For many years, we’ve wrapped up summer at New Hope with a series called, At the Movies. We use recent Hollywood releases to highlight important Biblical truths, similar to the way Jesus taught using parables. Given the lack of new releases over the past year, we’ve chosen to switch gears and look at what shows many of us have (binge) watched at home. Each week, we’ll look at a series that was very popular and entertaining, but hopefully this series will add another dimension -- enlightening. You may never see your favorite show the same way again.
Ted Lasso
August 22, 2021 • Rusty Coram
There aren’t a lot of real-world examples of people who truly encourage and look for the best in others with no agenda. Every day on TV and online, we’re told we’re not good enough as we are, to brace ourselves for the worst, and to call out each mistake as we see them. It’s exhausting. Perhaps that’s why so many are drawn to Ted Lasso – a man with an uncanny ability to positively impact everyone he meets with kindness.
WandaVision
August 29, 2021 • Jim Morgans
WandaVision starts three weeks after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Two of the characters are living an idyllic suburban life in Westview, New Jersey, trying to conceal their true natures. As their surroundings begin to move through different decades, and they encounter various recognizable television settings, the couple suspects things are not as they seem. This is a powerful story of love and loss.
The Mandalorian
September 5, 2021 • Stephanie Schleyer
We all live by a set of rules – rules of law, of society, of religion and even our own rules. These rules guide how we live and the decisions we make. What happens, though, when circumstances change and the rules no longer seem ‘right’? Do we bend the rules to fit the circumstance, or stand firm regardless of the cost? It can get pretty complicated! In the series, The Mandalorian, Mando, the main character, lives by a strict Code of The Guild and The Creed of The Mandalorian. What he believes is ‘right’ comes into question when he considers the life and possible death of the Baby Yoda. We’ll take a look at some of the decisions he makes and how they line up with how Jesus tells us to live.
