St. Luke Movie Club Report Annual Meeting January 2006

By Ken Stevens

During 2006, the St. Luke Movie club continued solidly into its 4th year running with a good balance of movie selections in terms of: secular and spiritual; new releases and older movies; fiction and non-fiction/documentaries; as well as both in-home and in-theatre venues. In all cases, the selections provided a forum for inspirational and thought-provoking discussion with focus around Christian morals and values. Under the direction of Fr. Andrew Harrison, the group always attempts to view and discuss these movies in the context of Orthodox Christian meaning and tenets.

Some of the movies the group viewed and discussed in 2006, included:

* What the West Should Know About Islam - an enormously poignant documentary on the true nature, intent, and geo-political assessment of Islam, with historical perspective provided by notable scholars.
* The End of the Spear
* Through the Gates of splendor
* Beyond the Gates of Splendor All real-life interviews of both real life as well as actor characterizations (Hollywood movie production) based on the true story of ultimate sacrifice. These multiple sessions were very special; one of which was attended by Fr. Luke and Matushka Mariam Nelson, who personally knew some of those missionary families who were featured in the movie.
* Walk the Line - story of Johnny Cash, whose troubled life was influenced strongly by Christianity, reflected in his music as well as his life.
* The DiVinci Code - a highly controversial movie that elicited much discussion. It was entertaining but clearly regarded as "not history, not theology."
* United 93 - the true story of one of those planes downed by terrorists on 9-11 - as seen from the gripping viewpoint of both passengers and the terrorists themselves.
* Superman - a notable rendition of the story viewed in partial 3-D.
* The Nativity - a beautifully executed movie of the birth of Christ, that was filmed within accurate Scriptural context.