Now that I no longer teach a course on movies, my movie-watching has diminished greatly – and often just on planes through sleepy eyes (although I do limit myself to one per flight in order to ensure that I get some reading done!).
But not in the last ten days. There have been three movies to fill my screen.
First up, Of Gods and Men (we were watching this at the cinema when my brother was trying to contact me about my Dad’s sudden decline in health). This is one for the ages and just must be seen. A small group of elderly monks keep alive both their own community and their incarnate presence in the wider Muslim society – at a time when the threat of extremism is real. I delighted in the slow pace, the struggle towards consensual decision-making and the joy which flows when this is discovered, and the salt:light tension with which they courageously and winsomely lived. And a true story as well – which I prefer. It took me back to favourites like The Elephant Man and The Lives of Others in terms of impact. A ‘must’ for a church leaders retreat with space to discuss – or a class on the Church.
Then it was Fire in Babylon. A film about the rise of West Indian cricket with some of my childhood heroes – Anderson Montgomery Everton Roberts, Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, Michael Holding et al – to the fore, but also all kinds of musicians, historians, and culture-watchers interviewed as well. Terrific socio-historical insight into the reasons which drove West Indies cricket to the top. To think it is just for cricket fans would be a major mistake. One of my offspring (who shall remain nameless) sat glued to it. The editing and sound-track make it compulsive viewing. If anything, there are not enough clips of cricket action – but no one will ever really mind. I have my own copy – but you’ll have to come watch it here, coz’ it ain’t leaving the house!
Last night my son Stephen brought around a 1963 Peter Sellers’ movie, Heavens Above. The story of a mistakenly appointed vicar, taking up a country parish run by the rich and powerful, who believes the New Testament more literally and develops a heart for the poor and needy. The economy of the town crashes when the chief benefactor of the town joins the vicar as charity trumps business. The ending is very odd and reflects the era/issues of that time – but there are some great lines in it and plenty of mischief in the Sellers’ character. The willingness to be true to the gospel, regardless of the implications, kinda inspires amidst all the humour. With the emphasis on incarnational ministry today, this film could easily develop a bit of a cult following. [NB – the brains behind the movie is one Malcolm Muggeridge, with 1963 being some years before he was converted!].
nice chatting
Paul
About Me

the art of unpacking
After a childhood in India, a theological training in the USA and a pastoral ministry in Southland (New Zealand), I spent twenty years in theological education in New Zealand — first at Laidlaw College and then at Carey Baptist College, where I served as principal. In 2009 I began working with Langham Partnership and since 2013 I have been the Programme Director (Langham Preaching). Through it all I've cherished the experience of the 'gracious hand of God upon me' and I've relished the opportunity to 'unpack', or exegete, all that I encounter in my walk through life with Jesus.
Recent Posts
Just when I thought that it could not be possible to have another first-hand account of the impact of John Stott’s life (d. 2011), along comes this book by his close friend, John Wyatt. I am always ready to learn more about John Stott, but also about friendship. It fascinates me. It keeps coming up…
Reading stories to grandchildren over Christmas reminded me again of how powerful they can be. They are so compact and simple in presentation, and yet so clever in construction. There are just so many features at work in an effective story. It is some years since I taught narrative preaching, but when I did I’d…
Apart from the eight years in which we were based overseas, Barby has been working at the Refugee Resettlement Center in Auckland since 2002. This year she is a ‘release teacher’, spending one day each week in three different classrooms, with three different age groups. Impressive—and demanding. One day is spent with 11-13 year olds—from…
Diane and I saw 'Of God's and Men', and loved it. I've added the other two to my list to see – thanks!
“compulsive viewing for a Western Christianity tempted to reduce faith to a decaffeinated religion of gentle Jesus hymns shared over civil pot-luck meals.” (a line from my just completed film review Of Gods and men, for Touchstone newspaper,
steve
http://www.emergentkiwi.org.nz