Entertaining Faith Thinking through the messages of The Golden Compass, Greek and Friday Night Lights. by Todd Hertz
The Golden Compass
This is the first movie of a book trilogy, in which the church is sinister, heaven is a lie, and God is weak. In the final book, the heroes launch war on God. How does this change the film for you? If you haven't seen it, does this affect your desire to see it? How could it be harmful for a Christian to see it?
How do you think Christians can best react to attacks on their beliefs? Read Mark 13:13. How could God use these movies? Read Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.
Golden Compass' director/screenwriter has said the film would not mention God, but assured fans religion would appear in metaphoric terms. If you've seen the movie, what comparisons did you pick up to God or religion?
Is Lyra a good role model? Why or why not?
The story's humans are guided by animal manifestations of their souls called "dæmons." The word comes from ancient Greek meaning "guardian angel." How do the movie's dæmons compare to biblical demons? How do you envision the soul?
Greek
How do you think the Southern Baptist character, Dale, is portrayed? What are some negative/positive aspects of the character? How would you change Dale's character to be more realistic?
Life on the Greek campus is full of sex and partying. Does the show depict the real consequences of these lifestyles? Read 1 Corinthians 6:16-19, Mark 10:8-9 and 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. How do you think watching shows where casual sex is considered so normal could affect your thinking and behavior?
Dale lets his views of pre-maritial sex be known. How do other characters treat those views? What do you think of Dale's methods of dealing with others' sin? How could he better express his beliefs?
Friday Night Lights
What aspects of Dillon High School remind you of your school? What can't you relate to? Is football (or any sport) as serious at your school as in the show? Why do you think sports are taken so seriously?
Lyla has found Christ this season. How has her new faith changed her or influenced her decisions? How is her journey in faith similar or different from yours? What do you like about the show's protrayal of religion? What don't you like?
Which characters have chosen to do right when it could cost them? When have you had to do the same?
A major theme of the show is overcoming adversity. Read Psalm 42:5-6, James 1:12, Psalm 33:20-21 and 1 Peter 4:12-13. What do these verses say about overcoming trials?
Written by Todd Hertz. Before watching or listening to anything mentioned here, please get advice and guidance from your parents or youth pastor.
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