Worldview Theater: The Shawshank Redemption
Servants Quarters 2007 is in full swing. We convened last night for the third time to continue our year-long dialogue exploring the implications of biblical stewardship principles for living in a culture captive to materialistic ideals. During this latest gathering, we planned to discuss the worldview perspectives reflected in a specific product of American culture: the critically-acclaimed and highly popular film, The Shawshank Redemption. God had other plans.
I hope and trust we were following His lead, as we shelved our Shawshank examination in favor of a spirited discussion concerning the crisis facing The Episcopal Church (TEC). In particular, we explored what it means for The Falls Church (and other parishes who only recently disaffiliated from TEC) to be wise and faithful stewards of the property with which they have been blessed – as the Diocese of Virginia and TEC press headlong into litigation aimed at reclaiming that property.
Given the dynamic and volatile nature of the situation, I abstain, at this time, from sharing my specific thoughts on the matter. What I will say is that we are striving to approach the situation with not just a Christian ethic and Christian spirituality (which no doubt are important) but also a Christian mind. We are striving to help each other “think christianly” – “to accept all things with the mind as related, directly or indirectly, to man’s eternal destiny as the redeemed and chosen child of God” (Harry Blamires, The Christian Mind: How Should a Christian Think? p.44). We are striving to “set[ ] all earthly issues within the context of the eternal, . . . see[ing] all things here below in terms of God’s supremacy and earth’s transitoriness, in terms of Heaven and Hell” (id. at 4). In one sense, that’s the primary business of Servants Quarters.
Because of that fruitful detour, we’ve decided to hold our Shawshank discussion here in this forum. All are welcome to pose questions, share observations or take issue with what I’ve written previously. (In short, I observed that (1) Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) reflected in important ways the biblical notion of how important it is to maintain an eternal perspective, while living here and now; and (2) the redemption of Andy’s best friend, Red Redding (Morgan Freeman), was suggestive of a Christian-like process of repentance.)
If you prefer specific to open-ended questions, let’s begin the discussion with the subject of beauty. What is attractive in the film? What people, places, behavior or ideas? To whom? How is it made attractive?
Comments
It was great meeting with everyone at the kickoff dinner. Thanks for including Jess and myself.
Evanglicals like the word "redemption". I sometimes wonder if we think our understanding of the word is both universally grasped and accepted.
The movie title "Shawshank Redemption" suggests there was a redemption theme. How would you caracterize it/them? Is it similar to the biblical redemption?
If you personally were Andy Dufresne and had the opportunity to tunnel out, would you have?
-Ryan
Posted by: Ryan Oliver | January 20, 2007 06:54 PM
Ryan asks: "If you personally were Andy Dufresne and had the opportunity to tunnel out, would you have?"
Would I have the persistence to dig a tunnel out of my cell, removing merely a handful at a time? I don't have that kind of persistence today.
If I were able to dig the tunnel to the sewage pipe, would I crawl in? If I knew that freedom lay beyond 500 yards of filth, I suspect I'd go for it. But if you were to account for the risk of being trapped once inside, I can't imagine that I'd make the attempt.
What does that tell you about me, Ryan?
Posted by: Ramsey Wilson | February 3, 2007 10:21 AM
As much as I was struck by Andy’s messianic symbolism, I was also gripped by the character of the warden.
Everyone within the walls of Shawshank (apart from Andy) believes that the warden is in control. When he takes his own life, however, it becomes clear that he is actually controlled by the very things that warranted him worldly power. Honestly, it’s good for me to be reminded that we all serve something (and only one thing is capable of delivering), because the leaders and “winners” of the world sometimes don’t show their brokenness.
But the warden is not just a bad guy; he’s also able to quote scripture far better than most people I know. He reminds us to check ourselves—are we wearing a face of religiosity, but serving another master? “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matt 6:24)
Posted by: Allison | February 4, 2007 09:33 PM
Allison, thanks for shining the light on Warden Norton. Keep Shawshank and the warden in mind as you read the chapter on authority in Harry Blamires' book, The Christian Mind. In particular, consider the relevance and implications of Blamires' claim that, in modern society, "the idea of authority has been totally severed from the idea of love" (p.137).
Posted by: Ramsey Wilson | February 4, 2007 10:37 PM
So...this just erased my entire entry. Grrr...
Well, to sum it up. I just watched the movie this weekend with my Mom and her boyfriend, Denny. At the end of the movie Denny had a tear streaming down his cheek. He couldn't articulate what it was about the ending of the movie but, I think it was the beauty of redemption.
Two things struck me as beautiful.
1. The relationship between Andy and Red. The community and brotherhood that can occur in the midst of prison walls - when you have very little materialistically the inmates were still able to have relationship. What does this say about the power of relationship? Another thought about what the inmates chose to have Red smuggle into the walls - if you had very little what would you still choose to cling to?
Also, this relationship broke racial and generation boundaries - thoughts on what the church could learn from this relationship?
2. The beauty of hope. At one point in the movie Andy says to Red "either get busy livin' or get busy dying". This is a daily choice we make - to die to ourselves and live in Christ! The difference one person can make to a friend, a community, a world. What could be redeemed (changed) from having a little hope?
I also had the opportunity to view the William Wilberforce movie, Amazing Grace last Tuesday! Also a good movie for discussion.
Posted by: Kayla | February 7, 2007 12:37 AM
Kayla observes that Andy and Red's friendship "broke racial . . . boundaries," and asks what the Church might learn from this. Very good question, Kayla.
As I reflect on the story, I don't recall any mention of race one way or the other. (Am I forgetting something?) Have the moviemakers ignored a critical dimension of life? Intentionally or not, might they be saying something about how to bring about racial reconciliation?
Posted by: Ramsey Wilson | February 7, 2007 07:20 AM