The site, which serves as a companion to the official film Web site, www.FireprooftheMovie.com, includes a section exclusively devoted to "Catholic Resources."
Kendrick co-wrote "Fireproof" with his brother, Alex, who also directed the film and serves as associate pastor at Sherwood Baptist.
But Kendrick does not credit himself with the film’s success or its impact on audiences.
He compares the "best efforts" of the cast and crew to "five loaves and two fish" that God used to make something wonderful.
From a secular point-of-view, Kendrick said, there are many possible explanations for the film’s success: relatable subject matter; solid story-telling; a strong marketing campaign; the endorsement of more than 100 marriage ministries nationwide; and inter-denominational support, which included the endorsements of such prominent Catholic leaders as Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Carl Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus.
There was also the fact that Sherwood Pictures had developed such a strong following that its previous film had earned $10 million in theaters and sold 2 million DVDs.
But any secular explanation falls short, Kendrick said, because it overlooks God’s role in the film’s success. It was God, he said, who provided the storyline, blessed the cast and crew with success on each day of filming, facilitated collaborations with other denominations and marriage ministries, and allowed the film to reach so many people and touch so many hearts.
When congratulated on his box-office success, Kendrick replied: "We’re just thanking God for all that He’s done to make this happen."
As it says during the end credits of each Sherwood Pictures production, "To God be the glory."
Printed with permission from the Southern Cross, newspaper from the Diocese of San Diego.
Denis Grasska is the assistant editor of The Southern Cross, newspaper for the Diocese of San Diego.