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 Young people spend so much of their time watching films and TV that it's a really good way of exploring difficult faith issues with them. They are much more likely to understand a concept if you show a clip of a film rather than trying to talk it through. And it's not just religious films that are candidates for this - lots of secular films can be used in this way.
Take, for instance, the throw-away phrase in the middle of violent philosophy-flick, Fight Club:
'It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything'
How does this parallel with Paul's exhortation to the Philippian church:
'Still more, everything seems to me as nothing compared with the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have let everything fall away and I now consider all as rubbish, if instead I may gain Christ.' Phil. 3:8
Is there a certain Christian sense in which less equals more? Is this the preaching of an eccentric 1st century die-hard, or does it find parallel in the way that people are choosing to live their lives now? What does Christian freedom mean? How should we go about 'losing everything' - is it fitting for a Christian to enjoy the pleasures of life? All valid points of discussion springing out of one powerful line in this challenging film.
Note: it would not be appropriate to use this film as a whole with young people under 18 - you must be very careful to 'screen' your film for violence, swearing or sexual content before considering whether to use it. |
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Other films have themes running throughout that are worthy of discussion.
Take, for instance, Lord of the Rings - where, during the course of the trilogy, the struggle to refuse power becomes increasingly tough, and the possibilities for all of us to shape the future are expressed, through the emphasising of the importance of the 'little man'. The films, like the books, abound in themes of good and evil, power and simplicity, hope and oppression, sacrifice and resurrection, addiction and freedom.
Or look at Minority Report, where, in a disturbing vision of future-life, the question posed to the viewer is 'how free are we to make choices?' As humans, are some of us pre-destined to commit crimes, and, if so, what does that tell us about creation and redemption? A heavy one, here!
Have a think about postmodern paradise in The Matrix. How much of what we believe we are is influenced by society around us? Is there a deeper reality for us to encounter? How does the Messianic figure break down these conceptions? Is freedom found or taught?
Going Further
If you're interested in the concept of film as a resource, there are plenty of ways to develop this within your youth ministry.
- Primarily, there is nothing like personal experience - watch carefully the films that you get out on video or go to the cinema to see. Most stories have some kind of ethic, whether good or bad, worthy of discussion.
- At the bottom of this page, you can download our info pack about 'Pizza and Video Nights' - it will give you some nice ideas and examples of how to build this format into a way of working with your young people.
- The Sion Community have run weekends about Films and Faith, which go into much greater depth about the subject. Visit their website to check for any upcoming weekends.
- Youthwork Magazine have a ready-to-use video section each month, selecting clips and providing questions. None online, but you can order the magazine!
- The source of Youthwork Magazine's articles - Ministry and Media have an extensive selection of ready-to-use discussions, listed by movie title or theme that you wish to explore. This is a subscription-based service, though, costing approximately 30 US dollars per year (also has listings using TV and Music resources)
- Recommended books include: 'Lights, Camera... Faith!: A Movie Lectionary', by Peter Malone, separate books for liturgical cycles A, B and C, and Doug Fields' 'Videos that Teach' volumes 1 and 2.
- A vast web resource such as 'Hollywood Jesus' comes with the health warning that you may not get a Christian point of view, but it's a good place to start. See also a couple of reviews at 'Facing the Challenge' and 'Relevant Magazine'
Films to watch out for:
A.I., Black Snake Moan, Bruce Almighty, City of Angels, Contact, Erin Brokovich, E.T., Gattaca, Groundhog Day, Jakob the Liar, Joan of Arc, The Lion King, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Meet Joe Black, Minority Report, Moulin Rouge, Narnia, The Nativity Story, O Brother Where Art Thou?, The Passion of the Christ, Pay it Forward, Pleasantville, Prince of Egypt, The Shawshank Redemption, Signs, Save the Last Dance, Star Wars, The Man who Sued God, The Terminal, The Thin Red Line, The Truman Show, Unbreakable....... any more ? send us your suggestions.... |
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