Christian rock band Ignescent and frontwoman Jennifer Benson are bringing their own connection to the legendary music of Petra to the big screen with the faith-driven feature film Beyond Belief, which opened in theaters Aug. 28 through Iconic Events Releasing.
Ignescent contributes a newly recorded version of Petra's "Beyond Belief" to the film's original motion picture soundtrack, giving the Christian rock classic a modern, heavier interpretation while preserving the song's enduring message of faith and perseverance.
Benson's involvement extends beyond the band's contribution. She is also featured vocally on Kingdom Rock's "Ready or Not," which appears in the film and on the soundtrack, and makes an onscreen appearance in Beyond Belief as Amy Patti.
For Benson and Ignescent, revisiting "Beyond Belief" was about more than covering an influential Christian rock song. Its message reflects much of the heart behind the band's own music — trusting God through uncertainty, persevering when circumstances are difficult and choosing faith even when the path forward cannot yet be seen.
"'Beyond Belief' connects with me on a very personal level because I know what it is like to walk through a season where freedom and hope can feel out of reach," Benson said. "God brought me through a mentally abusive relationship and showed me that there was another side to that darkness. My hope is that this song reminds someone who feels trapped, broken or hopeless that God is still there, and He can lead them into freedom even when they cannot see the way forward yet."
That message also connects with 2 Corinthians 5:7: "For we walk by faith, not by sight," a Scripture Benson identified as central to the song and its meaning.
Set in the 1980s, Beyond Belief follows Andy, a teenage rocker pursuing dreams of musical success while struggling with the loss of his father. After a mysterious voice urges him to "run," Andy begins a journey that challenges his ambitions, tests his faith and confronts him with questions of purpose, calling and what kind of life he is meant to live.
The film stars Carson Lueders, alongside James C. Burns, Debby Gerber, Ryan Barnes and Libby Smallbone. Produced by Intrigue Films and distributed theatrically by Iconic Events Releasing, Beyond Belief places the music of pioneering Christian rock band Petra at the center of its story.
Petra has sold more than 10 million records during its more than 50-year history, earning four GRAMMY Awards and 10 Dove Awards. Beyond Belief marks the first full-length feature film to prominently feature the band's songs and has received the official endorsement of Petra founder Bob Hartman and lead singer John Schlitt.
The original motion picture soundtrack further bridges generations of Christian music. In addition to Ignescent's version of "Beyond Belief" and Benson's appearance on "Ready or Not," the collection includes Petra recordings and new music performed by Lueders and other artists featured within the world of the film.