This is an honest portrayal of what the world looks like to those whose faith in a benevolent God fails. Million Dollar Baby may not be an inspiring movie, but it is at least honest about the consequences of giving up on God, and about our responsibility to be brave examples of love and grace to those who are suffering and afraid.

The film's closing act does not justify the condemnation that the film is sure to receive from reactionaries. Just because a character commits a sin does not rob a story of all of its virtues, and even a misguided tale can create opportunity for rewarding discussion. Nevertheless, it is important to note that a desirable end does not justify deplorable means. The final actions of Frankie and Maggie, while understandable and in some ways appealing, demonstrate a failure of hope, a lack of faith, a collapse of courage, and the loss of an opportunity for God to work wonders. Frankie would say he just "stepped into the punch," but I say he "threw in the towel."

Fortunately, even when human beings give up on God, he doesn't give up on them. Hopefully, the despair at the end of this story will coax viewers to choose a different path if they ever face similar trials. We can also hope that these storytellers, who seem so disillusioned with God, will stop worrying about "protecting themselves" and instead trust that God will be there to catch them when they fall. Such fatalism fades when we see that Christ has robbed death of its sting.