Faith on Film
Sometimes it’s easier to approach Christian teachings and make connections with daily life through movies than more formal catechesis. Film can also be a way of starting a discussion about faith and God with people who do not normally go to church or who are asking some of the basic questions about life such as, “Is this all there is?” There is nothing new in such an approach. Movies are stories in pictures and Jesus used stories, parables, to illustrate what the kingdom of God is like.
If you are watching “The Greatest Story Ever Told” or the “Ten Commandments,” it’s not very difficult to make the connection. Connections are also obvious when watching “The Lord of the Rings” and even the “Matrix” trilogy. However, sometimes it is just as (or even more!) important to talk about the differences to Christian faith and the absence of God in a particular film as it is about common themes.
A fun night at the movies can easily include a discussion about spirituality and meaning, while building community. When watching movies consider the following questions:
- What is the story being told?
- What point of view is being expressed?
- How does the movie make you feel?
- How is human dignity portrayed?
- What Christian values, themes, social issues are reflected or ignored in the movie?
- What (if any) response is appropriate? Does the movie inspire you to do something?
Most of the catechesis topics on the OCY site have movie suggestions listed with them as another way of thinking about the topic. Once you have started to look at movies through the lens of faith, many more possibilities will emerge.
You can use the Youth Gathering resource to help plan your movie night. Instead of spending too much time with community building up front, incorporate it into the discussion after the movie. The Horizon Analysis resource may also help you, especially if the film is particularly challenging. You can use the opening and closing prayers already suggested for catechesis topics found on our site, or choose others that are appropriate.
Suggested format for parish movie nights:
Opening Prayer
Welcome / Introduction
Take a moment to introduce the topic you will be focusing on (e.g.: making choices, Eucharist, journey, etc.) and ask those present to be attentive to any Christian themes that may come up in the movie.
View Movie
Discussion Questions
Break into small groups of 4 or 5 and ask everyone to introduce themselves and then have 3-5 questions ready to get the discussion going. Some general questions can be:
- What stood out for you in this movie?
- What do you really agree with?
- What challenges you?
- Are there any Christian themes in this movie? Are you reminded of something from Scripture or Tradition?
- How does the movie relate to our theme of the day?
After having the opportunity to spend time in small groups, share as a large group.
Personal Reflection
Have another couple of questions and perhaps a quote from the movie or a related quote from Scripture or a saint on hand to continue the reflection that began in the group. You can allow journaling time as part of your gathering or it can be something to do at home.
Closing prayer
Resources:
Books
Lights Camera… Faith! A Movie Lover’s Guide to Scripture
Movie Lectionaries for Cycles A, B & C
By Peter Malone, MSC with Rose Pacatte, FSP
Finding God in the Dark: Taking the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to the Movies
By John Pungente SJ and Monty Williams SJ
Websites
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