Envisioning Story through Film: The Prince of Egypt and Exodus

Brothers,

Just before the opening credits of the feature animation film, The Prince of Egypt, we are given a disclaimer which says something to the effect of: While the biblical story of the Exodus has been modified for dramatic purposes, the integrity of the original story remains the same. In other words, the film maintains most, if not all, of the religious truths and themes that were originally communicated to us in the written account.

In light of what we've read from the Exodus accounts and seen from the film, I'd like you to do the following:

• Explain any major differences or similarities you noticed between the film and the written account. What effect did they have on your perception of the story? Did they enhance your perception of the story? Did they create suspense? Did the film help you understand the story better? Or did it confuse you more? Explain.
• Pick and describe three major themes (deeper meanings) presented in the film and explain, in detail, HOW they are portrayed. Do they have any relevance to your own life?
  

Due Tuesday, October 16 by class time.

In peace,
BRobPeachFSC

Dreams: Understanding Ourselves Experiencing God

Brothers,

As we have discussed in class, dreams are an important medium of communication between the human and the divine. Think of Scripture, for instance. There, we have the writings of God's revelations to God's people, much of which were inspired by dream visions.

That said, take some time to write a prayerful reflection on YOUR dream experiences, answering the questions that follow in COMPLETE sentences:

1. During your life in what ways have you paid attention to your dreams? Have you done "dreamwork": writing down your dreams or processing them? How has dreamwork and/or paying attention to your dreams helped you?


2. Can you remember a significant dream in your own life that helped you resolve (settle) an inner or outer conflict? Or helped you to gain clarity around a life issue? Or fostered deeper inner healing? How was the dream helpful to you? Did you ever bring that dream into conscious connection with God? What was that like for you?


[OPTIONAL] 3. In your own dreamwork what techniques have you found helpful in processing dreams? What ways have you prayed with dreams? How have you helped others to pray with their dreams?