Author	Thread: Question on certain teaching methods
Admin	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 6 Jun, 2010 05:15 PM So, I've got a question. And I'm sure I will get answers on BOTH sides of the fence on this one, so I'm not necessarily looking for a yes or no answer, as much as I'm looking for reasons BEHIND your opinions. So... here we go. I'm sure many of you have seen movies with "christian" lessons embeded in them at various points. And then, there are those movies that, though they follow the same embeded style, they themselves are... different. Not christian movies. For instance... the Matrix Trilogy. After seeing all three movies... I couldn't believe how many parallels there were to the christian faith. In fact, there have been young adult small groups studies where we watch one of the movies, relate it to our faith, and see what scripture says. So my question is... is this okay? I mean... personally, I don't see anything wrong with it. HOWEVER... I do understand how others might be offended because of the language, content, etc. in these movies. BUT... if it's being used to further the kingdom of God, then does a little language matter? Just a few thoughts I've been thinking about lately. In Christ Garrett Post Reply
View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 6 Jun, 2010 05:53 PM Hi there, Garrett. What comes to mind initially is Philippians 1:12-18... 12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. This doesn't real directly apply to your question, but I think we can shed some light on w/ the basic principle presented in this passage: Regardless of the motives/intent behind something or the unpleasant nature of a situation, Christ can be preached. God redeems things for His glory and for His kingdom. So... I don't think that we should be quick to disregard secular material as having absolutely no usefulness or no part in God's plan for someone. That said, we do need to guard our hearts and minds. We need to ask God for wisdom and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. We need to make sure that what we're doing doesn't go against the Word of God. So, I suppose I would say that you wouldn't want to immediately discount a teaching method or material, but that you do need to evaluate it according to Scriptural truth. Post Reply
bcpianogal View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 6 Jun, 2010 07:53 PM I don't have any scripture to back up what I'm going to say, so I apologize in advance. I think that those secular sorts of movies can certainly be used to further the gospel, but I would hesitate to show them in a group setting because of the content. For the most part, I also don't think that the "good" aspect of the movie is enough to justify sitting through all the garbage that can appear in some of them. However, if an unsaved person starts telling you all about such-and-such movie, and you know there's a parallel there, use everything you can to bring those parallels out. On a side note, I know a man (a professor at the Christian college where I teach) who actually has a whole lecture/presentation based on Christian parallels in secular movies. I haven't seen it yet, but he's doing it for the students in the fall, and I certainly plan to attend. Post Reply
View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 7 Jun, 2010 07:59 AM 1 John 3:7 (King James Version) "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." when i see something that mirrors the light of Christ i remember that verse. not everyone who practices righteousness is christian or considers themselves christian. it is written that you shall know them by their fruits... i do not know about using those materials to teach in church, most christians view christianity as a religion including a set of rules etc which they have inherited from tradition or otherwise, and not a way of life. so imo it would be hard to use those things and expect them to see what you are actually trying to show them, just because they are accustomed to a certain way of delivery that is very black and white. imo it would be hard from them to actually get the point/essence of what is before them. most would be looking for either answers or justifications for what is right or wrong and completely miss the point! much like another part of this forum... i believe such movies have value in ministry for persons who do not have a title for who they are, but just aim to live to respectable life. Post Reply
DontHitThatMark View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 7 Jun, 2010 11:05 AM Well...I noticed some parallels...but they are pretty mixed up. I would have to agree that the bad outweighs the good in the context of teaching material. I guess it might depend on who you were teaching a little...but the bible seems clear enough that we shouldn't need to look for parallels in secular movies. I have to ask "Whats the point?", but the answer is up to what you believe. :peace::peace: Post Reply
View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 7 Jun, 2010 02:01 PM In reality the Chronicles of Narnia was written by a christian. It does have the theme that the Lion died an came back to defeat the witch. Who does that remind you of???? Just a passing thought.Dennis Post Reply
bcpianogal View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 7 Jun, 2010 03:01 PM The Chronicles of Narnia are absolutely allegorical. I would personally place those movies (and, of course, the books too) into the more Christian geared category. Post Reply
bcpianogal View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 7 Jun, 2010 03:04 PM Oh, and if y'all haven't seen the older BBC versions of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," "Prince Caspian/Voyage of the Dawn Treader," and "The Silver Chair" I would highly recommend them. They are true to the books, well made (even if the technology is amusingly old-fashioned), and show the allegorical aspects more clearly than do the new Disney/Walden Media versions. Yes, the new versions are more entertaining in some ways, but the older ones are still my favorites. Post Reply
View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 7 Jun, 2010 03:15 PM I love the BBC version of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." I saw that sooo many times as a kid!! I've seen part of the newer one... It is prettier to look at, but they've cut parts out, etc. I haven't seen the BBC versions of the other ones. Post Reply
View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 8 Jun, 2010 12:33 PM Thanks for the input all. Much appreciated. In Christ Garrett Post Reply
springrose10 View Profile History	Question on certain teaching methods Posted : 8 Jun, 2010 03:59 PM Garrett, I think this is a very important issue. I have an opinion, but haven't posted it, because I want to have my verses accurate and in context. My life is a little congested right now. I do plan to get back to you. If it's more than 2 weeks, feel free to "Why come Rose forgot me?" Still doin' great Garrett! Rose Post Reply

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