God in Films -- Religious and Nonreligious Alike

BACKYARD MOVIE THEATER

Dominic was asked to share one of his films and lead a discussion about religion in film at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Yorba Linda, California. Actually, the screening was in the spacious backyard of one of the parishioners. The evening was the second of four Friday gatherings celebrating religion and the arts.

CLOSER TO GOD?

Dominic asked people to name a favorite non-Christian religious film and to describe how it brought them closer to God. Then he asked them how a favorite Christian film has brought them closer to God. Finally, he asked how a nonreligious film has brought them closer to God.

THE BEAUTIFUL FILM

The favorite topic was the presentation of moral values, but Dominic invited those present to also consider how beauty can be an experience of God. God is present not only in Goodness, but in Beauty and Truth as well. Similarly, the Vatican's list of great films presents three categories: religious, value-laden, and artistic.

What movie, religious or nonreligious, has brought you closer to God? How? Post your answers and other comments below.