SHANE (1953)

Directed by: George Stevens
Written by: A. R. Guthrie
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, Brandon De Wilde
Rated: Approved

About the film:
A retired gunfighter named Shane, looking to settle down, finds himself drawn into an escalating conflict between homesteaders and some cattle ranchers. Befriended by Joe and his family, Shane decides to strap on his guns one more time with Joe’s son Joey looking on in awe and wonder.

Movie Quote:
“A gun is a tool, Marion; no better or worse than any other tool – an axe, a shovel, or anything else. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it.”
Shane (Alan Ladd) in Shane (1953)

Bible Quote:
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”
Titus 1:15 (NIV)

Commentary:
We’ve heard the argument, “Guns don’t kill people – people kill people” but we may not have stopped to consider the spiritual logic that resides behind that phrase. Inanimate objects bear no responsibility in the eyes of God for how they are used.

All things in this world were originally given to man for him to use as he saw fit. Whether objects are used to bless and edify others or whether they are used to hurt and destroy… That’s a decision that is solely up to the individual wielding them.

People, trying to avoid the accountability of their actions or decisions, will sometimes be quick to try and shift blame to the object or instrument that was used in a tragic or unhappy circumstance. We must remember that whether it is a gun, a car, or anything else, the fact remains that no tool is inherently evil. The responsibility for how we use what is available to us remains with us alone.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Based upon the quote from Shane, what would be the most logical kind of gun control legislation that could be enacted?
2. Why did Shane enter into a fight that wasn’t really his? What motivated him to risk and possibly give his life?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com