Before we see this movie, though, I had some thoughts. Now don't worry - Friday night is all about good times and entertainment. I'm not gonna be trying to lead a devotion during the movie or anything like that. I just wanted to share some thoughts that might get some of you thinking. After all, to me some of the most fascinating aspects of the stories are the moral conflicts faced by the characters. As a youth group, we'd be missing something if we saw this movie and didn't take at least a little time to discuss these conflicts. So, here's some things to consider...
In the first movie, when Peter first discovers his powers, what is his reaction? How does he use them? (think back on the wrestling scene) What was the famous line that Uncle Ben said which would later become the inspiration that changes Peter's perspective? (Hint: "With great power...") Can anyone give me a verse from the Bible concerning this?
In the second movie, what is Peter's biggest challenge? (Hint: I'm not talking about his battle with Doc Ock - I'm talking about his personal challenge.) What does this challenge lead him to do? (Hint: What did he throw in the garbage?) Ultimately he goes back on that decision. Why? What does Aunt May say to change his mind? Can anyone find a Bible verse that goes along with this?
In the third movie, there's going to be many new challenges - so many that I'm curious to see how it's all going to fit into one movie. Without having seen the movie yet, here's some of the moral challenges I'm interested in seeing played out: Harry is out to avenge his father's death. How do you hope Peter deals with this? According to the previews, Peter must also face his "dark side". As Spider-Man, he is starting to become a bit prideful and arrogant. What leads to this change in attitude? Which version of Spider-Man makes for the better hero?
Spider-Man is fantasy. If you get bit by a genetically-altered spider, you're probably gonna get sick and/or die. But fantastical powers are not what makes Spider-Man a hero. Being a hero was Peter Parker's choice. We all have a choice to be a "hero" in our everyday lives - we have the choice to do the right thing or the wrong thing, to be a good person or a selfish one. In the real world, our power is that of Christ...and it is our choice to accept the responsibility of that. That makes us heroes...and I hope we all aspire to be a hero.
So anyway, those are just some things to consider. Again, the main purpose of Friday night is to have a good time. There's not gonna be a test. But it never hurts to determine how our faith applies to the everyday things we do.
1 comment:
Well, I just wanted to say that last night was awesome. The movie was amazing.
But apparently nobody read this post before going. I was surprised to overhear several comments implying that a youth group going to see "Spider-Man 3" was somehow a crazy wild idea. Were you guys serious? Do y'all really not see any significance in a youth group going to see this movie?
Then I heard someone jokingly say, "Well, let's see if we can come up with a message...hmm..." C'mon folks! It starts with an F and ends with "orgivness". And that's just one of many!
The point is there was a point. In as much as I love to be thought of as the "unconventional youth worker", I'd prefer not to receive that reputation for taking y'all to see this very moral movie, okay? Okay, I'm half joking, but not really.
Anyway, yeah... the movie was awesome. Can't wait for 4.
Go check out the review for the movie at PlanetWisdom.com (click the link in our sidebar).
Post a Comment