My family and Fellowship friends know I am a genuine fan of films. Perhaps it is because in growing up in a relatively lonely environment, I found healing through the emotions that good films generate. Stories embodied in film can move us from relational detachment to relational attachment, and good films can inspire us to understand that in loving God, we need to love each other, sincerely and deeply. Films, and the ‘therapy of art’ which my wife is very good at, can be great opportunities for discussion of the ‘big questions’ about life and the day to day themes of living. Regular listeners to Cross Rhythms will know that my favourite films are the Lord of the Rings trilogy and my favourite authors are JRR Tolkien and C S Lewis.
Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables, was not necessarily a friend of organized religion. His religious beliefs changed throughout his life. It seems he became frustrated with the suffering of the people and the inactivity of organized churches in response to this suffering. Some have pegged him as a deist, though a bit of exploration turns up hints that he may have maintained theism through his life. Theism is defined as a belief in the existence of a god or gods, especially belief in one god as creator of the universe, intervening in it and sustaining a personal relationship. Regardless of Hugo’s own spiritual state, it is clear from the film Les Miserables that Christianity is largely beneficial. Not only that, but the story is such an epic tale of redemption with Christian themes interwoven throughout that I can’t help but think (having, admittedly, not read the book) of the extremely positive overall impression the film gives of the power of Christianity to change people.
Les Miserables is a stunning film. Its impact will last for years. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the movie, however, is the way it tackles worldview questions head-on. Humanity is found even in the darkest pits, and God’s work continues to be done even in the most desperate of hours. The movie is not for children, but it will serve as an inspiring foil from which to start discussions about Christianity. The beneficence that comes from the Christian worldview is very much on display, along with Christian themes of God’s sovereignty and plan of redemption. I encourage readers to see the film and realize the way it can be used to discuss issues central to Christianity.
God isn’t angry at His creation; on the contrary, He ‘so loved’ the world that He sent His ‘own heart’, Jesus into the world as the ultimate freedom fighter to rescue humanity from itself, sin and the devil. God broke His Heart on the cross, but this was the cost of real freedom. The death and resurrection of Love on the cross has been shaping the world for centuries.
Organised religion must have the humility to be open to scrutiny, to see that we are endeavouring to ‘walk the talk’ and delivering what it says in the manual. Religious attitudes which do not fully understand the nature and purpose of God as outlined in that supernatural book the Bible, have a tendency to ‘have a form of Godliness, but which denies its power’.
There is some good news again for Plymouth, but it is based in Who Jesus is, not what organised religion fails to deliver. I am committed to Church communities as a leader of one of these communities. I don’t believe the Holy Spirit can set the ‘living stones’ free without being in relationship with each other, but a house isn’t necessarily a home without all of the members of the household knowing their value and worth to the rest of the family.
As it says at the end of the film: “To love a human being is to see the face of God”.