How to Share Your Faith Using Napoleon Dynamite
It takes a pretty amazing talent to put together a story about the typical all-American geek gang without falling into the stereotypical traps of either over the top nerd bashing or “dorks dominate the day” because of some unbelievable plot twists. Yet Director Jared Hess has found a way to accurately balance these two extremes with both accuracy and sensitivity. Napoleon Dynamite is the type of movie that is humorous enough to keep you engaged, and poignant enough to help you see the other side of the folks that many wouldn’t give the time of day to.
The plot primarily revolves around the foibles of a hopelessly uncool type named Napoleon Dynamite and his likeminded friend Pedro. Throughout the movie we are treated to hilarious scenes of their perpetual adventures of a life that really has no life. Yet underneath it all there is a definite theme of identifying and even empathizing with our unlikely anti-heroes. As the movie progresses, you may find yourself going from laughing at to laughing with Napoleon, eventually even rooting for a person who traditionally has been on the losing side of life.
After a brief search on the internet, I found a Napoleon Dynamite Fan Club that is now 95,000 strong.
Geeks Unite!
But then again, I know of a bigger nerd club. It has millions of members and is spread all over the world. In fact, it includes you and me. It is made up of every Christian, whether we realize it or not.
Are you thinking that this is only my opinion? Take a look at what the Apostle Paul wrote nearly 2000 years ago:
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? (I Corinthians 1:26-28 The Message)
That’s right- believers are the Napoleon Dynamites and Pedros of the world. Oh I know that occasionally we get some “superstar” who claims to know Christ, (like the boxer who says “I give all the credit to Jesus for helping me beat my opponent to a bloody pulp”) - but far and away the vast majority of Christians just don’t quite pull off the “cool vibe”.
Which is exactly how Jesus wanted it to be. That way He gets all the credit, especially when He comes back and the church experiences the ultimate Revenge of the Nerds.
There’s a scene in the movie where Napoleon Dynamite gets his (not quite) 15 minutes of fame. It is his chance to shine, and by doing so, he actually helps shake up the pecking order of the ‘all that’ establishment. This was a great reminder to me of two incredibly important truths that we all need to get into our heads and practice with our lives.
Number one: as believers, we march to the beat of a different Drummer. Napoleon followed his own way of living relentlessly, and so should we. Stop trying to fit into the self-absorbed, pleasure at all cost mold of those around you and be the person God created you to be. You may get shoved into a few of life’s lockers, but isn’t that better than living a fake life and grieving the One who died to set you free from the penalty of sin and death?
Number Two: everyday you have an amazing opportunity to let your true self out and make a difference in the lives of those around you. Get over your nervousness, lack of confidence, and fear of what others might think, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t take a lot of time and practice to ask something like: “Did you know that you have a Creator who loved you so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for the wrong things we all have done? And did you also know that if you simply put your trust in Him as your only hope of salvation, you will live with Jesus forever in heaven?”
Remember also that Napoleon Dynamite can be used as great discussion starter to lead to a conversation about the gospel. For example, there’s a scene where Napoleon discovers a video in a thrift store that eventually ends up being his ‘salvation’ (so to speak). This is an awesome illustration of how in one way or another we are all looking for that ONE thing that can make our lives meaningful. Unfortunately, most people look for meaning through accomplishments, money, fame, or experiences. This never ends up working, but God has given us a chance to find our life changing ‘video’ through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Another element of the movie that ties into evangelism is the whole theme of being picked on and outcast. Oftentimes this is how people really feel inside, despite their attempts to look like they have it all together. People can only discover true acceptance and love by finding forgiveness through trusting Christ.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and prove that you have nothing to prove…except that the gospel is the most marvelous hope of life in the universe.
