Both are about journeys from the cosmopolitan United States to the jungles of another continent. In both, the central characters are nice, trusting, non-violent, and affectionate. In both, the first foray ends in great disappointment, but perseverance pays off when the second attempt succeeds. In both, there is a kind of determined optimism, almost to the point of suspending disbelief. In both, love triumphs, but it’s not always romantic love that matters, but the genuine caring that binds one being to another despite their unlikely alliance.
“The End of the Spear” is about the missionary efforts in the 1950s of a small group of evangelical Christian Americans to find a lost tribe of Ecuador (the Waodani), and then convert them. They found the lost tribe, all right. And the men were all summarily slaughtered for their troubles. Their wives and children escaped, though, along with one of the “indigenous” (named Mincayani) and eventually it was the son of one of the “martyrs” (played by Chad Allen), along with the now-domesticated “native,” who help establish a permanent relationship with the Stone-Age Waodani. The climactic moment is when Mincayani finally admits to the son that he was part of the war party that killed his father. And the son, after anguishing about whether or not to take revenge, finally forgives in a tearful embrace. If Joab had done the same to Abner in response to the slaying of his brother Asahel in battle, the history of Israel might have been significantly different. (2 Samuel 2-4)
“Curious George” is an animated feature, based on the children’s books by Margaret and H.A. Rey. George is a monkey from the African jungle, with a large curiosity, of course, tinged with some mischievousness, but at least he’s always playful. The mama elephant isn’t always amused when he paints zebra stripes on the baby elephant. He encounters Ted (the voice of Will Ferrell), who is there to search for the lost “idol,” a 40-foot statue that’s supposed to be hidden in the jungle. If he finds it, he’ll save his employer, the owner of a small New York museum, from going out of business. And, not coincidentally, he’ll preserve his own job as a tour guide, and save the museum from being turned into a parking lot, which is the nefarious plan of the museum owner’s son. Ted, with George’s help, finds the treasure he is seeking. Parable of the lost coin, anyone? (Luke 15: 8-10)
“Curious George” is meant as a children’s movie, but the young in spirit will enjoy it as well, because it’s, well, playful. The good guys win, everybody plays nice, adventure is harmless and riskless, the music (by Jack Johnson) is sweet and upbeat, and primary colors abound in the world. “The End of the Spear” is meant as a “Christian” movie, and though it raises old questions about the cultural imperialism of missionary endeavor, it also emphasizes people who are genuine, loving, committed to their relationships, and intent on bearing witness to their faith. Though very different in tone and style, both films represent a churchgoer’s kind of movie.
Questions For Discussion:
1) The challenge in “George” is people who are greedy, mean-spirited, and narrow-minded. The challenge in “Spear” is people who are suspicious, violent, and unwilling to adapt to new situations. What sorts of people represent your “challenge”?
2) Is it possible to teach the Gospel to another civilization apart from the cultural baggage of the one who is doing the proselytizing? How?
3) What is the most difficult forgiveness you’ve ever extended? Is there one you have not been able to extend?
4) What is the most difficult forgiveness you’ve ever accepted? Is there one you have not been able to accept?
Ron Salfen is pastor of First Church, Terrell, Texas.