JUST FYI POD: CULTURE
SEASON 1, EPISODE 16: “Our 20 Most Spiritually Significant Films of All Time: #7”
The main task of Just FYI Pod: Culture’s first season is to explore the “20 Most Spiritually Significant Films of All Time.” On today’s episode, my cohost Amy Welborn and I continue our discussion—this time focusing on the #7 film on our respective lists. Amy begins with the Oscar-winning historical drama A Man for All Seasons (Fred Zinnemann, 1966), while I turn to one of Martin Scorsese’s late-period classics, the epic drama Silence (2016). Both films confront the reality of religious martyrdom, albeit in different historical eras and from different cultural-theological perspectives.
As ever, relevant clips and links are provided below. Please like, rate, comment, and share!
Oh my goodness, Chris. I thought I had been thrust into the dustbin of history. You are so very generous and kind in your comments. I remember you well, and have very positive memories of the fine young man you were and still are. I’m enjoying your writing and podcasts and I’m looking forward to reading your new book.
AMFAS was chosen because it related, although somewhat remotely, to the subject matter we were discussing in class. I wish Terrence Malick’s film, “A Hidden Life” had been available. That would certainly be one you would have seen as well.
I believed, considering the culture you all were about to enter, that understanding and claiming ultimate allegiances would become more important than ever. At that time, I could never have imagined the AI world we’re currently in, with social media and the 24/7 news cycle making everything - good and bad - so much more visible, but here we are. Our loyalties and ultimate allegiances are being challenged now more than ever.
I always considered Bolt’s preface to the book to be as important as the content of the story itself. I believed that even high school seniors could benefit from the content, particularly later in life, as you began to navigate through the challenges ahead; and there certainly are challenges. I’ve never agreed with the comment that we shouldn’t take life too seriously. Life is serious business, and, perhaps, only those who take it seriously can be truly happy. Life is tough, and many try to inoculate themselves from that reality through whatever “drug” might numb the pain. But sooner or later these all run their course and then folks are left on the precipice with the reality, “well, what now?” To me, Christianity answers the ”what now” question. Stoicism doesn’t seem to work-ask Cicero. More was a true Christian saint of courage and integrity.
I’m glad you remembered that experience. It would be a privilege to have lunch with you sometime soon. I’ll continue to enjoy your writing and podcasts. I loved Amy’s comments about the book and movie.
Ha, I knew you were reading Tommy but wasn’t sure if you were listening! Great comments, as usual. Btw: I have precisely one notebook from HS in my possession—and it’s from your class. Happy to get lunch. I can’t remember: are you on Facebook?