Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Life of Brian
How did you find the movie? Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree and why? Many film critics call the movie a "masterpiece." Would you agree and why? Is laughter really the best medicine in the case of this film? Why? How can this movie help in the education programs of the church? Please provide concrete examples.
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Life of Brian
Funny and hilarious! The very first scene of the movie tells something about that will be portraying in the entire length of the movie.
At the very outset, I felt it is rebellious movie against Christianity. Yes, one has the freedom to express his or her opinion but not at the expense of others. I observed nothing but a figment of human imagination. Beyond doubt, the movie intended to portray Brian to the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Well, to the writer of the movie, Jesus was Messiah by accident. The life of our Lord can not be accidental or funny as it appear in the movie. We sit back and laugh at the drama, wickedly created by some comedian. But at the second thought, I felt being ridiculed by the movie. Any elements of truths in the movie are accidental.
If I have to relate the movie to my congregation, certainly it would be to warn them of such movie. One can think of any subject critically but if our critical thinking is not guided properly, it would bring only chaotic situation. Wild imagination can be amounted to critical thinking. Every part of the movie makes fun of the early Christian. It can’t be that funny. If its true the whole Christian thing is a big joke and I don’t believed it is a great joke.
However, as a movie it is funny and hilarious. A very creative project; an attempt to bring the story happened ca 2000 years ago to the present context. For instance the ex-leper man, his only mean to earn for his food was by begging. Once he was made well, he can’t beg any longer. It is like cutting his livelihood. Since he can not identify with the leper nor with common people, his state of life hangs in nowhere. There are many among us today, who are like ex-leper. You are fine and ok but nowhere to find job! But one can see and still can seek for sustenance. Jesus made us whole so that we are open to the wider and larger opportunity.
Isang nakatatawa subalit sa kabila nito ay nagbibigay ng isang malayang kaisipan at talakayan ang buhay ni Brian,isang kalalagayan kumukwestyon sa tunay na karanas ng isang taong inakalang magiging mesiyas at inaasahang magliligtas sa mga taong nakakaranas ng iba't ibang pagsasamantala at pag alipusta. Isang presentasyon din ito kung paanung ang konteksto ng karanasan sa bagong tipan ay nabigyan ng kulay ang buhay at gawain ng Hesus na ating sinasampalatyanan, subalit ang pelikula at gumamit ng isang nagsasalarawan sa katauhan ni Brian, at nag bunga ito ng isang palaisipan, sa bahagi ng konserbatismo, ito ay isang direktang pag sira sa pananampalatayang ating kinagisnan, subalit kung papansin ang pelikulang ito ay naglahad ng isang katotohanan sa kanyang kapanahunan. naniniwala ako na marahil isang nakakatawang presentasyon, subalit ang laman ay pagpapakita ng isang kalagayang puno ng pang aapi at pagyurak sa karapatang pantao, kung kaya naghahanap ang mga tao ng isang mesiyas na inaasahang magliligtas sa lugmok ng kalagayan.
isa itong obra sa bahagi ng pagtatatag ng isang tunay na kalalagyan at pagpresenta ng kakayahan ng isang komunidad na kumilos, sa buhay ni brian, bagaman hndi niya tinatanggap ang tingin sa kanya ng tao, marahil ang gumawa ng pelikula ay na ipresenta ang tunay na kalagayan ng lipunan nuong kapanahunan sa bagong tipan, at naipakita ang pagkilos nito, bagaman kulang sa kaparaanan subalit renerekognisa ang kahalagahan ng sama samang pagkilos. At gayun din ang reaksyon ng estado ay wasakin ang pagkilos na ito, patayin ang mga taong inaakalang nagtutulak ng pagtatatag ng isang lipunan magsisilbi sa kanilang interes.
Sa pagkakataong ito, naging malaking ambag ang pelikula sa pagbawas ng pasanin ng mga seminarista, napatawa at kahit papaano ay nabawas ang stress lalo na sa mga papel na rekisito.
Sa kasalukuyan, mukhang mahirap ipanoond sa mga taong simbahan ang nasabing pelikla, una; may malalim na problema sa ating pag unawa sa pananampalataya, ang usapin sa "Huwag laitin ang Diyos", kung titingnan ito, ang pelikula ay paggaya sa buhay ni Hesus subalit sa ibang kaparanan iprenesenta at maarin itong tingnan ng negatibong pag unawa. marahil sa mga banateng iglesya maaaring matalakayan ang ibang bahagi ng pelikula at magamit sa pagmemenisteryo.
The gist of the movie was for me elaborated on the last scene which is the musical “to look at the brighter side of life” while they were hanged on the cross. Yes, the Bible is full of heavy, serious and burdensome realities. This is what we were taught. The movie suggested that we look at things the other way around. But the movie also tried to offer us some angles to ricochet and challenged us to critique, if there’d be any, on the way we look at our tradition of faith. Though the presentation in itself was full of frolicking, which on our end can buffer us to some degree of gross negligence to our belief, since frolicking is a diversion to facing a life of responsibility and devotion.
Yea, it was disturbing. Since the movie was patterned to the biblical accounts of salvation, and here is this story trying to present it with a different perspective. Just like on the part when the mob hailed Brian to be their savior, however strongly Brian refused it and evaded them for he really was not, yet they still followed him. It mortifies our belief that the reverence to Jesus was based on their own agenda of liberation from oppression and their longing to be freed from Roman government, and since Jesus can do miracles, even raised the dead, then consequently he won the patronage of the multitude so he must be the right person to fight the oppressor. The mob in the movie was actually raising someone to topple down another. So in effect whatever they found from Brian’s possession, like the sandal or the gourd, they regarded it to be holy. In other words that our faith to Jesus today might just be a blind faith since we got them from people who might have had personal agenda in their own context. Disturbing also since it was shown that Brian was just one of the prevalent “prophets” of their time speaking nonsense things, a serendipity to divert the chase of the Roman soldiers. That they just pay attention to the ones whose speeches suited their itching ears. That Jesus could have just won our trust since he had the best speeches ever heard.
Yea, they are work of art; a masterpiece. They convey their own message independently. A masterpiece reflects the idea of the artist and therefore it deserves the chance to be heard or seen. It offers insights that may not be expressed in mere words. The “Life of Brian” expressed some twists that expose the writer’s playful mind, as well as it gave us inputs relatively strange to us Asians. Sometimes what is funny to them may not be to us. Pilate’s pronunciation giggled the guards, and to us the viewers too – this was our convergence. Art indeed! Laughter, the best medicine.
The movie was good, but there must be a close supervision to the viewers and I find it irrelevant to be shown in the church setting as a teaching material for the young believers. In fact after the movie a lot of us in the seminary found it to be blasphemous, not to discount the fact that we are seminarians! But the material is very good for the adults, those who seek to deepen their faith and devotion to God. At times it helps to see the other extreme to magnify the other end. Just like to appreciate good, one must realize what is bad. To appreciate peace one has to experience trouble. Or to appreciate the gospel one has to be presented with the peril of sin. The movie deepens our faith that Jesus is not just a so-so, a just-just. He is God, the true messiah who deserves to be worshipped, to be adored. He deserves our faith.
The life of Brian
The movie entitles “life of Brian” shows another cinematographic masterpiece created by modern innovative minds which shows modified events and characters emphasizing the life of the so called “Messiah”. Spiced with comical feature, supported by “gaily” voice and partially injected with “”Messianic” account brings the movie very funny and interesting. Nevertheless, it is in the eye of every viewers on how they “icon” the very arguable movie. (Specially within the community of liberals or/and conservatives)
But on the other hand, as my own understanding is concerned, whether it is in the liberal mind or conservative mind, this movie still an agreeable a masterpiece for it activates mode of discussion to everyone especially to those people who are interrelated to theological studies like seminarians.
On the other hand, I found the movie truly builds an atmosphere of laughter very entertaining that makes creates simultaneous act of learning and enjoyment. Although, this movie possibly a hardly one to accept its content within the community of the church but a try of removing the arguable content and present the mode of source of laughter is a very beneficial in conducting educational programs of the church. In short, these will be a challenge to all educators’ mostly Christian educators on how they make the learning become interesting and enjoyable. On the other hand, educators’ improve their teaching- learning process in the church by reconstructing it like for example using computerized -comical presentations and “traditional but modernized role play” and even using the improved and adapted comic characters for teaching children.
Reflection on the Movie “The Life of Brian”
The movie is a masterpiece that effectively combines humor and reality in the realization of a just and humane society. The presence of humorous scenes lessens the impact of violence among young audiences, which might be psychologically affected, but deeply informed of the presence of malady. Most comedy movies dilute the message they intended to communicate. However, The Life of Brian clearly communicated the necessity of heroism in the midst of a troublesome society. Though Brian was accidentally appeared as the hero for the Jews due to inevitable circumstances that added humor to the story, he successfully convince himself to act as one as the closing song suggests.
In the case of this film, laughter served as the best medicine. Contrary to other comedy films, The life of Brian heals the personal dilemma of a person through laughter and bring one person into deep reflection of the society that might led into a communal action which eventually a way of healing our society from any tyrannical forces that inflict pains among people. Healing is not effective if healing will last in personal level only. It must transcend personal healing to the healing of the society. In that way laughter served as the best medicine.
The movie is teaching us the necessity of our response in the call for transforming our ailing society. The presence of a corrupt and tyrannical government in the Philippines calls the church into a level of revolution. Our situation today in the Philippines is not different with the experience of the society in the film. Therefore, the movie will help us to educate our members of our call to be catalysts of transformation. This is a major decision we have to make and it may cost our life. However, just like Brian who refuses explicitly to be the messiah, we will be making hard decision that will cause as pain but healing to others.
Ang pelikula “The Life of Brain” ay nakakaasar, nakakatuwa at thought provoking. Nakakaasar dahil sa mga hindi makatutuhanang pag-arte ng mga tauhan. Parang naging bobo lahat ang mga nagsipagganap. Pero sa kabilang banda naman naiisipko rin na ganoong nga talaga ang pagganap ng mga kumedyante. Kung hindi lang ito requirement sa klasse at kung hindi ko iniisip kung ano ang aral na pwede nitong dulot sigurado hindi ko natapos ito. Nakakatuwa dahil ang mga bagay na inaasahan kong mangyari o susunod sa isang scene ay hindi nangyari. Nakakatuwa din yong hindi makabigkas ng “R” kaya pinapalit sa “w” at yong hindi maganda ang pandinig. Thought provoking dahil iniisipko paano nga kaya talaga kung napagkamalan lang ang Messiah? Paano kaya kung ang lahat ng iniisip natin ngayon tungkol kay Hesus ay pawing bunga ng mga pagkakamali? Kung ganoong ang mangyayari pwede ding maging messiah si bhuda, si Muhamad at yong ibang founder ng ibang religion.
Para sa akin ang pelikulang ito ay hindi nakakagulo/disturbing sa aking pananampalataya o sa aking relihiyon. Maliban lang sa pag-iisipko sa mga ilang bagay tulad sa nabanggitko sa unang talata. Wala akong nakikitang dahil para guluhin nito ang aking paniniwala at relihiyon. Ang pelikulang ito ekspresyon lamang ng mga gumawa. At tunay ngang napakagaling nila dahil nakagawa sila ng kakaiba, nag eexercise sa isip ng mga tao para mas lalo nilang kilalanin ang kanilang pananampalataya sa kanilang Panginoon.
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung karapatdapat bang sabihing isang “master pieces” ang pelikulang ito. Una, hindi ako magaling na kritiko ng pelikula. Wala akong alam sa batayan sa pagturing ng master piece na pelikula. At wala rin akong alam sa mga dahilan ng mga kritiko kung bakit nila nasasabing master piece nga ang pelikulang ito. Napanuodko lang minsan ang pelikula. Wala ring binigay ang facilitator ng klasse na ano mang babasahin tungkol sa pelikulang ito. Pangalawa, hindi ako mahilig sa mga nakakatawang pelikula. Tulad noong nabanggitko sa una, kung hindi ko lang iniisip na parte ng klasse ang panunuod nito at kung hindi ko iniisip kung ano ang pweding aral ng pelikula sa BS method and Curriculum sigurado hindi ko natapos panuurin ito.
Sa buhay ni Brian,ang pagtatawa ay maaaring pinakamabisang sulosyon at maari ding hindi. Noong nahuli si Brian ng mga sondalong Romano dahil sa tangkang pagdukot sa asawa ni Pelato, nakawala/nakatakas siya dahil sa pagtawa ng mga guardia. Noong tinatanong ni Pelato ang mga tao kung sino ang palalayain niya sa mga bihag bilang pagtugon niya sa tradisyong sa araw ng fiesta dapat may isang pinapalaya, dahil sa pagtatawa ng mga tao nabigyang pagkakataon ulit na makalaya si Brain. Dito masasabi kong napakabisang sulosyon ang pagtawa, pero sa kabilang banda namana y ang mga sum usunod. Ang problema sa paglaya sana ni Brain, dahil sa katawa-tawang ginawa ng mga sundalo ang nagpanggap na brian ang napalaya. Hindi ang tunay na Brian. Nakakatawa din ang pagsulpot ng mga kasamahan ni brain sa Judean Peoples front, ang kanyang nanay at ang kanyang kasintahan pero hindi ito nakatulong kay brain.
Sa palagayko, makakatulong ang pelikulang ito sa pagtuturo sa simbahan sa pagsiyasat sa kanilang pananampalataya. Magandang ipalabas ito sa simbahan. Pagkatappos ng palabas tatanungin ang mga nanuod, paano kung ang Kristo na ating sinasamba ngayon ay hindi ang tunay na sinugo ng Diyos? Paano kung si Muhamad o ang ibang founder ng ibang relihioyon ang tunay na sugo ng Diyos? Paano kung ang napako sa krus ni Hesus ay hindi si Hesus, tulad sa nangyari sa isang napaku sa krus dahil sa kagustuhan niyang tumulong sa isang bilanggo? Paano kung hindi namatay si Hesus sa Krus dahil iniligtas siya ng kanyang mga kasamanhan? Ano mangyayari sayo? Ano ang gagawin mo? Magbabago ba ang paniniwala at buhay mo? Paano kung sabihin sayo ni Hesus na, “oo ako ang Kristo! Subalit panapakiusap ko sa inyo, ‘huwag niyo akong sundan. Umuwi na kayo at gawin ninyong maayos kung ano man ang mga ginagawa ninyo sa buhay (mine your own business).’ Ano ang gagawin mo? At bakit? Sa akin napakahalagang pag-usapan ang mga ito sa usapin ng paniniwala kay Kristo.
jonathan E. gabuay
bre-v
isang koment,
as in nakatuwa,, hehehe
nabigla ako nung una kasi may pagka "blasphemous" ika nga, subalit ng tumagaltagal pa ng panonood ay napagtanto ko ang isang obrang pelikula.
si BRIAN ay isang halimbawa ng isang sugo na itinatanggi ang kanyang pagiging sugo. naging isa siyang "accidental spy" na nahuli. pinagkamalan ng mga tao bilang isang mangangaral, sa kahulihulihan isinalang sa krus na hindi niya nakamit ang katarungan bilang isang taong pinagkaisahan ng marami.
mapapansin sa pelikula ang "conspiracy" ng iilan upang matupad ang kanilang plano para sa kanilang hugpo kahit na may ibang tao na masakripisyo.
hindi ko lubos na maisip kung paano ko mapagkukunan ng aral ang pelikula para magamit sa iglesiya. isa lang, 'lahat ng masasamang pangyayari sa buhay ng tao ay nakalulungkot, ngunit sabi pa nga ng pelikula sa huli "look at the bright side of life"
The life of Brian
The movie entitles “life of Brian” shows a flim created by modern comedian which shows modified events and characters emphasizing the life of the so called “Messiah”. It was really a funny and ridiculous movie that tells something about portraying in the entire length of the movie.
Yes! The movie was disturbing. I felt it is rebellious and ridiculous movie which against Christianity. Of course, one has the freedom to express his or her opinion but not at the expense of others. Beyond doubt, the movie intended to portray Brian to the life of our dear Lord Jesus Christ. Well, to the writer of the movie, Jesus was Messiah by accident. The life of our Lord can not be accidental or funny as it appear in the movie. The movie was patterned to the biblical accounts of salvation, and here is this story trying to present it with a different perspective. Just like on the part when the mob hailed Brian to be their savior, however strongly Brian refused it, yet they still followed him. The basis is on their own agenda of liberation from oppression and their longing to be freed from Roman government The movie with laughing, wickedly created by some comedian. Moreover in the case of this film, laughter served as the best medicine. Contrary to other comedy films, The life of Brian heals the personal dilemma of a person through laughter and bring one person into deep reflection of the society that might led into a communal action which eventually a way of healing our society from any tyrannical forces that inflict pains among people. H
The movie was good, but there must be a close supervision to the viewers and I find it irrelevant to be shown in the church setting as a teaching material for the young believers. For the education programs of the church, I will use the movie as a warning to the congregation, because it will definitely gives a negative effect on their faith in God. In fact after the movie a lot of us in the seminary found it to be blasphemous, not to discount the fact that we are seminarians! But the material is some how good for the adults, those who seek to deepen their faith and devotion to God. Other wise one can think of any subject critically but if our critical thinking is not guided properly, it would bring only chaotic situation. Wild imagination can be amounted to critical thinking. Every part of the movie makes fun of the early Christian. It can’t be that funny. If its true the whole Christian thing is a big joke and I don’t believed it is a great joke. Of course the movie deepens our faith that Jesus is not just a so-so, a just-just. He is God, the true messiah who deserves to be worshipped, to be adored. He deserves our faith.
“Life of Brian”
"Blessed are the cheesemakers," a wise man once said, or maybe not. But the point is Monty Python's Life of Brian is a religious satire that does not target specific religions or religious leaders (like, say, Jesus of Nazareth). Instead, it pokes fun at the mindless and fanatical among their followers--it's an attack on religious zealotry and hypocrisy--things that that fellow from Nazareth didn't particularly care for either. Brian is mistaken for the messiah and therefore manipulated, abused, and exploited by various religious and political factions. Particularly memorable bits include the bitter rivalry between the anti-Roman resistance groups, the Judean People's Front and the People's Front of Judea; risible Pontius Pilate; Brian urging a throng of false-idol worshippers to think for themselves "Yes, we must think for ourselves!"; the fact that everything Brian does, including losing his sandal in an attempt to flee is interpreted as "a sign." Life of Brian is not only one of Monty Python's funniest achievements; it is also the group's sharpest and smartest sustained satire.
This movie is often decried for being blasphemous. And yes it is right that it should not be seen by every Christian, as it so darkens Christian history. But it is good in a supremely enjoyable and funny manner making it, along with Princess Bride, the top comedy ever. There is a say that “Laugh” is a good “medicine” for “vitamin”, I hope it could reach a person for that purpose. Politically, there is nothing offensive in this movie. Here we get to learn why there are so many splits in the church, as people in the very beginning follow the holy shoe or the holy cloak. Or the fight that breaks out in the first scene of the movie over whether, when Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers," he meant cheese-makers or everyone in the cheese-making industry. How can one not see here a reflection of Christian misinterpretation and subsequent divisions through the ages? In truth, I know of no other work that in such a light-hearted manner shows me truly the church is now perverted.
By: Van Nawl
M. Div Senior
The life of Brian..ewan ko kung blasphemy kung ihalintulad ko si Brian kay Jesus sapagkat ito naman ang nakitang kong tema ng penikula.una pareho silang hero sa tingin ng mga tao, sinusudan pinakikinggan at higit sa lahat ay hinahangaan. subalit may isa akong napansin, at sa tingin ko ito ay realidad sa buhay, ordinaryong tao man o pastor o professor sa unibersidad o seminaryo.
ang tinutukoy ko ay ang salitang interpretasyon o interpretation sa Ingles Crucial po to sa pagkat sa lahat ata ng bagay ay may roon tayong interpretasyon. Say for example interpretasyon sa sinabi ng iba, interpretasyon sa text, interpretasyon sa kilos, sa church natin mahilig din tayo sa interpretasyon lalo na sa biblia interpretasyon sa ministry kaya nga meron tayong interpretative dance etc.
sa katunayan ang ating mga prisipyo, paniniwala at ipinaglalaban at lahat ng ating gawa ay bunga ng ating pagka interpret sa mga bagay na nabanggit ko na,.. ngunit sa totoo lang hindi natin ganap na nakikilala kung ano ba talaga ang ibig ipakahulugan ng ating kapwa sa kanyang sinasabi o ginagawa, kahit na sabihin nating sya’y kilalang kilala natin. Sa mga mag asawa maraming interpretasyon pag sinabi ng asawa mong “mahal kita” pero ano doon ang tamang interparetasyon.. sa huli ang interpretasyon ay interpretasyon….
In the movie parang ipinakikita na mali ang interpretasyon ng mga tao kay brian..at ang resulta ay panganib (bagamat tumingin sila sa bright side.hehehe) sa history dahil din sa hindi wastong interpretasyon kay Martin Lutero kaya nagsimula and peasant war sa Wittenberg at marami ang namatay..
Sa Huli gusto kong sabihin totoo na kumikilos tayo base sa ating interpretasyon kung kaya may kalayaan tayong sundin ang inaakala nating wastong interpretasyon..gayon pa man..ang life of brian ay nagsilbing paalala sa akin ng panganib ng maling interparetasyon. Sino ang mag sasabi na tama o mali ang isang interparetasyon ng Biblia? Ang sagot ko ay Pananampalataya . Pananampalataya sa sinalita, at sa ginagawa Dios na narararnasan natin sa ating mga buhay.
THE LIFE OF BRIAN
Submitted by:
ERLINDA U. LAYNO
M.Div. Student Senior
Submitted to:
Rev. Revelation Velunta
Prof. Lizette G. Tapia-Raquel
The movie was down to earth projection of reality to escape from the agony, pain and crucifixion that man encounter in his/her life through…laughter.
I found also this movie quite disturbing because of such actual role playing of a homosexual gay, as a mother who gave birth to a boy called BRIAN like Virgin Mary who gave birth to JESUS.
The first scene was taken like the scene of birth of Jesus Christ in a manger at Nazareth Galilee, there was also Three Kings who looked for the child who according the sign of a big Star they will find the Christ and worship him. The boy grew and claim and proud to be a son of a Roman Army Centurion. He knows also that his father was Maximus Cohen – a Centurion Army. In doing a good movie there must be a Metaphor of the birth , persecuted and crucified except the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As for me , the twist of the story to the impossible saving of the little Brian by an Alien Space and turn to a young adult quite impossible which the audience like me who seen this movie turn to a n hilarious laughter.
Some movie critic called it a masterpiece because it suited and answer some enigma of current issue now about SENSUALITY issue. For me I called this movie and ART of struggle of a man . The man projects the nudity of man and woman infront of ones eyes or to the mob of crowds , in this scene I feel mixed emotion of shame and laughter.
Whereas, this movie even the sharing of the Word of God Brian accidentally, the writer of this Movie turn sufferings , humiliation, persecution to a laughter scene. This movie became easy to accept because of projecting the movie in a comedy touch.
Yes , for me I affirmed that “ Laughter is the best medicine. In this movie their were many nonsense sacrifices like the Self massacre of the Judean People Front Army such a waste of life. Even the twist of love and loyalty of JUDITH the woman who loves Brian even his Homosexual Gay Mother who in the end of the movie turn back against Brian they both told that its Gods will that Brian should be crucified and sacrificed his life.
But the end of this movie I like very much because even they were in state of agony of being Crucified like the OLD MAN that was hang inside the jail for so long was only hang inside according to him he likes to be sentenced of crucifixion in the cross that’s why he told Brian he envy him. Even the man in his right side during the crucifixion he told that they will always look for a better side view of life. The song and the whisle enlightened the movie in the end for me even you are crucified in Christ you can experienced joy in your heart even on the time of his / her crucifixion in the midst, trials & persecution through faith in JESUS-CHRIST a Brian who live in this WORLD!
SUBMITTED BY: ERLINDA U. LAYNO Bible Study and Curriculum Devt
M/Div. Senior
“ UNFORGIVEN “
This film reflects to an unforgiven past experiences of the main characters which leads to plot of killings and revenge. Despite of these there was also faithfulness which overpower all these unforgiven past .
I. Who among the characters did you identify with and why?
I was identify with Claudia because I believed that a woman can cure or help a man she loves most to become a good and better person. Matt.I3:33 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough” It is the yeast message or the faith of a woman who has a great impact in others life especially those whom you love and loves you also.
2. The film mirrors a reality that a woman can create more violence than man or can influence others more than man. Even they were demoralized, downtrodden, rejected , marginalized by men, they can take violent revenge like a murder to what injustice done to them. In this film they help each other to hurdle money to pay for the killer who slash Delilah the woman. Even this days it was a reality that man overpowered woman but in the end a woman always triumphantly released from her misery and sufferings like Delilah she laugh for the goodness and care of her friends given to her.
In woman’s weakness and frailty she can influence man. In the case of Will even Claudia was dead still he become faithful to her in reverse to Ned he was unfaithful to his wife, he went with Will and uses a woman in the bar. In the end he change his mind not to go with Will but it was too late . When he departed alone he was chased by the cowboys and gave to Little Bill and whip him up to hisdeath.
3. The film has ben called a parable because this film in the end and in the beginning woman was included in the misery, struggle, the one who was slashed in the face laughs when she feels the love and concern of her friend. And even in the end Will visited again his wife tomb and if Claudia was alive or seen in the scene she laughs also for the faithfulness of her husband to her and their children.
4. What key themessage resonate in the films?
“ Unforgiven past and persons blotted by faithfulness and love “
5. What theological/religious /biblical/images/metaphors does the film conjure up to you.
Theologically God always forgives Matt.I8:2I Then Peter asked Jesus how often a brothers wrongs him forgave Jesus said seventy times seven times. The laugh of a woman like God in the end God has the last laugh. If Claudia live she also laughs because her husband remains faithful to her and their children.. On the last epilogue of the film said that Will prospered and live with her two c
who transforms his life in a good man and a father.
Submitted to
Prof. Revelation Velunta
Prof. Lizette Tapia-Raquel
Submitted by:
Erlinda Ulanday-Layno
M/Div.Student,Senior
1.1 Tenants in the vineyard (Matthew 21.33-45, Mark 12. 1-12, and Luke 20,9-19)
This parable tells about the evil farmers or the tenants, for me the Pastor or the leaders on this parable were the tenants or the farmers. If I will be the farmer or tenant in the community which I have been serving now, I will not follow what the evil farmers did in this story. As a farmer the land we till or nurture, the landowner was God, so we will be accountable to whatever we did to other servants of God He send to ask what are the fruits or what happen to all people we are pasturing and caring. .
As a farmer or the Worker who serve the Lord this challenge me more to take care, nurture and serve the people whom God gave me to teach and serve. The soil or land represents the hearts of those who truly accepts God’s message
And to the peasant farmers who have been dispossessed of their land and
have to worked under unjust tenant systems a reality in our Agrarian Reform Law
Hindi nangyayari ang tunay na nakasaad sa ating mga Reform Law. Laluna pa nga
sinisikil sila nang mga Haciendero o mga taong nag-mamayari ng lupa, bukod
sa nangangamkam o nag-aagaw pa sila sa mga walang kakayahang ipagtanggol ang
kanilang karapatan bilang mga nag-mamayari ng lupa.
Katumbas ito ng kakayahan din natin bilang mga magsasaka ng Diyos
na mamahayag at magmartsa sa mga kinauukulang mga tao para ipagtanggol ang ka-
rapatan nang mga mahihirap at sinisikil na kinabibilangan ng masang inaalipin ng
mapang-aping mga maykapangyarihan na sila sana ang mgbigay nang katarungan
sa mga mahihirap bagkus sila pa ang naninikil at binigyan sila ng babala dito ng
Diyos ang nag-mamayari ng lupa.
1.2 Workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20.1-16
Messages and challenges for me on this parable was that , in God’s grace there was a uniform and the same amount of love, salvation given to the one who work and hired for his vineyard or to the communities we serve whatever time we accept and serve the Lord God.
Thus this parable will also empower those who were only daily wage earners who have no security and whose families have to face the treat of starvation each day. God was so kind that knows what to do for the money or blessings He wants to give to his workers“
2.1. “The Fall” (Genesis 3)
Open: If you are in the scenes who do you think the cause of the fall?
Dig : Who were the cause of the fall of man.
Reflection Who was the champion redeemer of the stories
Evil –the sender----object –the fruit----receiver-woman
Evil-the opponent—Subject-woman—helper - Man
In this story the man was the one to be responsible to fall.. Gen. 2:16 And the Lord God commanded to the man. You are free to eat from any tree in the garden. 17. but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for when you eat of it you will surely die.. Man was only the one created, woman was not yet in the scene, so the man for me should tell the woman the consequences of eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge.
The champion redeemer of the stories was the woman because she was the brave one who teach the man to know the good or evil and they were not innocent enough even a bad or evil hissed them. They can select what is good or bad.
2.2 RUTH the MOABITE WIDOW
Open : Even you are not part of the plan of God can you still
follow God?
Dig : What God reward Ruth for being faithful and kind to her
Mother in law?
Reflection :Who was the champion redeemer of the story?
Theme: Even in times of crisis and despair. God abundantly blesses who live according to his plans. The fundamental human values of love, faith, trust and goodness are greater than the hatred and violence of men, and they continue from generation to generation as a light to guide those who look for the true meaning of life.
Dig. God rewarded her faithfulness and kindness to her mother-in-law by providing for Ruth’s physical needs. As Ruth went out to get food, she came upon a field where the owner allowed her to gather as much leftover grain as she needed.
Reflection: God’s provision did not stop at Ruth physical needs. God continued to show his faithful love to Ruth and to her husband Boaz by honoring them through their descendants, among whom were King David and hundreds of years later, Jesus Christ.
Life of Brian Reflection by: Sonny T. San PedroHow did you find the movie? The movie is slightly a farcical movie, entertaining, and full of wisdom from the writer and director, the scenes were not predictable yet it depict the historical and classical life of an ordinary and not known man turned into an extraordinary and most influential figure.Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree and why? I do not agree that the movie is disturbing, because the movie is not a replacement to what is really happening to us not even a substitute to a belief system that gives comfort to most of traditional and conservative group of people, it is a single face of many faces of life that happens to other people, sometimes it is happening to us, if Jacky Chan is the Accidental SPY (one of his movie), then some pastors who become bishops or District Superintendents are also accidents. I would also suggest an additional to what Sai-Baba (Indian self declared messiah) say about Life, he said that: “life is a game, play it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is dream, realized it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a love, enjoy it. Life is a sacrifice, offer it. Then I would like to add this one, “Life is an accident, beware…”Many film critics call the movie a "masterpiece." Would you agree and why? Psychology regards humor as one kind of intelligence, from this point of view; I would say that the movie is indeed a masterpiece on its own. For me, as an amateur writer, the hardest kind of script to develop is a comedy, why? That is because, almost a lot of people is a comedian or comedienne and a script writer of their own comedy skit while they were with their friends and loved ones, making romance with them, what I mean is that, for a comedy script to be successful, it must be original, not familiar jokes, moves and images, try to imagine, how can you do that? Creating something new, while the time you are creating somebody creating also a new jokes or silly thing. Writing a comedy skit is just like do racing in a fast lane. If they says that leaders were not born, rather they were made, I would say that comedy writers were inborn not made and cannot be made. Film critics are artists, artist are weird, writers are weird too, and also they are artists, therefore, a judgment from artists, given to another artist is absolutely incredible and great. Is laughter really the best medicine in the case of this film? Why? I believed that people must discover to have joy instead of happiness; first the two were different in spelling and syllables but in principle and level they have big difference, happiness is based on happening, if the happenings are not favorable, we cannot be happy, but Joy is the love that inspire people, to taste the life sweetly, it is a hope that inspire them to be still and firm, for everything has end, and it is the faith that helping the people to see beyond our today, a power to motivate people to be brave and the power to create acceptance and inward triumph in us. Joy is unbearable. In the case of the film, laughter is the best medicines when things is seeming contradictory to you, then while laughing your selves will be regenerated and later, since the pain doesn’t contaminated you because of laughing, your decision to be made will become more wisely and smart. Laughing creates defeat in the mind of your opponents; they will realize that as long as you can laugh in the midst of destruction they made, you show how powerful you are and how weak they are.How can this movie help in the education programs of the church? Please provide concrete examples.Church people are hoping people, hoping is positive not a defeat sign, it is a direction of winning and not an end of loosing. We should always remember as church people, that the story of our faith in Jesus Christ is not the cross of sorrowful Friday, but rather the empty tomb of celebrative Sunday. Church programs most of the time are starting from deficit and zero balance financial journal, but it is looking towards Matthew 6:33.We never lose hope as Christians, therefore we must never stop laughing and hoping.
NAKAKAISTURBO SIYA!!!
Ang pelikulang “The Life of Brian” ay talagang nakakaisturbo sa isipan ng mga taong hindi makasakay sa isang Comedy Movie. Nabasa ko ang ibang comment ng aking mga butihing ka-eskuwela sa blog patungkol dito at labis akong sumang-ayon sa kanila. Subalit dapat din namang tingnan ang agenda at genre ng pelikulang ito bago husgahan. Masyado kasi nilang ‘kinareer’ at sineryoso ang isang katawa-tawang pelikula. Well siyempre nakakaoffend nga naman ito sa mga Christians pero dapat ba itong ipanood sa church context? Siyempre hindi! Unless na lang kung gusto mong mabato ng mga meiyembro mo ,e di sige gawin mo at your expense. At kung gusto mong mahati ang mga miyembro e di sige ipanood mo pa din. Kung naniniwala ang mga pastor na immature ang mga miyembro nila, e bakit nila ipapanood ang pelikulang pang matured at intellectual lamang na gaya natin? Naks. Joke lang. Anyway, ang film na ito ay isang masterpiece. Bakit? Dahil una ito ay kakaiba at sumasalungat sa norm, pangalawa, unpredictable ang mga eksena although may idea ka na medyo Bible set-up kuno, pangatlo, ang “The Life of Brian” ay sumasalamin sa kakengkoyan ng buhay Kristiyano na kung tutuusin Chrsitian life is indeed funny. Kadadaming mga Kristiayano na matuwid kuno at committed sa turo ni Hesus pero ang totoo kakaunti lang naman ang nakakatupad. ‘Di ba katawa-tawa naman gaya ng Judah’s People’s Front na kunwari kakampi si Brian na ‘mesias’ nila kuno, pero katakot-takot na seremonyas muna bago tingnan ang kaniyang kalagayan at siya ay ayudahin? Higit sa lahat ang buhay Kristiayano ay katawa-tawa dahil sa ating pananampalataya na kahit na anumang dumating na mga pag-usig at pagsubok ay buhay pa din tayo at nakatindig. Ika nga sa movie, “Just look at the bright side of life” With matching sipol sipol pa.
Sa totoo lang hindi mo talaga pwedeng ipanood sa church ito. Pwede siguro sa isang pajama party ng mga youth o sa isang good time party ng mga kalalakihan but not in church context na may LCD projection pa na para bang film showing sa eveangelistic night. That’s a big No- no kapatid unless na lang kung gusto mong icondemn gaya ni Brian!
Sa aking reflection. ang nakita kong moral lesson dito ay ang kasalukuyang kalagayan natin na madami tayong “messiah” sa ating buhay ngunit bukod tanging si Hesus ang ultimate realization at revelation nito. Ito ay nakatala sa Bible almost 360 times, at milyones na tao ang magpapatunay niyan. OO pwede mong sabihin na ang mesias mo ay si Tatay si Nanay, si Buddha, si Nobya,si FPJ si Brian, o sino pa man subalit si Hesus lamang ang bukod tanging nakatupad ng hula at pinaka-malapit sa sa requirement sa pagiiging “anointed one” Kaya nga lagi siyang ki no-quote ng mga scholar kahit na anti Bible sila. Kasi nga unknowingly sa kanila, si Hesus ang “Wisdom of God” kaya madalas siyang binabanggit at tinutularan pa nga.
Ang pelikula ay maganda lalo na kung open-minded ang manood. Pero kung hindi bukas ang ispian ng viewer, humanda ang pelikulang ito sa kritisismo at panunuya. Actually kung serious movie ito at drama ang genre, pwede siyang pang Oscar kasi medyo malalim siya at unpredictable. ‘
Joselito G. Ibanez
M.Div. Senior
My reflection paper in the film entitled “The life of Brian”
Ang Pelikulang ito ay may kakaibang uri ng presentasyon at may pagka-reyalistiko ang paglalahad sapamamagitan ng pagpapatawa. Halos at ang kalimitan nating mapapanood at mababasang mga kwento ay ayon na sa kinasanayan natin sa pamamagitan ng magkahalong expresyon ng kwento na, 1. may kaseryusuhan, 2. madrama, 3.maaksyon, at may 4.kunting patawa.
Ngunit sa pelikulang ito ang lahat ay sa pamamagitan ng patawang kaparaanan ngunit naglalahad ito ng mga posibleng totoong nangyari na kabahagi ng kanilang buhay, ng kanilang paniniwala/pananampalataya at ng kanilang kasaysayan.
Sa aking pagtingin at pag-aanalisa epektibo rin ang ganitong uri ng pagsasabuhay o presentasyon at pagsasabi ng kasaysayan upang mas madali nating maunawaan ang mga partikular at mahahalagang isyu na nais ipinapahayag sa atin, katulad ng mga (ERAP JOKE) at mga kwentong barbero, ito ay madaling mapapag-usapan ng karamihan (kunmunidad) dahil sa patok-na patok ito sa panlasa ng karamihan. Ito ay isang bagong istilo ng pagpapahayag ng kasaysayan at damdamin patungkol sa tutuong nangyayari. Ang kaparaanang ito sa kabila ng naaaliw ang manunood , madaling namang maramdaman at maunawaan ang toong mensahe na sumasalamin sa reyalidad ng buhay.
Life of Brian
In my point of view, the movie is a comedy film with a deeper meaning and set a challenge for all of us.
It is disturbing for those for those who are expecting that nobody in the elite or in the household will be harmed. Those people in power are securing their power. It is not alarming but it is challenging film for me to respond and fight for the wrong doings of an empire or a certain leader.
This movie is a masterpiece in the sense that it is made creatively with commonness, and mediocre. It is really a movie challenging the belief of the church about Jesus the Messiah, although some parts of the movie has an optimistic view of life even at the gate of death. On the track, there are so many lessons from this movie and this is what I appreciate.
This movie shows the life of Jesus the Messiah when he rejects the wrong doings of the Roman Empire.
It is helpful for the educational programs of the church in order to pursue the personal and social teaching of the church and the two are inseparable. I appreciate that the members should be aware what is happening in our society, in my town there are so many issues to be addressed. One concrete example that I can give is the teaching of Jesus as the Messiah that most of his teachings, healings and preaching were done outside the temple specifically on the streets where he encounters the marginalized and the outcast, he also rejects the greedy leader of the empire.
This movie provides deeper understanding on what is happening in our society and so, let us support and encourage one another. Let not the darkness around overcome its light. Instead, let it shine like a beacon on a hill.
The Life of Brian, ito ay isang pinikula na ipinakita ang parallel na buhay ni Jesus, ginamit si Brian upang ilihis bagamat maari rin itong reyalidad sa kanyang kapanahunan, sa panahon ng paghahari ni pilato na ang basehan ay kapangyarihan hindi ang matibay na relasyon sa kapwa..marahil ito sa pagtingen ng iba ay paglapastangan sa buhay ni Jesus, sapagkat iyon na ang kanilang tinanggap na turo na si Jesus ay seryusong mesiyas o Diyos, dito sa tagpong ito si Brian ay inaanak ng isang lalaki at ang kanyang ina ay lalaki, at ang pagkakamali ng mga nag alay ng mga elemento kaya't binawi ulet...isang kakatuwang pinikula subalit may malalim ng nais iparating, hindi ito malayo sa reyalidad na buhay, marahil nagpapaabot ito ng pagtalima sa kinahinatnan ng mga parusa sa mga hudyo na pagpako sa krus dahil sa paniniwala na si Jesus ay isang Messiah, subalit dito ay sinasabi niyang hindi siya ang Messiah, dahil sa paghahanap ng mga tao na tutugong sa kanilang mga kalagayan at karanasan sa kamay ng mga Roman soldier at Roman Empire, Para sa akin napaganda ng pilikulang ito maaring maraming umaayaaw subalit para sa akin ito ay direktang patama sa mga nang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, isinalin sa katatawanan para ikuble ang tunay na nais iparating, sa ating bilang mga mananampalataya kailangan nating ang masuring pagtuklas sa mga bagay sa ating kapaligiran lalo na sa mga natatanggap nating mga turo, ito man ay luma at bago, kailangan natin mag-isip ng mas malalim..
Sa unang eksena, ang pelikula ay gamot sa sumasakit na ulo dala ng mga problema sa sarili, sa pag-aaral, sa kapaligiran at sa lipunan man. Nakatulong sa paggaan ng pasanin kahit sa sandali man lang. Sa sandaling oras ay lahat napatawa ng “buhay ni brian”. May mga nagbigay komento na ang “Buhay ni Brian” ay nakakaistorbo para sa akin, hindi ako naistorbo at di man lang nayanig ang aking pananampalataya. Ang taong mulat at bukas ay nais pang makatuklas ng mga bagong kaalaman para madagdagan ang teolohiya. Nakatulong ito sa akin na tayo ay huwag makiayon sa agos o takbo ng mga tao bagkus magkaroon sana tayo ng pansariling kamulatan at pananaliksik.
Sa unang tingin blasphemous dahil sa pagsigaw ng mga tao na “hosanna to the highest”, “blessed be the name of the Lord” at marami pang iba. Ipinapakita lamang ng pelikula na kung meron bang patutunguhan an gating mga pinag-aaralan. Kung marunong na ba tayong timbangin ang “other side of life”.
Masasabing obra o masterpiece ang pelikula dahil sa pagsuway o pagyanig ni Brian sa empiryo ng roman. Brian stunned the boat. Sa programang edukasyon ng simbahan ay isang magandang resources ito, malalaman natin kung gaano na kalalim ang kanilang pananampalatataya. Hamon ang pelikulang ito para masukat natin kung gaano na natin kakilala si Jesus bilang Messiah. Baka tayo rin ay isang huwad na nakikiayon lamang sa takbo ng panahon at walang sariling paninindigan at paniniwala.
“THE LIFE OF BRIAN”
A Movie Reflection by Norlie R. Vilog
I find this as a good movie for entertainment. This is a humorous or comic movie, a joke version with parallelism to the biblical story of the life of Jesus the Messiah. Although personally it is not disturbing for me with regards to my faith in Jesus Christ the Messiah and it doesn’t affect my perception to the authenticity of the Biblical references to Him, I am so much aware and concern to the possible reactions of the church members if they watch this movie. I am sure it will be disturbing to most of them. Whether they ask questions like, “what if the misinterpretation of the crowd to Brian that he is the messiah is also true in the life of Jesus the Messiah?” or, they absolutely treat the movie as blaspheme to the story of Jesus of Nazareth.
This movie is a masterpiece in the sense that it is made creatively with uniqueness, vivaciousness and comical. It is really a movie challenging the belief of the church about Jesus the Messiah, although some parts of the movie has an optimistic view of life even at the gate of death. Of course, there are positive side and lessons from this movie and this is what I appreciate.
Honestly, I am not sure if this movie can help in the education programs of the church, because I feel not to recommend this movie to be watched by the church members. I really don’t like them to be disturbed by such kind of movie. It is better for me to give them other resources more educational than this movie. But if ever some church members already watched this movie and ask questions to me about this, it is the only time for me to entertain their questions or inquiry.
This movie is just a good study material for seminarians and theologians for reflection and looking back on the other possibilities on the life of Jesus for wider Biblical interpretations and analysis…
This is a movie full of laughter but not medicinal for Christians because it infuriates the minds and hearts of the believers.
Reflection on the Movie: Life of Brian
I have watched this movie twice and I find it humorous. Full of humor all through out the story. Sa simula palang ng kwento ay hindi ka na maboboring dahil kahit yung theme song at pagpapakilala sa casts eh talaga namang nakakatawa. Isang pagsasalarawan ng panahon ni Jesus sa isang pinagaang kalagayan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatawa. The main character named Brian seems to be the only “not-so abnormal person” in his time. I can’t imagine people acting so stupid… Lalo na yung leper na dahil sa gumaling ay nagkaron pa ng regret sa pagkawala ng kabuhayan niya. Parang kasalanan pa ni Jesus kung bakit siya gumaling. Imagine nalang if people have no sense of gratitude? Kakainis actually… hindi ako nadisturb ng film per se but maybe on how life seems so unfair with people; if we will live in the world full of humor. I imagine myself living with that kind of situation; living in the midst of psychopathic people. Mahirap mapagkamalang Messiah. May masabi ka lang na konti, babatuhin ka na at tataguriang heretic! (hehehehe) =)
Parang napaka dull at patay na patay ng scenario. Magulo at parang hindi naliligo ang mga tao. Bukod dun, di mo rin makausap ng matino. Lahat ay tila lumaglag ang isip sa kawalan. They have no respect with their government, in fact they were laughing on a certain issue which need their power and decision as people at lahat ay ginawang joke. Marahil pati mga serious crimes will be taken so lightly. If sa Philippine context ito, medyo applicable dahil masayahin tayong mga Pilipino kahit sa gitna ng problema at krisis. Pero hindi siguro sa ganitong extent. May part na ang laughter ay nakakagamot, at may time na nakakasama kapag wala sa hulog ang paggamit.
Pati yung crucifixion, nakakaawa na basta ka nalang isasalpak sa krus at magjojoke ka uli before mamatay. “Look at the brighter side of life/death”… Kung ganito lahat ng tao, siguro wala ng kalungkutan at lahat ay masayang haharapin ang kamatayan kahit sa paano pang paraan ito. Pati seryosong usapin sa lipunan at katiwalian ay tatawanan nalang din. You will laugh at the struggles of people who were looking for “somebody” to follow and that will lead them to the right path. Maraming tao ang hindi malaman ang dapat paniwalaan. In reality, there are issues in our society even in our daily lives na tinatawanan lang natin just to escape from the truth of fear and threat. Parang conversion of fear to happiness.
If we will look at the bright side of the film, ang humor ay talagang the best medicine especially sa mga depressed people. But not in the case of this film. Naisip ko nga na what if ganun ang setting sa panahon ni Jesus, parang na less ang terror at hindi masyadong bloody and kapaligiran. May mga part lang na napaka unrealistic. Others would say that it was a very disturbing movie, but for me as long as you are rooted with what you believe about Jesus, gaano man ka humorous isalarawan ang panahon niya, hindi ka kaagad mababahala. Hindi ko lang din maintindihan kung ano ang tumakbo sa isip ng gumawa ng film na ito at sa dinami dami ng uri ng pagpapatawa na pwedeng gawin ay patungkol sa “sacred humor”. I’m wondering if God will also laugh if He’ll watch this movie.
Personally, my conviction as a Pastor, I will not allow or recommend this film as a medium for education program of the church. Masyadong mataas ang paggalang at papapahalaga ng mga church people sa sacred things. I think if they will watch this film, they will think na blasphemy ito o they will ask the Pastor sa purpose ng panonood nito. (kaya, kung gagawin man ito sa simbahan, mag-ipon na ng maraming paliwanag at just reflection).
We have to consider the spiritual maturity ng miyembro. Hindi lamang basta mag- insist ng gusto natin dahil we find it liberating. . .
the life of Brian is interesting, funny at some instance nakakinis jeje it is disturbing to those people whom are confined within their own biases and those who are bound by their known tradition of Christ,yes i will for them to exercise their own reason and destroy their biases and be free of statous qou yes of course with my guidance. this is a Masterpiece the fact that it portrays us various truth about the life of Church the past and the presnt structure or frame of belief.
Cultures, Races and Religions outside of Christianity have a different perspective of who Christ is. Even us Christian who said to be followers of Christ have various even divided in who and which Christ to follow, given that the perspective and interpretation is in favor of our own biases based on selective tradition, heritage, experience, culture reason, historical information, social context in the light of citing biblical text; even the bible are misuse and abuse in formulation of our human created Christ., the formulation of creed, affirmation are the standard or doctrinal stand that whoever be against these may consider heretic. Animosity/hate evolved when we are divided and some insist their own version of absolute truth. I believe; to clarify we must admit that there is an absolute truth about Christ that is apart or exceeding our created picture of who He is, further, In order to be clear we need to create a balance understanding of who Christ is based on the original source we need to know about Christ in the social context of the Jews for they are the people who expect for a Christ the messiah that brings salvation to their nation. For them Christ is a figure of a powerful King that will descend from the lineage of David that has a vast army to deliver them from the Roman and any rule, for them, to live in their owned Land apart from the interventions and rule of any nations, that this Messiah- Christ will teach them the known laws. Contrary to what Jesus has been manifested most of the Jewish people believed that this Jesus is a son of a carpenter coming from Galilee- not from Bethlehem the city of king David, and even this Jesus who claim to be the Christ are breaking the known Jewish laws so the life of Christ is above Human understanding and belief when Jesus ask Peter of Who he is Peter replied some say you are a prophet, some say you are Elijah Jesus replied and you who do you say I am? then Peter replied you are the Christ the son of the living God, and Jesus replied blessed are you Simon son of Barjonah for this come not from man but from my father in heaven (other believe him that he is the political figure of Christ, the expert of law the Pharisee said he has demon processed), This reminds us that even Jews are divided in their interpretation of Jesus therefore as what Jesus says to Peter blessed are you for this is not came from men but of God. hence, God revelation in the guidance of Holy Spirit is needed of our Christ interpretation thus scripture are basic and foundational with the aid of reliable History, experience, reason, tradition and context that guide us in interpreting and understanding the authentic message of God through Jesus Christ– “God love us” the whole world that’s why God in the person of Jesus came.
We must not be selective in interpretation of who Christ is; so that we can create guidelines on how we follow him. Oftentimes we are selective on our preferences yet create a barrier or and misunderstanding that even his followers- Christian leads to division worse create animosity within- some Christian follow Christ as a radical political reformer’ therefore expose political anomalies- other prefer him as a priest and therefore become exclusive, other refer him as a savior, King and Lord who judge those sinners and save those who accept him consequently proclaim the name of Jesus but neglect to address the real need, other adhere of Jesus having biases for the poor yet Jesus also Minister to the rich like the rich man in Mathew 19:23 and other proclaim that once you accept Jesus all your problem will be solve and you will become rich so deny the reality of life, we must not be selective but we must try to see him in the whole perspective base on Gods revelation… we cannot genuinely follow Christ if we follow him in our comfort and preferences yes we cannot imitate Christ but we can follow him- emptied himself and gave his life for a noble cause “Loving us” therefore love God in return and our neighbor as well.
We must reject the teachings affirmation that deny and in contrast of the real intentions and message of Christ. Christ hate sins yet love sinners when Pharisee confront him of breaking the law not washing of hands, healing on the Sabbath, mingling to the considered sinners prostitute, tax collector, the unclean leprosy stricken. Jesus get angry (yet relate with them in grace) for their Hypocrisy- giving more importance in obeying what is written on their man made law than for the person worth and redemption their strict obedience make them blind and neglect to see the real need of the people. And the law of God -Love your neighbor includes other race, culture tradition, religion, belief. Note that there are culture, traditions, religious creeds, practices belief that must reconsidered, if possible contextualize and to the extend throw if found unreliable and contradicting- Christ come to us into the world to let us experience redemption, salvation, reconciliation, freedom, joy, peace in utmost possibility we can experience in relationship to God and others. Christ come not only for human but for the whole world for us to experience the Kingdom of God both here and in eternity.
I find it full of humor that it made my soul and spirit laugh maybe because it resembles the story of Jesus in a very funny way. But honestly, although I find it so humorous, it did not make me feel like it would help me and even my other fellow workers who watched this movie, to their lives as ministers of Christ in His vineyard. It made me laugh but at the back of my mind, I thought of it as laughing to the story of Jesus. Naisip kong ito ay ang itinuturo ko sa mga bata ngunit ang pelikulang ito ay ginawang kakatawanan lamang ang bagay na ito. Di ko ikakailang ako ay talagang tumawa nang tumawa dahil ako din ay tao na talagang mahilig sa mga nakakatawang pelikula. Lalo na iyong part na si Pilate ay di mabigkas ang letrang R at nagiging W…pati na din yung part kung saan si Brian ay hinahabol habol ng mga tao na naniniwalang siya ang messiah.
Personally, I don’t agree with many film critics that this movie is a “masterpiece”. Because for me a masterpiece should be an original thing without imitating another creation of art or any other form of creation. If it is a masterpiece, it should have its own story without deriving the scenes and story from another story. It should be appreciated to how it is created with originality. It is an imitation for me - An imitation which converted a very scared and essential story which in fact has changed the lives of people, into a comedy version of it.
It is sure that this movie is a very funny movie but for me, in the case of this film, laughter is not the best medicine because it doesn’t give me the reason to laugh to a funny version of a very sacred and significant story for everyone who believes in Jesus. And I will not be recommending this movie to be a tool of the education programs of the church for it would only confuse the church people to the faith they possess. And that is the faith in Jesus who gave them life and who saved them from sins.
The life of brian
How did you find the movie? Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree and why? Many film critics call the movie a "masterpiece." Would you agree and why? Is laughter really the best medicine in the case of this film? Why? How can this movie help in the education programs of the church? Please provide concrete examples.
Ang aming napanood ay talalgang nakakaantig ng puso mas lalo ang huling yugto nito na kung saan ay isinalarawan ng isang musical play samantalang silay napako sa taas ng cross. Ang pelikula ay nagsasabi na dapat tayo’y tumingin sa kabilang paglalarawan nito na kung saan minsan binibigyan tayo ng mga pagkakataon na pagnilaynilayan kung mayroon mang makikitang anggolo na maaring magamit natin sa ating pananampalataya. Ngunit sa presentasyon ng pelikula ay maraming taliwas sa ating pinaniniwalaan na kung minsan ang mga ito ay nakakaapekto sa atin ngunit sa huling bahagi nito ay puwede nating magamit sa pagtahak sa ating buhay sa makabagong panahon.
Ito po ay isang “disturbing”. Kahit ang pilikula ay nahango sa paglalarawan ng pagliligtas sa biblia, ngunit ang takbo ng storya ay may ibang pamamaraan ngunt puwedeng magbigay ng “typology”. Si Brian ay ginawa nilang champion ng mga tao ngunit hindi tinanggap nito pero maraming tao pa rin ang naniniwala sa kanya na sya’y tagapagligtas nila. Si Jesus na tagapaligtas, gumagawa ng milagro kahit bumuhay ng mga patay ay “typology nya si Brian na ginawang tagapagligtas nila mula sa pan-aapi ng governo nila. Ngunit ang ayaw ko sa pelikula ay ang mga tao ay sobrang debuto kay Brian na nakalimutan na nakakaapak na pala sila ng ibang tao. Ang kanyang sandals ay ginawang banal na. Disturbing ito sa mga masyadong conservatibo sa pananampalataya na si Jesus lang ang dapat sambahin at bigyan ng pagpapahalaga. Ngunit makikita natin sa pelikula na si Brian ay ginawa ng propeta na minsan matatawag nating “non-sence” pero sa iba ay hindi, na sya pala ay nagsasalita upang maiba ang attention ng mga sundalong Romano. Para mabalance po natin ang Ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo ang symbol ni Brian na sa kanyang mga salita ay punong-puno ng buhay at nagbibigay buhay sa bawat panahon
Opo ito ay isang dakilang gawa o “a masterpiece”. Sapagkat ito ay nagbibigay ng maganda at kakaibang mensahe. Ang ‘masterpiece’ ay nagbibigay dangal sa mga dakilang imaginasyon ng isang artist at dapat lang na bigyan pagkakataon na marinig at makita ang kanyang mga kakaibang gawa . Ang buhay ni Brian ay naglalarawan ng malikhaing pag-iisip ng tagasulat at nagbibigay ng isipan sa atin na puwede nating magamit or makontextualized dito sa Asya. Ngunit minsan may ibang tagpo na hindi kakatuwa sa atin tulad ng mga salita ni Pilato ‘na funny for us’ na puwedeng magamit natin at ito’y isang arte sa atin. Pagtawa ay dakilang medecina.
Ang pelikula ay talagang maganda pero dapat bigyan natin ng backgroung kung dapat ikontextualized natin at kung ipapanood sa iba. Sapagkat may mga ibang tagpo na medyo malayo sa itunturo sa Biblia ngunit katulad ng aking nasabi puweding “typology” sa pagpresinta ng mensahe. Ngunit sa mga matured na mananampalataya o tao ay puweding maging halimbawa para mapalalim natin ang ating pananampalataya at devotion sa Dios. Sa kabilang dako ito ay talagang nakakatulong sa ating pagtimbang at pagtingin sa mga ibat-ibang bagay. Ang pagbibigay ng diin sa mabuti ay kung nasubukan nating maranasan ang masama. Ang kapayapaan kung napagtagumpayan natin ang mga pagsubok o trouble sa buhay. Sa paghuli, para sa akin ito ay nagbibigay ng tamang pagtingin sa pagtingin sa tagapagligtas na si Jesu-Cristo na sya lamang ang dapat masamba, mabigyan ng karangalan at dapat panampalatayanan.
THE LIFE OF BRIAN
1. It is very interesting yet disturbing movie. In our present time, situation, most were bothered of what is happening around us, like poverty, corruption, massacre, temptation, because of this everyone is looking for saviour, there promise good future and what they do praise and follow them, without knowing ,who are these people , as long he assured their future.
2. The movie was not so disturbing to me, I take it only a myth it can’t influence my faith and belief, it was only a movie the purpose was to entertain people.
3. Yes, it could be a masterpiece, it makes people laughed and gives lesson to us who are looking for saviour, it is easy to understands, and it entertained people.
4. Laughters lessen wrinkles and aging skin, it is good medicine for the heart, laughter’s helps stay young.
5. The movie could help in the education program of the church, a bible study material for the topic of “Saviour” many still have doubt on what they believe, more are looking for a sign, miracles of the saviour, sometimes because of the flowery mouth of speakers, and they are very easily influence to believe.
Johan Lhoyd Ferrer
1. How did you find the movie?
Hillarious!!! That’s the best word(I guess) to describe the movie. I’ve seen many comedy movies but this totally diferrent… Bwahahaha. You know, until now whenever I remember the crazy antics of Brian, I found myself smiling alone. Well I guess it is because it was the first time that I’ve watch a movie that relates to the Gospel story and making fun of it. Cautious enough that this movie should not be seen by conservative ones or else they will raise their eyebrows and go wild like crazy maniacs… hahahaha! Oh by the way, nai-rip kop ala yung DVD. Kasama na sa mga iingatan kong collections na ang movie na iyon. The best ka Brian…
2. Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree and why?
Disturbing? To hell of those who consider this movie as disturbing… bwahahaha! Kababawan na nila yun… Ganun ang iisipin ng mga taong makikitid ang pag-uutak. Ganda nga eh.
3. Many film critics call the movie a "masterpiece." Would you agree and why?
Masterpiece indeed!!! All hail the Creator of the Movie… Pagpalain ka pa nawa ng Diyos at ni Brian…
4. Is laughter really the best medicine in the case of this film? Why?
Yah!!! Kaya nga Ni-rip ko yung DVD para anytime na nalulungkot or nabubuwisit ako sa mga Kristiyanong makitid ang utak, yun ang papanoorin ko para mabalik saya ko. All Hail Brian!!!! Bwahahahaha!
5. How can this movie help in the education programs of the church? Please provide concrete examples.
It will help to broaden their knowledge on the realities during Jesus’ time. Ang alam lang kasi nila eh ung conventional na pagkakaintindi as how it was presented in the Gospel.
San Pwint Prof.Revelation E.Velunta
Master of Divinity Senior Prof.Lizette Tapia
Bible Study Methods and Curriculum Development
LIFE OF BRIAN
1. How did you find the movie?
- For me, Life of Brian is a funny movie because at the outset I felt shocked with the scene of a baby born with the three wise men giving their gifts, which was portrayed as the birth of Jesus Christ. I found it funny also because I was expecting the whole movie to present a contextualized story of a prophesied and keen messiah unfortunately, it pictured a reluctant or a hesitant messiah.
2. Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree? Why?
- Well, personally, I did not find it very disturbing. I enjoyed watching the movie. It made me laugh and think on its real side that every message and statement is loaded with symbols. Most of the times, it is misunderstood and misinterpreted. This calls us that we must be very careful with our interpretations of things we see around us and the experiences we have in our daily lives.
3. Many film critics call the movie a “masterpiece”. Would you agree?
- Yeah, I can agree that it’s some kind of a “masterpiece” because I saw the efforts of putting an art to the movie in order to make the watchers like me smile, laugh, and to reflect on the message the movie wants to convey.
4. Is laughter the best medicine in the case of this film?
- On the other side, it can be, but not on the whole story. I felt fun on Brian’s life story; on the other hand the unreal part of the story disappoints the viewers.
5. How can this movie help the education program of the Church?
- First, here, we learn why there are so many divisions in the church, as people in the very beginning follow the holy shoe or the holy cloak. Or the fight that breaks out in the first scene of the movie (the only one depicting Jesus) over whether, when Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers," he meant cheese-makers or everyone in the dairy industry. How can one not see here a reflection of Christian misinterpretation and subsequent divisions through the ages? In truth, I know of no other work that in such a light-hearted manner shows me truly who I am.
-Another lesson is the scene when Brian cannot convince the crowd that he is not the Messiah. How can he convince them to believe when he himself doesn’t know what to say? He can not enlighten the people that he is not really the messiah because he doesn’t know the details of a called “messiah”. The church therefore must be challenge to carry out to the people who really the messiah is in order to avoid confusion. Just like the disciples of Jesus in the New Testament who were preaching the gospel, the people taught that they are the “Son of God”, but then they managed to clarify to the people that somebody who is greater and powerful will come to be their messiah.
- Another thing is, our churches can clearly see that no one can compare with the Life of Jesus given freely and willingly to us. He offered Himself freely without any hesitation for the whole world to be saved, unlike Brian, his crucifixion was an unexpected and unwilling one.
- Lastly, I want to quote the message of the song on the final part of the movie “ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE”. Whatever happens to us, whatever challenges we meet in our churches, in our community, in our families, let us always look at the beautiful meaning of life. We are in a journey, in our journey we walk through cross roads, rivers and mountains are ahead of us but the very essence of this is we have the joy and hope in life through Jesus Christ. After all of the many experiences we have, life is meaningful with Jesus on our side. We must always look unto Jesus!
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SanPwint Prof.Revelation E. Velunta
Master of Divinity Senior Prof. Lizette Tapia
Human sexuality
BATA, BATA PAANO KA GINAWA?
Although I cannot understand the language used in the movie as, I still like the story as I followed the sequence of its events. It showed a lot of things that deals particularly with women in families, in relationships, and in life in general. Leah, I think being a separate mother was very independent and was very honest/true to herself and to her children. This showed when her younger was telling the other people about not being full sibling in essence. I just want to reflect on the following below.
One of the most interesting parts of the movie is that she does not feel the bond of being one even when she is making love with her partner until she made love with her ex-husband in the last scene of the movie.
Leah was linked with guys. It is very remarkable part of the story when Leah is pictured more open and comfortable to her guy co-worker than any of her other partner. The scene that gave me inspiration is the bond of the relationship of the two children. Even they know the truth that they came from different fathers, they both love and treasure each other and most importantly, they showed real love to their mother. The children wrestled and dispute as they express the importance of the relationship to their own fathers.
We can also see the part of the society when Leah felt discriminated by the principal of the school where her children are studying. This is a real issue that we can too find in our communities. There are many cases like this. The nice part is that Leah expressed boldly her reasons and fought for the right of her children to be in school to study, which means last names of the children are not the hindrance for them to finish a degree and to build their future. Indeed the society is very judgmental and discriminating and this makes us unsuccessful if we don’t know how to be strong to fight for what we believe, to fight for our principles and ideals in life. Nothing will happen to us if we just bow down and let people oppress us. We need to speak out and tell them what we believe, what is true, and what is just for everyone. We must support uplift our relationships with love and care.
In our Christian view based on this movie, principles allow us to make adjustments in all areas of our beliefs in order to fit ourselves voluntarily within what is expected in our role. It could be that through time, we learn to be obedient to leaders and elders.
THE LIFE OF BRIAN
by: Ma Beate Mantilla-Hernandez
A comedy at its best, though presented in a classic form, this has added some ideas of life in the past, and how people dwell in their private life in spite of human need of answer to communal problem and social issues.
It seemed to me that the scenes offered, are those event when the people desire change, the formation of Judean People Front, the people who meet together in the marketplace and listen to the one who delivers eloquent presentation, that to them (people) is the articulation of the message of hope.
The style of comedic and hilarious presentation somehow gave a little of entertainment, which I think is also considerable depending on the categorization of the film, but I think what is lacking is the seriousness on life’s adversary and the serious offering of the film’s recommendation to battle such issue, and has affirmed even during the ending part.
This film is highly recommended for those who are ready for another type of presenting the message of Christ for the people, another free-reacting film to interpretation and analyses.
Though it contains scene which primarily pictures the reality of biblical events such as: the crucifixion, the people’s need of a Messiah and the leader to follow, the leadership of the empire, the strict and appalling treatment of the roman soldiers, the thorny life of prisoners etc. it still impresses a unconventional acceptance especially for some churches and parishioners who still beginners in faith. Which I think we are called for to educate the church and enhance the ministry to prepare the people of God to some unexpected events and crucial issues which are always waiting to be revealed to us.
Today in the formation and formulation of our Bible Study materials, we are therefore called to include the importance of both Biblical and Theological foundation, critical analysis and mutually the combination of what we have learned in the seminary, all together braced in one goal of delivering the true message and God’s impartation of our purpose as created members the household.
THE LIFE OF BRIAN
How did you find the movie?
I think the movie is an art or a kind of arts that represent not only of what the movie was played the story itself but it was freely demonstrated the other side story of Jesus of Nazareth. The movie was an entertainment because it really a funny one. But even though it was a funny one, and not make sense to those who criticized, and ignored it for me I was impressed. Because, the creativity of the movie itself. These was an ever kind presentation of events and even the characters involved. As I understand this is true picture of what our society is all about and the people who are conscious with regards to a certain hope that could bring or deliver themselves to scandalous form of society. Particularly, it pictured out the form of government, the religious leaders, prophets and the people.
Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree and why?
It is true that many people say it is disturbing, but for me is not. I would not agree, because the movie helps me to a broader sense and understanding of what is going on in other side story of Jesus’ nativity until his crucifixion in the person of Brian. The movie simply addresses the imperfect society where there is known to be “mistaken identity” of things going on.
Many film critics call the movie a "masterpiece." Would you agree and why?
Yes, it is a “masterpiece,” because it sought the finest and real scenario of society of which the ruler, the law and the people of different race and gender identity. It is a masterpiece because it addresses everyone to awaken and create our consciousness toward our own identity as responsible citizen in the society. It is a masterpiece because it is freely expressed
Is laughter really the best medicine in the case of this film? Why?
Yes, it is best medicine because it brings entertainment that makes me laugh and it condition my body to makes relax while viewing the movie. I do believe also to those experts saying that if someone laugh or even a smile, only two percent of our total vein will work or function. Laughter is really best medicine because it is a part of human behavior, regulated by the brain that conditions the whole body. e.g. It helps humans clarify their intentions in social reactions that provide an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions with others. Laughter is sometimes seemingly contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke laughter from others as positive feedback.
How can this movie help in the education programs of the church? Please provide concrete examples.
The movie helps in the educational program of the Church by way of addressing the community to see to it what is going on, and what ministry we should provide to the people within. In goal setting we should be conscious or aware of what is going on with in the community we serve. We can provide concrete programs by considering not only the situation itself but also the needs of the people or the need analysis. We can consider these three areas in developing programs or curriculum.
1. Human- who are they? In terms of (races, gender, psychological, physical and spiritual attributes, resources, and etc.
2. Culture- their norms, beliefs, religion, and cultural identity.
3. Community- what kind of government, politics or form of society do they have?
These are I think the very common and basic basis in making and implementing programs in our church. This basis help us in promoting Bible Study, Sunday School, Evangelism, Preaching, DVCS, C.I. & Summer institutes for the youth and children and for other related activities.
Prepared By WILLIAM D. EMILIANO
BATA, BATA , PAANO KA GINAWA?
Tama nga naman ang pamagat nito, paano talaga ginawa ang bata? Ang istorya ay umiikot sa dalawang magkaibang mundo ng magkapatid sa ina (Vilma) na sina Serena Dalrymple at Carlo Aquino. Magkaiba ang mga tatay nila, at natural magkaiba rin ang ugali nila. Ganito rin ang kuwento namin ng misis ko, dalawa ang anak namin, isang lalaki (16 y/o) at isang babae (6 y/o). Magkaiba rin ang tatay nila, pero itinuturing ko rin na anak yung panganay at ang mas malinaw na katotohanan, kasal siya sa akin na kaiba sa nangyari sa pelikula. Kahit na magkaiba sila ng tatay, magkasundo sila, paminsan-minsan nagkakatampuhan din sila, pero mahal nung bunso namin yung kuya niya. At alam kong ganoon din ang kuya niya sa kanya, dahil ilang pagkakataon na rin naming napatunayan na kapag umuuwi ang panganay namin, bibili siya ng kahit anong pasalubong para sa kanyang kapatid. Tuwang-tuwa ang bunso namin kapag nalaman niyang darating ang kuya niya. Kapag nakita na niya ang kuya niya, makikipagkuwentuhan ng walang tigil, pero dahil magkaiba sila ng mundong ginagalawan, medyo maiinip ang kuya niya at mag-uumpisa nang magreklamo sa amin. Pinapakiusapan namin ang aming panganay na unawain ang nakababatang kapatid dahil madalang silang magkita at sabik na sabik ang kapatid niya na magkasama sila. Mahirap ipaliwanag ang ganitong katotohanan, ang mga pangyayari na una’t higit na nakakaapekto sa mga bata. Paminsan-minsan, nagtatanong yung bunso ko kung bakit magkaiba sila ng apelyido nung kuya niya, minsan sinasagot naming mag-asawa nang tuwiran, pero alam ko hindi pa niya maiintindihan kung bakit may kuya siya pero iba ang apelyido. Ang dahilan ng aking paglalahad ng kaparehong karanasan ay upang makita ng marami o baka nga ng buong mundo pa na hindi basta kathang isip lamang ang pagkakaroon ng mga anak na magkaiba ang mga kinalakhang tatay o nanay. Marahil may pinagkunan na source si Lualhati Bautista upang makagawa siya ng isang magandang kuwento. Ang mga bata ang kinabukasan nating mga magulang, sabi nga ng isang English proverb,”we borrow the future of our children, we do not create them”. Totoo ang sinasabi ng aking nabanggit, ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak ang unang naaapektuhan kapag may nangyayaring ganito sa lipunan. Sa aking pagtingin, higit na nararapat na tumulong ang lipunan at hindi manghusga, ituro kung sino ang nagkamali at parusahan ang nagkasala, pero sino ang dapat sisihin? Ito ang malaking suliranin ng ating lipunan sa kabuuan, hindi na nakakatulong ang lipunan, perwisyo pa, tuwang-tuwa kapag may buhay na highly sensationalized, parang showbiz, sana tumulong nalang ang lipunan, huwag nang manghusga. May kasabihan akong narinig sa mensahe ng isang pastor, “tatlong bagay ang masarap na gawin sa mundong ito, kumain ng hindi mo gasta, gumasta ng hindi mo pera, at makialam sa buhay ng iba”. Masakit pero totoo, tayong mga taong simbahan at bahagi ng lipunang ito ang madalas na salarin ng character assassination, o name-labeling, ito kung minsan ang forte natin, ang maging tsismoso at tsismosa hindi ng Mabuting Balita, kundi ng walang-kuwentang balita, tsk, tsk, tsk, nasasayang ang mga panahon na dapat sana’y naiukol sa pagpaplano kung paano higit na mapapalago ang ministry ng church, kaysa makialam na wala naman nagagawang tulong o kabutihan kahit kaunti. Kapag ganito nang ganito ang attitude natin na mga nakatatanda, walang kinabukasan ang ating mga anak, kawawa sila……
How did you find the movie?
Aking napuna na ang pelikuka ay makatotohanan, sa kadahilang; una, ang mga tauhan ay totoo (hindi mapagpanggap, hal. Superman, spiderman atbp.), hindi nagtatago sa ilalim ng isang puwersang hiram at hindi likas o nagmula na kanya. Pangalawa, dahil ang pagikot ng kuwento ay tila mabilis ang facing wika nga sa ingles, ngunit sa kabuuan ay mainam ang naging takbo nito. Hindi naging madali para kay Brian ang maging kaanib ng grupong radical na (diumano’y) ”lumalaban” sa Romanong gobyerno, ni hindi naman siya agad naging ”mesiyas” ng mga tao. Pangatlo, ang karanasan ni Brian ay nagiging karanasan din ng lahat, kumilos siya sang-ayon sa hinihingi ng pagkakataon.
Many people find the movie disturbing. Would you agree and why?
kung ang pelikula ay nakapagdudulot ng pagkabalisa, ganyan din ang pagtingin sa pelikulang ”the Last Temptation of Christ” ng simbahang Romano Katoliko. Alam nating ang nabanggit na pelikula ay ”pinigilan” upang hindi malaman ng marami ang ”malikhaing” kaisipan ng isang tao. Ipinakita ng nasabing pelikula (Last Temptation of Christ) na posibleng ang Jesus na ating kinamulatan at natutunan ay maaaring “nakagawa” rin ng ibang mga bagay na hindi nakalimbag sa ating mga binabasang biblia. Hayagan ang aking pagtutol sa pagsasabing ang pelikulang ito ay nagdulot ng pagkabalisa o pagkabahala, dahil kung tutuusin, ang mga taong nababalisa ay yaong may ”itinatagong lihim” o ”sikreto” sa buhay. Ang mga pelikulang tulad nito at ng marami pang iba ay naglalayon na buksan ang ating mga isipang hinubog at ikinulong sa loob ng napakahabang panahon. Ang malungkot na katotohanang nakapaloob dito ay yaong mga taong tumututol ay mistulang ”salamin” ng ating lipunang ”nakakulong sa parisukat na kahon” na pinanday ng mga banyaga.
Many film critics call the movie a "masterpiece." Would you agree and why?
Maaari ko itong tawaging isang obra maestra, sapagkat ang pelikula ay hinalaw mismo sa lugar na kung saan binabanggit ng Biblia ay pinagmulan ni Jesus. Kung sabagay, marami-raming pelikula na rin ang nagawa at naipalabas upang gawing “makatotohanan” at “buhay” ang mga karakter (hal. 10 Commandments, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Nativity, Ben Hur, atbp.). Labis tayong humanga sa gawa ng mga banyaga na
Is laughter really the best medicine in the case of this film? Why?
Hindi lamang pagtawa ang nakikita kong maging tugon sa pelikula, noong una ko itong napanood, ako’y natatawa sa mga pinasok na sitwasyon at kinapaloobang sitwasyon ni Brian. Ang pangalawang reaksiyon ko dito ang ay mag-isip, baka nga nagkaroon ng “mistaken” identity, tulad ng nangyari kay Brian. Hindi imposibleng mangyari sa atin ang nangyari kay Brian, ang tayo’y magpagkamalan na isang “tagapaglitas” o “pinuno” o “Guro” ng isang samahan o grupo ng mga tao. Dahil dito, nag-iiba ang “tingin” sa atin ng mga tao, nagiging ”kalaban” o ”kontrabida” ang isang tao o grupo sang-ayon sa pamantayan ng iba. Ngunit kung malinaw ang direksiyon na nais nating tunguhin, hindi dapat maging hadlang ang sasabihin ng iba. Sabi nga ng isang sawikain “one’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”. Ang ating personal conviction o mga prinsipyong ipinaglalaban ay nararapat na magsalita para sa atin, kung saan tayo nakatayo, dahil di na uso ang mga balimbing, mga balisawsawin sa mundong ito, madali silang malilipol.
How can this movie help in the education programs of the church?
Please provide concrete examples.
Sa isang bahagi, oo, lalo na kapag ang iglesya ay bukas sa ganitong uri ng pagbibigay linaw at lalim sa ating pagkaunawa sa buhay, misyon at layunin ng iglesya ng Diyos. Makakatulong ang nasabing pelikula sa buhay, galaw at paglilingkod ng iglesya kapag una, naging malinaw na ang pagliligtas ay buhat sa Diyos at ang tungkulin ng iglesya ay ituro o ibahagi ito at hindi gawing personal na pagsisikap o pag-aari. Pangalawa, kapag ang misyon at tunguhin ng iglesya ay naging malinaw sa bawat tagapanguna at mga kaanib nito. Kapag ang mission at vision ay parehong naisakatuparan, at hindi nagkakaroon ng suliranin sa pagpapaliwanag at pagsasakatuparan nito.
Ipinasa ni: Joey Y. Cunanan (M. Div. III)
Ipinasa kay: Propesora Lizette Tapia-Raquel
Of Father Amaro
Ang kuwento ay isang pangkaraniwang tagpo sa buhay ng isang tao at sa isang bahagi ay sa buhay ng isang lingkod ng simbahan. Malinaw at buong inam na ginampanan ng mga artista ang kanilang mga roles kaya sa kabuuan lumabas ang nararapat palitawin sa pelikula, ito ay ang pagsasalamin sa kahinaan ng tao. Ito rin ay sumasalamin sa epekto ng ginagawa nating mga pagpapasya bawat sandali ng ating mga buhay at hindi na kailangan pa ng malalim na teolohiya para ito’y ipaliwanag. Si Padre Amaro ay larawan ng isang taong maraming lihim na itinatago, hindi ipinaliwanag sa pelikula kung ito bang taong ito ay ganoon din ang ginawa sa mga naunang parokyang pinaglingkuran, totoo na siya’y paborito ng obispo at tila ”maliit na obispo” sa kanyang ginawang pagkilos at pagpapasya, ngunit hindi sa lahat ng oras at pagkakataon. Si Padre Amaro rin ay sumasalamin sa isang lipunan na totoong mahina at hindi kayang tumanggi, ni hindi rin marunong pagdating sa pagpapasa. Namatay ang babaeng kanyang nabuntis dahil ayaw niyang panagutan ito at hindi rin siya naging matalino sa pagpapasya. Ang ating lipunan din ay larawan ni Padre Amaro at ng taong kanyang ”minahal” (minahal nga ba?), mahina at madalas hindi ginagamit ang puso sa pagpapasya.
Madison County
Ang mga bridges o mga tulay ay nariyan na sa ating mga buhay bilang mga tao, ang kailangan ay wastong pagpili at pagpapasya. Ang kuwento ay umiikot sa mga tulay na ito, may pasimula at mayroong hangganan, ngunit sa panibagong tulay muli. Ang Madison County ay isang lugar na puno ng mga tulay, ngunit marami ang hindi nakasumpong ng mga tulay na ito, kaya mas pinili ng ibang mga tauhan na manatili sa lulgar na iyon. Bagaman walang pumipigil sa kanila upang magpasya, hindi pa rin nila ito ginawa. Ang Madison County ay bahagi ng isang mas malaking Madison County pa at lahat tayo ay kabahagi nito.
Brokeback Mountain
Ang pelikulang ito ay sumesentro sa ugnayan ng isang lalaki sa kanyang kapwa lalaki, ”nabali” ang likod ng bundok (na madalas sinasabing matatag ang mga bundok, mahirap matinag at tinagin na hindi palagiang totoo). Nabali rin ang sinasabing pundasyon ng lipunang kanilang ginagalawan, ito’y ang mga lalaki ay dapat matapang at hindi umiiyak, hindi mahina. Nagbago ang takbo ng kuwento nang subukan nilang lumabas sa “kahon” ng lipunan at gawin ang idinidikta ng kanilang mga damdamin. Bagaman ang konseptong ay kanluranin, ngunit di ako tiyak kung ito’y hindi nangyari sa mga sinaunang tao ng bansang ito. Ang pelikula ay sumentro sa dalawang lalaki na naging biktima ng kanilang sariling kultura, hindi malaya at laging may hadlang. Ang kanilang ugnayan ay nagwakas na pareho silang malungkot at sawi sa kanilang mga buhay.
BIBLE STUDY METHODS AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
1.
Mga Kapatas sa Bukirin
(Markos 12.1-12)
Ang maikling kuwento ay tungkol sa may-ari ng bukirin at ang mga kapatas nito. Ito ay isang malinaw na paglalarawan ng kasalukuyang sistemang umiiral sa isang bansa na kung saan ang mga mayayaman ay siyang nagiging “Panginoon” at ang mga mahihirap ay siyang gumagawa sa bukirin, sa madaling salita ay mga bayarang upahan. Hindi sinabi sa atin kung ang lupa ay pinaghirapang ipundar ng may-ari o kaya ay kinamkam sa ibang tao (dahil naging usurero). (Ito rin ang kalagayan ng pamayanan na aming pinaglilingkuran (kasama ng aking pamilya) ang barangay Pitpitan, na ang iglesya ay nakapaloob sa lugar na malawak ang mga bukirin. Ang kuwento ni Hesus ay isang katotohanang umiiral sa panahon nila at sa panahon natin ngayon. Ang bukirin ng mayaman ay kanyang ipinagamit sa ibang tao, maaaring kakilala, kapitbahay, kamag-anak, kaklase o kalaro. Walang sinabi ang teksto kung nagkaroon ng pirmahan ng kontrata, dahil ang verbal na usapan ay sapat na. Dahil umiiral ang sistema ng pagbubuwis, kinukuha na ng may-ari ang kanyang bahagi sa naging bunga ng mga panananim. Hindi naging madali sa may-ari na kunin ang kanyang bahagi. Nagpadala siya ng mga emisaryo, na binato, binugbog ng mga kapatas, bakit? Narito ang ilang bagay na nakikita ko, una, marahil naging marahas ang emisaryo nang siya ay tumungo sa mga kapatas, hindi niya kinilala na ang mga kapatas ay naghirap din sa lupa upang ito’y maging produktibo. At sino ba naman ang magtitiyagang magbungkal ng lupa at magtanim kung ang bukid ay mabato, tuyo na tulad ng disyerto o kaya naman ay malapit sa dagat? Pangalawa, naging mayabang ang emisaryo, pinairal niya marahil ang kasabihang Pinoy na “ang langaw (emisaryo) kapag tumuntong sa kalabaw, mas mataas pa sa kalabaw.” Marahil ang naging pagtingin ng emisaryo sa mga kapatas ay napakababa, parang yagit. Hindi naisip marahil ng emisaryo na siya’y bayaran din at umaasa sa suweldo ng kanyang amo, na kung hindi siya magtatrabaho hindi magkakaroon ng laman ang kanyang sikmura. Ganito rin sa barangay Pitpitan, kahit araw ng pamamahinga o ng para sa pamilya ay kayod-kalabaw pa rin ang mga tao roon upang may maipakain sa pamilya para sa isang araw. Ang ganitong sistema ay magpapatuloy lalo na at maraming mga magsasaka ang nahuhumaling sa mga tinaguriang “blue-collar jobs” na nakahandang ipagpalit ang lupang sinasaka marating lamang ang lungsod at doon makapagtayo ng tahanan at pamilya. Sa sitwasyon ngayon na tuwirang ipinagbibili ng pamahalaan ang mga lupaing hindi naman talaga kanya sa mga dayuhang mamumuhunan. Isang halimbawa ay ang Hanjin na matatagpuan sa Subic. Alam natin na ito’y ipinagamit ng pamahalaang Arroyo sa mga Koreano, ngunit ang sinasabi sa taong bayan na ito’y tatagal ng limampung taon (50 years). Hindi rin marahil alam ng marami na kasama sa pagpapaupa ay walang habas na pagpuputol ng mga malalaking gat na ilang dekada o daang taon na ang gulang ng mga ito. Hindi rin marahil alam ng marami na maraming aksidente ang nagaganap sa loob ng nasabing kumpanya na nauuwi na lamang sa dole-out o pagbabayad ng danyos sa pamilya ng mga nasawi na hindi na nagagawa pang malaman sa pamamagitan ng mga pahayagan. Hindi rin marahil alam ng marami na ang mga bundok ng Zambales at ang buong Pilipinas ay mayaman sa iba’t ibang uri ng mga mineral (ginto, chromium, nickel at iba pa), at ito ang kinukuha ng nasabing kumpanya at ng marami pang mga dayuhang mamumuhunan. Hindi marahil nakapagtataka na “napuno ang salop” ng mga kapatas, dahil mismong anak na ng may-ari ng lupa ang nagpunta upang “maningil”. Marahil ang anak ng may-ari ay nakapag-aral sa mga prestihisoyong institusyon, ngunit hindi nabago ang ugali, “balasubas” din tulad ng kanyang tatay tulad sa kasabihang Ingles “like father, like son”.
Mga manggagawa sa Bukid
(Mateo 20.1-16)
Panahon ng pag-aani at marami ang kailangan na gumawa sa bukid, nagpaskil ng paanyaya ang mayamang may-ari ng bukid. Kaya marami ang nagpunta at lahat naman sila ay tinanggap, kahit yaong mga wala pang gaanong karanasan sa “pakyawang” trabaho ay kinuha, matapos lamang ang paggapas. Marahil sobra nang hinog ng mga butil at ito ay ipapadala sa abroad, pang-export quality kung baga. Nag-umpisa ang maramihang trabaho, sa kasunduang pang-isang araw ang tatanggaping bayad o upa, marami ang nagapas, ngunit kulang pa sa quota na hinihingi ng kausap na tao ng may-ari (o middle man, sa terminong pang-negosyo). Dumating ang tanghali, puspusan pa rin ang paggapas, ngunit kulang pa rin, nagkaroon na ng shifting sa mga gumagawa at napilitan pa ring kumuha ng gumagapas ang may-ari, ngunit talagang hindi sumapat. Pagdating ng bandang hapon, nakita ng may-ari na may mga patayo-tayong istambay sa tabi ng daan kung kaya inamuki niya na magtrabaho rin. Sa madaling salita, natapos ang paggapas at oras na ng pagpapasuweldo, unang tumanggap ng suweldo ang mga nahuli, at mga nauna ay nag-aakala na tatanggap ng mas higit pa sa mga sinundan nila. Ngunit ang malaking kalungkutan nito, pare-pareho sila ng mga tinanggap. Nagreklamo agad sila sa may-ari sa hindi “patas” na pagpapasuweldo. Ang naging resulta, hindi pinagbigyan ang kanilang hinaing at pinagsabihan pa. Ano ang implikasyon nito sa atin? Una, uso na noong panahon pa ang “pakyawang” trabaho. Kung pakyawan nga naman, hindi matatali sa pagbibigay benepisyo ang mga mamumuhunan. Madalas kapag ako’y sumasakay ng bus, malimit na may mga sumasakay na mga pinuno ng unyon na nananawagan ng kaunting tulong upang maipagpatuloy ang kanilang isinusulong sa pakikipagbuno sa mga nagmamatigas na may-ari ng kumpanya (halimbawa ng bus). Nakita ko kung gaano kahirap ang kanilang kalagayan, maging ng kanilang pamilya. May nagbirong pabulong minsan, “ang daming nakoryat (nahingi) ni manong”. Medyo nagpanting ang tainga ko dahil hindi na nga nagbigay yung nagbiro, namintas pa. nanahimik na lang ako at baka mapaaway pa. Siguro nga ganoon ang reaksiyon ng mga taong hindi nauunawaan ang kalagayan ng iba o hindi pa dinanas ang mamalimos para lamang makakain ang sarili o pamilya. Pangalawa, marami ang walang pirmihang trabaho, at kung mayroon man, hindi sasapat sa pang-arawang gastusin. Sa ganitong sistema at kalakaran ng ating bansa na maraming “professionally unemployed” taun-taon na hindi bababa sa 100,000, saang factory, establishment o tanggapan magsisiksikan ang mga ito? At kung walang opisina, sa ibang bansa ang tiyak na tungo nila (OFW, madalas tinatawag na “bagong bayani” n gating pamahalaan. Ngunit sino nga ba ang hindi naging bayani at may gustong matawag na isa ka sa tulad nila? Ang malungkot na katotohanan din ay maraming mga kaso ng mga OFW ang hindi na nasolusyunan (mga binitay na mga Pilipino, halimbawa’y si Flor Contemplacion, ginawang pelikula pa ang kanyang naging buhay) at hindi na magagamot pa (ang kirot na iniwan sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay). Usung-uso pa rin ang nepotismo, ang “kamag-anak incorporated” na ang palaging kinukuha ay yaong “malapit” o “kakilala” ng may-ari. Kaya kapag may nagawang kalokohan, mas madaling mapagtakpan. Pangatlo, hindi uubra ang mga bayarang manggagawa sa mga nagpapasahod at namumuhunang kapitalista. Madalas ang pang-aabusong verbal, kung hindi man emotional o psychological sa mga employees ng mga among investors, sa Pilipinas at maging sa ibang panig ng mundo. Sinasabi rin ng mga datos na number 1 exporter tayo ng mga manggagawa, maliban pa sa mga raw materials, na kapag ibinalik sa atin ay dolyar na ang bayad (halimbawa ang factory ng Mattel sa Bataan, gumagawa ng Barbie dolls na kilala sa buong mundo). Ang malinaw na layunin natin bilang mga manggagawa ng Diyos ay ipaunawa sa mga taong nasasakupan ng ating mga barangay ang ganitong katotohanan, na ang patuloy na laban ay sa sistema at hindi sa tao. Mayroong magagawa kung hindi mananahimik at magsasawalang-kibo. Ang nagwagi para sa akin sa nasabing usapin ay yaong mga bayarang trabahador sa bukid, dahil kahit ayaw nila ng sistema, naipaabot nila ang kanilang tunay na sitwasyon. At natitiyak kong hindi na sila kukunin sa susunod ng may-ari ng lupa, dahil magtatanda na ito o kaya’y matatakot na sa muling pagkukrus ng kanilang mga landas, baka nga naman masaktan siya o mapatay.
2.
ANG USAPIN NG MGA BIDA SA GRUPO NG KABABAIHAN
Sa bahagi ng Genesis 3, ang nakikita kong nararapat maging bida ay ang puno, dahil bagaman ito ay nilikha rin ng Diyos, hindi umubra na ito’y sisihin ninuman, maging ng Diyos. Ginanpaman nito ang pagiging piping saksi sa isang tagpo sa buhay ng tao, ang mabisto ang tao sa kanyang ginawa. Ginawa rin ng puno ang kanyang tungkulin na magbigay ng dahon upang magamit ng mga taong nagtatago tulad ng sa isang babae, magbigay ng proteksiyon sa mga nanganganlong sa kanya, sa ilalim ng kanyang mayabong na lilim. Ito’y hindi kayang gawin ng mga lalaki na madalas pa ay umaabuso sa kanilang kakayahan at kapangyarihan (dahil “weaker sex diumano ang mga kababaihan).
Ang pangalawang bahagi ng mga bida sa grupo nina Ruth, Naomi at Orpah ay si Orpah. Hindi siya nangimi na balikan ang kanyang pamilyang pinagmulan. Ayaw niyang matali sa pangunguna ni Naomi na nakita niyang mahina, sumusunod na lamang sa dikta na sitwasyon (ng kanyang biyenang lalaki na si Elimelech), at pumupunta sa isang lugar na walang wastong paghahanda at katiyakan. Ang paguwi ni Orpah sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay ay isang patunay na kaya niyang ipagpatuloy ang buhay kahit na wala na siyang asawa. Hindi rin binanggit sa atin kung ang kawalan ng asawa o anak sa kulturang Moab ay isang “sumpa” tulad sa kaisipan ng mga Israelita. Gayundin, bagaman mabigat sa loob ni Orpah na iwan ang bilas at biyenang babae, “life must go on” wika nga ng ilan.
3. ang karakter na napili ko sa Bibliya ay si Isaias, dahil doon sa kabanatang 6, nakita ko ang aking sarili na tumugon sa “tawag ng Diyos” upang mayroong magpapatuloy ng mga gawaing magpapabago (na alam kong marami nang nauna na sa akin) at magpapalaya sa mga “alipin” ng iba’t ibang “panginoon”. Si Isaias ay isang “kabataan” na nakita niya ang kalunus-lunos na kalagayan niya at ng kanyang bayang pinagmulan. Ang totoo nito, wala sa bokabularyo ko ang maging pastor, dahil “wala” akong kakayahan na maging isang lingkod. Ang talagang nakatakda na maging isang pastor ay ang pinakamatanda naming pinsan, ngunit hindi ito nangyari. Ang hindi ko rin alam na panalangin na dati pa ng aming yumaong lolo na kapag nagkaroon siya ng isang apo na pastor “nakahanda na siyang mamatay anytime”, at ito nga nangyaring hindi ko inaasahan. At narito na ako ngayon na naglilingkod sa loob na rin ng mahaba-habang panahon, at patuloy ko pa ring nakikita ang hamon na hindi dapat maging balakid upang maglingkod, na kung minsan din ay sumasagi sa isipan na tumigil sa paglilingkod (na naging karanasan din marahil ni Isaias at ng marami pang naunang mga manggagawa, kabahagi sa ministeryo ng Diyos). Ngunit kailanman ay hindi ko pinanghinayangan na ko’y maging isang manggagawa sa ministeryo ng Diyos.
4. malinaw na ang sentro ng ganitong kaisipan ay ang pagkakaroon ng kaisipan at teolohiyang maka-Asyano, nananatiling “nakatungtong sa lupa” at nakikilahok (community immersed) upang makatugon sa mga hamon ng panahong nagbabago. Ang malaking kalungkutan ko sa mga nakalimbag ng mga salita, ito ay nagmimistulang “anino” na mahirap hulihin dahil sa mga nakapagisip nito ay nagkaroon na ng (malinaw) na “personal interest” sa paglipas ng maraming panahon at pagkakataon.
5. ang tungkulin ng ating mga iglesya ay tumugon sa hamon ng pagbabago, tumugon sa pangangailangan ng ating lipunan na matagal nang lugmok sa kahirapan at pang-aalipusta. Bilang isang manggagawa, malaking salik ito upang maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa mga nagiging “alipin” dahil (diumano) hindi mga nakapag-aral upang sila ay “makalaya” at makapamuhay sa lipunang mababa ang pagtingin at pagtrato sa kanila. Hindi natin maaaring iwan o takasan ang sitwasyong ito, dahil bahagi tayo palagi ng ating lipunan, ang ating pagkilos ay nararapat sang-ayon sa kapakanan ng higit na nakararaming maralita at binubusabos ng ating lipunan sa loob ng mahabang panahon.
Ipinasa ni: Joey Cunanan
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