Faithspotting: Recent Episodes
Cross Roads Faith & Film
Faithspotting is a podcasts dedicated to spotting and sharing issues of life, faith, and theology presented in film, television, and music, then empower listeners to use these stories as tools to strengthen and apply faith in their everyday life.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements in Christopher Nolan's latest epic film, The Odyssey. Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland lead a strong cast that also includes Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and John Leguizamo. Both Kenny and Mike think John Leguizamo's performance may result in an Academy Award Nomination for Supporting Actor. Both the film and Christopher Nolan are most likely to be nominated as well.
Filmed with IMAX 70mm cameras and shown in a variety of formats including IMAX, which have sold out for a year, the The Odyssey fits the epic nature and scope of Homer's foundational literary work. Though not an IMAX screening Mike and Kenny shared their experience seeing the film in 70mm film rather than digital screening. Mike shared his appreciation for the rich contrast presented in the low light photography the IMAX film stock allows. Other technical aspects included the use of practical effects including forced perspective. Kenny questioned why Nolan did not choose more accurate costumes and other production design elements as well as some more modern words and phrase that took him out of the film briefly.
Faith Elements Reflected:
Among the many elements of faith spotted in the story, Kenny discusses the very nature of faith from a Christian perspective is as an odyssey as one journeys through seasons of struggle and joy as we travel toward our spiritual home, the Kingdom of God.
Calypso's instruction to Odysseus to surrender to and trust the ocean waves and tides rather than struggle against them is akin to surrendering to God's faithfulness, grace, and power rather than reliance of one's own abilities and power against the ooverwhelming power of sin and evil.
Athena's care, presence, and guidance to Odysseus reflects God's presence and involvement through the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals as well as the work of God in transforming the broken world into the Kingdom of God.
Zeus's Law of Hospitality echoes the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament teachings on hospitality, especially the welcoming and caring for strangers and even enemies, Abram's hosting of Angels, Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan.
The need for humility in living a faithful life. Echoing the teaching of Paul in Philippians 2 to imitate the humility of Jesus. Odysseus's boasting set the stage for many of the struggles in his journey home.
Faithspotting Podcast hosts Mike and Kenny are joined in their conversation on the Netflix reboot of Little House On The Prairie by showrunner, producer, and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine and actor Warren Christie who plays the Wilder's family friend, John Edwards. Rebecca and Warren are very engaging as they share information on the development and production of the series and as well as how the series fits within with the Little House books and original television series as well, and how it speaks to issues and challenges of current times.
Faith Reflected:
Mike and Kenny also discuss the faith elements reflected in the series which include the importance of community in life, both in the midst of challenges and joy. Christian teaching calls for persons to walk the walk of faith, ie to walk the talk of Christ including loving and welcoming of all peopls as neighbors as Jesus teaches in the Gospels.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the latest film by legendary filmmaker Steven Speilberg. Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt as a Kansas City TV presenter Margaret Fairchild whose life is suddenly changed when she appears to have a neurological breakdown on air. Josh O'Connor co-stars as Cyber Security expert Daniel Kellner who is determined to disclose proof that Governments and other powers have been keeping proof of extra-terrestrial life away from the public. Government agencies race to capture Kellner before he can release the information. Margaret Fairchild seeks to help Kellner succeed in releasing the information. One of the chief concers about releasing the information is how the public would accept the information that they are not alone as well as the truth that governments have kept this secret.
Faith Issues:
Kellner's girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson) pushes Kellner if he and those supporting releasing the information have considered the impact on persons including, communities of faith, whether Aliens who may exist on a higher level than humans would impact the Judeo Christian faith in the existance of God, the place of humanity within creation, and if God is soverign over extra-terrestrials. The Hebrew Bible and New Testament teach that humanity is the top of the created order. Genesis 1 teaches God created all of the universe and that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, and Psalm 8 proclaims humans are described as just below the divine.
Most theologians would accept that God is God of all the universe including extra-terrestrials. Even without the presence of extra-terrestrials, this conversation can serve to open the consideration of what responsibilities come with being the top of the created orderd, and as Genesis teaches, stewards of God's creation. Created in the image and likeness of God is that which separates humanity from the rest of creation. After considering what the impact of a disclosure of extra-terrestrials should be how should humanity live up to the honor and responsibility of being the highest order of creation
Mike and Kenny offer a double feature episode as they discuss and spot faith presented in the two box office leading supernatural horror films Obsession and Backrooms. Both films are directed by first time feature film directors Curry Barker (Obsession) and Kane Parsons (Backrooms.) Barker (26) and Parsons (20) gained very large followings by directing shorts on YouTube and represent new voices and ways of making and distributing films.
Obsession stars Michael Johnston (Baron "Bear" Bailey) and Inde Navarette (Nikki Freeman) with costars Cooper Tomlinson (Ian) and Megan Lawless Sarah). Inspired by an episode of The Simpsons (The Monkee Claw) the story is a modern parable on being careful what you ask or pray for. Bear is very attracted to Nikki yet is afraid to share his feelings to her, and allow her to decide how to respond, so in a moment of frustration he makes a wish using a novelty item, "One Wish Willow" which promises to grant the owner one wish. He wishes she would love him more than anyone in the world. The wish is granted and she immediately responds and quickly becomes obsessed with Bear.
Faith Reflections:
The destructive nature of obsession which equates with idolatry and coveting. Obsession grows from a desire to own and control and within relationships removes the agency of the target of the obsession. Love cannot be compelled. God offers every person the freedom to accept and return God's love. Romans 1:24-32 reflects the result when persons do not follow the example of God, and in this case is a perversion of the nature of love which seeks to build community, which reflect the essence, nature and desire of God.
Backrooms stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (Clark) and Renate Reinsve (in a Dr. Mary Kline). Clark is seeing Mary for therapy as he seeks to work through his anger, grief, from his divorce. Mary is also dealing with trauma resulting from her mother's mental illness and distance. Clarke owns a failing discounted furniture store which is adding to his struggles and further fueling his struggle with alchohol. Clarke discovers an entry into a new realm of endless backrooms that are littered with pieces of furniture, cardboard people as well as other entities. Clarke tells Mary of his discovery and she does not believe him. In an effort to help Clarke, Mary visits the store and finds herself lost in the backrooms and chased by an entity.
Faith Reflections:
Liminality, the margins of new space and time. These can be very uncomfortable times and places. Living in the liminal time between the inauguration of God's Kingdom through the birth of Jesus, and the fulfillment of Kingdom, there is confusion, anxiety. While created in the image and likeness of God, through sin and the brokenness of creation, humanity is a deformed replica of what God created.
Kenny and Mike are joined by director Theo Avgerinos and cast / contributor Rev. Dr. Jason Coker for a discussion of Rising Hope, a documentary film about the struggles and hope exerpienced by the residents of several towns in the Mississippi Delta. The film examines the rich history, decline, struggles that depleated the area of it's wealth and many of its residents, but not the hope of those who are determined and build a new narrative for the region and people. The film does not shy away from many of the causes of the regions decline including systematic racism and well as the effects of the NAFTA trade agreement.
Faith Issues:
Faith and hope are interwoven throughout the film and history of the region. In depicting the deternimation, courage and faith of residents the film can inspire others facing difficulties to not be defined by what is lacking but by what is present and the possibilities that grow out of determination, community and working together. Rising Hope echos the teaching in Hebrews 11 that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the popular film Project Hail Mary. Based on the novel by Andy Weir (The Martian) The film was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and stars Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller, and James Ortiz.
Named after the term for desperate, last minute plays in sports, the film tells the story of a desperate space mission to discover a way to stop a mysterious substance named Astrophage (Star-eater) that is killing the Sun and other stars. Ryland Grace (Gosling) a Jr. High biology teacher is recruited by an Govenrment agent and scientist Eva Stratt (Huller) to work on a project to find a way to save the Sun. After discovering a nearby star (Tau Ceti) that seems not to be impacted by the astrophage, a mission is planned to travel to Tau Ceti and discover how it is combatting the astrophage. Since there is not enough room for fuel for a return trip, the mission is considered to be a suicide mission. Upon arrival, Grace discovers a spaceship has been sent by Eridani, another planet seeking to also find out how to save it's star. Grace and Rocky, the pilot/scientist from Eridani must work together despite requiring different atmospheres and speaking different languages in order to discover the secret and save their planets' populations.
Faith Reflected:
The major faith element reflected is the need for community, putting aside difference and working together for the common good. Accepting differences and working with other groups who have differing beliefs and practices does not mean that one is abandoning one's belief or practices. Community can and should be established with others faith communities, political organizations, nations, and social groups.
Faithspotting friend Ryan Parker joins Mike and Kenny for the annual Faithspotting Oscars Prediction and Preview episode. Overall we thought 2026 was a good year for films as represented by the nominees. Of course there are some films and performances we would have liked to see get more attention but overall it was a strong, diverse year for cinema. Check out the Faithspotting episodes for 6 of the 10 Best Picture nominees: Frankenstein, Bugonia, Train Dreams, Marty Supreme, Sinners, and F1, where we discuss the film and spot faith elements they reflect. We are looking falready looking forward to the films that will be up for Oscars 2027.
Kenny and Mike review and disuss faith elements spotted in Guillermo del Toro's latest film and passion project. Frankenstein stars Jacob Elordi as the Creature and, Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, and co-stars Mia Goff and Christoph Waltz. The film received 9 Oscar nominations including best Picture, Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay.
Frankenstein is a passion project for del Toro as he weaves elements from the Mary Shelley's novel, James Whale's original 1931 film, as well as his reinterpretation of the story.
Faith Spotted:
Humanity's temptation to play or challenge God. This tempation dates to the book of Genesis 3 where Eve and Adam were tempted to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This desire was rooted in a mistrust of God to care for them.
For Victor Frankenstein, the drive to play or become like God was rooted in Victor's loss, grief, and pain associated with the death of his mother and the abuse and rejection from his father, and his father's inability to save his mother. He wanted to reverse his father's failure by not only saving life but restoring and recreating life. Such pain cannot be soothed by satisfying ego and pride. These motivations to create are in direct contrast to God's desire to create which was and is grounded in God's desire for love and community.
The film shows the place and purpose for processing grief and not rushing or suppressing the grief journey. Such processing can involve faith, theology as well as counseling and psychological tools. In Philippans 4 Paul speaks of peace which passes understanding, which includes peace in the midst of the pain and grief of loss of loved ones.
Victor's abuse of the creature models the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, reflecting the cycle of abusive relationships being passed down to future generations as taught in Exodus 20 and 34.
The contrast of the music played during the process of Victor dismembering body parts to be used in the creature reflets the contrast between creation born out of love and that born out of anger and pain. Victor's comment, "It is finished" also reflects on the contrast of Christ's crucifixion which leads from death to eternal life and that of the eternal death the creature experiences in the life given from Victor.
Martin Luther's concept of simul iustus et peccator (simultaneously saint and sinner). The human and monster qualities within both Victor and the Creature reflects the saint and sinner within humanity. This concept is at the core of Luther's teaching that righteousness is a gift of grace received through Christ and received by faith. It is Christ who justifies as an act of love and grace.
The film shows the power of forgiveness to bring about transformation and true peace.
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith presented in the Academy Award nominated and latest film by director Yorgos Lanthimos. Bugonia marks another colaboration between Lanthimos and two time Best Actress winner Emma Stone, whose second Oscar was for Lanthimos's film Poor Things. Stone stars asMichelle Fuller, a powerful CEO of a pharmaceutical company.Jesse Plemons, a 2021 Best Supporting Actor nominee co-stars as conspiracy theory obsessed beekeeper Teddy Gatz. Aiden Delbis also co-stars as Teddy's autistic cousin Don. Likening her actions to Cology Collapse Disorder where healthy beehives suddenly collapse, Teddy believes Fuller is an Andromedan alien who is intent to destroy or force humanity into subserivence. Teddy convinces Don to assist him in kidnapping and holding Fuller hostage in an effort to be transported to the Andromedan spaceship.
Faith Spotted:
As with bee hives, communities, whether faith or societal, can function, grow and live for an extended period and then quickly become dysfuntional collapse and die. Typically growth happens when the wellbeing of the collective is prioritized over the needs, fears, or desires of the individual. Fracturing happens when in response to the community facing challenge or change, and individuals or portions of the community begin to act in ways that offer them comfort and assurance based on memories of past glory and success.
Teddy resembles in the description of John the Baptist who comes in from the wilderness with a new message. While John was preparing the way for the new message that was the Gospel of Christ, not every outsider with a new message is to be followed.
The patience of God not to do away with creation or humanity even though it is likely what is derserved. Although there is the flood account in Scripture, there have been other times when God has been tempted to do away with nations or communities, yet resisted the temptation. The continued rejection by humanity of God's grace, love and righteousness (desire) is a source of unimaginable pain to God. Because God's love is complete and perfect, the loss and pain God feels when we reject and retaliate are immeasureable. Yet God continues to love.
Dysfunctional communities such as cults etc. are based on and grow out of fear of real or perceived threats and challenges facing members. Such fear leads to a desire and need to seek to control or to follow those indviduals and groups who promise stability and control over that which is unknown or unstable, regardless of the cost.
The promise of the Gospel is that life does not end in death, collapse and a tomb, but rather continues through the hope and assurance of ressurection to new life.
SOME SPOILERS.
Kenny and Mike discuss the multiple Oscar nominated film by director Clint Bentley and starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kelly Condon, and William H Macy. Set in the early through mid 20th century, Train Dreams documentsthe story of Robert Grainer (Edgerton) a common man who life knows simplicity, peace and joy and as well as tragedy and loss.
Clint Bentley and production partner Greg Kwedar are nominated for an Oscar for best Adapted Screenplay. The film is also nominated for Best Song, "Train Dreams" as well as Best Cinematography and Best Picture. The film is currently on NETFLIX
Faith Spotted:
While Train Dreams is not considered a faith film, or faith based film, it is a film of faith lived out, both as individuals as well as communities of faith. The film addresses, the joy of living a simple, contented life as well as working through grief and loss. Train Dreams also demonstrates the place of community and how persons of faith are called to notice and care for those in the midst of loss and grief and offer the ministry of presence, their presence and also the presence of God.
Not mentioned in the podcast, the film also presents guilt and how one's action or inaction an follow one throughout one's life.
Mike and Kenny review Marty Supreme, the latest film by writer / director / producer Josh Safdie and Timothee Chalamet who stars as Marty Mauser, a shoe salesman who has greater ambition, to be the best Table Tennis star in the world. Gifted with great talent, Marty's determination leads him to take advantage of any and all situations and people to get what he believes he deserves, fame and money.
The film has so far received many awards nominations including 3 Golden Globes and 8 Critics Choice Awards and it is expected to receive many more Oscar nominations. Chalamet has won a Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards for Best Performance. The film co-stars Gwyneth Paltro, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, and Fran Drescher.
Faith Spotted:
A life of Contentment: There is more to life than fame and fortune, Hebrews 2, 1 Timothy 6, Psalm 46, The stillness and contentment of a righteous life of faith in and with God.
Golden Rule: Matthew7, Luke 6 Treat others as you would be like to be treated.
Regareless of the selfish, unrighteous life one has lived, there is always the hope and promise of Redemption, if one will receive and repent from the life one has led.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the hit Apple TV series from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan. Set in Albuquerque Plur1bus stars Better Call Saul co-star Rhea Seehorn (Carol) and co-stars Karolina Wydra ( Zosia) and Carlos-Manuel Vesga (Manousos)
Carol is one of 13 people world wide who are immune from an extraterrestrial derived virus that has united all the worlds population into "The Others," a mind hive where everyone is interconnected, content and peaceful. Every individual "Other" can communicate with all "Others" and have knowledge of everything ever known.
While 11 of the immune are content with the change, as the Others provide everything they need or want, Carol and Manousos resist and are determined to reverse the virus and restore the world to the way things were prior to the arrival of the virus. Season 1 of Plur1bus is currently on Apple+TV.
Faith Issues Spotted:
Freedom to Choose: God's willingness to give people agency to make their own life decisions and act in ways that are counter to the life and desires God has for them. Such freedom is a part of the brokenness and suffering of creation and is the source of pain and suffering to all of creation as well as God. This freedom to choose is also part of what makes humanity the highest level of creation as it is a part of being in the image and likeness of God.
Purpose and Power of Community: When individuals gather together to work together for the benefit of the community, suffering can be greatly reduced for persons inside and beyond the collective. Acts 2:44-46, Acts 4:32-35
Individuality: While community is important and part of God's desire for humanity, each person is an individual, given unique interests, gifts, talents, and calling.
The place and purpose of Grief in being able to move through loss.
The importance of satisfaction in life, being able to enjoy one's life and accomplishments.
Kenny and Mike review the Prime Video documentary The Merchants of Joy and speak with the director Celia Aniskovich. The Merchants of Joy offers a look into the people and work behind the Christmas tree stands that seem to magically popup the day after Thanksgiving. Ankisovich presents the stories of the families, the competition that begins in the Summer as they bid on stand locations, their work the with tree farms, the financial risks, the month of 18 hour days managing and selling the trees that play an important part in their customers celebrating the joy of the season, and the community they have developed.
Faith Reflected:
The nature of calling, as represented by the five families as they not only to profit by the stands but help spread the joy of the season. Additionally, Kenny and Mike discuss with Celia her calling to likewise work long, hard and take financial risk to tell the story of the merchants.
The fullness and complexity of joy. Joy is more than happiness, it is also resistance and this aspect reflects the joy of the nativity, God's resisting the brokeness of the world through the inauguration of the Kingdom through the birth of Jesus.
Faithspotting co-hosts Mike and Kenny are joined by writer / director Max Walker-Silverman to discuss his newest film Rebuilding, which stars Josh O'connor, Lily LaTorre, Meghann Fahy, Kali Reis, and Amy Madigan. Set in Max's home state of Colorado, Rebuilding is a moving story of a family and community coming together in the aftermath of a wildfire that destroyed their homes and scorched their land and lives. Max drew upon his experience of losing a family home and acerage to a fire when he was growing up. Rebuilding is distributed by Bleeker Street.
Following Kenny and MIke's discussion of the film and faith they spotted, there is an interview with Max Walker-Silverman. In addition, Mike's co-teacher Michael Logan and one of their students, Trip Breslin join in the interview.
Faith Topics:
Hope in Rebuilding: Hope is grounded in faith in the possibility of new life and community plays an important role in rebuilding. Community can be family, friends, neighbors as well as strangers.
Rebuilding New Not Same Lives. Though the temptation is to seek to rebuild life just as it was before, new life will be different, and even if it seems less, it can often be a more fulfilling life.
Faith is change, and the Paradox of Home. Individuals, families, and communities often seek out "home"because it is known, comfortable, and predictable, yet home is typically changing or under threat of change. Part of faith is growth and accepting and embracing change. Seeking to avoid change and growth is based in fear and the opposite of faith.
Non-Anxious lives. Faith fosters a life that is non-anxious in the midst of change and even struggle. While everyone experiences anxiety in life and seasons of struggle and loss, faith, including the support of community, is an instrument in releasing anxiety.
Resurrection follows Good Friday. As witnessed in the Gospels, Jesus had to experience the suffering of Good Friday and the tomb before the resurrection. Most people will also experience suffering prior to the new life of resurrection. People of the Christian faith are Easter people prior to their death and passage from life unto life.
Faithspotting hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch review and spot faith elements in the film The Carpenter's Son by director Lotfy Nathan. Included in the episode is Mike and Kenny's interview with Lotfy Nathan.
The Carpenter's Son is based on the apocryphal text, The Infancy Gospel of Thomas. The text is a collection of non-canonical stories of Jesus during the years He and Mary and Joseph were in exile in Egypt. The stories depict the struggle of the Holy Family as Jesus becomes aware of his differences and as he grows into his divinity. Collected in the 2nd or 3rd centuries, the stories are not considered part of the Biblical canon but reflect tradition and perhaps curisosity of followers about the childhood of Jesus.
The film has been called a "Jesus horror film" by many, and while aknowledging it's darkness, Nathan considers it more of a spiritual and perhaps theological thriller. The film stars Nicolas Cage as the Carpenter, (Joseph) Noah Jupe as the boy (Jesus), FKA Twigs as the Mother (Mary) and Isla Johnston as the stranger (Satan) and Souheila Yacoub as Lilith.
Faith Spotted:
Discussion about the Infancy Gospel of Thomas within the Christian tradition.
How imagining the full meaning of Jesus's full humanity and divinity, and the struggles beyond his ministry and crucifixion can strengthen one's relationship with Christ and one's faith.
Imagining what is was like to be Jesus's parents, especially for Joseph to be his earthly, stepfather.
Through the interview there is an opportunity to hear about director Lotfy Nathan and his Biblical and theological awareness growing up in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, and how he seeks to use those lessons in sharing this story.
The film speaks to people of fith who have doubts ander when God seems to be silent and absent in the midst of struggles in life.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements reflected in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film One Battle after Another. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as "Ghetto" Pat Calhoun, once a leader of the famous revolutionary group, the "French 75." Following the capture of his partner Perfidia Beverly Hills (Teyana Taylor) and the capture and killing of many of the group by Col. Stephen Lockjaw (Sean Penn) Calhoun lives an underground life as Bob Ferguson raising his and Perfidia's daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti). When Lockjaw, trying to cover his tracks in order to join a secret society of white supremists, The Christmas Adventurers Club, captures Willa, Ferguson is pressed into action with little time to shake of the rust of 15 years of drugs, alcohol and little activity.
Benicio del Toro costars as Sergio St. Carolos, Willa's Karate intstructor and leader of the local undocumented community. Sergio assists Bob in finding his daughter while also helping many of the community escape from the military crackdown.
Faith Spotted:
Co-opting and nationalizing faith for personal power and profit.
The perseverance necessary to stand against injustice, seek to redeem and reclaim justice and the way of Christ and the Kingdom of God. The challenge and call to maintain faith and focus when encountering the enevitable, "gravitational force" of resistance of those who oppose the righteousness of God and Gospel of Christ.
Resist the temptations to allow diappointment and struggle change one into that which one is called to oppose. Resist the temptation to believe that unrighteous means will lead to a righteous end.
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith in the second film this year based on a novel by Stephen King, The Long Walk. Stars Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Mark Hamil, Judy Greer and was directed by Francis Lawrence. The Long Walk was the first novel Stephen King wrote although it was not published for many years. Some of the film and faith themes we discuss from The Long Walk are echoed in later novels and series such as The Hunger Games, Squid Games.
Faith Spotted:
Persons of faith are called to be content with what one has Psalm 46. Greed in acquiring material, or social wealth and reptuation is contrary to the teachings of both testaments of the Bible. Set in the midst of a post apocolyptic America, the story presents 50 or 100 persons (depending on the film or novel) that are willing to put themselves in the gravest danger for a 1% or 2% chance to win a large payout. The countryside and towns are presented as bleak and the people as joyless with litte to no hope in life. Faith allows persons to find meaning, joy and purpose in life and Philippians 4 calls Christians to rejoice in the Lord, always as, regardless of one's situation, the presence of the Lord is always with one and the promises of the Gospel of new life bring joy into one's life, regardless of the challeges or even suffering one is facing.
All life has value because all people are children of God. Killing goes agains the commandments of both testaments. Not only are such contests that pit living persons against another not acceptable, participating in, or watching / condoning, them are incompatible with the teachings and life example of Christ.
Those in leadership are charged with the responsibilty of the welfare of citizens and others in their cities, states, and nations. They are called to act as shepherds in offering care and protection to all people. The film depicts the games as a way those in control distract and control the population in much the same way as the gladiatorial games during the Roman rule. Such a strategy is not faithful leadership.
Kenny and Mike review and spot faith reflected in the Sony Classic film East of Wall. The episode includes Mike and Kenny's interview with director Kate Beecroft and the film's stars and subjects, Tabatha (Tabby) and Portia Zimiga.
While not a documentary, East of Wall is a "docu-fiction" drama based on the lives of the Zimigas, the wayward teens who have found a place and home on her ranch, as well as other women in the area. Tabby rescues and trains horses from slaughter pens and sales them in sale barns in and around Wall South Dakota. Portia is a gifted rider and rodeo barrell racer. The Zimiga's and the teens are still working through the death of Tabatha's husband and stepfather to Portia as well as stuggling financially to keep the 3000 acre ranch going and provide refuge for the teens. In addition to Tabby and Portia, the vast majority of the cast are persons playing themselves. The two non-actors in starring roles are Scoot McNairy who plays Roy Waters, a Texas rancher who is interested in purchasing the ranch, and Jennifer Ehle who plays Tabby's mom, Tracey.
Althought it echoes Nomadland in both look and feel as well as using non-professional actors, East of Wall is grittier and goes deeper into the lives of the persons portraying themselves. The film has an even stronger kinship with the neo-realism style of the post-war Italian cinema.
In the midst of the struggle there is beauty in the love and trust of the community that includes the Zimigas, the teens, as well as other women friends and family who have experienced struggles life in "the new west."
The film is set against the backdrop of the South Dakota Badlands which not only provides beautiful cinematography but is also a visual symbol of the desolate looking but also rich life on the ranch and throughout the area.
The story behind the making of the film echoes much of the film's themes and adds to the experience of watching or reflecting on the film. Kate Beecroft and her director of photography were driving throughout the country looking for stories that could be made into a short film. They literally stumble across Tabby. This story is included in the interview.
Faith Spotted:
The transformative nature and power of story, trust and commitment within community. Such is depicted in both the film as well as the relationships between the director and cast.
As the film reflects the "new west" in the age of changing demographics and greater financial pressures on farming and ranching, the film also reflects what is likely to be the "new Church," where the focus is more on being in relationship and community with persons outside the walls and rolls of the church than maintaining such walls. Though most churches and members acknowledge that the Church "is not a building or steeple, but people," churches too often struggle to actually get out from behind the walls, get, and be in ministry, with persons in the community. The mission of the Church is north, south, wast and east of it's walls. The church needs to be more like, as Kate described the teens, "fierce and feral in the best way possible."
Kate would not have been able to make the film had she not been fully invested in the people and their stories. This reflects the incarnational purpose and nature of Jesus, God with us, as us.
Mike and Kenny review the Summer action blockbuster F1: The Movie starring Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon and directed by Joseph Kosinski. Pitt stars as race car driver Sonny Hayes, who is invited to join an F1 team despite a 30 year absence from the F1 circuit following a traumatic crash. The team's owner, Ruben Cervantes (Bardem) drove with Hayes when he was a rookie and is desperate for his team to show success or else he will lose it. Part of Hayes's impact on the team needs to be mentoring the team's rookie sensation but yet to be successful driver, Joshua Pearce (Idris.) Produced by Jerry Bruckeimer and Apple Studios, F1 The Movie included scenes shot during F1 on location at several Grand Prixs, the British, Italian, Las Vegas, Japan and Abu Dhabi.
Faith Spotted:
The place and necessity of Community: I Corinthians 12, the Body of Christ consists of many parts, all of which are vital and dependent on one another. Such dependency requires trust and faith in each other. As Christ had total faith in God, discisples of Jesus must also have faith in the God's redemptive power and in the new life promised in Christ. This is reflected in F1 in all the members of the team, from the owner, drivers, and all crew members. Without everyone working together the team fails.
Living in Community requires Humility. As Paul teaches in Philippians 2 all persons of faith are called to imitate the humility of Christ. As Jesus did not use his position as God to gain attention, power, and to be served, but rather to serve God and others, discipleship of Christ calls for persons to be humble and use talents and other blessings of God in the service of God and others. Hayes, Pearce, and others in the film are challenged to reign in their ego's and desires for personal fame and glory in order for the team to win and all to be successful.
Over coming Adversity, Failure and Fear: Faith in God's love, grace, and the promise of new life, allows us the freedom to struggle against adversity and the fear of failure. The teaching and life example of Jesus calls us to live out of faith rather than in the midst fear because God cherishes all people for who they are, God's children, not for what they accomplish.
Calling, Purpose, and Passion: Sonny Hayes was born to race. It doesn't matter if he was racing in the glamorous world of the F1 circuit or isolated Baja races. In contrast Joshua Pearce saw racing as a means to an end, glory, wealth, popularity. Pursuing his purpose and passion rather than the perks of success enabled Hayes to find joy in all circumstances. Children of God are called to discover their purpose and use the gifts and blessings that God offers that drive that purpose.
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith elements reflected in the film The Life of Chuck. Written and Directed by Mike Flannigan (Dr. Sleep) and starring Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers) as the adult Chuck Krantz. Based on the Stephen King novella of the same name, The Life of Chuck examines the life of Chuck through formative moments of his life.as a child, youth and adult. Benjamin Pajak and Jacob Tremblay (Room) portay Chuck as a child and a older teenager. The film co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years Slave), Mia Sara (Ferris Bueller's Day Off), Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Karen Gillan (Avengers: Endgame).
The film is presented in three acts that go backwards and forwards in time unveiling the person and life of a man, Chuck Krantz, amdist natural disasters and disruptions facing the world.
Faith Notes:
In the midst of tragedy and personal and societal loss, joy and peace can still be experienced. Two psalms speak to the theme of The Life of Chuck, Psalm 8, given the wonders of creation, the vastness of the stars and the heavens, God still knows and treasures every person intimately. The film also calls for rejoicing in every day as it is a gift of God, Psalm 118:24, and there is no guarantee of tomorrow. These themes also reflect the teachings from Ecclesiastes 3, that there are seasons of life and living. These themes also reflect the teaching of Christ in Matthew 6 not to worry about tomorrow, but focus on the joy in/and of challenges today.
The freedom that comes when we release control of our lives and the world to God.
The implications of the reality that all creation belongs to God.
Mike and Kenny review and spot faith reflected in the latest film from writer / director Ryan Coogler which stars Michael B. Jordon in dual roles as Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack" Moore, twin brothers returning from a mysterious time Chicago to their Mississippi Delta home town to start again. Set in the 1930's "Smoke" and "Stack," flush with cash and mystery on how they made it, seek to start again by opening a Juke Joint for the black community in their town. Amidst the challenges they were expecting such as from the Klan, their biggest threat is supernatural evil.
Faith Spotted:
The destructive power of temptation and greed, whether for riches, power, influence, or eternal life. Although sin and the brokenness of the world impact all of creation, people have freedom and choose to invite or let sin and unrighteousness into their lives. As taught in Scripture, God offers people the freedom to accept relationship with, and righteousness of, God. Likewise people choose to accept or invite sin/the Devil into their lives, rather than it invading or taking over.
Life outside the grace and love of God is not a blessing but a burden that imprisons the body and destroys one's spirit.
The film depicts the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 10:28 that one should not fear that which can kill only the body, but fear that which kills the soul.
The vampire /Dracula mythology and symbolism that dates back thousands of years depicts the struggle of evil against good.
The place and role of music in black culture and the black church.
Kenny and Mike discuss discuss and spot faith elements in the film Eric LaRue. Included in this epispose is an interview with Director Michael Shannon and the film's star Judy Greer.
The film, based on the play by Brett Neveu who also was the screenwriter, presents the parents of a school shooter and the challenges that they face in their lives, their relationships with each other, and with their community. The film also portrays how the faith communities of each parent respond to the needs of the parents as well as the faith and extended communities.
Faith Elements:
The film depicts how faith communities and leaders should NOT respond to persons involved or impacted by tragedy. Faith leaders, members, and communities should not be focused on solving the issue and removing the pain but should offer a ministry of presence, allowing the victims to share their pain without a rush to "get through" things.
While faith and faith communities are places to find and receive comfort, they first are places that are willing to step into and be in the midst of the uncomfortable spaces, including pain and anger.
Judy's character responds to her husband's trying to convince her to seek solace in his non-denominal and "giver her burden's to Jesus" by saying she does not want to because they are "my burdens." The incident has become a part of her, and to seek immediate comfort would be forget and deny the incident has happened and is to deny and erase such an important part of their life. Such desire for immediate relief comes through denying the pain and what work that needs to be done.
Kenny and Mike review, spot faith elements, and interview Natalie Dormer who stars as pioneering pediatric oncologist Audrey Evans in the biopic film Audrey's Children. Audrey Evans became Director of the Pediatric Oncology department at the renowned Children's Hospital of Philidelphia (CHOP) in 1969, and was a trailblazer as both the first department chief and one who introduced new methods for tracking and treating pediatric cancer. As a hospital with a strong national reputation, parents brought their children from all over the region and country. Out of concern for the parents who were often forced to sleep on the floor of the Oncology ward, Audrey purchased a home that could be used to offer free housing for parents. This home and program grew into the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Clancy Brown Co-stars as Dr. C. Everett Koop who served as chief of pediatric surgery at CHOP and was responsible for recriting Dr. Evans. Koop who would later serve as U.S. Surgeon General supported Dr. Evans in the early years of her career including her development of the Evans Staging System which charted Neuroblastoma disease progression and allowed for the most effective treatments.
Faith Spotted:
Faith grounded Audrey and inspired her to confront successfully the challenges and roadblocks she encountered as a trailblazing female department chair with new diagnostic and treament procedures.
The film speaks to the purpose and power of calling and the transformative impact it can have in the lives of others. Audrey's calling was to serve children and families in the midst the most difficult circumstances.
The film lifts up the importance of children echoing the teaching of Jesus to remove any barriers to children fully living into the life of their community and deserving of the attention of God.
Audrey's story reflects the call to live one's life to the fullest, utilizing the gifts and talents God has given. Life is not to be wasted.
Mike and Kenny review the animated adventure film Flow, spot and discuss the faith themes reflected in the Latvian film that won the 2025 Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and taking over 5 years to make, Flow was made by using the free and open source software Blender.
Flow follows a cat, a capybara, a ring-tailed lemur, a secretary bird and a labrador retriever who find refuge together in a small boat following a massive flood that covers most of the land around them.
Praised for its wonderful and unique visuals and aninmation, Flow is able to communicate the story through the visuals and animal as well as other sound effects.
Flow is streaming on HBO Max.
Faith Spotted:
The use of a boat to usher animals safely through a sudden flood echoes that story of Noah and the Ark. In addition the story uses the road narrative to present a community gathered and working together despite differences to survive amids great challenges and dangers. The different instincts and abilities of the animals serve to help them and the community survive. As with people of differeing nationalities, faiths, and cultures, the Christian faith calls for care of and for one another, and living into what unites, all peopel are children of God, rather than separates persons, nations, and faiths and communities.
All of the animals showed faith in taking the chance to get in the boat and leave their home and native areas. The cat shows the faith necessary to make changes that go against it's instinct to swim so as to catch fish for itself and provide for the other animals.
The boat is an early symbol for the work of the Church. Jesus often taught from or used boats in his ministry. Likewise the church is sent into the chaotic waters of a broken world to offer refuge, new hope, new life.
Not mentioned in the episode but certainly a faith element is the presenation of the whale. Several times a whale appeared to save the cat, and later the other animals when their boat got caught up in trees. The Whale (great fish) was used as an insturment of God to rescue and deliver Jonah to the city of Nineveh, where his message of judgement inspired the city to repent, receive grace, and not be destroyed by God.
Depending on how one reads or interprets the film, there is a presenation of eternal, resurrection life, as well as an act of sacraficial love by two of the animals.
Freguent Faithspotting contributor and friend Ryan Parker join Mike and Kenny to discuss the 2025 Academy Awards. Ryan works in public relations in the film industry and is the founder and director of the Mississippi Film Society.
We thought this year had a solid slate of nominees, especially in the Best Actor and Best Director categories.
Faithspotting covered 8 films with a total of 50 nominations including 6 of the 10 for Best Picture, 12 Acting, and 4 Directing nominations. Checkout our reviews and the faith we spotted in Sing Sing, The Substance, Conclave, Wicked, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Emilia Perez, and Inside Out 2.
Kenny and Mike are joined by friend and regular guest Rev. Eric Folkerth to discuss the biopic film of Bob Dylan, A Complete Unkown. Directed by James Mangold, the film stars Timothee Chalamet as Dylan, Ed Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, and Monica Babaro as Joan Baez.
Based on the book Dylan Goes Electric by Elijah Wood, A Complete Unknown opens as Bob Dylan arrives in New York City and begins his rise in the world of folk music, and the reaction after he became a folk music star when he decides to expand into folk rock music by "going electric." This new direction was introduced and decidedly rejected by the audience at the 1965 Newport Folk Music Festival, and is the climax of the film.
As the film moves toward the Newport clash, it documents Dylan's struggle againstbeing labeled, boxed in, and controlled by the music industry as well as his initial fans. The film also shows Dylan's relationships with Sylvie Russo and folk legends Joan Baez, as well as with Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie.
Episode Guest Eric Folkerth is Sr. Pastor of Kessler Park United Methodist Church in Dallas and is a singer/songwriter and blogger. Eric's website is ericfolkerth.com
Faith Reflected:
Expansive vs. restricted worship, experiences, and understanding of God.
Worship Wars happen when individuals and groups get comfortable and set in their ways of worship and deny the validity of other expressions and languages of worship that may speak better to others.
The benefit of a variety of ways of worship that lead to enriched understanding and experiences of God.
Declaring and accepting purity of worship is a means to control the experience, theological understanding, and faith development of others.
Luke 4 and the resistance to Jesus demonstrating God's love of and working for other people and nations.
The early Church in the Book of Acts also faced this struggle of expansive experiences of worship and understanding of God.
Kenny and Mike review and discuss faith reflected in the Academy Award nominated film starring Adrien Brody. Written, produced and directed by Brady Corbet, the film shows the story of a Hungarian-Jewish holocaust survior, Laszlo Toth (Brody) who imigrates to the United States following World War 2. A renowned architect in Europe, Toth comes to Philadelphia with only a suitcase and an invitation to stay with a cousin who imigrated earlier. After a fallout with his cousin, Toth, living in a shelter, is sought out by industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce) for whom he and his cousin had done work, and was the catalyst for their fallout. Van Buren offers Toth a commission to design a very large civic center and chapel for his hometown outside of Philadelphia.
Following an intermission, the second part of the 3 hour 20 minute film begins with the arrival of Laszlo's wife Erzsebeth (Felicity Jones) and Laszlo's niece Zsofia (Raffey Cassidy) who does not speak and cares for Erzsebeth who is confined to a wheelchair as a result of her time in a concentration camp. The film depicts the struggles the Toth's face rebuilding their lives and relationship after a long separation and in the midst of Van Buren's and societal disdain for them.
Faith Spotted:
Gifts for service to the Church as well as talents in life are given by God. People should be humble in their use and any recognition that comes with the talents and gifts. Gifts to God and communities should be to glorify God and serve the community rather than glorify the individual or family giving it. We are called to be stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us.
We are to be truly welcoming and accepting persons of other faiths and cultures including imigrants and refugees who are fleeing danger and or seeking to start a new life. Welcoming includes offering hospitiality and love to others as we do our neighbors.
Hosts Mike and Kenny discuss the blockbusting film adaptation of Act 1 of the musical Wicked which stars Cynthia Erivo, and Ariana Grande. Directed by Jon M. Chu. Wicked Pt. 1offers the back story of The Wizard of Oz's Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West as well as the Wizard. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, a child conceived via an affair with green skin and rejected by her father. Ariana Grande stars as Galinda, born into wealth and influence and seemingly perfect. Galinda and Elphaba become roommates and rivals at Shiz University where both quickly become the center of attention, and eventually friends.
The film features outstanding vocal performances by Erivo and Grande as well as very strong visuals and production design. Jeff Goldbloom co-stars as the Wizard with Michelle Yeoh co-starring as Madame Morrible, the professor of magic. Jonathan Bailey co-stars as the romantic Prince Fiyero.
Faith Spotted:
The question of God in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Where does evil / wickedness come from? The ability for narratives to cast wickedness on those undeserving of it as well as hide the wickedness and evil of others.
Though our faith teaches we are all born into sin, what roll does environtmental elements and circumstances play in becoming evil/wicked?
All persons are created by and are beloved children of God, therefore as persons of faith we are called to respect and preserve the agency of "others" regardless of their faith or place.
As Christians we can celebrate the defeat of evil and the removal of the threat of evil and wickedness but we are not to celebrate the suffering or death of those who commit evil or wicked acts as this violates Christ's command to love all persons, even our enemies, as well as the command to forgive even one's enemies. While it can seem impossible, we are called to do so and can be empowered by God to do so.
Persons of the Christian faith are not to blame persons or punish them for the sins of others.
Article with novelist Gregory Maguire regarding faith present in Wicked.
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/11/20/q-and-wicked-author-gregory-maguire-souls-saints-religion-oz-249323
Co-hosts Kenny and MIke review and faithspot the Palme d' Or winning musical drama starring Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez and directed by Jacques Audiard. Emilie Perez tells the story of two women seeking the freedom to live their lives as they desire without societal biases, expectations, and limitations. Saldana, Gascon, and Gomes jointly won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival and all were nominated for Golden Globe Supporting and Best Actress award. The film was nominated for Best Musical or Comedy film. The actresses are also strong contenders for SAG and nominations and the film is expected to be nominated for Best Film.
Faith Spotted:
In the midst of brokeness, societal limitations and judgemental expectations, the resurrection offers the hope and promise of redemption, liberation and new life. With this new life is a call to seek and stand up for righeousness even in the midst of risk and sacrifice.
Mike and Kenny discuss the psychological, political, and spiritual thrilling film starring Ralph Fiennes and directed by Edward Berger. The film is a drama showing all the personal and ecclesiatical drama as the College of Cardinals Conclave to select a new pope. Reflecting society, the College is divided into conservative and liberal factions who are seeking to keep or retake control of the Papacy.
The Dean of the College, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is charged with the administration of the Conclave. In addition to managing the nuts and bolts of the gathering, Dean Thomas must handle a mysterious and unknown new Cardinal, gossips of malfeasance and personal indiscretion within the College, political intrigue with the voting as well as conflict outside the walls of the Conclave. In addition Lawrence faces doubts about the church and his calling.
Co-starring with Fiennes are Stanley Tucci (Bellini,) John Lithgow ( Tremblay,) and Isabella Rossellini (Sister Agnes.)
Faith Spotted:
The place of humility, specifically to protect against the temptation of pride and power. See Philippians 2, Colossians 3, 1 Peter 5. Certainty in issues of theology is an indication of a lack of humility.
The place of doubt within living faithfully.
Servant Leadership vs. Being Served as Leader.
Kenny and Mike discuss The Substance and spot faith issues reflected in the body horror genre film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat who won the Best Screenplay Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, The Substance challenges agism and society's unrealistic, double standards of beauty and capability for women as presented through Academy Award winning actress Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is fired from her successful workout program on her 50th birthday.
Following her firing , Sparkle takes The Substance, a black market drug that offers an opportunity to experience life via a better and younger version of yourself with whom you must share life, 7 days on and 7 days off in a Substance induced coma. For Sparkle, her better self is Sue (Margaret Qualley.) While Elizabeth and Sue "are one" they are anything but on the same page of the life arrangement required by The Substance. The Substance is Rated R for nudity, language, and strong violence.
Faith Issues:
Accepting and even embracing the reality of differing seaons of life as taught in Ecclesiastes 3.
Resisting the temptation to live for and by earthly standards and treasures. Matthew 6
Living faithfully in and for the future rather than fearfully in and for the past. Jeremiah 29,
Hebrews 11 discusses the substance or confidence of faith in the life and promises of a fuller and better life God desires for and offers us.
Psalm 130, a Song of Ascents offers opportunity to express fear and grief when one goes through seasons of loss and change while maintaining faith in God's redemption.
Psalm 42 and 43 speak of longing for better days from the past and lifting up laments to God yet also putting faith and trust in God's righteousness and vendication.
Quoted by Christ on the cross, Psalm 22 voices the lament of one enduring great suffering and almost losing hope, but ends in faith in God's faithfullness.
Faithspotting Hosts Mike Hatch and Kenny Dickson discuss and spot faith reflected in the AppleTV+ series starring Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. Disclaimer is the first television series directed by four time Oscar winning director Alphonso Cuaron and is based on the psychlogical thrilling novel by Renee Knight.
Faith Notes:
Disclaimer depicts the impact impact of unresolved grief and anger that grows into hate, as well as the destructive power of hate fueled revenge. Disclaimer demonstrates the impact of not effectively working through grief and anger. While people process grief in different ways and pace, intervention may be necessary when one gets stuck in the mourning and grief process. In a similar way, holding on to anger is destructive and can damage one's health and relationships.
For Christians, faith in the promise of new life, both now and eternally, through the resurrection assists when one is in the midst of loss and grief. Also, the destructive power of unresolved and unforgiven anger often leads to thoughts or acts of revenge which impacts not only the people directly involved, but also family, friends, and others who suffer collateral wounds. Forgiveness is commanded by Christ. Forgiveness helps protect and preserve the physicial, psychological, and spiritual health and well-being of individuals directively involved in the situation as well as others. Even when one believes they cannot forgive, God seeks to work within one to bring them to a state of forgiveness and peace.
Disclaimer is rated M for mature audiece due to Language, Sexual Content and Assualt, Language, Violence, Drug Use.
Mike and Kenny discuss the wonderful film and spot faith elements reflected in Titus Kaphar's feature length directorial and screenwriting debut. Included in the episode is an indepth conversation with Titus Kaphar. Based on Kaphar's life, Exhibing Forgiveness examines the need and difficulty many face in offering forgiveness. Titus Kaphar is a well known artist whose paintings and sculptures are highly sought after by private collectors and galleries. The forgiving process mirrors Kaphars understanding of art as a way to disrupt past narratives which breaks the power of past events in the present and future.
Faith Issues:
The true nature, difficulty, and process of offering forgiveness.
When one withholds forgiveness, one allows the other to keep power over oneself.
The healing that can come through replacing anger and resentfullness with forgiveness changes the narrative and arc of one's emotions, spirit, and life.
Kenny and Mike discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Tim Burton's sequel to his 1988 classic horror conference Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton returns as Betelgeuse, the bio-exorcist along with Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara who reprise their roles as Lydia and Delia Deitz. Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe and Monica Bellucci join the cast as Betelgeuse continues his pursuite of Lydia while avoiding his recently reconnected and now murderous ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci.) Kenny also shares some of his experiences at the Venice Film Festival where Beetlejuice Beetlejuice had its world premiere in late August, 2024.
Faith Spotted:
As persons of faith we believe in the promise of new life that is available through grace by faith. Through God's forgiveness we are not bound by the mistakes we make, have made or by our background. As Easter people we believe in restoration and that our true identity is as a beloved child of God. We should not label others or accept the labels others have toward us. The resurrection hope and promise of new life and is not limited to that which we receive in full after we die, but is available in our life and time here.
Faith Spotted II: (Faith issues not mentioned in the podcast.)
The Struggles of both Lydia, and Delia, as well perhaps as Betelgeuse, have by not working through past failure, pain, and loss in life. Though painful, it is in facing, and doing, the grief work and process that we are able to move beyond mourning, pain and loss, and begin the new normal life that God desires for us.
As persons of faith we are called to live and be in the moments of life, whether difficult, exciting, or routine. Each day is a gift and even in the midst of pain or routine, evidence of God's presence and grace abound and offer joy.
Venice Film Festival Photos:
Kenny and Mike talk and spot faith elements in the popular 2000 fim Almost Famous, written / directed by Cameron Crowe, and starring Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit, Frances McDormand, Phiip Seymour Hoffman, and Anna Paquin. Crowe won an Academy Award for best screenplay.
Faith Spotted:
The place and function of community as a source of accountability and support to help one mature as a person as well as in faith.
The importance of love that serves serves others and brings others together rather than seeking to lift up and serve oneself.
The difficulty but necessary process of letting a loved one experience life, loss, and success rather than keeping strict control over the individual.
Kenny and Mike review and spot faith elements presented in the powerful A24 film Sing Sing, The film is based on the true story of John Divine G Whitfield (Colman Domingo) who was falsely convicted and spent 25 years in Sing Sing prison. While there he co-founded the Rehabilitation Through Arts program where persons who are incarcerated stage theatrical programs. The episode includes interviews Mike and Kenny had with Divine G and director Greg Kwedar.
Faith Elements:
The transformative power of story,
Redemption, Rehabiliation, Repentance and Community.
Kenny and Mike and Faithspotting is hosting a free screening of the film on July 24th at ± at the AMC Northpark Theaters. Sign up below
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/singsingdallas
John Divine G Whitfield
Greg Kwedar
Hosts Mike and Kenny celebrate 7 seasons, 4 years and 100 episodes of talking film and spotting faith on the Faithspotting podcast. Listen as they discuss and reflect on their favorite moments, episodes, and play some of their favorite interviews.
Kenny and Mike recording the Nope Episode at the Faithspotting "Studio" at Button Memorial UMC.
Mike and Kenny with Director Fran Kranz and Ann Dowd from MASS
Mike, Kevin Von Erich, and Kenny at The Iron Claw premiere party.
Kenny and Mike begin the seventh season of Faithspotting by discussing and spotting faith reflected in the newest Pixar film, Inside Out 2. Considering how much Mike and Kenny enjoyed and thought the message of Inside Out, that all emotions have purpose and value, both entered the theater with high expectations and hopes Inside Out 2 would be a worthy sequal.
Faith Spotted:
The teaching in Psam 139, and other places, that we are children of God and are wonderfully made even when considering our imperfections and brokenness. How living this teaching allows for true joy and a rich and joyfilled life.
Justification by Christ through faith rather than one's deeds.
While not possible, the drive to justify oneself reflects a lack of faith in God's grace and love.
The place and purpose of confession and the possibility of repentance and redemption.
Kenny and Mike are joined by our good friend and regular Faithspotting contributor Dr. Ryan Parker for the annual Oscars preview episode where we predict winners and share our choices for who wins the Oscars. Ryan works in public relations and marketing for independent films, and is also the Executive Director for the Misssissippi Film Society.
We agreed that this was a solid year for films and nominations. We were grateful that folks had a reason to get excited again as was experienced in the "Barbenheimer" moment, we also were happy that folks are discussing cinema thoughout various genres. While we agreed on many of the awards, there were a few differences of opinions.
Faith Spotted:
In addition to picking and justifying winners we also discussed which films most effectively and powerfully reflected faith lived and experienced in life. Subjects included the temptation and corrosive power of evil as experienced at communal and individual levels in the past as well as seems to be recurring now before our eyes and ears. The most significant question that emerges from several of the nominated films is, reminded now of the past sins of commission and omission by society, nations, and faith traditions, how will we respond as individuals and communities of faith? Will we be taken by, or stand against, the tide that seems set to pull many away from the rightsouness God desires as presented in Scripture and the life and ministry of Jesus?
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the biopic about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. Starring Best Actor nominee Colman Domingo, Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe and co-staring Chris Rock, GlynnTurman, and fellow 2024 Academy Award acting nominees Jeffery Wright and Da 'Vine Joy Randolph, tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the organizer and driving force behind the 1963 March on Washington. The March is best known for Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech and is considered not only one of the seminal moments in the Civil Rights movement, but in modern American history.
Faith Notes:
The nature of servant leadership, that leaders are to serve and not be served as demonstrated by Jesus' life and ministry, and His washing the feet of the disciples.
As seen in the film and lives of Bayard Rustin, MLK, and Medgar Evers, the need of and call to prophetic speech and action and the accompanying risks, suffering and sacrifice.
God using those who are imperfect to accomplish God's righteousness.
The temptation to allow ego and pride to damage or sabatage God's calling and mission.
The seeds or racism that are blooming again and that they are incompatible with the teaching and life example of Jesus.
Hosts Mike and Kenny review and spot faith elements reflected in the Academy Award nominated film by Celine Song. Past Lives stars Greta Lee (Nora) and Teo Yoo (Hae Sung) who were childhood friends and first loves, separated suddenly when Nora's family immigrated from South Korea to Canada. The film co-stars John Magaro (Arthur) who meets and marries Nora after she moved to New York. Nora and Hae Sung reconnect via social media after 12 years. Following another 12 year gap Hae Sung travels to New York to see Nora and meets Arthur.
Faith Reflected:
The importance of pursuing one's passion and perhaps one's life calling. Then the importance of accepting the life you have and are blessed with rather than sacrificing the life you should have for the life you had and or did not have. Mark 1:35-39
Paul's teaching in 1st Corinthians 13 that one puts away the things of childhood when one becomes an adult. One can easily covet the past life or the life that might have been rather than accepting and embracing the life one has been blessed with.
Understanding that the persons, relationships and experience in our loved one's past life has made them the person one now loves.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith issues reflected in the Academy Award Best Picture nominated and Palme d' Or winning film by writer/director Justine Triet. Anatomy of a Fall is a French legal drama surrounding the suspicious death of a husband and father (Samuel Theis) and his wife and prime suspect Sandra (Sandra Huller) and the impact on their son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner.)
Faith and Life Issues Spotted:
What do we value in life and how does that impact one's life and the life we share with others? To what extent do we value ourselves and others by what they accomplish professionally and the notoriety or material success and stature achieved? How do we value work and accomplishments and that are less public or profitable but yet still impactful in one's life or the lives of others in one's family or community?
To what is one called and equipped to do in and with their life? While some persons achieve fame and notoriety in their professions and lives, all persons have a calling and purpose, and have gifts to lead meaninful lives of impact and import for their life and the lives and of others. Proverbs 19:22-24 1 Corinthians 12
Seek first the Kingdom of God. The less one seeks to please one's ego, and the more one seeks to bring joy to and receive approval from God in making the most of the life, gifts, and calling God has offered, the less emphasis one places on pleasing and gaining respect and notice of others. In measuring success in life by living into God's calling rather than by worldly definitions of fame, one is more likely to be aware of the quiet, yet great impact one has on the lives of those in one's community or life circles. Such is part of the teachings of Jesus regarding earthly and Kingdom treasures. Matthew 6
Additional Connections and thoughts:
Consider the film through the lens of the fall of Adam and Eve as described in Genesis 2, and visa versa. What was the motivation behind their actions that led to their fallsIn ?
What do we do with dreams we had as children and young adults that are not fullfilled? Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13 that there comes a time when we put away the language and perspective one has of the world as a child and takes on the language, perspective and responsibilites, and we could add dreams and pursuits.
Hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in Alxander Payne's and Paul Giamatti's latest collaboration (Sideways). Set in a northeastern boarding school in 1970, the film portrays a dishovled and grumpy classics teacher Paul Hunham (Giamatti) at Barton Academny who is assigned the unpopular duty of supervising the boys who are heldover the Christmas break at the school. Da Vine Joy Randolph (Mary Lamb) and Dominic Sessa (Angus Tully) join Giamatti in delivering strong, memorable performances worthy Academy Award and Oscar consideration.
Faith Spotted:
As there was no rooms for Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, for Paul and Angus, there is no room for them in the lives of family nor friends.
Paul is a Christ Figure in his sacrificial act for Angus. The need to address and work through pain, loss and anger through grief, and the consequenses of letting those feelings linger, grow, and shape an individual. The nature of grace that community of broken persons can restore hope and wholeness through their care and love for one another.
Mike and Kenny discuss MAESTRO and faith reflected in the Bradley Cooper directed film about the life and career of composer / conductor Leonard Bernstein and his marriage to Felicia Montealegre. Cooper also co-wrote the screenplay and co-stars with Carey Mulligan in the film now streaming on Netflix. The film also stars Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and Matt Bomer. Bradley Cooper, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Todd Philips.
Faith Spotted:
Various types of love, Eros, Philia, Agape, and Philautia. While eros /passionate, philia / deep friendship, agape / selfless, are love strengthens and binds persons together. Philautia / love of self is important and ordained by Jesus in His great commandment, Matthew 22, Mark 12, Luke 10. Love and care for one's self is necessary for a person to offer the other types of love, but when it grows too strong and the drive for attention, praise and love from others becomes greater than the love one has for others (narcissism) it negatively impacts relationships and the lives of others.
Kenny and Mike interview director Sean Durkin and review his latest film The Iron Claw. The film chronicles lives, careers and tragedies of professional wrestling's Von Erich family. The film stars Zac Efron as Kevin Von Eric, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons as brothers Kerry, David and Mike Von Erich. Holt McCallany also stars as patriarch Fritz Von Erich.
Faith Elements Reflected:
The power of the resurrection as the utlimate victory against death and loss by providing new life.
Power of resurrection faith as the source of healing and resiliency in the midst of trauma and loss.
The purpose of the grief process in healing and the negative impact of avoiding grief by denying the process through hyperfocus on other things, getting stuck within, or moving too quickly.
Notes from interview with Sean Durkin:
The pacing of the story as a tool for viewer engagement.
The place of fear in driving Sean's storytelling and filmmaking. The place and impact of generational trauma and breaking the trauma cycles within families.
The importance of details in telling the stories and establishing connections with the audience.
Sean's shares the films that made him.
The hope and vision of peace in a life of trauma.
Mike, Kevin Von Erich, Kenny at The Iron Claw world premiere afterparty.
Hosts Kenny and Mike interview Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, the Emmy Award winning directors of the documentary film The Mission, which explores the life of the 26 year old American missionary John Allen Chau who attempted to contact and evangelize indiginous people on the isolated North Sentinel Island. The filmmakers also directed the 2020 documentary film Boys State, also featured on Faithspotting. The Mission is available on Disney+ and fubuTV.
Faith Issues Spotted:
Amanda and Jesse discuss what attracted their attention and desire to document John's story, the call, nature and impact of evangelism to indiginous societies. Colonial evangelism and the Biblical call to evangelize and the agency of the recipients. The difference of ministry to vs. ministry with persons.
Daniel Everett former Missionary
Amanda McBaine, Jesse Moss Directors
Kenny and Mike have an extended interview with Paul Michael Angell, the director of the film Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story. The film documents the life and life mission of Stan Brock, who following a career as a television host on Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, a filmmaker, cargo pilot, director of zoos, founded a medical mission organization, Remote Area Medical (RAM) that has provided free health and dental care to over 800,000 people in the United States. In addition to Paul, Poppy Green, a member of the RAM staff, also participated in the interview and provided additional insight into Stan's amazing life and the important mission and work of RAM.
Medicine Man: The Stan Brock Story will be released nationwide through Fathom Events for a one night presentation on November 14th. Purchase tickets directly through Fathom Events at link below
https://www.fathomevents.com/events/medicine-man/
Stan Brock
Faith Spotted:
Having determination and faith to follow a calling. The importance of mission. Seeing and treating all people as persons of sacred worth.
Paul Michael Angell
Faithspotting hosts Kenny and Mike review and spot faith reflected in Martin Scorsese's latest film, "Killers of the Flower Moon." The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, Robert De Niro, and tells the true story of the "reign of terror" inflicted upon the Osage Indian population following the discovery of oil on the land they were sent to live following their ejection from Kansas. The film chronicles the murders and suspicious deaths of many members of the Osage population that was part of a plan to steal the "headrights" due them and their decendents.
Faith Themes Spotted:
The power and corrupting nature of greed in th which the appetite power and wealth and wealth is limitless.
Despite the Christian teaching that all persons are beloved children of God and therefore worthy of love from others, the reality of racism is that it dehumanizes and lables as "others" persons of different races, cultures and backgrounds on both the societal and individual levels.
The nature of evil is that it often presents itself through the apprearance of concern and words and acts of love and community.
Hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in the lastest Mission Impossible film, Dead Reckoning. Starring Tom Cruise and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his IMF team must track down a device that threatens political and civil stability throughout the world. Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg reprise their rolls as IMF members Luther Stickell and Benji Dunn. Henry Czerny also reprises his roll as Agent Eugene Kittridge from the original MI as well as Michelle Monaghan reprises her roll as Julia Meade. Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, and Hayley Atwell also co-star.
Faith Issues Spotted:
Forgiveness and Peace:
The importance of dealing productively with pain, loss, anger and guilt, rather than ignoring or burying those feelings and experiences. As depicted in the film, Ethan's failure to process his grief, anger, and guilt surrounding losses of persons close to him earlier in his life and career have had a negative impact on him. In the course of the film he is made more vulernable through his carrying that pain and desire for revenge. Carrying and allowing anger, guilt and other emotions to build up can make one susceptible to damaging one's health, career and relationships.
Christian faith, and the promise and hope of redemption and new life can assist in working through such pain, anger, and guilt. In Romans 8 Paul teaches that current suffering and trials cannot compare to the goodness of the life to come in God's Kingdom, that God works for Good in all things, and that nothing can separate one from the love of God in Christ. God's love and peace can help persons move through pain and struggle including the power to seek to offer forgiveness instead of resentment or revenge.
Jesus and Paul also calls for followers to love and forgive others rather than live with anger and resentment. Matthew 5 & 22, Romans 12
Living out of Faith Rather Than Fear:
Related to this is not living and acting from a place of fear, especially in the midst of changing times and circumstances beyond one's control. Acting from and through fear leads to behavior that accepts negative means to be justified by perceived "good ends." Faith in God, who is a God of love who works for our good, even in the midst of struggle, helps one live in a place of faith and peace.
Temptation to Use Gifts and Power for Good:
The tempation to exploit gifts and power in negative ways rather than use them for good. Technology has emense power that can be used for the benefit of an individual or society, or be exploited an used for harm. In the film a technology that could be used for great good in society is in danger of being used to cause great harm and bring power to an individual or group / nation. The pursuit of the technology becomes desperate with the nations and groups willing to do anything to secure it for their own use. This theme was also reflected in the film Oppenheimer. Technology can be used in less dramatic but still damaging ways. The internet is a tool that can be used to lear and develop or hurt other or even waste time and opportunity for personal growth and development.
As persons of faith, Christ calls followers to pursue rigtheousness and the good including love for others, including one's enemies.
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in Chrisopher Nolan's latest film, a biography of physist and "father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film stars Cillian Murphy, Morton Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Matt Damon, and Josh Hartnett, among others.
In addition to their comments on the film,Kenny and Mike discuss the joy that for the first time in many years there was an event, a buzz about movies with the same day releases of Oppenheimer and Barbie, ie Barbenheimer.
Cillian Murphy Universay Studios
Faith Spotted:
The story in Genesis of the temptation and impact of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The fear and vulnerablity that drives the tasting of that fruit then leads to knowledge and results in greater vulerability and nakedness.
The place, power, and impact pride and ego play in behavior that works against the best interests of the individual or society.
The naivety in thinking one can control the monster one creates, either as individuals or societies, in this story the thought that the military and government would include the scientitsts in the determination of if or when to use the weapon.
For Christians, the tempation or rationalization to believe that perhaps righteous ends justify unrighteous means.
Robert Downey Jr. Universal Studios
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith in the biography film "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie." Directed by Davis Guggenheim and available for streaming on Apple tv+, "Still" presents Michael J. Fox's journey into acting, and at 29, his journey into early onset Parkinsons disease.
Faith Spotted:
The reality that earthly treasures, in this instance health, are vulnerable and can be lost or stolen. Matthew 6 Similarly the parable of the rich fool. Luke 12
Job Suffering for seemingly random reasons, and maintaining care and being open to God's presence and maintaining one's relationship with God. Also in lament Psalms.
Theological Half Truths, as labled by Rev. Adam Hamilton, Sr, Pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. In this circumstance, "God doesn't give us more than we can bear." Rather than passing out struggles, depending on ones strength, God supports, sustains, and loves us in the midst of our struggles that are a part of living in a broken world. God sustains directly as well as through support of others. Similar experience in questions of theodicy, the answer to questions regarding a God of love allowing bad things to occur or to occur to righteous persons.
Romans 8 In all things God works for Good for those who love God.
Hosts Kenny and Mike are joined by two guests for this edition of Faithspotting. Rev. Eric Folkerth and Rev. Melissa Hatch are clergy colleagues of Kenny and Melissa is Mike's marrital colleague. This is Eric's third appearance and we welcome Melissa for her first time as a guest.
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets is a four part series on Amazon Prime. While the Duggars are the hub around which the series is presented, the larger wheel focuses on the larger and, from a Christian perspective, more sinister element, the story of Bill Gothard and the Institute for Basic Life Principles, IBLP.
The documentary features interviews with Jill Duggar, the oldest daughter, Jim Bob Duggar's niece, JIm Bob's closest friend from childhood, and men and women who grew up in IBLP households and were able to break away.
Faith Spotted:
Grace, the Nature of faith vs. seeking to control, Being created in the Image of God, Taking the Lord's name in vain Exodus 20, Let the children come to Me, Matthew 19, Mark 10, Luke 18, Do not place stumbling blocks before children and others Romans 14.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spotfaith in the film and stage adaptations of Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. The film version was released in 1962 and stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and Mary Badham as Scout. The stage production, written by Aaron Sorkin starred Jeff Daniels as Atticus opened on Broadway in 2018. The 2023 touring production stars Richard Thomas with Mary Badham playing Mrs. Henry Dubose, and Melanie Moore as Scout.
Faith Spotted:
The film and stage production depict Atticus as a Christ Figure in his willingness and courage to do the righteous thing in representing Tom Robinson, knowing he and his family will suffer for it.
The place and audacity of evil as personified by Bob Ewell who abuses his own daughter, blames Tom Robinson, taunts the Robinson family, and the Finch children.
In the face of such evil, and in contrast to the example of Christ as seen in Atticus, the temptation to go along, to remain silent and fail to stand up for righteousness.
The gift of grace to do what is righteous even if it is not in line with the law as depicted by Sherrif Heck Tate when he declared Bob Ewell fell on his knife during his attack on the Finch children.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in the popular HBO Series The Last of Us. Based on the popular Playstation Video Game, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie as they journey through a post-apocolyptic United States and world that is divided into zombies, persons who were infected with an aggressive mold that takes control of the hosts, and tribes or bands of scavenging, non-infected persons fighting each other for resourses and survival.
Faith Notes:
Love Abides. Jesus, as the incarnation came into the world to abide, to live with humanity as humanity. Love abides through good and challenging times. Not mentioned in the podcast: the compound and lives Bill and Frank make together and live in, reflect the peace and place that love provides in the midst of pain, loss, and other difficult aspects of life in a world that is broken.
The nature of the Sacraments, and sacramental elements of important, everyday activities such as meals and traditions.
Mike and Kenny discuss the 2023 film based on the 1970 novel by Judy Blume. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and starring Rachel McAdams, Abby Ryder Fortson, Kathy Bates and Benny Safdie, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. chronicles coming of age and awareness of maturity and faith of Margaret Simon.
Faith Spotted:
Faith when God seems silent. Margaret joins persons of faith throughout the ages, including the Psalmist and Jesus in asking if God is there? Psalm 22 among many.
The aspect of God's time in constrast to our time which is typically based on personal fear, anxiety, and the unknown.
As with coming into awareness of one's changing body, all persons must explore their faith in the midst of their life and living. While there can, or might not be guides, individuals must make their own choices. The film reflects that these are often parallel tracks of growth and discovery.
Dsepite the many differences of development stages and timing, etc. all persons are wonderfully made. Psalm 139
Originally recorded during the initial theatrical release, Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements in the multi award winning and multiple Oscar nominated film by directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schneinert.
Faith Notes:
All creation is interconnected.
We have freedom to make choices and those choices impact others. In the midst of this reality, power, and privilege, God desires us to love creation and each other by acting responsibly for the wellbeing of others.
Amidst the choices we make ad the resulting paths the choices put us on, we are not alone. God is with us, and where needed, offers us grace and calls us to repent. God seeks to work for good even as we face the consequences of our choices.
Evelyn serves as a Christ Figure as she enters into various alternative universes, seeking to restore peace throughout the universes and relationships.
Co-hosts Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith issues reflected in the Best Film Oscar nominee Triangle of Sadness directed by Ruben Ostlund. The film stars Charlbi Dean, Harris Dickinson, Dolly De Leon,Zlatko Buric, Vicki Berlin, and Woody Harrelson
Faith Issues Spotted:
Identity of all persons as children of God and should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of social status, wealth, and perceived utility.
For those with power, privilege, and voice, seeing these as blessings and how to use them righteously and be "influencers" for societal good.
A reminder of the corrosive nature of power, whether passed down generationally, slowly achieved over time, or suddenly gained. Avoid the temptation to reverse abuse of power if given the opportunity.
Zlatko Buric Neon Films
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elementes reflected in the Maria Schrader film "She Said." Carey Mulligan (Megan Twohey) and Zoe Kazan (Jodi Kantor) star as New York TImes investigative reporters who broke the story of Mira Max producer Harvey Weinstein's decades long history of sexual abuse of actresses and Mira Max employees. Their expose started the #Metoo movement.
Faith Issues Spotted
The perils and place of pride and ego that leads to a sense of entitlement to actions and treatment of others that is incompatible with Scripture and faithful teaching. Such entitilement and behavior does not recognize the dignity of others as being children of God.
Failure to see success and cooresponding influence as gifts and blessings of God and using them to abuse or take advantage of others. Such behavior contradicts the call to love and care for others/neighbors. Such teaching to love calls for other leaders and institution to protect and stand against those who do harm to others.
Kenny and Mike discuss the and spot faith reflected in the Todd Field film Tar starring Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett. Tar received an five Oscar Nominations for Best Picture, Actress, Director, Original Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing.
Lydia Tar is the first Music Director of the Berlin Philharmonic and a force in the Classical music universe whose ego and appetite for power and control over others threatens to unravel all she has worked to acheive.
Faith Spotted:
Pride is antithetical to Christian teaching that as all people are children of God, one's life and the lives of others belong to God and therefore worthy of love, care, and respect. Matthew 22:34-37, Mark 12:28-34, Leviticus 19:9-18
As talent is a gift from God, it should be used to God's glory rather than to glorify and elevate oneself. All the work and training that develop talent are a part of one's responsibility to use the gift to the fullest potential.
Power is the oxygen that feeds the flame of pride to destructive beliefs and practices. Scripture referencing pride: Proverbs 8:13, 16:18, Romans 12:16, ! Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 6:3, James 4:6-7.
In contrast, the Fruits of the Spirit reflect and and draw one closer to God and deepen one's faith. Galatians 5:22-23
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the latest Darren Arononfsky film, The Whale, starring Brendan Frazier. The film tells the story of Charlie, a 600 lb man who teaches virtul writing classes. Struggling with the health challenges caused by his weight, Charlie decides to attempt to reconnect with his High School aged daughter, (Sadie Sink) eight years after leaving her and his wife for another relationship. Tirgger warning: The film may be difficult for those struggling with eating disorders.
Faith Spotted:
The film depicts a full picture of humanity, that persons have both good instincts and desires as well as selfish and negative motivation and behavior.
The consequences of people's actions have on others, especially with regards to breaking relationships, and the detrimental impact of punitive focused faith communities pronouncing judgement of others. The focus of maintaining relationships in the midst of the failures of loved ones as demonstrated by God to Adam and Eve and the Forgiving father's to his prodigal son.
The finel ine of supporting and enabling persons with their struggles, and the motivations of ones actions on another.
Charlie as a Christ figure in taking on himself the anger of others.
The importance of seeking honesty in relationships and community.
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflected in the latest film from Academy Award winning Writer / Director Martin McDonagh that reunites him with Colin Farrell and Brendan Glessan. Set in 1923 on an island of the coast of Ireland, The Banshees of Inisherin is a dark comdedy that examines the impact on two men and the isolated community when one man suddenly decides to end a life-long friendship. Rated R for language, some violent content, and brief graphic nudity, The Banshees of Inisherin is a favorite to receive multiple Academy Award nominations and is available on HBO.
Brendan Gleeson Colin Farrell Searchlight Pictures
Faith Spotted:
The command and responsibilty to care for and about one's neighbors as one also has a responsiblity and permission to love and care oneself.
Caring for others as the nature and dynamics of relationships change.
The importance of living in the present as well as living for the future.
Kenny and Mike review and discuss the faith elements reflected in the new Apple tv + film starring Will Smith. Among the subjects discussed are the need for another film featuring the struggle to escape from slavery (amidst recent attempts to soften the experience and history of slavery,) the shock and impact of seeing individuals and an entire race being dehumanized, specifically being "owned and called "it," and separated from family, and the performance by Smith as well as if and how it might be impacted by "the slap."
Faith Notes:
Theodicy and maintaining faith and hope amidst struggles. The consecration into, and servant nature of leadership. The use of Scripture to establish, nurture, and sustain faith amidst struggles and the misuse of Scripture to keep enslaved people docile and accepting.
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith elements reflected in the Steven Spielberg's latest, semi-autobiographical film The Fablemans. The film depicts the future director's initial attraction to making films as a child as well as his continued interest and development in filmmaking through his youth.
Faith Notes:
The importance, tradition, and place of storytelling, especially one's story of origin.
The power of story to both reflect and shape truth and life and that people of faith are called to live up to the truth and purpose reflected in their faith story.
Living the life one is called and equipped to live verses the life others see you should live.
Kenny and Mike open the 5th season of Faithspotting by discussing the film and faith issues spotted in the latest film version of Erich Maria Remarque's 1928 novel All Quiet on the Western Front. The 1930 film won the Best Picture and Best Director Oscar for Lewis Milestone. the 2022 film, directed by Edward Berger and staring Felix Kammerer as Paul Baumer and Albrecht Schuch as veteran Stanislaus Katczinsky.
All Quiet on the Western Front follows the 17 year old German student Paul, and his classmates who, whipped into a war frenzy by their school master, volunteer to serve in the German army in the last year of the war. Told they would be marching into Paris in a matter of weeks, the boys are driven to the stalemate that is the trench warfare of the first world war. The film also depicts the contrasts between those who fight in the trenches and the Generals who make decisions with little to no regard for the lives and welfare of the soldiers in the trenches.
Kenny and Mike compare the film favorably with some of the great films depicting war, Saving Private Ryan, 1917, and Paths of Glory. All Quiet on the Western Front is German submission for the Best International Film Oscar for the 2023 Academy Awards.
Faith Issues Spotted:
The purpose and need for the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and Plain in Matthew and Luke 6, and Paul's teaching in Romans 12. Disciples of Jesus are called to love enemies and return hate and persecution with love and forgiveness. Followers of Christ are called to seek and live for the Kingdom of God by living by Righteousness rather than the ways and expectations of the ways of the world.
The film also echoes the need for the teaching of Galatians 3:28, that disciples of Jesus are all one, united in Christ, and no longer Jew or Gentile, male or female, slave or gree. Christians, as the Israelites are residents and aliens of the worldly nations and citizens of the Kingdom of God.
All Quiet on the Western Front is rated R for Violence.
Part two of the faithspotting conversation with the writer / director of the a24 film, Funny Pages, Owen Kline.
Owen is a promising young filmmaker who has extensive knowledge of film in general and within a variety of film genres. Viewing Funny Pages and listening to his process and thoughts offers a glimpse into the art of making a film, what goes into the writing, production, and editing.
Owen during the Q&A at the Cannes Film Festival
Faith Topics:
The Place of Identity and Story in Faith.
One's identity and the perceived need to prove oneself and or find oneself as seen in the parable of the "prodigal son." Also the use of this narrative by Jesus to describe the nature of God.
The place, purpose, and transformative power of story in faith - in communicating faith on a corporate (macro) level and developing faith on the personal (micro) level. The confession and repentance of David through the story offered by Nathan.
How we experience faith through story, the story(ies) within faith build upon each other for meaning and our experience and development of faith. The story elements of the Gospel narratives - building toward and into the ultimate story of the Christ and the incarnation of God. It is these smaller, common elements that contribute to connecting us to the power of the passion and resurrection narrative (as well as the narrative of the early church.)
The use of film/story-form to offer an expansive understanding and experience of life and of God.
Owen meeting viewers in Cannes
Part two of the faithspotting conversation with the writer / director of the a24 film, Funny Pages, Owen Kline.
Owen is a promising young filmmaker who has extensive knowledge of film in general and within a variety of film genres. Viewing Funny Pages and listening to his process and thoughts offers a glimpse into the art of making a film, what goes into the writing, production, and editing.
Owen during the Q&A at the Cannes Film Festival
Faith Topics:
The Place of Identity and Story in Faith.
One's identity and the perceived need to prove oneself and or find oneself as seen in the parable of the "prodigal son." Also the use of this narrative by Jesus to describe the nature of God.
The place, purpose, and transformative power of story in faith - in communicating faith on a corporate (macro) level and developing faith on the personal (micro) level. The confession and repentance of David through the story offered by Nathan.
How we experience faith through story, the story(ies) within faith build upon each other for meaning and our experience and development of faith. The story elements of the Gospel narratives - building toward and into the ultimate story of the Christ and the incarnation of God. It is these smaller, common elements that contribute to connecting us to the power of the passion and resurrection narrative (as well as the narrative of the early church.)
The use of film/story-form to offer an expansive understanding and experience of life and of God.
Owen meeting viewers in Cannes
In the first of two episodes, writer/director Owen Kline joined Kenny and Mike for an extended Zoom interview discussing his new A24 film Funny Pages as well as faith as reflected in film, story, comics and video store experiences.
Owen first came to prominence in the 2005 film The Squid and the Whale where he played Frank Berkman, the youngest son of Bernard (Jeff Daniels) and Joan (Laura Linney) and brother of Walt (Jesse Eisenberg.
Funny Pages tells the story of Robert (Daniel Zolghadri) a highschool senior and talented cartoonist who is caught between following the expected journey of attending art school or honing his own artistic style and voice. Following the loss of his mentor, Robert strikes out on his own by moving into a most unique basement apartment shared with two colorful roommates.
Funny Pages, rated R for language and brief sexuality, is itself a funny, irreverant presentation of Robert's coming of age in a way that reminds viewers, who have come of age, of the joyeous and jarring moments of that journey. Appropriately, as cartooning entails a degrees of caricature, the Owen presents all this with a dynamic, caricatured style and construction.
In the first of two episodes, writer/director Owen Kline joined Kenny and Mike for an extended Zoom interview discussing his new A24 film Funny Pages as well as faith as reflected in film, story, comics and video store experiences.
Owen first came to prominence in the 2005 film The Squid and the Whale where he played Frank Berkman, the youngest son of Bernard (Jeff Daniels) and Joan (Laura Linney) and brother of Walt (Jesse Eisenberg.
Funny Pages tells the story of Robert (Daniel Zolghadri) a highschool senior and talented cartoonist who is caught between following the expected journey of attending art school or honing his own artistic style and voice. Following the loss of his mentor, Robert strikes out on his own by moving into a most unique basement apartment shared with two colorful roommates.
Funny Pages, rated R for language and brief sexuality, is itself a funny, irreverant presentation of Robert's coming of age in a way that reminds viewers, who have come of age, of the joyeous and jarring moments of that journey. Appropriately, as cartooning entails a degrees of caricature, the Owen presents all this with a dynamic, caricatured style and construction.
Kenny and Mike had the pleasure to interview actor and screenwriter Carl Gottlieb, best known for being the screenwriter for the 1975 film Jaws, one of the most influential and important films in the history of cinema. In addition to being the film that skyrocketed the young Steven Spielberg's career, it was the first Summer blockbuster film.
Jaws is also one of Kenny's favorite films and is Mike's very favorite film. Speaking from his california home, Carl shares many behind the scenes stories of the making of the film, including sharing a house with Spielberg during production and re-writing much of the script during filming. Carl also and Emmy winning television writer for his work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He also wrote for The Bob Newhart Show and All in the Family.
Roy Scheider, Murray Hamilton, Carl Gottlieb
Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Kenny and Mike had the pleasure to interview actor and screenwriter Carl Gottlieb, best known for being the screenwriter for the 1975 film Jaws, one of the most influential and important films in the history of cinema. In addition to being the film that skyrocketed the young Steven Spielberg's career, it was the first Summer blockbuster film.
Jaws is also one of Kenny's favorite films and is Mike's very favorite film. Speaking from his california home, Carl shares many behind the scenes stories of the making of the film, including sharing a house with Spielberg during production and re-writing much of the script during filming. Carl also and Emmy winning television writer for his work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He also wrote for The Bob Newhart Show and All in the Family.
Roy Scheider, Murray Hamilton, Carl Gottlieb
Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
Mike and Kenny are "Talking Saul, Talking Bad, and Talking Faith as the popular and critically acclaimed AMC series concludes. There is much to discuss as the second series in the "Breaking Bad Universe" concludes what is arguably the best and most successful original and prequal series to appear on television.
SPOILERS in show notes and Spoiler Zone in Podcast Episode.
Faith Elements Spotted:
Earthly Treasures either as money or success/notoriety are susceptible to loss, decline or theft, as well as being seductive in their costs. Matthew 6:19 The power of pride, Proverbs 11,13, 73 driven by the fear of not being outstanding in comparrison to others is in contrast to the call of God to be content with one's life, and Paul's teaching to imitate the humility of Christ. Philippians 2, Colossians 2, Proverbs 11,22.
Identity, who one sees and projects themselves to others. All people are children of God, made unique because of the love God has for them. There is no human constructed identity that surpasses that one is a child of God, yet the temptation is to value identities accepted and celebrated by worldly standards rather than the identity celebrated by God and the Kingdom.
Redemption is always possible but must be chosen and encompasses change, and does not alleviate consequences. Although regrettful of the pain he caused his family and including his saving Jessie, Walter White does not regret his behavior, confess, and surrender. Instead he seeks revenge rather than redemption.
In contrast, Jimmy/Saul/Gene redeems himself with his sacrificial confession which offers new life to his former wife and still loved one, Kim. Hints in the dialogue indicate that she intends to resume her work of offering legal defense of those who cannot afford representation.
Mike and Kenny are "Talking Saul, Talking Bad, and Talking Faith as the popular and critically acclaimed AMC series concludes. There is much to discuss as the second series in the "Breaking Bad Universe" concludes what is arguably the best and most successful original and prequal series to appear on television.
SPOILERS in show notes and Spoiler Zone in Podcast Episode.
Faith Elements Spotted:
Earthly Treasures either as money or success/notoriety are susceptible to loss, decline or theft, as well as being seductive in their costs. Matthew 6:19 The power of pride, Proverbs 11,13, 73 driven by the fear of not being outstanding in comparrison to others is in contrast to the call of God to be content with one's life, and Paul's teaching to imitate the humility of Christ. Philippians 2, Colossians 2, Proverbs 11,22.
Identity, who one sees and projects themselves to others. All people are children of God, made unique because of the love God has for them. There is no human constructed identity that surpasses that one is a child of God, yet the temptation is to value identities accepted and celebrated by worldly standards rather than the identity celebrated by God and the Kingdom.
Redemption is always possible but must be chosen and encompasses change, and does not alleviate consequences. Although regrettful of the pain he caused his family and including his saving Jessie, Walter White does not regret his behavior, confess, and surrender. Instead he seeks revenge rather than redemption.
In contrast, Jimmy/Saul/Gene redeems himself with his sacrificial confession which offers new life to his former wife and still loved one, Kim. Hints in the dialogue indicate that she intends to resume her work of offering legal defense of those who cannot afford representation.
Kenny and Mike discuss and faithspot the latest thriller from director extraordinaire Jordon Peele and spot faith elements in Nope. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, and Michael Wincott.
Faith Spotted:
As the film begins with a quote from the Biblical Prophet and Book Nahum, and with the apocolyptic images and grandeur, much of the faith conversation centers around prophecy, revelation as well as Revelation.
Kenny and Mike discuss Elvis and spot faith elements and concepts reflected in the Baz Luhrmann biopic staring Ausin Butler as Elivs Presley and Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker.
Faith Spotted:
The presentation and nature of temptation. Tom Parker as the serpent temptor knowing and preying on the vulnerabilities, fear, grief, and guilt) of Elvis and his parents.
The guilt and fear of losing his twin brother was a life long gravitational force that impacted the rest of the Presley members lives.
The importance of moving through mourning and grief, through spiritual disciplines and faith which opens one to experience the peace of God that passes our understanding as well as loss. Philippians 4:7
Live one's life and calling rather than the life and expectations of others.
Do not be conformed to the ways, methods, and values of this world but transformed and a transforming force by the renewing of one's mind so that one may discern the desires and presence of God. Romans 12:
The calling of Christ to love and serve others, looking for their best interests rather than selfishly enabling and exploiting another for one's own benefit.
Kenny and Mike discuss Don't Make Me Go and the faith issues spotted in Amazon Studios film starring John Cho, Mia Isaac and directed by Hannah Marks.
Faith Issues:
Enjoy and rejoice every day as each day is a gift from God. Psalm 118:24
Christians are called to rejoice always, even in the midst of Struggles and suffering. Philippians 4
Do not let negative life events define or control one's life. Christ recognized this as he allowed / called Peter to affirm his love 3 times following Peter's denial of Jesus.
The idea of Commissioning to go forward with purpose in life. As Jesus commissioned the disciples to go forth baptizing and making disciples for the tranformation of the world.
Mike and Kenny conclude the first Faithspotting, Christ Figure Series with the 2014, John Michael McDonagh film Calvary, starring Brendan Gleeson as Father James. In the opening scene, as he is hearing confession, Fr James's life is threatened by a parishioner in retribution for years of sexual abuse committed by another priest and covered up by the Church.
Father James then goes about ministering in a town full of skeptical, sarcastic, and hurting parishioners as he decides how he will respond to the threat. In doing so he reflects attributes of Christ and has a transformative impact on some of the community.
Kenny and Mike continue a series looking at Christ Figures in Film with the 2006 Film Little Miss Sunshine. The film won 2 Oscars, Alan Arkin for supporting actor and Michael Arndt for Screenplay. Ten-year-old Abigail Breslin also received a Supporting Actress nomination for her portrayal of Olive.
Faith Spotted:
The ten-year-old daughter in a very dysfunctional family, Olive (Peace Bringer) serves as the Christ figure as she is the source of reconciliation for the family members. While in great conflict with one another and angry at life and the hurdles life presents, the pure, and innocent love Olive has for life and others inspires the family members to work together for her behalf.
In the first of three episodes looking at Christ Figures in film, Kenny and Mike look at the multiple Academy Award winning film based on Ken Kesey's 1962 novel.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was the second film (It Happened One Night 1934) to sweep the major Academy Awards by winning Best Picture, Best Director for Milos Forman, Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher winning Best Acting Oscars and Best Adapted Screenplay for Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman.
Christ Figure Elements:
Long a literary and film technique, Christ Figures are characters that exhibit several attributes and or teaching of Jesus and have impact on other character and narrative arcs. While the attributes of Christ are seen in the Christ Figure characters, their attributes and characteristics are not to be projected onto Jesus.
In both the novel and film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, presents the main character, Randall P. McMurphy as a Christ Figure. As Jesus was an outsider to the Temple establishment and leaders, McMurphy is an outsider to the hospital and the ward he is assigned to. The incarnational aspect of McMurphy is lifted up in the comparison between his dwelling among the ward, with the men, and nurse Rachet who is typically separated from the men, either through the glass window to the nurse's station, her gazing down on the men when they are in the yard, and her coming and going to and from the hospital.
Nurse Rachet is threatened by McMurphy's arrival and impact in the ward. and serves as a Pharisaic character in her opposition to the unconventional yet productive therapeutic relationship McMurphy establishes with the men in the ward. When forced to choose between her power or the health and welfare of the patients, she chooses to maintain the status quo and her position.
McMurphy sees the other patients as persons who have the potential to be greater than they are seen, judged, treated in the hospital. Most of the men in the therapy group serve as disciple figures and are transformed and given a new voice through their encounter with McMurphy.
McMurphy's attack of Nurse Rachet at the end of the film is obviously not of Christ, but his decision to remain when he could have escaped reflects the decision Christ made to remain in the Garden of Gethsemane and be arrested on Thursday night of Holy Week.
As Jesus was buried in a tomb following his death, McMurphy provides new life to Chief who reflects the resurrection when he breaks free the tomb that was the hospital and the death that was his anxiety and fear of life.
There is nod to Judas' betrayal of Jesus by Billy who names McMurphy as the one who made him sleep with one of the women they snuck into the dorm.
The depiction of Nurse Rachet following the attack offers a hint that she experienced a transformation in her care for the patients.
Mike and Kenny discuss the 94th Academy Award telecast, Will Smith's slapping Chris Rock, and the subsequent responses and reactions. Also discussed was the impact on the program and award winners and films. In the second half of the episode Kenny and Mike review and spot faith elements in The Batman.
Faith Discussion: The immediate statement and apology of Smith reflect a lack of ability and expectation within society for true confession and unconditional apology, which are necessary for repentance. Less than full throated confession and true repentance, as offered by King David following his sin, is what God expects and desires.
Instead of retaliating against an offender and insult, one should offer the other cheek. Matthew 5
While they can tempt, blaming or attributing one's actions on Satan or sin etc., deflects responsibility and is not confessional or repentant.
How love should lead persons to live in relationship with others and respond to the actions of others. I Corinthians 13
The Batman
Faith Spotted:
The nature and corrosiveness of vengeance which mirrors the original actions and behavior one is reacting against.
Vengeance cannot change the past but does inhibit healing. Vengeance is incompatible with Christ's teaching and life example and, as it is not of God, inhibits God working for good in the present and future, (Romans 8) including the power of forgiveness, transformation, and a restoration of community.
Kenny and Mike are joined for this special Oscars episodes by friends Julie Fisk and Ryan Parker for a discussion of the 2022 Academy Awards. Julie Fisk is a member of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Film Critics Association and has two podcasts, Haunted AF https://www.hauntedaf.com and Julie Says So Movie Minute. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/julie-says-so-movie-minute/id1569654170 . Ryan Parker has a PhD in film and theology, works in film Public Relations at WIT PR and publishes the blog Pop Culture Rx https://popculturerx.substack.com/
In addition to offering their predictions and preferences for the nominated films and performances, each offers thoughts of films or performances that could or should have been nominated. There is also a discussion about the state of cinema and theatrical releases. (Please excuse the opening as we had a technical issue with the first portion of the interview.)
Faithspotting: The episode concludes with thoughts about the films that addressed and reflected faith issues and existential challenges the world is facing.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith reflected in the multiple Oscar nominated Kenneth Branagh film and love letter to childhood and his home of Belfast.
Faith Spotted:
The incompatibility of the violence between Protestants and Roman Catholics In Northern Ireland, and the harm inflicted on the Gospel, ministry and person of Jesus.
The call of Christ to love neighbors regardless of differences in faith, cultural and economic circumstances.
Hope in the midst of loss, fear, and threat offered by faith as experienced and provided through community and family.
Kenny and Mike discuss, and spot faith issues reflected in Academy Award nominated film about the lives of Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo.
Faith Reflected:
The temptation of coveting power, influence, and attention to bear false witness and other aspects living lives of righteousness.
The power fear has to lead persons to forsake foundational principles of God's righteousness and personal, institutional or communal foundational beliefs and morals.
Fidelity in marriage and other relationships.
The call to use the gifts and talents to the best of one's abilities and not settle for doing less than one's best.
Mike and Kenny discuss Nightmare Alley and spot faith elements reflected in the Academy Award Best Picture nominee directed by Guillermo del Toro.
Faith Reflected:
Confusing you is the nature of my game" Jaggar & Richards.
The nature of sin Satan, and or evil is to puzzle and confuse one(s) into rationalizing to act counter to righteousness, law, and even one's best interest. Such confusion exploits dissatisfaction in life and living with the peace of God.
The David and Joseph narratives as examples of dissatisfaction and living outside of God's peace confusing one's into exploiting others.
The importance of Spiritual disciplines to build peace, satisfaction and contentment in life. Romans 15,16, Philippians 4:7, 2Kings 14
Kenny and Mike discuss the Tragedy of Macbeth and spot faith elements reflected in the Joel Coen film starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.
Faith Elements:
God's warning against coveting power, influence, wealth etc. vs. contentment in one's position in life.
Living into Paul's teaching of the importance of every part of the body and the Body of Christ. Every function of the body is important and vital to the health and life of the body and Body.
The Biblical understanding of the nature of leadership is to serve rather than be served.
Temptation and seduction of worldly and unrighteous power and influence feeds and eventually feeds off insecurities, disappointments, and unfaithfulness in life.
Mike and Kenny discuss writer/director Rebecca Hall's Passing and spot faith issues in the film starring Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson.
Faith Reflections Spotted:
Identity of all people as Children of God, as expressed in the creation accounts of humans in Genesis 1 and 2.
Paul's teaching in Galatians that in Christ there is no segregation of people on gender, nation, and other cultural status.
Mike and Kenny discuss the The Power of the Dog and spot faith issues reflected in Academy Award winning director Jane Campion's latest film.
Faith Issues Spotted:
Living in and holding on to one's "glory days" and idolizing people, places and things in one's past rather than moving on in life and growth. The Transfiguration of Jesus story, (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 9,) refutes this when Jesus brings Peter, John, and James down the mountain to head to Jerusalem rather than build booths to remain on the mountain top.
Refuting the shame associated with and onto people and families associated with suicide.
The place and possibility of redeeming grace amidst murder and execution
Psalm 22, the place of dogs and presence of God in the midst of suffering.
In this the third episode of the Peter Jackson documentary on the making of The Beatles' album Let it Be and the iconic rooftop concert, Eric Folkerth, Kenny and Mike discuss the faith reflections spotted in The Beatles: Get Back.
Faith Reflections:
Worship Process: Planning and conducting to enhance the experience and conversation between congregations and God.
Living with greater expectations, changes, and growth within a group or relationship.
The power of prooftexting to shape narrative and history.
Scapegoating: The preference to deflect and assign blame.
Live in and for the moments in life.
Live into one's passion, gift and calling.
Mike and Kenny and guest Rev. Eric Folkerth continue their discussion of the Peter Jackson film Get Back documenting The Beatles writing and recording of the Let It Be album and rooftop concert.
This episode focuses on the eyewitness to the creative moments of iconic songs such as "Get Back", "Let it Be", and "Something". One of the fascinating elements is watching and knowing history is being made yet the Beatles don't. In this episode are the seeds of everything in this closing era of The Beatles, the seeds of creation as well as their dissolution.
Next week the series concludes with an extended conversation of faith and theology spotted in Get Back.
Kenny and Mike are joined by Rev. Eric Folkerth to discuss the three part Disney+ series Get Back by director Peter Jackson. In this, the first of three Faithspotting episodes Kenny, Mike and Eric discuss the film that uses restored footage shot while The Beatles were preparing an album, live show, and television program. Get Back offers a different look at this pivitol time in the history of The Beatles and culture, and offers a different narrative than set by the previous film Let it Be. It is as Mike observed, the 'Dead Sea Scolls of Rock and Roll."
With the resoration of the film and audio, the film looks like it was shot yesterday, and audio that was previously difficult to hear is now clear and the conversations between John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison. The film also shows the work of others including Mal Evans, Glyn Johns, Neil Aspinall, George Martin, and director of Let It Be, Michael Lindsey-Hall.
Faith Notes and discussion will be included the third episode.
Mike and Kenny discuss King Richard and faith issues spotted in the Will Smith film about Richard Williams, the father of tennis champions Venus and Serina Williams.
Faith Notes:
The purpose, power, and possibilities of community, rather than the magnatism of one person, working together, doing their jobs, using gifts and talents and making contributions for a unifying purpose. Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
The power of living by vision father than just sight. Richard's ability to invision the possiblities of his daughters' succeess, and develop the plan to bring it to fruition. Persons of faith are called to live by God's vision of who we are and who we can be, and envision the new life in Christ now and in God's Kingdom.
The vision of Christ's ministry against the "sight" of the status quo of the Temple establishment/way to worship and care for others. Genesis 15:1-5, Genesis 17:1-9, Genesis 18:6-14, 2 Corinthians 5:5-7, Romans 12:1-2
Hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch discuss the Netflix production and faith elements spotted in Lin-Manuel Miranda's film version of the Jonathon Larson musical tick, tick...Boom.
Co-stars include Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, Robin de Jesus, Bradley Whitford, Judith Light, and Joshua Henry.
Andrew Garfield / Netflix
Faith Issues Discussed:
God's calling, through the gift of talents, skills and passion - and the faith and determination to pursue and even work through disappointment, rejection, and failure.
From the perspective of living one's faith, God calls all Christians to stand for God's righteousness, the way of God's Kingdom, in the face of opposition and rejection from society, institution, friends and even family.
Establishing community in which differences are accepted and ultimately celebrated by not calling attention to them, just accepting.
The importance of mentoring others, in life, work, and faith. Seeing and valuing not only individuals coming after, but also the art, craft, life, faith, community and world. Such intentionality is witnessing, living out Jesus's call to love God and neighbors as we love ourselves. Matthew 19 and 22, Mark 12, Luke 10,
In addition there is teaching in the Epistles to follow the example of Jesus, as Paul and other leaders of the faith do and live humbly as examples to others. Such humble living and sharing shows care and love of others as one cares and loves oneself. Romans 13, Galatians 5, James 2, Philippians 2, Hebrews 6 &13, 2 Thessalonians 3.
Lastly the episode closes with a clip of the song Louder than Words which challenges people to live lives where love, community (and faith) override lives lived in fear, segregation and isolation. In short, choose to live lives with "wings" that lift one and others up rather than to live lives behind "bars" which limit and confine lives.
Jonathan Larson
Kenny and Mike offer their thoughts on the power-packed new western, The Harder They Fall as well as spot and discuss the faith elements reflected in the Netflix film.
Faith Reflected:
The cost revenge exacts in body, mind, and spirit. Also, given the consuming wages of retribution the purpose behind Christ's, Paul's and other Biblical teaching about, grace and forgiveness and love of neighbor including if not especially one's enemies.
Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36
Jesus teaches that one's retaliation against another is to love, bless, and pray for them, even offer them the other cheek. The reward of showing love and forgiveness even to one's biggest enemies is the peace that comes from acting righteously and pleasing to God. There are no exeptions to forgiving and offering love.
Romans 12:19-21 Paul teaches not to seek revenge upon enemies but to offer them food and drink and love. Leav revenge and judgement to God. Responding by love and grace pours hot coals upon their head. One only overcomes evil by love. Revenge allows evil to overcome one. ,
PS: Although in my notes, I failed to note the this honor to Chadwick Boseman.
KD
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements presented in the ultra-popular Netflix series Squid Game. Since teens and young adults account for a large percentage of the audience, Mike's kids, Maddie and Mitchell offer their thoughts on the most viewed Netflix series of all time.
Faith Elements Spotted:
The presence and power of temptation to solve life problems and satisfy desires with earthly wealth and power. This power is evident in the Bible in several narratives including these listed below.
The temptation of Eve and Adam to be as powerful as God. The temptation of David in taking Bathsheba to satisfy his carnal desires. The possible temptation of Judas in his motivation for betrayal of Jesus for personal wealth or even service to others. The desire for places of honor within the Disciples, first demonstrated by James, John, and Peter.
The freedom God offers humans to follow in righteousness or their own desires. God does not coerce but allows people to decide, as does Satan, the tempter.
What do we value in life?
Some, (few) instances of agape love, sacrifice and care for the other.
The nature and subject matter of the film, as opposed as it is to the nature of God and faith, serves to remind persons of faith the challenge inherit in our calling. Disciples and the people of God are called to present the Way of the Kingdom and of God to a world that often is opposed to such ways.
In addition to discussing the film and spotting faith elements in the film MASS, Kenny and Mike also had a meaningful zoom interview with writer, director Fran Kranz and one of the four co-stars, Ann Dowd. The audio is included in the episode.
MASS is a fictitional the story a meeting between two sets of parents whose sons were were involved in a mass, school shooting, the parents of a victim and those of the shooter. The film also stars Reed Birney, Jason Issacs, and Martha Plimpton.
All aspects of the film excel, a difficult but important story, subtle direction and outstanding individual as well as ensemble performances.
Faith Elements Spotted:
The work and process typically necessary in grief, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
The Place of the Church, the Body of Christ in facilitating that process.
Following interviews with film directors Edson Oda, and Stephen Chbosky who both said that Dead Poets Society was one of the films that helped make them as individuals, Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the Academy Award winning film directed by Peter Weir. Robin Willams and costars Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Norman Lloyd, and Kurtwood Smith.
Faith Reflections:
The place and power of words,and ideas to serve as an agent of change and transformation in the world. Jesus as the Word changing through his words and teaching and life example.
Mr Keating and teachings as Christ figure seeing and living in ways that contrast the expectations of others and ways of the world. Value relatioships over rules and customs that limit or injure relationships. The response(s) of students as disciples.
(Not mentioned in the episode but presented in the film's closing scene is the grace Keating offers after his dismissal is sealed by the false testimony of the students, when some of the kids offer their respect and commitment to live out Keating's teaching.)
Greek understanding of Philia love. David and Jonathan in the Bible and the command to love others by Jesus.
LIving life and each day with passion and seeking transformation rather than conformity as Paul challenged churches and followers not to be conformed by the world.
Call to use talents and passion to contribute a "Verse" to the powerful play of life.
In addition to reviewing and discussing faith issues spotted in the film, Dear Evan Hansen, Kenny and Mike interviewed director Stephen Chbosky.
Included in the interview is a meaningful discussion regarding the faith and mental health issues presented in the film which are currently impacting children and teenagers. Joining Mike and Kenny in the interview were several students from Mike's high school.
Kenny and Mike offer their throughts on the reviews and reaction to the film by many on social media.
Based on the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, Dear Evan Hansen touches on mental health among teens. One of the characters commits suicide which is not depicted.
Faith Elements Spotted:
A Statement that those who die of suicide and depression die within the grace of God as anyone who dies by a disease or medical condition.
The contrast between the heaviness often associated with depression and the pressures of the world in contrast to accepting the yoke of Christ which relieves burden and weight. Matthew 11
The eternal reality and graciousness of God makes the low one's mistakes and low points of life in this world seem small.
Through Christ, God does not abandon us nor leave us orphaned. John 14
Offering grace to those that bring pain and loss reflects the grace God gives us.
Interview With Director Stephen Chbosky
Mike and Kenny discuss and spot faith reflections in biographical film about Tammy Faye Bakker, The Eyes of Tammy Faye. The film stars Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker. Kenny and Mike interviewed director Michael Showalter the day the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Faith Reflections:
All people have fallen short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23-26) and the righteous desire God has for each person, and all are reliant upon God's grace. Most or all disciples have blindspots to their failures and unrighteous actions. Even in the midst of actions and behavior that were the antithesis of the Gospel, Tammy did have aspects of her ministry that spoke to the message of Christ.
Rather than reject and judge LGBT individuals and persons with other lifestyles that many church groups and leaders in her circle condemned, Tammy Faye saw all were children of God and worthy of love and grace. Jesus taught to love all people friends and even enemies as one loves oneself. Matthew 22:34-40 Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus showed the Samaritan woman by a well love by speaking to her even as she was a person many or most Jews of the time would have rejected and conedemned, and who had a lifestyle that was not one God desired for her. John 4
Rather than storing worldly treasures God desires disciples seek to prosper by living as righteously as possible, drawing close to God, experience God's presense and bring joy to God by serving as Jesus served. Salvation is not in worldly weath, status, and power.People of faith cannot worship the wealth of the world and God. Matthew 6:19-21, 24
Properity Gospel and Nationalism are contrary to the teaching of Christ. Galatians 3:28. Jesus's response to Pharisees' questions regarding the righteousness of paying taxes, Jesus told them to return to the State (Caesar) what belonged to it, and to give to God, oneself and loyalty to God. Matthew 22:15-21
The importance in answering God's call. Tammy Faye was called to minister and that her call and ministry was as vital as her husband's. As stated above, this call included ministry to many who were marginalized especially the LGBT community.
Jessica Chastained reflected similar devotion to what persons of faith would consider a call to make this film and devote 10 years of her life to seeing it completed. Many called by God most accept risk and persevere through challenges, doubt from others and oneself. There are many call narratives in both the OT and NT.
Kenny and Mike discuss their favorite television programs that are up for Emmy Awards. While there is some discussion of the awards the sheer number of categories and programs makes it much more challenging to cover than the Academy Awards. That said, there are many very well done programs on TV that deserve attention.
Kenny and Mike discuss and faithspot, Ted Lasso and The Queen's Gambit and discuss other series such as Corbra Kai, This is Us, Mare of Eastown.
Faith Spotted:
Ted Lasso, reflects the teacing and life example of Jesus regarding the transformative power of loving neighbors and indeed all people. As Jesus teaches His followers that they are to treat others as they themselves wish to be treated, coach Ted Lasso shows that doing so can influence and change the way other people live and treat others. This teaching is also reflected in Paul's teaching that believers are to be agents of transformation rather than conform to the ways of the word. Romans 12. Also, Israel was to be a model to the other nations what it was to live righteously.
Those who are disciples and in Christ are a new creation. Though relegated at times in life, (like teams in the Premiere League,) there is always the hope and promise of Christ to be restored and receive new life. 2 Corinthians 5.
One must move on from the former life that has died in order to receive the new life that is promised. Such is the power when ones "believe." Not menitioned in the podcast is the presentation in Ted Lasso of what it is to be a self differentiated person. Family systems approaches to families and congregations would appreciate this presentation. Ted has and lives a peace that passes understanding given all the pressure he faces and antipathy he receives.
The Queen's Gambit
The need in life for security, especially in the midst of challenging times and situations. For Beth that security and predictability was found on the chess board where there were only 64 spaces and pieces have regimented ways of moving. People of faith need stability in life, especially in the midst of challenges. The only true source of stability and security is God. When all that seems powerful in the world fails or is revealed to be something or someone other than presented, God's love is unconditional and everlasting.
The eternal reality of God is presented most specifically in the creation narrative of Genesis 1 as well as in the prologue to the Gospel of John 1:1-18. In John 14 Jesus teaches that His followers will not be orphaned, as Beth experienced in her early life, nor will they be alone, forgotten, or unwanted.
Mike and Kenny discuss the film C.O.D.A. (Children of Deaf Adults) and spot faith reflected in the Sundance Film Festival Award winning film directed by Sian Heder. Emilia Johnes, Marlee Matlin, and Eugenio Derbev star in C.O.D.A. which is available for streaming on AppleTV+.
Faith Elements:
Jesus's Parable of the Talents Matthew 25: 14-30. Having the faith to risk and use one's talents rather than burying them by doing what is comfortable and safe. The corollary is for others to allow loved one to use their talents and follow their calling. Such applies to individuals and families and communities.
Kenny and Mike discuss the Amazon Prime film VAL and spot faith reflected in the 2021 documentary autobiographical film on Val Kilmer.
Faith Notes: Below are additional thoughts on the faith elements discussed in the episode.
This film shows that joy and peace are possible after devestating loss. While not showing the entire process Val Kilmer used to overcome the many losses in his life, it does show that grief and recovery is more than a passage of time, it is a process to work through.
As Val writes at the end of the film, healing is experienced through love and love is based on honesty. The love of Christ is the great source of healing in life, healing that leads most importantly to peace. Christ is always honest, sharing the feelings anger, loss, and pain we experience. As Christ was honest in his feelings, thoughts, and emotions, to grieve and to recover from loss one needs to be honest with feelings of anger, mourning, and loss. Included in this honesty and is the recognition and acceptance that although life's hopes, dreams and expectations have changed, new hope, dreams and expectations can emerge.
Purpose also can play a central role in enduring the pain of loss and moving into recovery and peace. Val Kilmer rediscovered his purpose as an artist, not only creating his own art, but helping to provide a resource for other artists. This film was a part of that purpose, to show that healing and recovery is possible. He also worked with a company in developing AI technology that can serve to return a persons voice after it has been lost. (See Link Below)
https://youtu.be/OSMue60Gg6s
While the time through the grieving process is unqiue for the individual, it is a journey through a season that leads to a new normality in life. Although pain and void remain in life, they do not have to be of life.
Passages for Grief Season: (NRSV)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 For everything there is a season..
Lamentations 3:19-26 The Lord is my portion..I will hope in Him.
Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalm 103:8,13-14,17 The Lord is merciful and gracious..
Psalm 147:3,5 ...The Lord heals the brokenhearted...
Isaiah 25: 1, 6-9 He will swallow up death forever.
Isaiah 43: 18-21 Do not remember the former things....I am about to do a new thing
Isaiah 55:6-13 ..For you shall go out in joy and be led back in peace.
Matthew 11:25-30 ....Come to me all who labor...
John 1:1-18 ...The Light shines in the darkness...
John 14:1-4,18-19,25-27 Do not let your hearts be troubled.
Romans 8:18-39 ...In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
1 Corinthians 15:35-57 ...Death has been swallowed up in victory.
Revelation 21:1-7 ....Mourning and crying and pain will be no more....
Kenny and Mike discuss the Hulu film Summer of Soul and spot faith elements presented in the documentary of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. Summer of Soul is a documentary of the Harlem Cultural Festival held over 6 weekends at Mount Morris Park during the Summer of 1969. Using 40 hours of footage and interviews with participants and attendees Ahmir Khalib Questlove Thompson directed and produced Summer of Soul.
Faith Elements Spotted:
Story and history are foundational elements in establishing and developing faith as they create and build identity and community. Erasing story and history serves to weaking identity and damage or destroy community. Music tells as well as shapes story, offers shared experiences which bind individuals and isolated groups into communities through which love and care is shared and witnessed.
The Diverse Nature of God's Kingdom. John 14:2. The "House"/Kingdom of God is not made up of one room and experience, but many. The diversity of people working together, Sly and the Family Stone, the Mayor with the organizers, the Black and Latin communities in Harlem. The Lyrics of Everyday People.. "We have to live together."
The New Creation initiated through the birth of Jesus offers light in the midst of the failures of the flesh and world. Faith in the new age of God's Kingdom allows one to have hope and allow the light of the Son to shine in the midst of darkness. John 1:1-5, 16-18.
The hope and healing power of Gospel music.
Kenny and Mike discuss the new theatrical film Nine Days, written and directed by first time filmmaker Edson Oda, who joins Mike and Kenny on the episode. Edson is of Japanese decent and was raised in Brazil. A transcript of the interview portion is available on the Faithspotting website.
Note: The story deals with the issue of suicide and Edson discusses the suicide of a family member and his journey in understanding his relative and himself in that process.
Nine Days is the story of Will, (Winston Duke) a man who lived and struggled on earth, died and now has a position choosing which newly created souls will receive the opportunity for life on earth. This decision occurs whenever there is a death among those souls Will had selected and whose lives he follows.
With the tragic death of a favored soul Will selected for life, Will must select from the souls who are sent to his house. Each soul is in adult form with the body and personality they will develop. Will must decide whether to send those "tough" enough to survive in the world or those who might play a part of lessoning the suffering of others.
Faith Issues Spotted:
The film presents a foundational and stark choice among people of faith, to live through the struggles and darkness of life with Paul's "Rejoice in the Lord Always" spirit from Philippians, or the worldly spirit that sees darkness overcoming the Light that is Christ and the hope of the Gospel. What are the costs of each perspective?
What is the Righteous choice of candidates?
A discussion of Christ figure(s)
Recovery of Joy in the midst of grief and loss.
Kenny and Mike continue their look at the 1994 film classic, Pulp Fiction and discuss the faith elements spotted in the Quentin Tarantino breakout film.
Faith Reflctions Spotted:
John Travolta Samuel Jackson Miramax
The most direct and significant faith issue is the film's representation of repentance and redemption following an experience of God, as displayed by one character, the failure of another to do likewise, and the consequences of each.
The reaction of others toward those who repent, are redeemed, and follow the call and righteousness of God. Giving up the ways and wages of the old life to accept the Way and blessings of following God and seeking the Kingdom of God.
No one is beyond God's seeking one to repent and receive grace and redemption, and the witness and impact such redemption can have on others.
The ultimate failure of Worldly powers and promises vs the faithfulless of God.
The place and potential of secular films to present faith teaching in ways that speak to persons outside the Church and faith.
Mike and Kenny discuss one of their favorite films in the first of a two part series examining the 1994 Academy Award winning film (Best Original Screenplay) Pulp Fiction. Part two will spot faitn reflected in the iconic Quentin Tarantino film.
Included in part 1 is their discussion about the place of the film and Tarantino in modern film history as well as their favorite scenes and elements.
Pulp Fiction is rated R for language and violence.
Kenny and Mike discuss the newest Pixar film and spot faith issues presented in Luca.
Faith Issues Spotted:
The Judeo-Christian understanding of living and witnessing the Way of God as a stranger in a strange land.
Embracing the commonalities with people of other nations, customs, and faiths.
The use of myth and legends to instill fear and antipathy toward "others" vs Christ's call to love the "other" as neighbors and children of God.
Anthony Ramos Warner Brothers/HBO
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and faith elements spotted in the Jon M. Chu directed film of the Tony Award winning musical In The Heights that is both contemporary in voice and a throwback to an earlier style of film musical.
Faith Reflections Spotted:
The power and place of "calling" and knowing how to distinguish calling from desire and dream.
The balance between community and the individual. While it is the community that helps nurture, raise and make individuals who they are, it is the individuals who form and make up the community and bring variety, personality, life and health.
Similarly, the place and nuanced distinction of individual countries within the greater Latin culture, mirrors that of the variety of religous experiences and expressions within one's greater Faith.
The call to be the community of the present, looking toward the future calling rather than wasting the present mourning the past.
Following up on their discussion of, the 2018 film A Quiet Place, Kenny and Mike discuss the film and spot faithin John Krasinski's sequal, A Quiet Place Pt. 2.
Faith Issues Spotted:
As in the original, A Quiet Place Pt.2 depicts the reality that there is no escaping the threat of the invading aliens. Much like sin, which is beyond the ability of humanity to escape and overcome, there is no place to escape the presence and danger of the aliens. While one can hide, one cannot escape.
The presence of a Christ Figure, someone through whom salvation is found and who demonstrates true, empathy and sacrificial love for others. This element added to Kenny's understanding to the nature of Jesus as the Word.
AQP2 depicts the teaching in Matthew that faithful should not fear that which can kill the body only, but that which can kill the body and soul/spirit. Matthew 10:28. This teaching came immediately following Jesus's teaching earlier in the chapter of coming persecution.
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and spot faith reflected in the 2018 blockbuster A Quiet Place.
Faith Elements Spotted:
Place of Sacrificial Love.
Complexity of Guilt and Recovery:
Civic Guilt, Law Based-Objective
Existential /Religious Guilt, Moral Responsibility- Subjective aspects. Not limited or defined by laws.
Psychologic Guilt, Subjective experience of guilt.
Faith Allows/Offers forgiveness when guilt is through intentional actions when accompanied by confession and repentance. Faith also allows healing when tragedy is the unintended result of one's actions. Both are the result of sin and the brokenness of of God's once perfect creation.
Place of the Resurrection and the Kingdom of God and new life in guilt, forgiveness, and guilty feelings.
Theodicy: Theological reflection why sin, suffering, and brokenness remain even as God is a God of love and is all powerful.
Purpose and Place for Intentional Presence and Communication of Feelings and Forgiveness When Necessary:
It is important to communicate love, forgiveness, and feelings whether feelings of joy, pride, anger. Such intentionality of presence and communication is reflected in communal worship. Such intentionality helps protect against isolation which amplifies anger, guilt and negative behavior. Unlike the film, in the midst of guilt and guilty feelings, a quiet place can be one of danger.
John Krasinski & Noah Jupe, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cade Woodard Paramount Pictures
Kenny and Mike welcome special guest Rev. Eric Folkerth as they continue their discussion of the Netflix documentary Echo in the Canyon. In this second episode they spot and discuss the faith elements echoed in the film.
Faith Echoes
Faith lives through the passing of stories and tradition from one generation to the next for them to apply in their voice and to their context.
Notion of the Communion of the Saints, "Balcony People" who pass on faith.
Openness of one generation to accept adaptions from the next.
Creative nature of God-Creativity is a gift of God that is a part of God's sustaining and redeeming grace and work.
Expansive nature of God allows sacred experiences and moments beyond traditional spaces and worship. Tangible, impactful ministry can often has its genisis through impromptu communional gatherings.
Temptation to remain in holy moments and places vs. Christ's call to go down from the mountatin, into the world and ministry.
For more information on Eric's ministry and music including his weekly Facebook Live, Coffee on the Porch, visit https://www.ericfolkerth.com/
Mike and Kenny are joined by Rev Eric Folkerth who is a United Methodist pastor and a singer /songwriter to discuss the film and faith spotted in the Netflix documentary Echo in the Canyon. The film documents the rise of folk rock in the mid 1960's that was rooted in and grew from Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles. Jakob Dylan facilitates the examination through interviews with music legend of that time and place including, Michelle Phillips, David Crosby, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, and producer Lou Adler. The music created by these artists served as much of the soundtrack of the era.
The groups these folks represented include the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Mamas and the Papas, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Cream. As mentioned in the film we discuss the impact of this music during the time and how it served as the touchstone and shaped the musci of the next decade.
The film is one of 3 branches of what became an Echo in the Canyon tree, with the other two being an album and concert featuring younger musicians singing and playing these classic songs. Those who sang on the album and or were a part of the concert include Fiona Apple, Jad Castrinos, Regina Specktor, Cat Power, Norah Jones, and Beck.
In this episode we discuss our reactions to the film and the impact the music had on our lives. In episode 2 we wil discuss the faith elements reflected in the film as well as music.
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and spot faith elements presented in Crip Camp, the Netflix documentary that tells the story of a camp for children and youth with disabilities. The film also shares the impact many of the former campers had as adults in the Civil Rights Struggle for persons with disabilities. Crip Camp is a production of Higher Ground Productions and is directed by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham and stars Lebrecht, Judith Heumann, Denise Sherer Jacobson, and Lionel Je'Woodyard. Barack and Michelle Obama, Priya Swaminathan serve as executive producers.
Faith Issues Spotted: Primacy of Jesus's Ministry to the outcast and socially marginalized:
Jesus associates and heals lepers and others with illnesses and disabilities: Mark 1: 40-41, Luke 5:12-13, Luke 17:11-19, Luke 7:18-23.
Jesus response to the need of persons outside Israel: Luke 7:1-10
Jesus and the Samaritan woman and her village: John 4
Jesus heals woman with hemorage: Matthew 9:20-22, Luke 3 8:43-48
Jesus dines with Levi and other "sinners:" Mark 2:13-17
All people are fully children of God, abled as those with disabilities.
Kenny and Mike discuss the Academy Awards, winners, runners-up, and the show. Afterward they discuss the film and spot the faith elements in the Oscar winning feature length documentary film, My Octopus Teacher.
Time Index:
Oscar Recap 00:00 My Octopus Teacher 24:30 Faith Spotted 28:34
Faith elements:
Incarnation, the importance of being physically present and a part of creation, God through Jesus, and the part the disciples and the Church play in offering the presence of Christ to the world. Genesis 1:1-14, John 1:1-14,
Majesty of Creation which leads to an expansive view and understanding of God. The unveiling of mystery of creation and God allows for greater wonder of God. Genesis Psalm 8
The importance of Spiritual Disciplines, intentionality of time and purpose in connecting with God and overcoming the Barriers to greater connection and relationship with God.
Recognizing windows and seasons of time. All times pass, both the mountain and valley seasons in life. Easter faith reminds followers that the only season that is everlasting is eternity in God's Kingdom. Ecclesiasties 3
Respecting God's ordering of Creation, even if at times difficult or painful.
As children of God and disciples, being "sensitized to other," as God's children as well. Being open to "others" who look, act, eat, smell etc. different.
Mike and Kenny are joined by guest Dr. Ryan Parker in a discussion of The Academy Award nominees for Best Picture and the faith elements spotted in films. Ryan is a theologian with an Masters of Divinity degree as well as a PhD. in Religion and the Arts. Ryan also works in the film industry in marketing, public relations, and story development with an eye also toward film production.
Faith Elements Discussed
Sound of Metal: Stillness as tool for experiencing and connecting with God and the Kingdom., acceptance and graititude
Nomadland: Healing and new life that comes through community and journeying through grief and pain. The faith to hear and choose a new calling and different way of living.
One Night in Miami: Answering the call to seek justice and use talents, gifts, and place in life and in service of Justice
My Octopus Teacher: The place and purpose of life journeys and connectedness to creation.
Borat Subsequent Movie Film: The place of the prophet in speaking truth to power.
Overall themes in this and previous discussions of the nominated films: the importance and purpose of Community as presented in many of the films. How does the repetition of this theme reflect our time and needs as a part of the Community of Faith.
Several films show the perils of forgoing when individuals and communities ignore or dont live out of core Christian teaching and theology - Humilty, Community, Retribution rather rather than Forgiveness.
Resources:
For more detailed discussion notes or group studies please contact Kenny at kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com
Ryan Parker https://poptheology.com
Contact: jamesryanparker@gmail.com
In the 3rd of the 4 part series leading up to the 2021 Academy Awards (April 25th) Kenny and Mike offer their thoughts on the nominees, including their favorites, predictions, possible swaps. In addition, they discuss faith elements spotted in the film Another Round for which director Thomas Venterberg is one of the nominees. For faith elements spotted in the other nominees' films see the Faithspotting episodes for the acting nominations.
Faith Issues Spotted in Another Round:
The importance and place of having purpose and meaning in life. Such meaning and purpose, as desired by God impacts the lives of others as well as self and can come through vocation as well as avocation.
Purpose and meaning are especially important when one's life, plans, and hopes, fail to live up to one's expectations.
Purpose, meaning, and passions are often discovered agter intensional examinations of one's interest, skills, and needs of others. Such can also change over time.
Living out of meaning and purpose bring joy and pleasure to God.
Scripture Reference: Jesus recognizes the offering of the poor widow. (Mark 12:41, Luke 21:1)
Kenny and Mike discuss the best acting nominees for the 2021 Academy Awards. The discussion includes their favorites, predictions, and changes to nominees they would have made. The episode also includes with a discussion of faith elements spotted in the films of the actors and actresses. More detailed notes on the films Faithspotting has covered are available at
https://revkennydickson.com/
Best Actress Nominations:
Viola Davis Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Faith elements: Exploitation of others, either by race or gender or other reasons. This is addressed by the call and teaching to love others as self, and do unto others as one would have one do. Also the dangers of pride and arrogance. Note: One element that is in the film that we did not mention in the episode is holding or expressing anger at God. Where God is in the midst of our suffering.
Andra Day The U. S, vs. Billie Holiday
Faith Elements: The responsibility of leaders and government to serve as shepherds to members of the community: Group, City, State, Nation. Also teaching regarding non-exploitation. The need to fill voids,The loss, wounds, pain with things that lead to healing not just masking pain.
Vanessa Kirby Pieces of a Woman
Faith Elements: *** The place others offer in healing and regaining wholeness. Not transfering anger and pain from losses onto others.
Frances McDormand Nomadland
Faith Elements: * Healing Poser of Community and sharing. (See the Promising Young Woman/Nomad episode notes for more details)
Carey Mulligan * Promising Young Woman
Faith Elements: The cost of revenge- returning hate rather than love and accountability. (See episode notes for more details. )
- All three of these films address working through loss, grief, and pain, rather than getting stuck. All demonstrate the need for community to assist in that journey, but the individual must travel through the valley of pain, saddness and loss yet as Psalm 23 and others teach, s/he does not walk through the valley alone.
Best Actor Nominations:
Riz Ahmed Sound of Metal
Faith Elements: Faith amidst loss- Overcoming brokeness and dissapointment even if it requires change to ones life and direction. The transformative power of community.
Chadwick Boseman Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Faith Elements (See Above)
Anthony Hopkins The Father
Faith Elements: Finding strength and patience to stay in relationships, serve, and love, especially when trials come- Particularly when the loved one's personality changes.
Gary Oldham Mank
Faith Elements: The Purpose and need of humility as taught throughout the Old and New Testaments. The Dangers of pride and arrogance. Using talents for good rather than selfish desire. (For more details see the faith notes for the Mank episode)
Steven Yeun Minari
Faith Elements: Obligation to serve community and put welfareof others above one's own desires. Shepherding means knowing the needs and capacity of others.
In the first of a 4 part series leading up to the Academy Awards, Mike and Kenny discuss the Actresses and Actors nominated for best supporting performances. For additional faith notes for most of the nominated films see the episode posts at https://revkennydickson.com/
Best Supporting Actress:
Maria Bakalova Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Glenn Close Hillbilly Elegy
An awareness and appreciation for life, and not taking life for granted.
Filling voids in life with service and purpose.
Living into God's goodness, image, and likeness.
Call to love oneself as way of loving God and others.
Olivia Coleman The Father
Following call and finding strength to stay, serve, and love others, especially in the midst challenges and trials.
Amanda Seyfried Mank
The purpose and need of Biblical teaching for humility.
Using God given talents for righteousness and not misuse them for personal revenge and punitive purposes.
Yuh-Jung Youn Minari
The obligation and call to serve and love family and neighbors.
The need to come to know those in one's care.
Best Supporting Actor:
Sacha Baron Cohen The Trial Of The Chicago 7
The obligation to stand, risk, and even suffer for rightiousness.
The call to oppose pressure and temptation to reject and deny beliefs.
The call not to retaliate against hate and violence.
Daniel Kaluuya Judas and the Black Messiah
The responsibility leaders and governments have to shepherd citizens under their care. (Jesus as Good Shepherd)
The command to love enemies and end cycle of violence.
Leslie Odom Jr. One Night In Miami
The faith to answer God's call to serve and use God given talents for righteousness.
Demonstrates the purposes of community: support, accountability AND reconciliation following disagreements.
Paul Raci Sound of Metal
Maintaining faith and overcoming brokenness and loss.
The place and transformative power of community.
LaKeith Stanfield Judas and the Black Messiah
See Above
2021 Academy Awards Series
Kenny and Mike discuss the film Mank and spot faith elements in the David Fincher, Academy Award nominated film starring Gary Oldman as screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz. The film examines Mank's writing the screenplay of Citizen Kane as he struggles to overcome the physcial injuries of an automobile accident, alcoholism, and the ever challenging demands of Orson Wells.
Replicating the non-linear form of Citizen Kane, Mank uses flashbacks that depict Mank's relationships within MGM and the Hollywood establishment, most William Randolph Hearst and Hearst's mistress actress Marion Davies who would both become the primary subjects of Kane. Fincher wanted Mank to replicate the look, sound, and feel of Citizen Kane so he shot the film in stark black and white, employed similar audio techniques and dramatic editing.
Faith Elements spotted:
Purpose and Call for Humilty. Mank and Citizen Kane demonstrate the purpose of Biblical calls for humility among the people of God. Exodus 10:3, Numbers 12:3, Proverbs 11:2, Matthew 23:12, and 2 Philippians among many passages. In contrast to the Judeo-Christian traditions and teaching to humbly act, serve and honor God, pride takes the focus off God and places it on the individual and allows fame and self-glory to become an idol. The narrative about King David, (1 Samuel 16- 2 Samuel) shows the need for humility and consequences of pride as does the request of James and John to be elevated above other disciples. (Matthew 20:20, Mark 10:35)
Like the call to faithfully use talents spotted in One Night in Miami, the call is to use one's talents (God-given) righteously, humbly, and avoid misusing them (pride). Followers of Christ are called to examine and reflect so as to be able to identify one's talents.
Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements in the film One Night in Miami, directed by Regina King. Written by Kemp Powers and based on his play, the film stars Eli Goree, Kinglsey Ben-Adir, Aldis Hodge, and Leslie Odom Jr. who was nominated for an Academy Award for Supporting Actor.
The film is an historical fiction narrative about 4 of the most famous black leaders of the time, Cassius Clay, soon to become Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke, gathering together on February 25th 1964. the night Clay became the World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion. Each of the four are on the precipice of changes in their lives that mirror the social, political, and economic changes that the United States will soon experience.
Faith Notes:
The faith to answer God's call to change:
As with Abram (Genesis 12) and the first Disciples (The Gospels and Acts) who were called to leave their homes and families and other converts to the early Christian church, God calls followers to change and even defy family custom and tradition if necessary (Luke 14:25-26.) Whether the call is to personal changes in living one's life according to the desire of God and way of the Kingdom of God,or drastic, public changes that significantly alters the arc of life, responding to God's call requires faith. Ultimately one must exercise faith to answer God's call to live as Kingdom People rather than the known comfort of worldly ways of being and power.
The Parable of the Talents and faith to employ skills given by God (Matthew 25:14-30):
Does one use the talents God has given in Godly ways or does one bury them and pursue personal, sometimes more profitable and comfortable ways that lend to an easier life. The Recognition that God does not give talent to play it safe and remain in one's comfort Zone requires faith.
The Importance and Place of Community:
Faith in God is intended to be experienced in the midst of community. While one's faith and relationship with God is personal, it is also intened to be expereinced in communithy with other persons of faith. Faith is not to be private. Godly Community offers support, strength, as well as accountablitity. While the first two aspects of community are well known and accepted, the third is often overlooked and forgotten. (Matthew 18:16-17 and Paul's Epistles) The tribes and Nation of Israel and the depiction of the Church as well as the Trinitarian God is communal.
The Place, Purpose and Power of story to lead to understanding and unity even in the midst of conflict. The people of God are a people of Story, God's story of salvation.
One Night in Miami recieved 3 Academy Award Nominations: Best Supporting Role (Leslie Odom Jr.), Best Adapted Screenplay (Kemp Powers), Best Original Song (Leslie Odom Jr. and Sam Ashworth)
Mike and Kenny discuss the film and spot the faith elements in Shaka King's "Judas and The Black Messiah."
Faith Issues Spotted:
The Judas betrayal of Jesus Narrative- presented in each of the Gospels. Though William O'Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) did not initiate the contact with the FBI, he agreed to inform and eventually betray Chairman Fred Hampton and requested and accepted payment.
Through his powerful voice, teaching, and personality Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) becomes the leading populist voice and Messianic leader challenging the treatment of marginilized persons and brought together competing groups.
J. Edgar Hoover (Martin Sheen) serves as a Chief Priest Caiaphas petitioning that Hampton be killed even as he was heading back to prison to finish serving an earlier sentence.
Jesus's teaching on not returning violence for violence, but loving even enemies. (eye for an eye, offer one's other cheek) Matthew 5:38-48, Love of enemies. Luke 6:27-36. Paul's teaching of marks of a true Christian, Romans 12:9-21. Such and other teaching stops cycles of violence.
Those in authority (leaders and governments) have responsibility to serve as shepherds to citizens and look out for the well being. 2 Samuel 5:1-2 (David annointed King), 2 Samuel 7:4-7 (The Lord appoints Tribal leaders to shepherd the people) Psalm 23 (God models shepherding role for leaders and those in authority) John 10 (Jesus models shepherd for leaders) The film depicts the accumulaiton of the failure of governing and societal agencies to ensure fair access to economic, judicial and educational resources and opportunities to establish generaltional wealth and support. Such still continues. Refer back to Faithspotting review of The Bankers in season 1.
Openness to examine oneself and society as righteous is act of faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6
Kenny and Mike discuss the faith elements and other aspects of the films Promising Young Woman and Nomadland. Carey Mulligan stars in the Emerald directed Promising Young Woman and Frances McDormand stars in the Chloe Zhao directed Nomadland.
While the films are very different in look and feel, they share similar faith elements presented.
Faith Elements Spotted
Processing Grief and Loss in ways that lead to growth and new life vs. ways that lead to anger and resentment.
The Peace of Christ and God that passes understanding vs. the false, empty worldly ways of peace. John 14 and Philippians 4
The place of community as an agency of God's peace and the place and purpose of the nomad experience in obtaining healing and wholeness of mind and spirit. Numbers and Joshua
Passing the Peace of Christ in worship as a way to prepare to receive the sacrament of Communion and a new peace filled life in Christ.
Additional notes at revkennydickson.com
Kenny and Mike discuss the films and faith issues spotted in two court dramas, The Chicago 7 set in 1969 Chicago and Mangrove set in early 1970's London. Both films depict protest movements, violent response and trials where the justice is not blind and scales are not balanced.
Faith Elements Spotted:
Chicago 7: Place of war within Christian teaching & tradition. Is war compatible with Christian teaching, and if so in what circumstances, Pacifism - Just War (morally justified) Theory? The 7 were on trial for leading a demonstration against the Democratic Convention for the party's support of the Viet Nam War. Interesting debate between Stanley Hauerwas and Nigel Biggar. Matthew 5:38-48, Luke 6: 27-36 Do not retaliate and love for enemies. Romans 12:9-21 Let Love Be Genuine
The responsibility of Governments, leaders, and officials to serve the people and use power appropriately and seek justice. Mark 10:41-45, Matthew 20:24-28 James and John's request. and servant nature of leadership.
Obligations to stand for righteousness and oppose pressure to act in ways one believes are unrighteous. The Daniel Narrative, Chapters 1-6 , Matthew 4:1-11 , Luke 4:1-12: Jesus tempted in wilderness. Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus prays in Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 5:6,10 Blessing for those who thirst and are persecuted for righteousness. Romans 14:13-23 Resist temptation to be a stumbling block.
Mangrove:
Responsibilies of Government and leaders to care for citizens. See above
Community: Place and Purpose - a place that provides support and nurture. In the context of faith it is where one expereinces the presence of God and others of faith unlike other times and places (churches, synagouges, mosques in diaspora.) Ezekeil 11:16-17 God is Sanctuary for Israel in exile. Paul and others preaching in synagogues during missions in Gentile areas.
Body: the body is made up of many parts that have different jobs etc, yet all are necessary to support the health of the body. Applies to faith communities, cities, states and nations. I Corinthians 12 Spiritual Gifts and Members of the Body.
The power of diversity and difference to enhance and enlarge experiences in life and faith. Diversity is seen in the Genesis 1 and 2 creation accounts depict the variety and diversity of creation and life. In addition are the various expressions of the early Christian church: Jewish converts and Gentile converts in Acts and letters. Acts 18 Paul in Corinth, Ministry of Apollos, also I Corinthians 3.
Kenny and Mike discuss the upcoming PBS Series, The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song with series director and producer Stacey Holman. The Black Church premieres February 16 and 17 at 9pm ET on PBS.
Hosted and produced by Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., The Black Church series examines the 400 year history of the Black Church and it's place at the heart of black history and culture in
America. Dr Gates travels throughout the country interviewing church leaders, theologians, historians, and celebrities who have been inspired and nurtured by the Black Church. Contributors include Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. Rev William Barber, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Cornel West, Oprah Winfrey, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, and John Legend.
Through 400 years of slavery, persecution, and prejudice the Church has served as the hub where African Americans could not only be reminded of their place as beloved children of God, they also experienced a more realized Kingdom of God through powerful preaching, singing, and community. Such experience of God and God's Kingdom offered hope, promise, and assurance of rising beyond the struggles imparted by racism and hate. The Black Church in America also served as the organizing force behind protests for civil rights, education programs, employment programs and other social initiatives. The Black Church also served as a place where some of the greatest singers and musicians were nurtured and developed their talents that would have a most profound impact on American culture.
Below are links for a Bible Study, Coloring Pages, and Recipies.
Bible Study
Coloring Pages
Dine and Dish
#BlackChurchPBS
Due to Covid protocols, Kenny joins Mike by phone for a virtual recording of Faithspotting as they share their thoughts about, and spot faith elements in the newest Pixar film Soul. We apologize for the less than optimum sound quality.
While Soul is perhaps the most impressive Pixar film visually, it is a complicated film that addresses age old questions, experiences, and wonder.
Soul is the most faith oriented film Pixar has yet to produce. By its name alone, it conveys a faith that life extends beyond the here and now limitations of finitude. In Soul there is the here and now, as well as the great before and the great beyond.
Faith Elements Spotted:
The understanding of soul as wholeness, that which makes life complete, is of God and connects one to God. (Genesis 2)
The place of joy in life: Joy is found in all most or all aspects of life, the big events and everyday moments. Marriage, Meals, Harvest, Sexuality, the gift of the Messiah. (Proverbs, Psalms, Song of Solomon, Genesis, Isaiah and other prophetic books.)
Similar is the Hebrew and Jewish understanding of Shalom which addresses peace, wholeness, integrity, and well being.
The New Testament echoes this call for joy and extends to heavenly as well as earthly joy. (Luke 1, 2 birth narrative, 15 Parables of lost and found,) The joy of advent and the Incarnation and gift of Christ and the return of Christ and promise of the end of time /God's Kingdom (eschatoloy.)
The Variety of Spiritual Gifts: Persons are given different gifts, passion/spark and purpose. Each of these have value and are rooted in God and help bind together and support others. I Corinthians 12
Victor Frankl "Man's Search For Meaning" the joy and strength purpose and meaning offer, even inthe most difficult of circumstances. For Christians hope and joy of the majesty and strength of God over those things that seem overpowering. Proverbs 19:21, 2 Samuel 23:1-4, Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:16-19, Romans 8:18-30, I Corinthians 3:7-9, James 5:10-11
Mike and Kenny share and discuss their top 5 Christmas films. Faith is about story and in addition to specific faith elements spotted they share the stories behind these films that make them truly favorite Christmas films.
Faith Elements Spotted: Themes With Accompanying Scripture and Hymns
The power of story to bring persons and groups together, establish commonality, Traditions, and memories which enhance and lead to greater meaning.
Anticipation for the Advent of Christ. The deep desire and anticipation for the greatest gift, the coming and gift of the Messiah, ( A Christmas Story) Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 1:25-56;
Hymns: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel vs. 1,5,7 and refrain; Lift Up Your Head, Ye Mighty Gates, vs. 1,3,4;
Incarnation (Joyeux Noel) John 1:14. Luke 2:8-14
Hymns: Hark The Herald Angels Sing vs. 2; O Come All Ye Faithful vs. 2, 6; In the Bleak Midwinter vs. 2; Once in Royal David's City Vs. 2,3; Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.
Following the recording of the podcast, I listened in on a Tuesday Morning Coffee on the Porch Facebook live gathering with a UMC Clergy collegue, Eric Folkerth, who made the point that because of the incarnation there is no place beyond God's presence. The joining together of the enemies in No Man's Land to sing and remember the birth of Christ shows No Man's Land is where Christ is most experience. There is no place that is No God's Land.
Redemption and Transformation (Scrooge, Its a Wonderful Life) Luke 2:22-38, 3:1-18,
Hymns: Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus; Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming vs 3; Silent Night vs 3
Reconiliation: (Home Alone, Scrooge,) Isaiah 40:1-11, John 1:1,10-17,
Hymn: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing vs.1
Meaning and Purpose in Life, (;A Charlie Brown Christmas, Its a Wonderful Life,) Luke 1:46-56, John 1:35-42;
Hymns: In The Bleak Midwinter vs. 4; I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light vs.1,2,3, Go Tell it on the Mountain Refrain
Community and family (A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone) Luke 1:5-20
Hymns: The Friendly Beasts;
Reflection / Call to the Kingdom of God (Joyeux Noel, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol) Luke 1:67-79. Romans 1:1-7
Hymns: Hail to the Lord's Anointed vs 1,2,4;
.
Faithspotting hosts Mike and Kenny continue looking at the faith elements in the NETFLIX series, The Crown. In this episode, Faithspotting examines the faith elements spotted in "Bubbikins," the fourth episode of season three and "The Hereditary Principle" the seventh episode of season four.
Faith Elements:
Both episodes examine mental illness and how it is addressed by members of the Royal Family as presented in the series. The overarching faith issue is the power of shame and valuing others by their perceived utility. As God loves all people regardless of physical, emotional, or spiritual limitations, we are called to love others even if they are limited in their ability to return love or the worldly "value" they offer. Followers of Christ are called to love as Jesus loves, John 13:34-35.
Bubbikins: Romans 8:18-38, Job
The faith of Princess Alice, in the midst of the loss of her position and her family is an example of the place and power of faith in the midst of trying circumstances in life. The suffering of the current times cannot compare to the glory to come in God's Kingdom. Even in the midst of sickness, suffering, and loss, through Christ one is more than a conqueror. Also, nothing can separate one from the love of Christ.
Alice also presents a contrasting example to that of Job. One might say the reaction of Alice is what God hoped if not expected from Job.
"The Hereditary Principle": Loyalty to God.
Jesus taught in Luke 14:26-28 that one's first and primary loyalty is to God, even if it causes a break within or from one's family. If forced to choose between God and family, or anything, the disciple is to choose God.
Kenny and Mike discuss the NETFLIX film Hillbilly Elegy and examine faith elements spotted in the latest film from Director Ron Howard. Set in Middletown Ohio in 2011, with flashbacks to 1997, Hillbilly Elegy is based on the bestselling memoir by J.D. Vance and depicts his struggle to overcome extreme family disfunction and systemic poverty community and family poverty.
Warning: Those who have experienced abuse or addiction in relationships may experience triggers by some depictions in the film.
Faith Issues Spotted:
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General awareness and appreciation of creation and life. Genesis 1,
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Living as Easter People with hope in the midst of brokenness. Romans 8:18-39
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Filling voids and finding ultimate meaning and purpose in life serving God. Romans 12:
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Living into the goodness, image and likeness of God in which all are created. Genesis 1:26-27
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Centrality and importance of community and repairing when community is broken. Luke 10:26-27
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Loving and caring for oneself in Godly ways and loving God in caring for oneself. Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Ephesians 3:18-20 Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30,
Kenny and Mike discuss the faith elements spotted in 2 episodes from the NETFLIX series The Crown, "Vergangenheit" from season 2 and "Aberfan" from season 3.
Vergangenheit was the 6th episode in the show's second season. The subjects depicted were a request by Queen Elizabeth's (Claire Foy) uncle and former King, the Duke of Windsor (Alex Jennings) to re-enter service to the Crown and country following his abdication in 1936. The episode is set during the first crusade of Billy Graham's ministry in the United Kingdom. While most of the Royal Family and government leaders scoff at the ministry and positive reaction of the British public, the Queen is positive to Graham's message and invites Rev. Graham (Paul Sparks) to preach at Windsor Chapel and meet with her. The Queen later consults with Graham when she struggles in forgiving her Uncle following revelations of his sympathy and support for Adolf Hitler prior and during the early years of WW2.
Faith Issues Spotted:
Forgiveness and surrender of oneself to God.
Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:2
"Aberfan" was the third episode of the third season. Set in 1966 and depicts the tragic collapse of a coal tip in the hills above the Welsh mining town of Aberfan. A 30 foot high wall of coal waste and debris hit the town's elementary school killing 116 children and 28 adults. Following visits from the Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Jason Watkins) and Prince Philip (Tobias Menzies) who attends the funeral and burial service for the town's children, Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Coleman) waits 8 days before visiting meeting and with survivors and families.
Faith Issues Spotted:
The Incarnation of God and the ministry of presence. The healing and wholeness experienced in communal worship.
John 1:14, 1 John Chapters 1,4
Mike and Kenny discuss the film and faith issues in the important Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. The film is a documentary addressing the addictive and destructive elements of social media. Former early executives of social media platforms discuss the manipulative tactics and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support a business model built entirely around luring the attention and focus of "users."
Faith Issues Spotted:
The freedom God gives humanity to choose whether we will act righteously, what God desires for us, or even what we perceive to be in our self-interests. Genesis 2 The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Such freedom is a part of our creation in the image and likeness of God.
What do we value, what treasures do we seek and collect, and what brings us joy. Heavenly treasures bring joy and are eternal, while worldly joys are fleeting and may result in unhappiness or even brokenness. The difference between happiness and joy. Joy is of God, while happiness may only be of the world. Proverbs 21:6, Matthew 6, Luke 4, Hebrews 11,
Where do we find joy and contentment? As Christians we find it in our relationship with God and how that relationship enhances our relationships with family and friends. Psalms 63, 100, 66, Job 20:1-7, Romans 15:13 Philippians 4, Galatians 5:22-26,
The nature of true community (groups of people brought together because of mutual concern for others including sacrificial love for others) vs alliances (groups constructed around the utility of others to enhance position, profit or standing.) I Corinthians 13: 4-6, Hebrews 10:23-25,
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and faith elements found in Joaquin Phoenix's Academy Award winning performance in Todd Phillips's film Joker. Spoiler Alert!
As with all Faithspotting episodes, we hope the conversation addressing the issues of life and faith spotted in Joker will be interesting and informative to listeners regardless of whether or not they have seen the film.
Faith Issues Spotted and Discussed
What the world would be like without the presence, love grace and hope of God. Observing the presence of Christ through the absence of Christ. (Holy Saturday) The lack of Love of Neighbor.
Blessings and Woes (Luke 6-Sermon on the Plain) 6:25 Woe to those who laugh at you. Love of neighbors and enemies. Do unto those as you would have them do to you.
Those with eyes should see, and those with ears should hear. Ezekiel 12, Mark 8
Join Kenny and Mike for this Halloween Special as they share their top 5 films for Halloween, and share their memories, stories, and connections to these films.
What are your favorites and Why?
Come for the films; stay for the stories.
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and faith elements spotted in David Lowery's A Ghost Story, which stars Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara.
Both Mike and Kenny enjoyed the film and found it to be an organic film that does not resort to artificial devices or technology to capture interest and inspire reflection after viewing. The film is highly recommended for those who enjoy, and savor films that work to generate interest through strong story and character development.
Faith Matters Spotted:
Fear to move forward: Excessive nostalgia, clinging to objects, places, and times in life is rooted in fear of losing the familiar rather than faith in the future. The Ghost's halting before a portal to an afterlife is emblematic of the Israelites halting in taking over the land God promised. God forced the Israelites to wander in the wilderness because of their lack of faith in God's faithfulness to protect and provide for the nation. The result for the Ghost was to remain in the present observing rather than living life. (Numbers 32)
Seeing and Experiencing God Through a Veil: In our lives we only experience God, our relationship with God and living in the Kingdom of God through a veil or dimmed mirror. (I Corinthians 13:12, II Corinthians 3:13-16)
The Timeless Nature of God: Though remaining in his current life, the Ghost moves forward and backward through time, through the history of location of the home. God as Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, God is timeless. Time, as known in worldly ways do not limit God as it does with creation. (Genesis 1:1-5, John 1:1-3, Hebrews 13:8, Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13)
Kenny and Mike discuss Enola Holmes and spot the faith elements on the Netflix film starring and produced by Millie Bobby Brown.
Enola Holmes is the 16 year old sister of the famous London detective Sherlock Holmes and their older brother Mycroft. Following the death of her father soon after she was born, and her brothers moving out when she was a young girl, Enola's world was her mother Eudoria and her home. Eudoria developed Enola's mind through traditional academic studies with special emphasis on developing deductive thinking. Eudoria also developed Enola's physical health through rigorous activities including Jujitsu.
When Eudoria is disappears on Enola's 16 birthday, her brothers return home where Sherlock is to find Eurdoria and Mycroft takes charge of raising Enola. Being her brother Sherlock's sister, Enola takes it upon herself to find her mother, led by clues left behind by Eudoria.
Faith Elements Spotted:
John 14- Jesus does not leave His disciples orphaned. He prepared his disciples to continue His ministry without Him with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus offers his followers peace, His peace, which is different from the way the world sees and understands peace. The Peace Christ offers is God's faith.
John 10: The Good Shepherd, Jesus described himself as the good Shepherd who was willing and did lay down his life for the sake of the flock under his care. He was able to do that partly because of His peace he had that came from his love for and faithfulness in God's promise of life eternal in God's Kingdom. Disciples are to have that same peace and willingness to be good shepherds who risk and at times suffer for the sake of those in their care.
Matthew 18, Luke 15 the Parable of the Lost Sheep. As good shepherds disciples are called to go out into the dark wilderness searching for the lost one, not remain with the 99 who are safe.
Philippians 2:12 Disciples must take responsibilities for their own faith, or as Paul taught the members of the church he founded in Philippi. to work out their own salvation. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism emphasized this teaching for followers of the Methodist movement. Although parents, friends, and others can play a significant role in introducing and developing one's faith, each person must take responsibility for their own faith and relationship with Christ.
Mike and Kenny discuss the experience of going back to the theater for the first time in 8 months to watch the Christopher Nolan film Tenet.
While viewing films, and church services via streaming or television offers ways to view films, shows, as well as to worship, they lack the benefits of a truly communal experience. Whether hearing the reactions of others in the theater or having conversations before or after the show, or experiencing the love, communion and connection of fellowship with other disciples, participation within community allows a fullness of the experience that cannot be replicated alone.
The Christian Church is referred to as the Body of Christ and as a body, is designed to be connected working in concert with other parts of the body.
This reality is also a reason for faith communities to always be looking for ways to minister those who are unable to participate in the events of a faith community.
Scriptural Calls to Worship:
Psalm 95, 96, 100, 132,
Acts 2
1 Corinthians 14: 26-28
Mike and Kenny discuss the film and faith elements spotted in Christopher Nolan's Tenet.
While Tenet is a very complex film that may require a second viewing to more fully understand the complexity, it is also a film that is worthy of a second viewing. In addition to the complex plot, it is a stunning visual and auditory experience that will suffer greatly if seen even in the best home theater.
Faith elements include:
God as Alpha and Omega,. While it pushes human imagination, God the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit pre-exist time and creation. There never was nor will be a time without God.
Apocalyptic Scripture and the whole Truth amidst less than full understanding: Given the complex plot and stunning, mind bending visuals, viewing Tenet could be similar to reading apocalyptic Scriptures. While the symbolism and codes that are taken from the experiences of the books' writers and their communities, The Books of Revelation and Daniel can be difficult for modern readers to understand and follow. The codes, imagery, and mysteries can be for readers a distraction and block the greater Truth and teaching of the passages. While study of the history and cultural context can provide greater understanding regarding the meaning of the images and symbols, experiencing and embracing the mystery of these and others aspects of Scripture and God is a part of deepening one's faith.
The non-linear, mysterious, and expansive nature of God: Similar to above, the reality of God is infinitely beyond human imagination and capacity to understand. Part of one's faith is a willingness to except and embrace the mystery that is God. The human tendency to limit God to the boundaries of human experience and laws of creation, is an act of disobedience and fear rather than faith. (Adam and Eve in Genesis disobeying God in an effort to fully understand if not be like God)
Greed vs. Love: The greed fueled desire to own and control others is the antithesis of faith, righteousness and love for God. Such is in contrast to the desire and willingness to sacrifice oneself for the welfare of another.
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and faith elements spotted in the documentary film Boys State. Directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, Boys State documents the 2018 Texas Boys State gathering. Boys State is a national program dedicated to building in high school age teens greater understanding and participation in civics as well as developing leadership skills in community and state governance.
Dating back to the 1930s, Boys State and Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion with AL Auxiliaries in each state sponsoring and supporting boys and girls who attend their respective programs. Each state organizes and conducts their Boys and Girls State gatherings.
While the primary focus of Boys and Girls state is to elect statewide office holders, the program in Texas also elects members to the Boys/Girls State state legislature where legislation is presented and voted on. Each party also develops a platform which is a part of the election process.
In planning the film, directors McBaine and Moss identified 4 of the 1150 that would be the primary subjects of the film. The film details as the boys go about the work of running for leadership positions in the political party they were randomly assigned. The for primary cast members are Ben Feinstein, Steven Garza, Robert MacDougall, and Rene Otero.
Kenny's reaction to a prescreening of the film:
Watching Boys State is a Dickensian experience as we see the best of our society and the worst of our politic. The best is watching 1100+ teenage boys spend a week taking serious the complex job of governance and reflecting on issues that impact society. The worst is the witnessing the imitation of the most inferior practices of Adult State. The hope is the rising generation will retain the former, refine the latter and lead the nation in a resumption of its foundational march toward a more perfect union.
Faith elements spotted and discussed include the appropriate and inappropriate ways persons of faith are called to deal with differences and disagreements. Such ways of keeping community in the midst of differences are an act of love Christ calls all persons to offer all others.
I Corinthians 13 is lifted up as an example and expectations for how individuals and communities are to behave.
Another topic is maintaining an awareness that as younger members of society and communities watch, listen, and replicate the behavior of adult leaders, so persons of faith are observed by persons within and beyond the faith and seen as representative of their faith community but also of God and Christ.
Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch discuss the cinematic and faith elements reflected in the Fred Rogers Documentary Film Won't You Be My Neighbor, available for streaming rental or purchase on YouTube, Amazon Prime and other streaming services.
Although not categorized as a "faith film," Won't You Be My Neighbor communicates elements of faith and what it is to employ faith by serving God as a disciple of Jesus. In showing the how Fred Rogers cared for and taught children, families, and other adults, the film allows viewers to witness truly effective proclamation of the Gospel and reflection of the person and teaching of Jesus.
Faith Elements Spotted:
Incarnation, God With Us: Fred's willingness and courage to be present with people, through television, in the midst of challenging, difficult times as well as good or ordinary seasons. John1:1,14-18 (The Word Dwelt Among Us,) John 3:31-36 (The One Who Comes From Heaven,) John 8:12-20, (Jesus the Light of the World,) John 11:28-35 (Jesus Weeps,) Matthew 18:19-20
Jesus Honors and Welcomes Children: Fred respected children enough to include them and talk to them as people even in the midst of unpleasant or tragic situations. Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-15, Luke 18:15-17
Holy Space and Moments, Worship: Where ever two or three are gathered. Itinerate nature of Jesus ministry. In the towns, countryside, Samaria, homes of sinners. Allowing faith to determine moral beliefs rather than moral beliefs and opinions determine how or what we believe. Mark 1:40-45 (Jesus ministers outside towns and cities) Matthew 4:23-5:2 (Sermon on the Mount) , John 4:1-42, (Jesus with the woman from Samaria.)
In all things and times, God works for Good. Romans 8:26-28
Calling: Having the faith to follow even when one does not know where or is unfamiliar with the ministry God is calling one to. Jesus to disciples. (Call of Abram) Genesis 12, (Jesus Calls Disciples) Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, (Levi) Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-29, (First Disciples, Philip and Nathanael) John 1:35-51 (Would Be Followers) Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62 (Rich Young Man) Mark 10:17-31
Living in and by the Ways of the Kingdom of God vs ways and values of the world. Accepting criticism and attacks. All children of God, are special and unique because they are created and loved by God. (Sermon on the Mount) Matthew 5-7 (Servant Leadership in Kingdom) Mark 10:41-45
email kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com
Mike and Kenny discuss the film and faith elements in The Banker, starring Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson and directed by George Nolfi.
The Banker tells the story of two of America's most successful Black business men in the 1950's and 60's who sought to use their talents and financial success to offer blacks the opportunities to start building generational wealth, something discriminatory laws and customs had prevented in many areas of the country.
This film offers context to the current conversations and conflicts over race in the United States and other nations. The story of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris and what they worked to achieve offers a specific example of systemic racism that continues to impact persons and communities of color. The inability, or for some, limited ability to build generational wealth has been perhaps the greatest hurdle for persons of color to acquire the skills and opportunities typically necessary to achieve success similar to much of the white community.
Faith elements spotted include the following:
After having escaped the limitations imposed on him by Jim Crow laws and customs, Bernard becomes of of the most successful businessmen in the country. After a trip back to his hometown, Willis Texas, Bernard experiences the call to return and help the Black Community there by purchasing the town's bank and begin offering credit to African Americans in the area. He knows this is a risky proposition and that he will face extraordinary challenges and risks in doing so. Here he Bernard serves as a Moses figure, who, twice put the welfare of Hebrews above his interests, the first in defending Hebrews from abuse within Egypt and the second in returning to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. In so doing Moses put himself and his wealth at risk. Throughout he Bible, ministry and the call to serve God in serving others involves risk and sacrifice.
Jesus's parable of the talents calls disciples to use all the gifts and abilities given to them rather than bury them under fear and expectations of others. Both Bernard and George used the intellectual gifts God had given them. In particular the expectation placed upon Bernard was that he should not utilize his intellect to the fullest and be content to bury it by accepting the limitations Jim Crow society placed on him. Matthew 25:14-30
God's call is greater than the social and other worldly obstacles one will encounter following God's calling and desire. Discipleship calls one to live by God's perfect vision rather than one's limited sight. David and Goliath narrative 1 Samuel 17, Jesus's Parable of the Talents Matthew 17:20, Luke 16:6
In order to be able to serve God and live by faith and God's vision persons of faith must do their spiritual homework by practicing spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, worship, and theological reflection. Worship: Psalm 100, Prayer: Jesus prays at Gethsemane prior to his arrest, Matthew 26, Mark 14, Paul teaches Christians in Rome to offer themselves as a living sacrifice which is spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges Philippians to continue to follow what he had taught. Philippians 4:8-9
In Christ, Christians have received spiritual freedom from slavery to the limitations of the flesh Followers of Jesus are called to use such freedom in serving and loving God by offering love through service to others. Galatians 5
Kenny and Mike discuss the film and faith spotted in Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods, a film vast in imagery, characters, and story and flush with social and theological reflection. Spoiler Alert for those planning to watch the film. Those not planning to view it should be able to follow the conversation especially the discussion of the faith issues presented. Da 5 Bloods is available on Netflix and is rated R for language and violence.
Da 5 Bloods has a solid cast led by Delroy Lindo d who offers an Oscar worthy portrayal as Paul the leading of the 4 surviving members of the squad, "Da 5 Bloods" who return to Vietnam to find and repatriate the body of their original squad leader, "Stormin Norman" (Chadwick Bosman) as well as finish a plan hatched during a fateful mission.
Faithspotting Da 5 Bloods:
What and where are one's treasures as these determine where one's heart is and what one's life is dedicated to. Are treasures Godly and located in God's Kingdom, where they cannot be lost nor lead to destruction? Or, are such treasures worldly and thereby vulnerable to destruction and being a path to destruction.
The transformative power of forgiveness whether offered to others, oneself, or received from others, which leads to peace within or between those injured. Such peace is in contrast to the destructive power of to oneself and others of burying or holding on to anger and guilt. Peace leads to reconciliation while destruction perpetuates brokenness of spirit, mind, body, and community.
The ultimate and often final element of control one has is one's reaction to the thoughts, words, and actions of others. Maintaining one's faith in God's goodness and the opportunity to be Easter People in the midst of suffering, whether brought on by the brokenness of the world and or the direct actions of others allows hope which leads to assurance and true peace. Not surrendering to human emotions and desire to live by worldly values and ways is redemptive to self, community, and adversaries.
"What's Going On?" The seminal song by Marvin Gaye, written in response to the unimaginable hate and suffering inflicted by the Viet Nam war and the accompanying societal division and disorder. The song is more pointed when heard in the context of Jesus asking the question to the church / persons of faith when they fail to live up to His life example or teaching.
Discussion of the two audiences of faith films and secular films that reflect and present elements of faith; 1.the church and 2.persons of faith and persons beyond the church or those questioning the faith in God. Faith films and films that reflect and lift up faith and theology are not synonymous with family or family friendly films. Discussion of how the Gospel can be communicated in powerful ways that are not considered family friendly.
Email kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com for discussion notes.
Hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch look at the Apple TV+ film Greyhound and discuss the faith elements spotted in the World War II, Tom Hanks screenplay. Based on the novel, "The Good Shepherd" by C. S. Forester, Tom Hanks stars as Navy Cmdr. Ernest Krause, Captain of the U.S.S. Destroyer Keeling, codenamed Greyhound. Krause also commands two other Destroyers providing protection for 37 cargo and troop transport ships crossing the Atlantic during World War II. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continually contested battle in the second Word War.
The faith elements spotted and discussed by Kenny and Mike include;
- Confidence in one's faith, God's call, and grace to serve in ministry for Christ.
- Understanding "the evil foe" includes not only external forces, but the internal temptation to live according to the ways of the world rather than the righteous way and calling of God.
- Serving Christ as Jesus served as the Good Shepherd, even willing to laydown one's life. Such is the Way of Easter People.
- Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever and as such is the place of stability and certainty in the midst of uncertain times and circumstances.. (Hebrews 13:8)
- Symbolism of water as chaos, Jesus sending the Legion into the swine, (Luke 8, Mark 5,) Genesis Creation account.
- Going where one Story of Jonah.
For more information and discussion tools, please email kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com
Next Week's episode: Spike Lee's Da Five Bloods
Hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch talk films and faith spotted in films. In this first episode Kenny and Mike discuss the film and faith elements in the Disney+ film and cultural phenomenon Hamilton. The film was recorded over several performances at the Richard Rogers Theatre on Broadway, and includes the original Broadway Cast featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda (Alexander Hamilton); Leslie Odom, Jr. (Aaron Burr); Daveed Diggs (Thomas Jefferson & Marquis de Lafayette); Phillipa Soo (Eliza Hamilton); and Jonathan Groff (King George). The following faith topics, and corresponding songs, were spotted in the story as told through Lin-Manuel Miranda's lyrics and music.
- A new identity available in Christ. "Alexander Hamilton"
- The world turned upside down through the Incarnation. "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)"
- Imitating the humility of Jesus instead of pride in personal accomplishments. "The Room Where It Happens"
- The unimaginable reconciling and healing power of forgiveness. "It's Quiet Uptown"
- Accepting the call as disciples of Jesus to tell the Gospel of Christ. "Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story"
For information regarding a Study Guide on the faith elements spotted in Hamilton email kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com
Next Week's episode: Tom Hanks in Greyhound
Introducing Faithspotting - a brand new podcast where we will spot and share issues of life, faith, and theology presented in film, television, and music, then empower you to use these stories as tools to strengthen and apply faith in your everyday life.