Approved for 12+

By War & By God

How does war shape a man? The Vietnam conflict was long ago, but its impact lives on and the battles continue in the hearts and minds of the U.S. soldiers who were there. In the jungle heat, by the sweat and the blood, they became men. But today, more than 40 years later, Vietnam is the land where these men become heroes. "By War & By God" tells the traumatic, yet redeeming story of a small group of soldiers whose lives were forever shaped by the war, but whose faith has led them back to Vietnam to love, serve, and care for the people of the beautiful land. Through first-person interviews, archival war footage, and present-day, on-location filming, the stories of these amazing "Vets with a Mission" will be a testimony of the good that can come from a handful of lives that are touched "By War & By God."
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Negative Rating
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Dove Review

“By War and By God” is a fantastic documentary, which looks at the good deeds and differences the organization, “Vets with a Mission,” has made. Viewers will be touched by interviews with former vets, from the Navy, Army, and Marines, who have made peace with those they fought during Vietnam. Former enemies become friends and share in the healing. Various archive footage and videos are utilized to show the war of the past. Vets are interviewed, and many share how their Christian faith helped them heal from the war, which dealt many of them a blow. One soldier admitted to being fearful but added, “You have to look to God.” One vet talks about his best friend being killed while standing next to him, and one woman speaks of her mother receiving the news that her son was killed in an explosion in the air in a helicopter. One vet says, “We were just trying to stay alive.”

This wonderful organization has provided medical supplies, funded many life-altering surgeries, and has built 40 medical clinics. Various vets share their stories, including Roger Helle, Chuck Ward, Pat Cameron, and Dave Carlson. We are more than pleased to present “By War & By God” our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages 12-plus. It shows what the power of God can do to heal the rifts between former enemies, allowing them to become friends. One photo in the film makes a powerful statement, as it shows a man being baptized during the war. This documentary is well worth the 40-minute show time.

Dove Rating Details

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Faith

None

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Integrity

Various war footage is shown, including tanks and guns firing; explosions on ground; helicopters over war-torn areas; marine with rifle; man speaks of children being killed by a wire and how he saw various body parts floating in the water; memories of people screaming; the mention of body bags.

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Sex

None

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Language

None

2
Violence

Various war footage is shown, including tanks and guns firing; explosions on ground; helicopters over war-torn areas; marine with rifle; man speaks of children being killed by a wire and how he saw various body parts floating in the water; memories of people screaming; the mention of body bags.

2
Drugs

A comment about "old farts" having a beer; men smoke, in footage.

1
Nudity

Shirtless men; shirtless boys.

2
Other

Various vets share what they endured, and one man says, "Death is tough on a young guy"; a photo of a baby with wounds or some sores on head; a man says he will never forget what he saw in a hospital, and some people break down and weep.

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