This week you will watch a movie called The Mission. I have three comments. First, be prepared that the movie has graphic violence and nudity. You can fast-forward those scenes and still fully understand the movie if you want.

Two. Consider the important fact that the mission is powerless. Both Mendoza and Father Gabriel try to give the group power, albeit in very different ways. There is a need to respect that in powerless situations, it is very hard to know the right action. Illuminating the tension and struggle is a key purpose of the assignment. Again, acknowledging the tension is really important. And the assignment states that the characters “act in a way that they believe aligns with the Kingdom of God.” Ok. That might suggest that there is no tension, but I would encourage you whether you agree or disagree with that statement to defend your view. I personally think that all three characters really struggle with knowing how to respond and that the fact that nothing goes well—none of their responses save the people— is a strong sign of the tension in the movie.

Finally, you need to provide a modern example—someone from the last 30 years maximum; be specific and explain why you choose the person. And don’t refer generally to a group or organization, like the Amish or Mennonites. Also, make sure to give an explanation that clarifies the relation between your contemporary example with the movie character to ensure that I perceive the connection.

Next week’s paper is tough so you might want to get started on the Myth of a Christian Nation ahead of time. And remember to have the assignment beside you as you read so that you can direct your notes to the questions you need to answer.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Specifically, Martin Luther King, the apostle Paul from the Bible, and Jesus are not acceptable examples of the movie characters because they are NOT from the last 30 years.