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Recently we’ve been experimenting with showing movies as part of our experiential worship group. Not Christian movies – sadly, they’re too often badly done propaganda – but mainstream fare, as long as it’s honest about human life and shows a degree of spiritual sensitivity. They may be films with biblical parallels, or that deal with such theologically potent issues as forgiveness or hope or generosity.
Why movies (apart from being a good way to spend a Sunday night)? Too often, Christians see spirituality as something that happens in church, or associate it with rare “mountain top experiences” clearly sign-posted with “God at work”. My theory is that identifying spiritual significance in films about (relatively ordinary) life reminds us to be alert to the spiritual depths that can be found in mundane locations like family, community, work or love (if any of these are truly mundane).
We’ve found it useful to pose some questions to think about before we start the film, to prompt some healthy discussion afterwards. (“Does anyone in the film remind us of Jesus? How?” Is a good one.) And supply plenty of popcorn.
Here are four films we’ve watched, and some of the themes/questions they helped us explore.
Two modern teenagers get transported into the world of a 1950s TV show where there is no conflict, passion or danger – until they arrive. It’s a fascinating exploration of the Garden of Eden story. What is lost and what is gained with human free will and “sin”?
A shy young man believes that a life-size plastic doll is his “real” girlfriend. Instead of locking him up, his family – and church – love him back to reality, by loving and accepting her (the doll) too. What makes us worthy of love? What makes for community?
A lonely tax-inspector discovers he is a character is someone else’s novel – and he needs to be killed off for the good of the plot. Questions concerning self-sacrifice, the “good death” and “why did Jesus have to die” loom large – one scene a virtual retelling of Jesus’ agony in the garden.
A troubled young girl comes home from rehab for the weekend to attend her sisters’ over-the-top wedding. The Prodigal Son in reverse (it’s the Good Sibling who gets the party), as well as many of Jesus’ banquet parables.
A grittier film than the others, it particularly spoke to me because of its eschatological overtones. The wedding is a musical, multicultural, gourmet extravaganza – one character perceptively compares it to heaven. Yet we discover that the former-addict sister was responsible for a devastating family tragedy that it becomes clear no one in the clan has escape from unharmed. In the midst of celebration, there is indelible sorrow and unhealed wounds.
I couldn’t help thinking of Revelation 21:3-4, where St John is writing about the life of the world to come – talking about the New Creation:
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This is a fascinating passage. God’s people are pictured as about to enter into the indescribably glory of eternal life in God’s Kingdom, where all is joy and community and celebration. But what about the pain of the past, the injustice and hurt that these people have suffered – and inflicted? Our pain – accepted and dealt out to others – is part of our individual stories; it has helped make us who we are. In wiping away those tears, is God wiping away part of our identities? Without our damage, are we truly ourselves?
Deep stuff.
Apart from Rachel (lots of swearing and a bit of sex and violence), the other films are quite kid-friendly, though not particularly kid-engrossing. For family fare that’s still got some meat, try WALL-E or Toy Story 3. Cartoons as the new parables? Maybe.
