ANGELS & DEMONS

Directed by: Ron Howard
Written by: David Koepp, Akiva Goldsman
Studio: Sony Pictures
Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor
Rated: PG-13

About the film:
A bit of stolen antimatter capable of catastrophic destruction mixed with the resurgence of an ancient secret group known as the Illuminati brings symbologist Robert Langdon to the Vatican where he once again must decipher obscure clues that have been hidden in antiquity in order to save the day and the Roman Catholic Church.

Movie Quote:
"Religion is flawed because man is flawed.”
Cardinal Strauss (Armin Mueller-Stahl) in Angels & Demons (2009)

Bible Quote:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV)

Commentary:
Cardinal Strauss’ comment may sound odd coming from a Vatican priest but it is nonetheless true. Religion is flawed. Instead of bringing man closer to his heavenly Father, it is often the very instrument that keeps them apart. We should recognize that there is nothing particularly holy or sacrosanct about religion in and of itself. It is a human invention – not a divine one.

As 1 Corinthians 1:10 indicates, God is very clear on the matter of religious denominations and the separation they cause among His people. And yet, because man is flawed and allows his ego or self-imposed logic to supersede the clear instruction of God, we have hundreds upon hundreds of religions, sects and denominations all believing contradictory “truths” – many of whom are willing to kill or be killed “in the name of God.” God, of course, has no part in any of it.

That is not to say that all religion is inherently bad or evil. Religion has its place in our society as a tool to help man grow and build his faith. The building of a man’s faith and personal relationship with His Creator is of paramount importance. When religion helps with that endeavor, it is useful; when it gets in the way of it, or places itself (through its rites, rituals, and denominational dogma) on a higher plane it is no longer serving God or man - it is serving its own selfish purposes.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Can one reconcile scientific study with spiritual beliefs or must they be at odds?

2. What are the pros and cons of organized religion and how does one choose which one (if any) to follow?