What Does James Bond And The Bible Have In Common?
James Bond and the Bible perhaps have more in common than we Christians are prepared to admit. Both sometimes address the issue of evil in frighteningly similar ways. Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond character did not directly reflect a highly moral agent 007. And yet, the latest Bond movie Quantum of Solace, raised (if not for Bond treatment) many theological and ethical issues the Church still grapples with today.
James Bond And Bible Shares Common Storylines
There are stories in the Bible that reflect excessive violence and more than a string of dead bodies. There are illicit sexual unions; sexist treatment of and violence against women; land and water crises; racism; intricate geo-politics and spy stories; and lots of power-hungry rulers, prophets and priests. And you ask what does the Bible and Bond have in common?
Through my recent article, Quantum of Solace Calls Attention To Global Water Crisis. I’ve met some very impressive and exciting people over the past couple of weeks. One such person is David Crumm of Read The Spirit who you’ll hear more about later. Then Crumm’s work led me to connect with Rev. Benjamin Pratt.
Rev. Pratt is a retired Methodist Minister and author of Ian Fleming’s Seven Deadlier Sins & 007’s Moral Compass – A Bible Study Guide with James Bond.
Bible Study As Book Or Movie Discussion
Yes you read right. A Bible Study guide with James Bond. In my Blog post on Bond I told you that I’ll be doing a Bible Study in my congregation on Quantum of Solace. Well now I’ll be expanding the study to do the Bond character. This approach to Bible study is nothing new.
Book and movie discussions have long become popular in many churches for Bible Study. Churches and even Seminaries form discussion groups for Bible study and theological reflection around fascinating book and movie releases such as; The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings, and of course The Da Vinci Code.
Back in Jamaica, my two favourite ever films used in this way have been Dancehall Queen and Life and Debt in Jamaica. Neither is for the fainthearted or narrow-minded. It is not easy to do Pastoral Counselling or preach empty platitudes to your members who watch these films, then start to think, and raise hard questions.
Bond Bible Study Has Youth Appeal
In Panama, a book discussion is not unusual for our congregation. Variety results in increased attendance over longer periods. This is Panama’s ‘Summer’; the dry season has started and public schools are closed until March. Our youth is out of school and church is not the most important place they want to be. I have to face that reality.
Therefore, I found out about, and got Rev. Benjamin Pratt’s book just in time. I want my youth to attend Bible Study during this break. “Bond, James Bond,” are 3 action-packed words that I know will get them to appear and keep coming each week. In our congregation, children, youth and young adults outnumber the elderly. I’m sure you can see who I’m appealing to here.
Study Fleming’s Bond With New Eyes
Visit Bond Bible Study where Rev. Pratt has developed an interactive website. If you are reading the book or like me using it as a study guide you can interact with other users across the world.
Grab a copy of the book and start your own Bible study group. Not interested in being part of a group? Well join the rest of us reading the book anyway. Haul out your old Ian Flemming Bond novels. Dust off your DVD player and go rent some Bond movies to refresh your memory.
Let the Bondage Bonding begin,
Marvia
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December 13th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Rev. Marvia,
I love this route and had always been interested in doing a study with the Character of Neo and The Matrix Trilogy and my second favorite the Lord of the Rings….How about labeling the study of bond with the twist on that classic line that was left off the new films…..get ready for it
“His name is CHRIST,…..Jesus Christ. He likes his holy wine poured not shaken!!!!” <<<< let the corny comments pour….but on a more serious note, what do to if most of those in the congregations havent seen the film on subject, in order to fully appreciate the study…Would you recommend showing the film to the church (or those interested), taking them to see it if it is still at the cinema, or just doing a synopsis while pulling out relevant points?
Thanks for your time in response.
December 13th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Also what is your take on music or songs? Perhaps it would have the same effect i am sure…and the same series of questions for movies would apply to this…..
December 14th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Hi Bjorn,
I figured this one would grab you:-) In answer to your questions:
what do to if most of those in the congregations haven’t seen the film on subject, in order to fully appreciate the study?
If you are doing a Bible Study Discussion using a book/novel;article;movie;play or music it has a much better effect if everyone or most of the group has read, seen or heard the piece under discussion.
Would you recommend showing the film to the church (or those interested), taking them to see it if it is still at the cinema; or just doing a synopsis while pulling out relevant points?
I would recommend that persons see/hear the piece. You could take out a group or show the film at an appropriate location (don’t want them to put you out for desecrating the sanctuary..hahahah).
Music/lyrics is also very good to use as well. I tend to do this a lot to help Christians to develop critical thinking. I’ve used Dancehall music with youth – inviting them to unpack the meanings in the lyrics and how that is consistent with their faith; and I’ve also asked persons to reflect on contemporary Gospel songs to say what makes them Christian and how they reflect their own understanding of God.
The music and movies never fail with the youth,young and older adults – and you can’t get them to end the discussion so you’ll not run out of material to use from time to time outside of your regular studies.
But let me recommend that you get a copy of this Bond Bible study guide and join us in the study!!
Blessings!
December 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Since no one has said it I will – Bj that was Corny, real Corny! LOL
Ok but seriously movies and songs can prove great Bible study material. I can recall one Feb during the height of Valentine season, our YF had a Bible study on love and we played some of the popular ‘love songs’ of the day and also had copies of the words. We sat done and analyzed them, had some interesting discussion and came to some beneficial conclusions about Love and our expression of love all backed by scripture facilitated through song lyrics. We were even able to clear up many misconceptions proliferated in many ‘love songs’.
Definitely there are many ways we can employ a creative approach to Bible study.
Life and Debt im sure would prove a great Bible study and i havent watched Dancehall Queen yet ;(
This Bond Bible study sounds interesting! Anything what will get ppl to dust the dust of their Bible to open it is welcomed
December 17th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Derri,
Leave Bj alone man. As long as he doesn’t quit ministry he’ll be fine:-)
Re song lyrics – I have found the discussion a much better approach than preaching from the pulpit condemning All popular music. Long after the discussions, some youth continue the critical thinking and become more discriminating about the lyrics they sing and what they dance to. My best episode was with a final year group of High school girls at a prominent Girls school I use to serve as Chaplain. The popular song at the time was something about a ‘virtuous woman who cooks, wash and clean’. Well the examination of the lyrics and ensuing discussion killed that song dead with most of the group. Hahahah.
You should watch Dancehall Queen when you get a chance. It is funny in parts but so real that you can’t help be impressed at how well they captured the story of inner city Kingston (and Linstead from the sound of things these past couple of years!)
The Bond Bible study promises to be good.
Blessings!