Hosts Kenny Dickson and Mike Hatch discuss the film and faith spotted in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods, a film vast in imagery, characters, and story and flush with social and theological reflection.

Listen to Da 5 Bloods Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faithspotting/id1524339974?i=1000489408331

Spoiler Alert for those planning to watch the film. Those not planning to view it should be able to follow the conversation especially the discussion of the faith issues presented. Da 5 Bloods is available on Netflix and is rated R for language and violence.  

Da 5 Bloods has a solid cast led by Delroy Lindo d who offers an Oscar worthy portrayal as Paul the leading of the 4 surviving  members of the squad, “Da 5 Bloods” who return to Vietnam to find and repatriate the body of their original squad leader, “Stormin Norman” (Chadwick Bosman-RIP) as well as finish a plan hatched during a fateful mission. 

Treasure   What and where are one’s treasures as these determine where one’s heart is and what one’s life is dedicated to. Are treasures Godly and located in God’s Kingdom, where they cannot be lost nor lead to destruction? Or, are such treasures worldly and thereby vulnerable to destruction and being a path to destruction. Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of Rich Fool), Matthew 6:19-20, Colossians 2:1-5,

Forgiveness The transformative power of forgiveness whether offered to others, oneself, or received from others, which leads to peace within or between those injured. Such peace is in contrast to the destructive power of to oneself and others of burying or holding on to anger and guilt. Peace leads to reconciliation while destruction perpetuates brokenness of spirit, mind, body, and community.  The reunion scene between Paul and Stormin Norman depicts the peace found through redemption. Genesis 50 15-21 (Joseph forgives his brothers), Matthew 12:18-35 (how often to offer forgiveness) 2 Corinthians 2:1-11,

Control of Reactions and Faith  The ultimate and often final element of control one has is one’s reaction to the thoughts, words, and actions of others. Maintaining one’s faith in God’s goodness and the opportunity to be Easter People in the midst of suffering, whether brought on by the brokenness of the world and or the direct actions of others allows hope which leads to assurance and true peace.  Not surrendering to human emotions and desire to live by worldly values and ways is redemptive to self, community, and adversaries.  Numbers 6:22-26 (Priestly Benediction, John 16:16-33 (Sorrow Turning into Joy), John 14:27-31 (Jesus gives His peace)

“What’s Going On?” The seminal song by Marvin Gaye, written in response to the unimaginable hate and suffering inflicted by the Viet Nam war and the accompanying societal division and disorder. The song is more pointed when heard in the context of Jesus asking the question to the church / persons of faith when they fail to live up to His life example or teaching.  Matthew 12, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 2 (Jesus Cleans Temple) Luke 19:41-44 (Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem) John 11:28-37 (Jesus weeps for other’s mourning) Matthew 16:21-27 (Jesus rebukes Peter) Matthew 17:14-21 (Matthew rebukes Disciples for lack of faith), People of God Deny God’s Faithfulness: Exodus 32 (Golden Calf) Numbers 14 (Lack of Faith and Rebellion of God’s People)

Faith in Film Discussion of the two audiences of faith films and secular films that reflect and present elements of faith: 1. the church and 2. persons of faith and persons beyond the church or those questioning the faith in God. Faith films and films that reflect and lift up faith and theology are not synonymous with family or family friendly films. Discussion of how the Gospel can be communicated in powerful ways that are not considered family friendly.  2 Samuel 11-12 David’s adultery and murder, God sends Nathan to confront David.

Email kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com for discussion notes.