Presbyterians Go to the Movies

Presbyterians Go to the Movies is a program designed for adult theological reflection and discussion of selected films. Custom guides provide instructions for viewing, plans for how to lead a film study group, specific questions for each film and tips to enhance interpretation. Films are organized under themes but can be studied individually at the pace of each study group.

This study is organized around themes presented in three films in different settings and interact with the traditional church in different ways. The films are: The Mission, set in 18th century South America, in which Jesuit priests battle with forces of the Catholic church in Rome and the kings of Spain and Portugal for the lives and souls of the Indigenous peoples; Smoke Signals, set in current-day Idaho on a reservation, where an Indigenous young man sets out to recover the remains of his absentee father from Phoenix, Arizona; and Places in the Heart, set in 1930s small-town Texas where a widow and her two children, plus a black hired hand and a blind border try to keep the family together through cotton farming.

Each of these films presents a view of the church as seen through the eyes of outsiders who may not benefit from the theology and practices of organized Christianity. The films ask: “what is the core of Christianity?” “how does the Church live up to those core values?” “is there room for alternative beliefs within the Church?” and “can the Church heal itself and the world?” The study guide created for “The Church from the Outside” provides guidance for film viewing, helpful observations for each of the films, questions for group discussion after viewing the films and insights for further study. Each film is developed to be a stand-alone study, or all three films may be included at the pace and convenience of each group.

Download the Study Guide

Join the free online webinar for information in forming a movie study group, including tips for viewing, how to use the study guide, ways to spot religious references and themes in movies, and suggestions for talk about movies and religion.

Register for the session on Wednesday September 16th at 3:00pm eastern.

Explore the intersection of religion and fate through two Hollywood films.