Life of Pi & Rango: Faith x Belief

Talking about religion in the classroom is not so healthy. It is a touchy subject and discussions might get out of control. However, talking about faith is positive. This scene does not show any controversy, but discusses faith/religion in an unbiased manner. Mind your audience before showing it. By the way, I simply loved Life of Pi. You can't miss it!

Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing. It may also be belief that is not based on proof. In religion, faith often involves accepting claims about the character of a deity, nature, or the universe.The word faith is often used as a substitute for hope, trust or belief.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith 
Belief – An opinion or judgement in which a person is fully persuaded.

Faith is believing in that which is not seen, being sure of what is hoped for." Belief is choosing to accept information for what it is.

I. Work with a partner:

1. Do you consider yourself a faithful person according to the definition of faith above? Why?

2.How were you led into your religion? 

3. Can you explain with your own words the difference between FAITH and BELIEF?

4. Come up with a few examples of faith and belief.

 Watch the segments from the movies Life of Pi and Rango.

 Then discuss the questions.

Life of Pi

Rango

1. Which one is about Faith and which one is about Belief? Explain it.

2. Is it possible for someone to have 3 different religions at the same time like in Life of Pi? Explain it.

3. Can people's lives be determined by the presence/absence of a natural resource, like in Rango?

4. How do you compare the the characters' feelings in both segments?


MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - LIFE OF PI

MOVIE SEGMENTS DOWNLOAD - RANGO

The Artist & Battleship: Confidence x Arrogance

I have mixed feelings about these movies. The Artist is a bit overrated and Battleship is close to a disaster. However, these scenes are great for this topic.

ARROGANCE:

An attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions

CONFIDENCE:

A feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances . Faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

I. Work in pairs.

1. What is the thin line that separates arrogance from plain confidence.

2. Most people cheer against athletes who tend to show excessive confidence and certainty of victory. Why does that happen?

3. Are there moments when arrogance is necessary? Explain your answer.

4. How can too much confidence affect one's life or personality?

5. Can you give real examples of people you consider arrogant?

II. Watch the movie segments that follow and answer the questions.

THE ARTIST:

.BATTLESHIP:

1. What's your opinion about the main characters in both segments? Are they confident or arrogant? Explain your answer.

2. What are the consequences of their excessive confidence?

3. Are they wrong to act the way they do? Why (not)?

4. What advice would you give them?

5. Which of the characters have a more acceptable behavior? Explain it.


MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE ARTIST 


MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - BATTLESHIP