Theology and film – A Knight’s Tale

William to Jocelyn: This tournament. I’ll win it in your name. Every knight I defeat, I defeat for you. Your beauty will be reflected in the power of my arm …

Jocelyn begins to walk away

William: Jocelyn, how may I prove my love to you? How?

Jocelyn: Do you ask in earnest?

William: Yes.

Jocelyn: If you would prove your love, you should do your worst.

William: My worst. What do you mean?

Jocelyn: Instead of winning, to honour me with your high reputation, I want you to act against your normal character and do badly.

William: Do badly.

Jocelyn: Lose!

William: No, losing proves nothing, except that I’m a loser!

Jocelyn: Wrong! Losing is a much keener test of your love. Losing would contradict your self-love, and losing would show your obedience to your lover and not to yourself!

Jocelyn: What is your answer?

William: I will not lose.

Jocelyn: Then you do not love me.

Read Full Post »

Behind a frowning providence

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

 

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs,

And works His sovereign will.

 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

 

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

 

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan his work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

 

Source: William Cowper

Read Full Post »