This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Watching movies resonates deeply with me. As a child, my parents took me to watch movies often. I still remember the intense feelings of wonder and inspiration that filled my heart. While I was a graduate student, I took a class – Theological Issues in Film. The premise was to think theologically while viewing films. It was a transformative experience watching and reviewing blockbuster films through the lens of faith.
As a university chaplain, I get to be creative in my interactions with students. When the pandemic hit us like a brakeless freight truck and forced us to isolate, I instinctively introduced my students to viewing blockbuster movies and engaging in faith-building conversations.
For six weeks we indulged wholesome movies that allowed us to engage in conversations that led to self-discovery, resilience, courage and faith. Our favorite movie to watch during the shutdown was the mid-‘90s box office hit “Waiting to Exhale” (pun intended). Imagine the kind of conversations that emerged from watching a movie about four women who got together frequently to provide support, and listen to each other vent about life and love.
Viewing blockbuster movies through the lens of faith during a pandemic uniquely situated us in a position to explore how we cope in times of crises and be vulnerable with the emotions that we tend to keep on lockdown.
Our faith in God and connection to each other was ignited by lively Zoom discussions. We basked in the potency of storytelling through film. We connected deeply with the Image of God in each person. We opened our hearts to inspiration and were rescued from the fangs of apathy. Through journaling, we created our own stories of hope, survival and revival, and we began to heal. It was a beautiful human experience.
Rhonda Chester serves as the United Methodist Ecumenical Chaplain at Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel as well as pastor of Fayetteville United Methodist Church.
"film" - Google News
July 19, 2020 at 05:00PM
https://ift.tt/2WDn7ER
CNY Inspirations: The art of faith and film - syracuse.com
"film" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2qM7hdT
https://ift.tt/3fb7bBl
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "CNY Inspirations: The art of faith and film - syracuse.com"
Post a Comment