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How to Share Your Faith Using Across the Universe

The rowdy, unruly 1960's are the setting for Across the Universe, a film that defies the typical movie categories with its unique mix of music video meets love story meets anti-war film. Intertwined throughout the movie are 33 Beatles songs, creatively positioned to serve as more than musical interludes, and instead provide a means to drive the storyline forward.

Jude (think Hey) and Max (think Silver Hammer) are best friends. Lucy (In the Sky), Max's sister, with her small town, good girl background, moves to NYC and soon becomes Jude's romantic interest. The tight-knit group settles into a Greenwich Village pad with a variety of other free spirits, and soon the 60's sex, drugs and alcohol counterculture scene explodes in psychedelic living color.

Relationships are front and center in Across the Universe. As humans we all long for deep and meaningful relationships. God designed us that way! But even more important than human relationships is the longing He built into every human heart to have a relationship with Him. Amazingly the God of the Universe is calling us to be His friend! The Bible puts it this way in John 15:14-15:

I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father. (The Message)

Across the Universe explores a wealth of emotion-laden dimensions of life, some touching and healthy, some wild and irresponsible. So as you find yourself in conversations about Across the Universe, jump in and try bringing deeper spiritual truths into the conversation using both the music and the story line. Here are some suggestions to help you get the conversation started:

  • Were the relationships in the movie healthy or unhealthy? Does the movie depict a realistic view of the affects sex, drugs and alcohol have on individuals and relationships?
  • What do your friends think makes for deep and meaningful relationships? Listen and share what you believe. Talk about the most significant relationship in your life - your relationship with God. Let your friends know that we are all wired to long for a restored relationship with God. Explain how Jesus' work on the cross has made that possible in your life and invite them to experience that free gift as well.
  • Ask your friends if they think their own friendships are healthy or unhealthy. Talk about your values and lifestyle choices. Share how your relationship with Jesus impacts your values and choices.
  • Ask your friends if they know that you are willing to be there for them when tough times hit. Share how Jesus wants to be there for them too!
  • The Beatles' Let It Be speaks to our hunger for spiritual insights when times of trouble hit. Ask your friends where they turn when times get tough. Share how they can have a relationship with the God of the Universe who invites them into a loving relationship filled with hope and grace.
  • Try talking about Max being drafted to fight in an unpopular war. How would you feel if you were suddenly faced with the very real prospect of dying at a young age? Take the opportunity to talk with your friends about what happens when you die. Find out what they believe; then share what you believe.

Romans 5:11 reminds us we should be pumped about our relationship with God - pumped enough to tell our friends about it! Here's the way Paul puts it:

"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God."

Far out! Groovy! Outta sight! Pass it on!