us all; we’re all His children, becoming like brothers and sisters. Our race, beliefs, religion, or wealth shouldn’t divide us. If we cheer each other on a bit more, imagine how much better the world could be,” McDonough expressed.
He describes the opening murder in Guns and Moses as a turning point for the community, highlighting that it should prompt introspection and a desire to stop the fighting.
“We ought to enjoy each other and learn from one another. That’s the core message of this film, politically and spiritually, particularly in these chaotic times. Regardless of religion or background, we should all understand each other better,” he commented regarding current global tensions.
“If we pause and share a meal, we start to see why we classify some as enemies. Who even remembers why we should hate each other? Often, it’s just what we were taught, passed down through generations,” he added.
McDonough expressed his fondness for films like this, which explore faith and humanity, saying he’s proud to be part of Guns and Moses.
In recent years, he has focused on faith-based projects like Shift, Homestead, and The Last Rodeo, with Guns and Moses being his latest venture in this genre.
“I’ve always had a strong relationship with God. Years ago, during a tough time, I had forgotten Him. It was then that my wife and I decided to make a film to honor Him,” he revealed.
