Of gods and men

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See this movie and you will meet good men who face civil war with honesty, courage and faith. Be uplifted by men of faith who wrestle in very human ways with how prayer, faith, community and belonging shape us and guide our actions  and responses to the world.

This movie tells the story of a small community of Trappist monks living in Algeria in the 1990's.  They live simple lives, shaped by the traditional monastic practices of prayer, work and hospitality.  They are loved by their Muslim neighbours and serve their neighbours with respect and love.  The lives of the men,the town and the whole nation are turned upside down when civil war erupts. As a community they must face issues like:

• what does it mean to follow the Prince of Peace in a time of war?
• what does it mean to welcome and serve everyone?
• how is a community led at times of crisis and conflict?
• how do you balance communal and indiviual decision making?
• what does it mean to make you home amongst a people not your own?

They face these issues together, prayerfully, seeking to live as people who follow Jesus.

This movie is an extended theological reflection on these issue and more and a wonderful reminder of the ongoing power of faith, prayer, community and monastic vocation.

View a trailer here