Accidental Theology
People used to say that all quotes come from the Bible or Shakespeare. This is not entirely true, but also not entirely untrue. The golden rule is Biblical. However, the elbow was a creation of Shakespeare. Well, the word elbow, not the actual joint on the human body. Today, there are many choices of source material. With the advent of the digital age, videos, podcasts, movies, books, and more may influence how we think and what is written on our hearts.
As humans we often come across bits of art and culture that reflect some piece of our embedded theology. These tidbits echo truths that we know. It's wonderful to say and sing explicitly that we trust in the Lord, but hearing someone embrace that mystery with a shrug may speak to our own experience and understanding of how to be faithful in a time of crisis. We trust that God will work it all out, but we really are not sure how. The hope that we have as Christians is fundamental to our faith and often keeps us going when all else has failed.
These things are not intentional theology. They were not written with that purpose. They are not designed to correlate to scripture or speak to our faith. And yet, they do. In a way, it is accidental theology. And sometimes it is the best theology because it comes with the added bonus of being relatable and recognizable by people who may know nothing about faith, scripture, church, or God. Or, rather, they think they know nothing about it.
Below are three clips from movies. Each has its own origins and intended purpose, and yet, each speaks to our faith. What are some of the things you have internalized that help you remember scripture or build your witness? What is it that you remember in times of trouble? What phrase is on your lips in times of joy? It may be scripture, it may be a hymn, or it might be a pop song. God uses all sorts of things to show us who God is in the world, who we are meant to be, and what our purpose is in relation to each other.
P.S. One of these will be used for my sermon Sunday.
P.P.S. Using Sister Act 2 isn't cheating. It isn't a "sacred" film. : D
