First Presbyterian Church members, family, friends, and community gathered on March 1st for their monthly First Friday Film Fellowship.
The 1957 classic “12 Angry Men” is filled with laughter, edge-of-your-seat suspense, jury room debate, and twelve angry men who seemed very different but learned that they had much in common. The film received thumbs up from all viewers.
Twelve Angry Men is one of the top movies of its time. The drama, which is 1 hour and 35 minutes, was held in a court and jury room where 12 men were locked in for six days to determine if an 18-year-old male killed his father. If convicted, the teen would be given a death sentence.
"The film is commonly used in business schools and workshops to illustrate team dynamics and conflict resolution techniques," according to a booklet written by Duncan Hoopes, First Presbyterian’s pastor and First Friday’s moderator.
Pastor Hoopes opened the session with a door prize drawing for a book titled “God in the Movies: A Guide for Exploring Four Decades of Film (Foreward by Ralph Winter).” He then introduced film and character background information and shared Bible references to consider while watching the movie.
He explained that movie night is a safe space for sharing open discussions about God and movies. He encouraged the viewers to think about their personal views and shift their thinking. He also asked viewers to look inward and outward, change their everyday thinking, shift opinions, and remove cultural barriers while relaxing and eating popcorn, candies and sodas prepared for them.
"There is no such thing as a bad movie. You can learn something from all of them," shared Hoopes. "Watching movies with others is a wonderful activity for God's people. This space is a time when thoughts and emotions are shared. Movies evoke emotion – and as we discuss them, people learn more about your likes and personal character."
Indianola resident Doug Adams proudly shared that he has been with the movie night fellowship since its inception. He is a fan and watches movies for entertainment.
Rev. David Stevenson describes the event as camaraderie and fellowship. "Here, I learn new things, take the Bible, and apply it to present culture. Jesus speaks on every issue," explained Stevenson.
"I get to watch some great movies. I also get scriptures out of movie night. That keeps me coming back," explained Michael Washington, age 14, of Moorhead.
12 Angry Men was directed by Sidney Lumet and adapted from a 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose. The murder case involves an 18-year-old male who was born in a slum, abused and underprivileged. The jury consists of 12 men who, on a hot summer day, face ethnicity, bigotry, justice, mercy and truth.
After the movie, discussion points included:
What is the difference between objectivity and subjectivity? How does your subjectivity influence you?
Do you consider others' viewpoints and perspectives?
Do you take time to listen to others, search for the truth, and stand up for what's right- even if you stand alone?
Why do we classify people?
Are you too busy to show grace and mercy?
"We should seek to be like God as we deal with others and understand others," one participant said.
The Bible has much to say about the themes presented in this classic, including judging with proper judgment, being angry but sin not, overcoming evil with good, God being a right judge, learning to do good, fleeing youthful passions, and pursuing righteousness.
Pastor Hoopes stated, "Jesus is our advocate. Justice is important and fragile. We can rest knowing God is the ultimate judge."
At the movie's end, Michael Washington stated that he learned the importance of being patient. "It took them (the jury) hours to find out if the boy was guilty or not guilty. The movie taught me self-control. A lot of the men were angry. They couldn't get anything done because they were angry. When they (the jury) calmed down and listened to each other, they reached a verdict together."
Washington continued, "I got a laugh out of it and to see how they were talking through their (jury) frustration. It made me think about whether the boy was guilty or not."
"I think he was guilty. Why? Watch the movie," shared Washington. "I suggest you watch the movie."
Pastor Hoopes closed the session asking God to give his people righteous judgment and strength to seek truth and righteousness.
The movie and First Friday Film Fellowship booklet are in the church library at First Presbyterian of Indianola. The address is 311 Catchings Avene, Indianola.
You may contact the church at 662-887-1975 or office@IndianolaPCA.org for more information about their church ministries.
Make plans to join the next Free First Friday Film Fellowship at FPC.
