Ducking Life's Dodgeballs

Over the next two weeks we will watch the comedy Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story. How can we engage a movie like Dodgeball – without any obvious connections to spirituality – to an important discussion about life and faith?

We chose this film because it uses a bunch of “misfits” to relate some ideas about perception, identity, perspective, vanity, and satisfaction. All of the different characters in this film bring something different to look at and there is a lot of current society outlook in this film. From the perception that one group of people are better than another (even though they play the same game that they make fun of the others for playing), to the vanity that is used to portray the “bad guy.” In this film, the characters are all struggling to overcome personal issues. Some are seemingly content with their lives, and seem to have a smaller expectation for what life owes them. Others are not happy with who they are, even though on the outside they seem to be in control. Consider these questions while watching the movie:

• What defines identity for people? Do we define it by position, title, or by what we do? Where do most people in society find their identity? What about as human beings…what gives identity to humanity?

• How does spirituality shape and define who we are? How does our understanding/view of God shape our identity? What about identity and community…how does our immediate community define and shape our identity?

• How do we define success? How does where we are (perspective) change how we define success?

• What drives us to stand behind the underdog?

• In your life, which character(s) are you most like? How do you feel about that, and would you change it if you could?

We hope you'll join us in the conversation over the next two weeks!