Written by Nicole Sophia Sullenger
During a week full of midterms, stress and much anticipation for spring break, students at Harding will have the opportunity to take a break from their studies to watch “Finding Neverland,” “School of Rock” or “The Godfather.”
Three professors have each chosen one of their favorite movies and invited students to join each of them in watching it.
Last month’s chapel series, “The Christian at the Movies,” discussed the good and bad in movies and how to discern what is and what is not appropriate. Professor Mac Sandlin spoke during this series and, according to Vice President for Spiritual Life Bruce McLarty, Sandlin was also the one who came up with the idea to watch a movie with a professor.
“He loves to talk about movies, and he knew a number of other teachers who also love to discuss movies,” McLarty said.”He proposed the idea and then did all the work to organize it.”
On Thursday, March 4, Kevin Klein, Scott Adair and Mac Sandlin will be in either the McInteer or Ganus Building showing the movie they each picked, free of charge, to students. Although this may be the first time for such an event on Harding’s campus, McLarty said he thinks it will benefit the students.
“Sometimes the only message students hear about movies is, ‘You shouldn’t watch that,'” McLarty said. “My great concern is not that people watch movies, but rather that so many of us watch movies passively, without considering how thishas an impact on our faith.”
Before and after the movies are shown, discussions will take place about the messages and themes behind each film. This will be an opportunity for both the professors and students to share their thoughts, and to challenge one another on the issues the movie raises.
“Our goal for the all of this is to encourage everyone to engage their heart, soul and mind when they go to the movies,” McLarty said. “I think that watching a moviewith a professor and then discussing it afterward provides a wonderful model of how we can thoughtfullyengage our culture through movies.”
Due to limited seating in each room, students can get tickets either beforehand or at the door. The list of when and where each movie is playing, along with the trailer, is listed below.
