- Dec 20, 2019
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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Let’s face it, as much as we parents want to impart some kernels of wisdom to our kids and get them to look at the world through a biblical lens, Bible devotions can sometimes be like taking a trip to the dentist. I’m the first to admit that I’ve never been the go-to guy for scintillating exegesis.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that we should give up on that important part of faith and life. Not at all! It’s more important to focus on biblical wisdom in this crazy, upside-down world of ours than ever before. What is this Plugged In movie guy talking about? Why, movies, of course.
If you haven’t already been gathering your clan to watch movies together, you might consider doing so. And then come up with ways that you can share good messages and ideals through that popcorn-munching “movie night.”
Now, I know you’re probably ruminating on the latest hits at the local theater and considering the fact that I’ve lost my mind. How can I possibly think movies can help kids think about scriptural wisdom? More often than not, Hollywood tends to preach the opposite of the values that we’d normally want to espouse. Ah, but therein lies the beauty of it. We can find films with messages that you can praise. And while a movie’s messages are rarely perfect, you, as parents, can clarify those messages through a goodly lens.
Many movies come with at least a light positive message in the mix that you can point to or contrast your life against. Well-made films generally ask questions that the filmmakers want viewers to think about. All you have to do is think about—and encourage your kids to think about—that question through your own faith-centric focus. It just takes a bit of thought and effort. And, on the plus side, there are some instant benefits.
Let me give you an example. Have you ever watched the 1986 film Hoosiers?
This PG-rated, Oscar-nominated basketball pic starring Gene Hackman focuses on a small Indiana high school team and their 1951 march to the “big” game. And it’s a great one to watch with your sports-loving teens. Here we have a well-crafted sports movie with only a few issues to navigate. (There’s a little rough-edged language in the mix and a character who struggles with alcoholism.) But this pic also tells a great, immersive story focused on themes of forgiveness, respect for authority, the need for self-control and the benefits of getting second chances.
After watching this pic, you could easily bring up questions about how Christians are portrayed in films, since there is a “Born-Again” ballplayer on the team. You could also talk about biblical truths that are reflected in some of the coach’s speeches. (One talk includes the statement that “no one is more important than another,” which easily ties into 1 Corinthians 12:17-20 and Romans 12:3-5.)
Coach Dale had also been a highly respected college coach until a momentary loss of self-control ruined his reputation. Your family could discuss the idea that if the coach had an understanding of Proverbs 14:17 or Ephesians 4:26-27 & 31, he might have been spared the pain and embarrassment he felt.
That’s only a small slice of what your family could talk about with Hoosiers. But you get the idea: Movies can open the door, and you simply walk through to discuss important concepts that your kids will likely remember later on. On top of that, you’re also reinforcing family bonds: After all, you’re watching this film together, as a family. Good drama and storytelling has a way of drawing us in and helping us relax. We put aside our daily worries and get involved in a good tale.
OK, so if you like this idea of connecting and communicating through a family movie night, are there any rules you should follow? Just a few.
Try to make it fun and pressure free. Select films with positive messages that resonate with your family values, such as kindness, resilience, teamwork, and integrity. Find some pics everybody can enjoy while keeping an eye out for questionable content that might make someone cringe. (Definitely consider age-appropriateness. Our Plugged In reviews will help on that front.) And don’t be afraid of goofy fare. Laughter is a great remedy for any familial angst.
You should also do your best to make movie night a regular thing, such as a once-a-week get together. Setting up a routine helps everyone understand that it’s an important time, a few hours when your family pulls together rather than running in 10 different directions.
Mix things up a bit. Find a variety of movies and genres you can watch together: Christian flicks; comedies; dramas; romcoms; actioners. Tons of movies just might fit the bill. Oh, and on that “mix-it-up” front, you can also encourage other family members to come up with topics from the movie to discuss. In fact, it’s good to let everyone know that their opinions matter and add to the discussion. Sometimes a small verbal nudge from you can be far more effective than a preplanned lecture.
Ultimately, movie nights, and other family activities like them, are all about the connection: the questions and discussions; the memories formed; the fun casual time together. There’s good stuff to be gained here, but remember, a family movie time should be more like a tasty ice-creamy treat than spoon-full of medicine. (For that matter, actual ice cream goes really well with movies, too!)
And again, please use the reviews at Plugged In to get those family movie night shindigs going. In fact, let us suggest a nice little list of possible pics for you to consider and start with:
A Walk to Remember
Because of Winn Dixie
Chariots of Fire
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Incredibles
The Truman Show
The post The Value of Family Movie Nights appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
Let’s face it, as much as we parents want to impart some kernels of wisdom to our kids and get them to look at the world through a biblical lens, Bible devotions can sometimes be like taking a trip to the dentist. I’m the first to admit that I’ve never been the go-to guy for scintillating exegesis.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that we should give up on that important part of faith and life. Not at all! It’s more important to focus on biblical wisdom in this crazy, upside-down world of ours than ever before. What is this Plugged In movie guy talking about? Why, movies, of course.
If you haven’t already been gathering your clan to watch movies together, you might consider doing so. And then come up with ways that you can share good messages and ideals through that popcorn-munching “movie night.”
Now, I know you’re probably ruminating on the latest hits at the local theater and considering the fact that I’ve lost my mind. How can I possibly think movies can help kids think about scriptural wisdom? More often than not, Hollywood tends to preach the opposite of the values that we’d normally want to espouse. Ah, but therein lies the beauty of it. We can find films with messages that you can praise. And while a movie’s messages are rarely perfect, you, as parents, can clarify those messages through a goodly lens.
Many movies come with at least a light positive message in the mix that you can point to or contrast your life against. Well-made films generally ask questions that the filmmakers want viewers to think about. All you have to do is think about—and encourage your kids to think about—that question through your own faith-centric focus. It just takes a bit of thought and effort. And, on the plus side, there are some instant benefits.
Let me give you an example. Have you ever watched the 1986 film Hoosiers?
This PG-rated, Oscar-nominated basketball pic starring Gene Hackman focuses on a small Indiana high school team and their 1951 march to the “big” game. And it’s a great one to watch with your sports-loving teens. Here we have a well-crafted sports movie with only a few issues to navigate. (There’s a little rough-edged language in the mix and a character who struggles with alcoholism.) But this pic also tells a great, immersive story focused on themes of forgiveness, respect for authority, the need for self-control and the benefits of getting second chances.
After watching this pic, you could easily bring up questions about how Christians are portrayed in films, since there is a “Born-Again” ballplayer on the team. You could also talk about biblical truths that are reflected in some of the coach’s speeches. (One talk includes the statement that “no one is more important than another,” which easily ties into 1 Corinthians 12:17-20 and Romans 12:3-5.)
Coach Dale had also been a highly respected college coach until a momentary loss of self-control ruined his reputation. Your family could discuss the idea that if the coach had an understanding of Proverbs 14:17 or Ephesians 4:26-27 & 31, he might have been spared the pain and embarrassment he felt.
That’s only a small slice of what your family could talk about with Hoosiers. But you get the idea: Movies can open the door, and you simply walk through to discuss important concepts that your kids will likely remember later on. On top of that, you’re also reinforcing family bonds: After all, you’re watching this film together, as a family. Good drama and storytelling has a way of drawing us in and helping us relax. We put aside our daily worries and get involved in a good tale.
OK, so if you like this idea of connecting and communicating through a family movie night, are there any rules you should follow? Just a few.
Try to make it fun and pressure free. Select films with positive messages that resonate with your family values, such as kindness, resilience, teamwork, and integrity. Find some pics everybody can enjoy while keeping an eye out for questionable content that might make someone cringe. (Definitely consider age-appropriateness. Our Plugged In reviews will help on that front.) And don’t be afraid of goofy fare. Laughter is a great remedy for any familial angst.
You should also do your best to make movie night a regular thing, such as a once-a-week get together. Setting up a routine helps everyone understand that it’s an important time, a few hours when your family pulls together rather than running in 10 different directions.
Mix things up a bit. Find a variety of movies and genres you can watch together: Christian flicks; comedies; dramas; romcoms; actioners. Tons of movies just might fit the bill. Oh, and on that “mix-it-up” front, you can also encourage other family members to come up with topics from the movie to discuss. In fact, it’s good to let everyone know that their opinions matter and add to the discussion. Sometimes a small verbal nudge from you can be far more effective than a preplanned lecture.
Ultimately, movie nights, and other family activities like them, are all about the connection: the questions and discussions; the memories formed; the fun casual time together. There’s good stuff to be gained here, but remember, a family movie time should be more like a tasty ice-creamy treat than spoon-full of medicine. (For that matter, actual ice cream goes really well with movies, too!)
And again, please use the reviews at Plugged In to get those family movie night shindigs going. In fact, let us suggest a nice little list of possible pics for you to consider and start with:
A Walk to Remember
Because of Winn Dixie
Chariots of Fire
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
The Incredibles
The Truman Show
The post The Value of Family Movie Nights appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...