TGC Books and Films

Silence, by Shusako Endo (Taplinger Publishing Co.)

Christianity first came to Japan in 1549 through the work of Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier. Within 60 years, there were more than 300,000 Japanese Christians. When the government outlawed Christianity in 1614, Christians were severely tortured and forced to apostatize by trampling on a fumie, an image of Christ. Many thousands were martyred. The novel raises complex questions of Christian belief and apostasy, strength of character, and the difficulties of "translating" European Christianity in a non-Western culture.

The Chosen, by Chaim Potok (Fawcett)

Many of the central themes of The Great Conversation feature prominently in The Chosen. These include worldview, character, vocation, faith communities, faith and learning, and dealing with differences and disagreement. This novel provides a useful springboard for introducing these themes.

Traveling Mercies, by Anne Lamott (Anchor)

In sharp contrast with Lewis's formal and rational account of the Christian faith, Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott illustrates a number of themes in vocation and a Christian world view. Lamott writes honestly and openly about her failings and her difficult path to Christ.

Deep River, by Shusako Endo (New Directions)

Deep River builds on Silence. Endo continues his challenge to readers with the complex questions raised as a result of the introduction of European Christianity in a non-Western culture, affirming the Christian God as a God of Mystery. In Deep River, we are introduced to several Japanese characters whose lives intersect on a trip to India, converging on the banks of the Ganges River. Endo brings his Christ figure, Ostu, right into the middle of a literary interfaith dialogue between Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. Endo asserts that Christ is quietly present in the sufferings of the contemporary world, even within non-Christian cultures. We are presented with the complex question: What is the nature of Christian service in a real world of religious pluralism?

Dead Man Walking, directed by Tom Robbins

The Apostle, directed by Robert Duvall (MCA)

How do the three elements of Christianity, character, and culture affect each other? This film presents one picture in response to the question, "What does Christianity look like lived out (in a particular life and a particular subculture)?" It's a story about a man with a flawed character and an inescapable calling. The film is included here to provoke discussion about assumed values and processes in a Christian worldview, and to expose viewers to a particular cultural Christianity.               

Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story, directed by Michael Brindley (Vision)

Entertaining Angels tells the story of Dorothy Day, a journalist and Christian who dedicated her whole self—food, clothing, shelter, income, family, and vocation—to living out Christ's Sermon on the Mount. This 1996 introduction to the life of Dorothy Day includes the hard living and the amazing sacrifices, wrenching doubt and miraculous faith, aching loneliness, and life-changing community. What is striking about the life of Dorothy Day is that at no point did any of her choices—many of them arguably inspired by God's love—result in an ever after, smooth, struggle-free life, emotionally, socially, or physically. We see Dorothy trying to figure out who she is, how she's gifted, and what is expected of her in light of (or despite?) her energy, her talents, her personality, her relationships, and even her faith.

Amistad, directed by Stephen Spielberg (Dreamworks) 

This hugely important historical event reveals both the heartless depths to which humanity sinks as well as the miraculous reconciliation possible. The film functions here to encourage consideration of the importance of keeping stories alive as we look for examples in applying a Christian worldview. It demonstrates a range of character virtues and vices as well as examples of intentionally using one's gifts to serve those who need help. It's also useful in strengthening a broad, historical understanding of the state of human relations in our culture.