Saved!

Saved! is a 2004 United Artists teen comedy-drama film involving elements of religious satire. It was directed by Brian Dannelly and written by Dannelly and Michael Urban. It stars Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, Patrick Fugit, Eva Amurri, Martin Donovan, and Mary-Louise Parker. The film touches the issues of religion, ostracism, homophobia, teen pregnancy, divorce, and disabilities.


In chapter 5, Kickin' it, Jesus style we're introduced to Pastor Skip who through his piety and striving to remain 'cool' has seem to lose all sense of credibility.  I often wonder if we, like Pastor Skip have lost ourselves along the way towards a style of worship that is either sacrificed on the altar of coolness or relevance.  What begins innocently enough becomes something hardly recognizable, unless we take the time to look critically at what we've become and where we came from.

Genesis 4:25-26

 ^25-26 Adam slept with his wife again. She had a son whom she named Seth. She said, "God has given me another child in place of Abel whom Cain killed." And then Seth had a son whom he named Enosh.

   That's when men and women began praying and worshiping in the name of God.

In chapter 10, The Girlie Exorcists we're front and center for a Hilary Faye led spiritual charge to intervene for Mary's own good whether she wants it or not.  While in need of comfort and sympathy, Mary is met with contempt and judgement.  While played way over the top, I wonder if our own best intentions may as well be received in like kind.  

Galatians 6:1-3

^1-3 Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.

In chapter 20, As Planned we see the story come to a close and are left with the internalization of the tale and if we can find it of some value in reflection or not.  It is not the goal to solve all the problems of the film and it's characters by the time the credits roll, but hopefully to show us life in all it's messiness and maybe a place to begin in the role that acceptance plays in our loving embrace of the very people that God has placed in front of us.  We all want change, in ourselves and in others for the better, but maybe acceptance is a beginning step in that elusive desire.  

Luke 9:45-48

 ⁴⁵They didn't get what he was saying. It was like he was speaking a foreign language and they couldn't make heads or tails of it. But they were embarrassed to ask him what he meant.
 ^46-48They started arguing over which of them would be most famous. When Jesus realized how much this mattered to them, he brought a child to his side. "Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts me," he said. "And whoever accepts me, accepts the One who sent me. You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference."