Of Gods and Men

Theological students, bishops, soldiers, journalists, are amongst the many who I know have already enjoyed “Of Gods and Men,” (Des Hommes et des Dieux).

There are parallels in this film for those of us based in the workplace especially as we may also ask, do we stay or do we go? It is a true story about monks who in the 1990’s lived amongst a Muslim community in the Atlas Mountains in Algeria asking that very question. The film swept the Cannes Film Festival by surprise and along with everyone else in the cinema we were stuck to our seats after the film had ended. An incredibly good film. It was so deeply powerful, a profound film that touches on so many of the issues that are critical to the world today: inter religious dialogue, terrorism, and the existential angst that accompanies the violent post-modern world.

But above all it spoke of a deep love of Christ, Christian service and endurance in following God’s call. A film that speaks volumes of the incarnation and what it is to be immersed in God’s messy world, even if that means risking your very life for Jesus. Their monastery was symbolic of the “branch that holds up the birds” who are the ordinary folk living in the town that has grown around it. The film communicates the life and spirit of Christian living and discipleship, including the importance of regular prayer and outreach. When life becomes threatened by extremists, the monks have to discern if they should flee or stay. In following the call, we may have to risk our lives for Jesus and so these Christian men too had to prepare for possible death. It is a great film to show friends who have not found the Christian faith for themselves. A most

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