Reel
- Discussion questions (episode 19)
As Christians, sure of where we will spend
eternity, we may well identify with
·
Using a Bible dictionary, research Biblical
references to ‘death’. How does the view presented in the Bible contrast with
Burton’s version of death in The Corpse
Bride?
One reason that Elvis Jackson has difficulty
believing in God is due to the painful experiences of his past. Another barrier
to his accepting God is the fact that he is talented and has achieved success
and recognition on the football field. Consequently, he sees himself as a
‘self-made’ man who doesn’t need God.
·
Read Mark 10: 17-31. Why can it be difficult for
people who have attained worldly success, like Elvis or the rich, young man in
the passage, to receive God’s offer of salvation?
One criticism of the film is that Elvis and
Rachel begin a dating relationship towards the end of the film. Although by
this time Elvis does refer to himself as a ‘Crusader’ and has reconsidered his
position on God, it is worth considering what the Bible says about Christians
and non-Christians entering into this kind of relationship together.
·
Read 2 Corinthians 6: 12-18. What does this passage
have to say about relationships between believers and non-believers? Do you
believe that this Scripture relates to the example of Elvis and Rachel in Hometown Legend? Why / why not?
·
Even after being told of her father’s ‘death’, Sara
remains confident that he is still alive. Read Hebrews 11: 1. What relevance
does this Scripture have to The Little
Princess?
At times our attitudes towards people can be
selfishly motivated, driven by what they can do for us rather than what we can
do for them. Upon learning that Sara’s father has ‘died’, Miss Minchin’s
attitude to the young girl changes dramatically. While she had favoured Sara
when she was wealthy, Miss Minchin revokes all of Sara’s privileges and forces
her to work as a servant girl to pay off her debts.
·
Read Romans 5: 8. How does God’s love contrast with
the ‘love’ offered by Miss Minchin?