Dogma - 7

Kevin Smith is a theologian. He writes his theology in the art and medium of film...oh and uses a lot of f-bombs to make his points. It is a little unorthodox...and yet...still orthodox. His other films also contribute to his overall theology but this film is his...most "systematic (?)." This is also a very hilarious film because it takes care not to take itself too seriously. The story is pretty basic: two angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon), one the angel of death, that are on God’s bad side for stopping to do their work have found a loophole in Catholic dogma that will allow them back home- heaven. It also happens to make God (famously played by Alanis Morissette) wrong and thus would cause existence to cease. There are plenty of converging story-lines that involve demons and foibled and faithless humans. And, of course Jay and Silent Bob are the background heroes of the film. An unavoidable film for anyone interested in critically engaging issues of Christian theology with a sense of humor and a curiosity for deep questions of the meaning of life and spirituality (trust me, this film is more intelligent than any spirituality that Oprah is currently selling).