I don’t have a tremendously high-traffic blog by any means. But I have enough visitors that, once in a while, I’m asked to review some resources. Sometimes this is a joy, sometimes it is not. This resource was a joy to review and interact with.

Compass Cinema has produced a series called “Modern Parables: Living In The Kingdom of God”, which they describe as “an original Bible study curriculum designed for people who like movies.”

This is an exciting opportunity to bring the parables to life in a way many of us have only imagined. And yet, I have to admit that I approached this series with a bit of hesitation. I know this might seem harsh, but Christians rarely do such things in such a way that the artistic endeavor matches the good intentions behind them. The teaching might be good, but the reenactments can sometimes fall a bit short. I can say that such was not the case here. These short recastings of the parables are top-notch. The package includes:

• Six Parable Films
• Six Application Videos each taught by a different pastor
• Six Director’s Commentaries for teaching Cinema and Theology
• 1 Teacher’s Guide with 2 intro chapters, 12 complete lesson plans + 6 bonus lesson plans (108p.)
• 1 Student Book with 12 in-depth chapters on the parables (200p.)
• 1 Teacher’s Prep CD with 12 audio lesson overviews for teachers

The content tackles six of Jesus’ “Kingdom Parables,” Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44), The Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13), The Widow and the Judge (Luke 18:1-8), The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:11-15), and The Prodigal Son(s) (Luke 15:11-32).

Each parable is cast retold in a different cinematic style and is followed by a teaching/application session. Both the student and teacher’s manuals begin by explaining basic hermeneutical principles to consider when approaching parables and then those principles are applied, both in the teaching sessions and study questions. There is also an extra audio CD with hints and putting together a cohesive lesson for the teachers as well as extra questions regarding the cinematic style and the truths being conveyed. Each parable also features a commentary feature encouraging everyone to more fully consider the art that should be film-making and viewing and how this medium can be used to further our faith. The study guides feature thought-provoking, text-examining questions that tie in well with both the cinematic presentations and the application sessions.

Though not intended primarily for children, the films are suitable for the whole family and held the attention of my oldest (6) through to my youngest (2), not to mention the parents. In fact, my children asked to watch the rest once we started. What a valuable resource to get people of all ages to see these powerful truths in a new light and see that this Truth is just as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago. Though I haven’t had a chance to use these resources in a formal teaching setting yet, I can say that they prompted quite a bit of discussion with our family, and I’m sure it would work well with groups of varying sizes.

Each parable closely mirrors the original text while placing the action in a modern setting. The obvious goal is to drive us back to the original text with a new understanding. The Compass Cinema team has helped bridge the gap between text and application. Watching the biblical truth unfold in a familiar setting reinforces the impact Jesus’ original audience must have felt. For anyone “who like movies” (or even if you don’t) and takes the Bible seriously, I cannot recommend this resource enough.

Watch the trailers:

• Visit the Modern Parables official website
• Read Tim Challies’ review
• Read Justin Taylor’s review