Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Of Gods and men: compulsive viewing
“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).
Based on a true story.
“This is mission as service. It draws energy from the life of Christ and finds expression in caring for the sick, filing forms for the illiterate and learning the Koran. The rhythms lap in gentle harmony with their Muslim neighbours. It is an uplifting and positive model of mission, a reminder that different religious faiths can – and have – lived in beneficial co-existence.” (a paragraph from the same review, for those with a missional bent).
For more
– on Christian-Muslim interaction on this blog see my summary of Jenkins Lost History of Christianity here and here.
Agreed – this is a superb film, which in spite of the horrific events it is based around focuses profoundly on the life of faith and service of the community. I recommend John Kiser’s book ‘The Monks of Tibhirine’, which is worth reading for anyone moved by the film or curious to know more about the monastery and its life.
Comment by Simon — August 16, 2011 @ 8:06 pm
Thanks Simon. I do link in the post to the book. But the site is in French. Can I take from your comment that their is an English translation.
The other echo for me was the the likes of Charles de Foucauld,
steve
Comment by steve — August 16, 2011 @ 8:33 pm
I’ve been wanting to see this too. Is it on DVD yet or did you go the cinema?
Comment by hamo — August 17, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
Cinema, local arthouse (Palace)
Comment by steve taylor — August 17, 2011 @ 4:11 pm