Discussing
Intellect and Imago Dei in the Women of Hidden Figures

No viewer of Hidden Figures could fail to see the image of God in its characters.

Incredibly powerful movie. The worth of a person transcending the value placed by society is clearly demonstrated. I recommend everyone see this. It will lift the load of life by showing what people can be.

Great commentary on a great true story and a great film (well scripted, cast, acted and filmed).

In an era where foul mouthed ultra violent garbage such as 'Deadpool' (and the like) raked in over half a billion dollars and so many morally dubious vigilante thugs are characterized as 'heros' films like this (and Hacksaw Ridge, The Queen of Katwe, A United Kingdom, Loving and Lion etc.) are oases of what real 'heros' look like ... human beings developng and using their God given gifts to act in love and faith in the service of their fellow human beings.

And they're stories of actual people and actual events which changed the lives of others (sometimes whole countries and cultures).

To look down upon, have lesser expectations or restrict the development / opportunities of a fellow creation of God is not only an blasphemous insult to our Creator but also suicidally self defeating as a society (imagine for a moment if Hilter had not persecuted the Jewish people within Germany, he may well have had the nuclear bomb before America and the outcome of WW2 might have been very different, his own blind prejudice not only killed millions but led to his own demise).

How many Einsteins, Mozarts, Churchills, Billy Grahams, John Wesleys etc. etc. etc. has the world missed out on because someone somewhere didn't see their potential because of skin color, gender, ethnic background, social status etc.?

Or worse still, did see their potential but snuffed it out because of hate, fear, resentment and envy.

Praise God for how progress made since the events depicted in the film Hidden Figures.

Lord forgive us for the failure to have defeated such ridiculous and blasphemous prejudice completely.

Thank you Jesus that which for mere human beings is impossible that with God all things are possible.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. your dream has not yet been realised but it still inspires millions to reach and strive for its manifest reality in our lives, communities and nation.

In Reply to Paul Robinson (comment #30023)
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Excellent response!

In Reply to Paul Robinson (comment #30023)
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Paul R, just curious which character you're referencing when you talk about a "morally dubious vigilante thug" who is characterized as a hero in "The Queen of Katwe". I'm not arguing with you, just trying to figure out which character.

Bob.
Apologies for not making my meaning clear (I typed the comment on a bus on the way to work).
My meaning is that so many film depicting fictional thugs (from men in tights and capes to street hoons to police who take the law into their own hand and act as judge,jury and executioner) as 'heros' (by vengefully beating up on people in the name of so called justice) seem to often meet have huge commercial success. In comparison there are brilliant and critically acclaimed films about real events with real heros (such as the films Hacksaw Ridge, The Queen of Katwe, A United Kingdom, Loving and Lion and there are many more) which, by large, generally don't result in the same success but I find immeasurablely enrichimg and inspiring.
I grew up in a single parent family in what would now be described as socially disadvantaged conditions. I do not compare my childhood to what Phiona (The Queen of Katwe) endured however my life too was forever changed (at 15 I was headed for serious trouble) when someone chose to invest in me and my life. And although he was a tough and just man he didn't fly, shoot and neither was bullet proof. He just loved a lost boy trying to become a man (but following the wrong examples) and saved him by displaying the right example. Although I was a white boy, from a different culture and living on a different continent The Queen of Katwe was close to the bone for me (again I do not mean to compare my experience of poverty with Phiona's, they are literally worlds apart). The film bought back powerful memories of a great man in my life (and my never give up or give in mother)
Paul.

In Reply to Paul Robinson (comment #30038)
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Gotcha. Thanks, Paul. I was really curious, because I've seen "The Queen of Katwe" and **REALLY** liked it. We lived about 3 km from where it was filmed in Kampala. I couldn't imagine which character could be described as a "moraly dubious vigilante thug" unless it was the "boyfriend" of Phiona's sister and I knew he wasn't portrayed as a hero. I see, now, what you meant. Q of K was the only one of the films that you mentioned that I have seen.

Anyway, what a great testimony you have of how God so often brings a mentor into our lives who shows us the right path (Psalm 119:105).

Bob.
It was a brilliant film.
I saw it with my family and several friends and all of us were deeply moved and inspired by it.
It was also superbly cast.
My sister is currently in Kenya as an aid worker. I hope to visit her one day and visit Uganda while I am over there.
I have Christian brothers in our church from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Liberia,Sudan and Egypt. Their joy and passion for prayer, praise and worship has led me to believe one day Africa (and China) will be re missionising the western hemisphere (although now no longer Catholic I was raised a Catholic and already many of their young priests are from Africa and Asia).
I hope you get a chance to see the other films. They were all powerful and true stories of Godly inspiration.
God Bless
Paul