In the modern world it's never easy finding the right way to frame spiritual themes, particularly for skeptical audiences like young men and women in high school. Classic religious or spiritual documents -- whether the New Testament or the works of St. Augustine -- simply don't capture them as easily as I wish.
Because of this, I have to turn to resources that are not overtly religious but which offer narratives, characters, or plot developments that parallel what one finds in scripture. Some of the best resources -- no surprise -- are movies.
To that end, one film that I show frequently is the 1989 Kevin Coster classic, "Field of Dreams." It's a fantastic film that nicely illustrates the themes of call and response and the mystery of man's relationship with the Creator. It offers an outstanding portrayal of the excitement and risks of faith.
I could go on and on about the film, but I encourage you to read Kerry Weber's appreciation for "Field of Dreams" in the latest issue of America. Titled "The Home Team," written in honor of the film's 25th anniversary, Kerry perfectly captures the reasons for the film's enduring appeal, its importance in her family, and its singular place in American cinema. If you're looking for a good film to kick off the summer, you know where to start.
