It's A Wonderful Life.....12/13/08
It is pretty much a sure thing that at this time of year, Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE will be on television. George Bailey has become a part of the consciousness of America. Unfortunately, it's a good example of how film can use emotion and a good story to make that which is false seem like truth. Confronted with failure of the Savings & Loan which was entrusted to him, George contemplates suicide. God, then sends an angel who successfully convinces George that he has done a lot of good. The angel gets his wings and America wipes aways tears of joy as it fails to spot a false gospel of works.
Am I looking at something like this too closely? Here's another thought. George has just had a wonderful first evening with Mary culminated by falling into the high school swimming pool. They begin to get philosophical on the walk home and Mary asks George what he really wishes for. George proceeds to list the things that he is about to do including travel, education and culminated by great accomplishments in design and architecture. A moment later George's uncle arrives with the news that will change his life and plans. His father has suffered a stroke. Mr. Capra's message here may have been that God would indeed use George to do great things...but they would be right where he lived and not all over the world as he desired.
The more serious error in this otherwise wonderful film is that 'good works' are presented as a means to salvation. This concept and the fact that I know it is being happily accepted each holiday season in America is what makes me cringe. Enjoy the film....but acknowledge the error in the message ....and maybe take the opportunity to bring it up in conversation with friends and loved ones!
It is pretty much a sure thing that at this time of year, Frank Capra's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE will be on television. George Bailey has become a part of the consciousness of America. Unfortunately, it's a good example of how film can use emotion and a good story to make that which is false seem like truth. Confronted with failure of the Savings & Loan which was entrusted to him, George contemplates suicide. God, then sends an angel who successfully convinces George that he has done a lot of good. The angel gets his wings and America wipes aways tears of joy as it fails to spot a false gospel of works.
Am I looking at something like this too closely? Here's another thought. George has just had a wonderful first evening with Mary culminated by falling into the high school swimming pool. They begin to get philosophical on the walk home and Mary asks George what he really wishes for. George proceeds to list the things that he is about to do including travel, education and culminated by great accomplishments in design and architecture. A moment later George's uncle arrives with the news that will change his life and plans. His father has suffered a stroke. Mr. Capra's message here may have been that God would indeed use George to do great things...but they would be right where he lived and not all over the world as he desired.
The more serious error in this otherwise wonderful film is that 'good works' are presented as a means to salvation. This concept and the fact that I know it is being happily accepted each holiday season in America is what makes me cringe. Enjoy the film....but acknowledge the error in the message ....and maybe take the opportunity to bring it up in conversation with friends and loved ones!
