Friday, March 26, 2004
Question 7
One of my favourite scenes in the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” is the scene where Jen is chasing Lo incessantly for the jade comb that Lo stole from her. I found it to be an extremely humorous scene, but what makes it so funny? Is it the mocking manner of Lo the charming bandit/thief? Or maybe it’s the persistence of Jen in chasing after something seemingly meaningless?
But let’s look at this scene more closely. To Lo this comb that he stole was an object of little value, however, to Jen, it was something that was made of precious stone, and also an object that held within it memories and much sentimental value. It was of such importance that she risked separation from her family, risked being lost in a dangerous desert, and risked chasing after a dangerous bandit, just to gain it back again. How wonderful to have such persistence and defined a goal; to know for sure what is important and to chase after it.
This reminds me of a character in scripture who had extreme passion and persistence in his goal as well. A character who knew exactly what was important and fought for it with all his might. Immediately from birth he was grasping at this goal (Genesis 25:25-26), and in adulthood he fought for the blessing (Genesis 27), and in a final pursuit he wrestled for blessing once again (Genesis 32:22-32).
What matters do we wrestle for in life? What “combs” do we have in our life? What “things” are so important to us that we must fight and chase and wrestle for it?
Sandra
But let’s look at this scene more closely. To Lo this comb that he stole was an object of little value, however, to Jen, it was something that was made of precious stone, and also an object that held within it memories and much sentimental value. It was of such importance that she risked separation from her family, risked being lost in a dangerous desert, and risked chasing after a dangerous bandit, just to gain it back again. How wonderful to have such persistence and defined a goal; to know for sure what is important and to chase after it.
This reminds me of a character in scripture who had extreme passion and persistence in his goal as well. A character who knew exactly what was important and fought for it with all his might. Immediately from birth he was grasping at this goal (Genesis 25:25-26), and in adulthood he fought for the blessing (Genesis 27), and in a final pursuit he wrestled for blessing once again (Genesis 32:22-32).
What matters do we wrestle for in life? What “combs” do we have in our life? What “things” are so important to us that we must fight and chase and wrestle for it?
Sandra
Sunday, March 21, 2004
CTHD: Challenges to the Traditional Church's Conception of Women
Question Six
Part of the reason why Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon resonates so much with modern audiences is that it attempts to make universal statements about the experiences of women. Although we certainly do not live in China and nor do we live in the 19th century, the struggles of Jen and Shu Lien are able to transcend those barriers of time and geography because the experiences they speak of are the experiences of women both in the past and in present day society. In CTHD, Jen, as a woman is denied control over her own destiny, and fated to being a pawn in her father's complex political schemes. Jen is unable to live with the person she loves, unable to make decisions for herself, and unable to reach her true potential talent (in this case represented by martial arts). Shu Lien, also, is caught in the rules of a patriarchical society where a woman's greatest happiness is found in marriage, where a woman must always observe the hidden rules of "appropriate" conduct, and where a woman is forbidden to "love whomever she wants". Although Jen and Shu Lien face a particularly oppressive regime, is it not true that women still face the same barriers today? Many cultures today still abide by male-supperior views and traditions. In our society, women are still discriminated against at work and in private, and indeed the role of women as leaders in the church is still a much debated topic.
While many churches still reject women from leadership positions as a matter of theology, it is time to ask ourselves whether such interpretations of "theology" and "the bible" are a product of a male-dominated perspective of the text. Although it is undeniable that women are physically different from men, it does not logically follow that they therefore deserve an inferior role in life and society. Indeed, the bible itself is clear that Jesus' death on the cross is a redemptive act of creation and creatures (i.e. humans) and involves equality for all peoples:
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew, nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, if you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galations 3:27-29)
Similarly, Genesis gives us the following description when God creates humans:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
These quotations are certainly consistent with the thrust and narrative bent of the bible. God commissioned both men and women to steward the earth (Gen 1:26-28) and when the bible speaks of inheritors of the "Kingdom", it does so in gender-neutral terms. The bible also never breaks down those eligible to serve in ministry with respect to age, gender, race, or social status, and does not restrict women to particular "women's" roles. Indeed, there are numerous stories in the Bible where women were called into teaching and leadership and were blessed by God. While 1 Timothy 2 is often cited as an example of "why women shouldn't be allowed into leadership", one wonders after reading the context of the rest of the bible why this passage is held onto over others (remember that at one point, the bible was also used to justify slavery!).
This of course, not only calls into question our society's whole preoccupation with "gender roles" for men and women - the implication being that men are suited for certain work more than women and vice versa, but also calls into question our traditional reading of the bible - have our interpretations of the text been influenced by the patriarchical presuppositions of Western culture? Given the clear redemptive nature of the biblical story and God's purpose, it seems to me that certain churches may have been guilty of bad hermeneutics at best on the issue of gender equality.
Thus, the plight of Jen and Shu Lien are not as far from the plight of women in today's society, nor as un-challenging to our faith and beliefs as one might think. The very struggles experienced by Jen and Shu Lien causes us to think about our own lives, our own society, and our own institutions. Given the movie, it is perhaps relevant to ask ourselves this: Do our society and institutions today perpetuate rules and traditions that deny women of their full talent, that discriminate against women, and that generally tell women that they are inferior? If so, what should we do about it?
For further information on the equality and the bible, see: www.cbeinternational.org. The book "Gender and Grace" by Mary Van Leeuwen is also a good resource for this topic.
Tammy
Part of the reason why Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon resonates so much with modern audiences is that it attempts to make universal statements about the experiences of women. Although we certainly do not live in China and nor do we live in the 19th century, the struggles of Jen and Shu Lien are able to transcend those barriers of time and geography because the experiences they speak of are the experiences of women both in the past and in present day society. In CTHD, Jen, as a woman is denied control over her own destiny, and fated to being a pawn in her father's complex political schemes. Jen is unable to live with the person she loves, unable to make decisions for herself, and unable to reach her true potential talent (in this case represented by martial arts). Shu Lien, also, is caught in the rules of a patriarchical society where a woman's greatest happiness is found in marriage, where a woman must always observe the hidden rules of "appropriate" conduct, and where a woman is forbidden to "love whomever she wants". Although Jen and Shu Lien face a particularly oppressive regime, is it not true that women still face the same barriers today? Many cultures today still abide by male-supperior views and traditions. In our society, women are still discriminated against at work and in private, and indeed the role of women as leaders in the church is still a much debated topic.
While many churches still reject women from leadership positions as a matter of theology, it is time to ask ourselves whether such interpretations of "theology" and "the bible" are a product of a male-dominated perspective of the text. Although it is undeniable that women are physically different from men, it does not logically follow that they therefore deserve an inferior role in life and society. Indeed, the bible itself is clear that Jesus' death on the cross is a redemptive act of creation and creatures (i.e. humans) and involves equality for all peoples:
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew, nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, if you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galations 3:27-29)
Similarly, Genesis gives us the following description when God creates humans:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)
These quotations are certainly consistent with the thrust and narrative bent of the bible. God commissioned both men and women to steward the earth (Gen 1:26-28) and when the bible speaks of inheritors of the "Kingdom", it does so in gender-neutral terms. The bible also never breaks down those eligible to serve in ministry with respect to age, gender, race, or social status, and does not restrict women to particular "women's" roles. Indeed, there are numerous stories in the Bible where women were called into teaching and leadership and were blessed by God. While 1 Timothy 2 is often cited as an example of "why women shouldn't be allowed into leadership", one wonders after reading the context of the rest of the bible why this passage is held onto over others (remember that at one point, the bible was also used to justify slavery!).
This of course, not only calls into question our society's whole preoccupation with "gender roles" for men and women - the implication being that men are suited for certain work more than women and vice versa, but also calls into question our traditional reading of the bible - have our interpretations of the text been influenced by the patriarchical presuppositions of Western culture? Given the clear redemptive nature of the biblical story and God's purpose, it seems to me that certain churches may have been guilty of bad hermeneutics at best on the issue of gender equality.
Thus, the plight of Jen and Shu Lien are not as far from the plight of women in today's society, nor as un-challenging to our faith and beliefs as one might think. The very struggles experienced by Jen and Shu Lien causes us to think about our own lives, our own society, and our own institutions. Given the movie, it is perhaps relevant to ask ourselves this: Do our society and institutions today perpetuate rules and traditions that deny women of their full talent, that discriminate against women, and that generally tell women that they are inferior? If so, what should we do about it?
For further information on the equality and the bible, see: www.cbeinternational.org. The book "Gender and Grace" by Mary Van Leeuwen is also a good resource for this topic.
Tammy
Thoughts on Crouching Tiger Coming Soon
Hi! Clinton, Sandra, and Tammy will each be posting blog pieces with thoughts on one of the questions found in the handout provided in class. We hope that this will provide you with some possible starting points with respect to thinking about this movie and "spiritual" themes.
March 21 Class: Overcome with Passion Article
Article used on March 21 class can be found here: Overcome with Passion.
March 21 Class: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Synopsis on back of DVD cover:
A breathtaking epic set in 19th century China from award-winning director Ang Lee (The Wedding Banquet, Sense and Sensibility), CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON combines high-flying action and stunning visual effects wiht a classic story of unrequirted love. International superstars Chow Yun-fat (Anna and the King) and Michelle Yeoh (Tomorrow Never Dies) give their greatest performances ever as two legendary warriors whose lifelong pursuits for justice and honor prevent them from acting on their personal longings.
The film tracks the lives of three proud fighters each trying to deal with their true inner emotions: the brave warrior who is unable to declare his true love; the woman fighter whose calm demeanor belies the inner turmoil of her yearning; and the young femal aristocrat set to be put into a loveless marriage, but secretly needing to rebel. The choices that each of them makes lead to a violent showdown in which each are forever changed by the surprising outcome.
Shot over the rich and vibrant landscapes of Mainland China with incredible martial arts battles choreographed by Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix) and music composed by accplaimed composer Tan-Dun with world-renowned cellis Yo-yo Ma, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON goes beyond the traditional action film genre to create on of the most remarkable film experiences in recent times.
A breathtaking epic set in 19th century China from award-winning director Ang Lee (The Wedding Banquet, Sense and Sensibility), CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON combines high-flying action and stunning visual effects wiht a classic story of unrequirted love. International superstars Chow Yun-fat (Anna and the King) and Michelle Yeoh (Tomorrow Never Dies) give their greatest performances ever as two legendary warriors whose lifelong pursuits for justice and honor prevent them from acting on their personal longings.
The film tracks the lives of three proud fighters each trying to deal with their true inner emotions: the brave warrior who is unable to declare his true love; the woman fighter whose calm demeanor belies the inner turmoil of her yearning; and the young femal aristocrat set to be put into a loveless marriage, but secretly needing to rebel. The choices that each of them makes lead to a violent showdown in which each are forever changed by the surprising outcome.
Shot over the rich and vibrant landscapes of Mainland China with incredible martial arts battles choreographed by Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix) and music composed by accplaimed composer Tan-Dun with world-renowned cellis Yo-yo Ma, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON goes beyond the traditional action film genre to create on of the most remarkable film experiences in recent times.
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Schedule Posted
Click on the "Schedule" link located on the right bar of this blog to access our Class Schedule. The movies and dates might change, so keep on checking for more details.
Welcome!
Welcome to ETCBC's Sunday School Class: "At the Movies". This site is intended as a forum in which we can discuss the movies and issues that are raised in class. Updates, handouts, and supplementary information will be posted here as well, so check back frequently. :) Hope you enjoy the class.
