Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at 12:12am
The penguins of the movie toddle onward simply, resolutely like Christian soldiers
This summer's hit documentary March of the Penguins is still in the forefront of popular reading. Seemingly they have become the unexpected poster birds for "the religious right," and the coveted left. For those of you who have not seen the film, it has been touted as the second most popular film literature ever. It follows a flock of penguins across the Antarctica facing trials and tribulations. For those history buffs, it reminds you of the human exodus of the Native Indians moving from village-to-village in the dead of winter facing famine and disease along the way. It further brings to mind the schools of black faces moving across the desolate Africa desert land, looking for food and shelter from the overwhelming heat.
This film has chilling appeal. It's a well-dressed movie. Just salt and pepper, and no gravy. (It's in black and white, with no frills.) There is no bombing, no massacre, nudity or gutter language. The costuming is unmistakenly original. The backdrop is icy with the same manicured unfriendly scenery topped with a big, big opened frosted sky.
In all its bright-white brilliance and grandeur, Antarctica is a stony unfriendly place. The penquins face hungry leopard seals and temperatures of 70 below. Through all of their dismal travels, the care of their young is exemplary. Not only are they loving parents, but the affection, dedication and cooperation are much like we are called to have as humans facing high energy bills and the downsizing of major corporations.
A conservative film critic explained it this way. "Clearly it's a divine plan. What this says is there is an order to the universe". (Clearly, this film critic does not know about the geese or the other universal orders that I have no space or time to expound on). Well, the other paramount message that this movie "shouts out" is that Hollywood is missing an axle in its wheel of fortune. Wholesome family values are still on the radar, monogamy is a highly respected art, and sacrifice is an offering for the sake of others. Indeed there is an "order to the universe." It is a high order commissioned by its Creator.
A network of congregations in the Midwest and on the Internet is still dispatching flocks of parishioners to see the movie. On their website there is a form to download with instructions on everything from the logistics of a group viewing to the film's spiritual meaning. Now admittedly, the film has many spiritual characteristics relating to leadership, followship, parenthood and the Christian walk in general. But take a concerted look at other masterpieces of nature for more examples of spiritual meaning.
The faith-based community is so intrigued with the marching penguins because of their perseverance. The penguins have no formal institution of learning to direct their path and correct their ways. They act on sheer inborn instincts. Admiring Christians look at the penguins as moving onward in the midst of possible holocaust and separation. They know what to do and they simply do it. If you persevere you are committed. With commitment comes preparation. This is the calling of a Christian soldier ready to be a witness. Onward . . . Christian soldier. As you were. Marching as before.
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Ester Davis is a celebrated host/producer on PAX-TV, Channel 68, every Saturday, 5-6 a.m, a #1 rated show. Visit her website at The Ester Davis Show. © copyright 2005 by Ester Davis.
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UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum is a big tent for all expressions
of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.
All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are
not necessarily shared by UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum.
This film has chilling appeal. It's a well-dressed movie. Just salt and pepper, and no gravy. (It's in black and white, with no frills.) There is no bombing, no massacre, nudity or gutter language. The costuming is unmistakenly original. The backdrop is icy with the same manicured unfriendly scenery topped with a big, big opened frosted sky.
In all its bright-white brilliance and grandeur, Antarctica is a stony unfriendly place. The penquins face hungry leopard seals and temperatures of 70 below. Through all of their dismal travels, the care of their young is exemplary. Not only are they loving parents, but the affection, dedication and cooperation are much like we are called to have as humans facing high energy bills and the downsizing of major corporations.
A conservative film critic explained it this way. "Clearly it's a divine plan. What this says is there is an order to the universe". (Clearly, this film critic does not know about the geese or the other universal orders that I have no space or time to expound on). Well, the other paramount message that this movie "shouts out" is that Hollywood is missing an axle in its wheel of fortune. Wholesome family values are still on the radar, monogamy is a highly respected art, and sacrifice is an offering for the sake of others. Indeed there is an "order to the universe." It is a high order commissioned by its Creator.
A network of congregations in the Midwest and on the Internet is still dispatching flocks of parishioners to see the movie. On their website there is a form to download with instructions on everything from the logistics of a group viewing to the film's spiritual meaning. Now admittedly, the film has many spiritual characteristics relating to leadership, followship, parenthood and the Christian walk in general. But take a concerted look at other masterpieces of nature for more examples of spiritual meaning.
The faith-based community is so intrigued with the marching penguins because of their perseverance. The penguins have no formal institution of learning to direct their path and correct their ways. They act on sheer inborn instincts. Admiring Christians look at the penguins as moving onward in the midst of possible holocaust and separation. They know what to do and they simply do it. If you persevere you are committed. With commitment comes preparation. This is the calling of a Christian soldier ready to be a witness. Onward . . . Christian soldier. As you were. Marching as before.
— — —
Ester Davis is a celebrated host/producer on PAX-TV, Channel 68, every Saturday, 5-6 a.m, a #1 rated show. Visit her website at The Ester Davis Show. © copyright 2005 by Ester Davis.
UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum is a big tent for all expressions
of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.
All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are
not necessarily shared by UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum.