How to Use Hollywood Films to Teach Christian Parables
Movies are very much like modern-day parables. Jesus, along with other Jewish teachers, used stories to teach spiritual principles to followers. Parables were a powerful tool in Jesus' day to illustrate these spiritual teachings by using entertainment. Using Hollywood films to teach Christian principles today is a powerful way of capturing a congregation's attention and demonstrating the lesson you're teaching. Some great movies to use are the Chronicles of Narnia, Gladiator and Les Miserables.
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Instructions
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Pair the Movies
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Determine what parable you will be talking about and the lesson you want your listeners to walk away with. Write out the main point and subpoints of your message. Decide if you're going to use the message for a one-day sermon or a month-long series.
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Pair the parable with famous Hollywood films or scenes from movies. For example, use the movie Les Miserables to help teach the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating the message of grace and mercy to the undeserving. The story of Les Miserables demonstrates unconditional love and mercy. The main character is forgiven for stealing from a minister who allowed him to stay in his home. When he's forgiven, he changes his life and becomes an affluent leader. When his past of being a criminal is unveiled, he is challenged to give the same mercy to his enemies that the minster showed him. It's a parallel message to the Good Samaritan.
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Watch the entire movie by breaking it up into a four-week series where you show a quarter of the movie each week and teach on a specific subpoint in the sermon. The first section of the movie can be a teaching on receiving mercy. The second portion can be about how righteous actions lead to a life of peace and kindness. The third section can highlight how to respond when treated unfairly. Last, you can conclude by talking about paying back evil with good.
You can also watch short scenes from the movie if you want to use it for only one week, highlighting the general message. In Les Miserables, use the first scene where the main character is forgiven, the scene where he is promoted and betrayed and finish with the final scene in the movie, which demonstrates love for his enemy.
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Provide handouts that encourage questions and thoughts for the congregation to ponder after they leave. Use questions such as "How do you treat people when they treat you unfairly?" Is there anyone you need to forgive or you need to ask for forgiveness?" and "When have you demonstrated mercy and how did it make you feel?"
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