It's nice to see the Christian Church in Britain making an
effort to engage younger people in a more realistic manner than previous trendy schemes. And while the Alpha course is good, the church should do more to encourage new members at the grass-roots level. A local parish holds film nights once a month, where excerpts from a specific film are shown, along with discussion of the issues raised. And interestingly enough, although there is a Christian emphasis, the discussion generally focusses on moral and ethical dilemmas in a way that engages both secular and religious viewpoints. And before anyone gets the impression that the films selected are specifically Christian in tone, let me list some of the films recently watched, or to be watched:
- Gladiator
- Schindler's List
- The Shawshank Redemption
- American Beauty
- Brassed Off
The bottom line is that the church has to appeal to potential new members in a non-dogmatic way, allowing people to become as involved as they wish, rather than an all-or-nothing approach. And all credit to the various members of the clergy throughout the country who are making the effort.
And for the tub-thumpers I can only say "Wake up and start living in the real world."
This is so happy when you see a lot of young people priest in god.
Pool Rescreening Venice, FL