 |
Modern
film helps aid students in Bible study
The
Bible meets Hollywood as University Ministries presents
a series about the Gospel of John.
long
deck
By
Elizabeth
Bassett
Staff Reporter
University Ministries is using clips from the recent film
“The Gospel of John” to present a Bible study
focused on the Gospel today.
Carolyn Osiek, a New Testament professor in Brite Divinity
School, was on the advisory committee of the film. The
international committee worked closely with the film’s
producers, director and screenwriter to ensure the film
was true to the text.
“We tried to be as authentic as possible,” Osiek
said. “It’s very direct.”
She said the buildings, clothes and music in the film
are true to the time period.
Each session of the series is split into two parts, starting
with a lecture from Osiek and then moving to small group
discussions. Each session focuses on a particular passage
of John’s Gospel.
The first session was Jan. 20. A gleaming sun rising over
the sea was the first image of the film students saw.
The music, played on traditional instruments, provided
background for a narrator reading the opening verses of
the Gospel.
“The movie helped evoke emotions I don’t get
from just reading the word,” said Melissa O’Dell,
a sophomore nursing major. “It’s a good supplement
to the text.”
The Rev. Brian Young, of the Wesley Foundation, said the
film incorporates images with faith experiences.
“I hope students will get a new appreciation for
the Gospel of John and that this study will be a faith
experience to change their lives,” said Charles Calabrese,
a father in TCU’s Catholic Community.
The Gospel of John is unique from the other three Gospels
because it immediately jumps into the story of Jesus as
an adult.
“Of all the books, it seems to be the one that captures
people,” Calabrese said.
Lauren Gump, a sophomore early childhood education major,
said she came to the sessions because she wants a more
general knowledge of the Gospel of John.
Young said University Ministries would consider using
other films in Bible studies if this series is successful.
“We try to let students come up with ideas to focus
on,” Young said.
The Gospel of John contains many focus topics, and each
week’s Gospel passage will concentrate on a significant
event in the life of Jesus. Examples of such events are:
the multiplication of loaves and fishes, the raising of
Lazarus, the Last Supper and the resurrection of Jesus. |
|
|
|
|
Sarah
Chacko/ Photo Editor
|
| Brite
professor Carolyn Osiek explains how studying “The
Gospel of John” will enhance Biblical understanding.
University Ministries will present a bible study
on the Gospel at 7 p.m. today. |
|
|
