Seeking Justice in an Unjust System
Coming up on this 4th anniversary episode of the Men at the Movies podcast, we discuss one of the greatest movies of all time, The Godfather. These movies awaken a desire for belonging, but also the ability to take justice into our own hands. However, it’s very easy for injustice to become a great reason to justify further injustice. In our own way, each one of us wants to be the one pulling the strings. Leave the gun, take the cannoli and join us as we discover God’s truth in this movie.
The Quotes
We want to be seen as dangerous.
Earthly justice is costly.
Injustice is a great reason to justify further injustice.
No villain thinks he’s a villain.
In our own way, each one of us wants to be the one pulling the strings.
An offer you can’t refuse is slavery.
God’s not asking us for a favor, He’s giving us His favor.
Themes
Appeal of mafia movies
Belonging, people have your back
Loyalty and protection
Identify with the ability to be tough and protect who matters to us
Family and violence, taking justice into our own hands
Contrast between vengeance, justice, and redemption
World’s justice is punitive.
God’s justice is redemptive: doesn’t look to punish but to redeem.
Parallels and tension between the way we look at God (the Father) vs how we look at the Godfather
Go for help
Appeal for justice
Makes very different types of offers. God’s offer is actually an invitation.
Resources
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” - Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
Questions
What is your favorite mafia movie?
What does it mean to be dangerous?
What is the difference between vengeance and justice? Which one do you typically want?
How does redemption and forgiveness change the outcome?
How are the Godfather and God the Father similar? How are they different? What can we learn from this?
More info
Subscribe to our YouTube channel (@menatthemovies) for bonus content.
Find us on the socials:
YouTube: @menatthemovies
Facebook: @menatthemovies
Instagram: @menatthemovies
TikTok: @menatthemovies
Twitter: @_menatthemovies
If you would like to support our work (and get some behind-the-scenes perks), visit our Patreon page. Get invites to livestreams, bonus episodes, even free merch. If you’d like to do a one-time contribution (a cameo appearance), visit www.menatthemovies.com/investors.
Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
Links: