This week’s Family Feature Friday is Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). It is rated PG-13 and runs 2hr and 58 min. It can be rented or purchased HERE.

Lords of the Rings is a beloved fantasy adventure about the fight for the soul of Middle Earth. It is no secret that J.R.R. Tolkien's Catholic theology heavily influenced his writings, but he also hated allegory. Which means that his world may not be as easily understood in a Christian lens like, for example, Narnia is. This movie is the 1st of 3 movies in the series, and it is quite simply: a story of good versus evil... but a large portion of the evil can be found in temptation from within. The movie is rated PG-13 as it can be rather scary and violent at times. I hope you all enjoy this epic trilogy over the next 3 weeks.

1. What is the great temptation of the ring? Why does everyone want it so badly? Why does Gandalf decide that the ring needed to be destroyed?

2. The imagery of The Ring is a good representative for the role of sin. Is anyone exempt from the temptation of the ring? Is even Gandalf or Galadriel capable of not being tempted by the ring?

3. The group of friends set out together to destroy the ring (sin). Why was it important that they go on this journey together? How did they help keep each other accountable from the temptations of the ring? Who are your friends that keep you accountable on your journey to defeat sin?

4. Who is Aragorn supposed to be? Why was he running away from his duty? What finally convinces him to accept his role in the world? (A: the death of Boromir).

5. The final scenes of the movie concerning Boromir actually mimic the journey of the sacrament of Reconciliation? What was Boromir's sin? (He gave into temptation and tried to take the ring from Frodo). Who did Boromir confess his sin to? (Aragorn). What was Boromir's penance as given to him by Aragorn? (To look after the other two Hobbits: Merry and Pippin).

Unfortunately, the movie leaves out the absolution that is present in the books here. I will paste what is said next in the books.

“I tried to take the Ring from Frodo,’ [Boromir] said. ‘I am sorry. I have paid."

"Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.'"

'No!' said Aragorn, taking his hand and kissing his brow. 'You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory. Be at peace!

Boromir smiled.

Here is the Prayer of absolution that the Priest says after Confession:

God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Notice the similar statements regarding "peace" and the statement of victory (his son reconciled the world ...)