In spiritual settings, especially when talking about scripture, we learn in the form of parables. We teach parables to children because they can be understood more easily than doctrine. They may not see it as anything more than a story, but by repeated exposure they learn the morals and they gain testimony. The "Babe: Pig in the City" clip we viewed in class could function as a parable. Kids who see this film might just think it's a nice story about animals. On a deeper level, kids would see that it's about a pig who saves a dog from drowning even though the dog was mean to him, and they would be able to apply that to their own life. They might learn how to be merciful and forgiving in their own lives. Further, the viewer would identify Babe as a Christ figure, as our Savior. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).

In a world of increasing disbelief and cynicism, I think it is important to try and become humble like a little child. We watched the film "Ponette" which was all about children, and a specific child's honest effort to understand certain spiritual issues, like death, prayer, and what it means to be a child of God. This film was really striking, mainly because of the kids' raw performances (which probably included a lot of non-acting) that just made these spiritual topics so tender, and not cynical or skeptical at all. Ponette had so much love for her mother, that she is willing to confront these hard, spiritual topics in order to find peace. To me, this is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is about. We have a way to find peace through the trials in our lives, and that is through Christ.

We viewed Dean Duncan's short documentary called "Family Scripture Study" as one of our pre-viewings. I think this documentary would probably be very validating for the majority of LDS families to watch. Scripture study doesn't always go perfectly. Kids are kids, but as families we need to be patient with our children. By being consistent in having scripture study, we will be able to help them build the foundations of their testimonies. I loved when Dean interviewed his kids about why they have scripture study. They were honest and sincere about it. They all sounded like they actually want to have scripture study, they just wish it didn't take so long, that everyone would cooperate, etc. My favorite interview was with one of his sons who was probably 6 or 7. He said they have scripture study so "they can learn about Jesus." I thought this just showed the purity of children. Even though they do misbehave, they are celestial. 

An example of spirituality in media that comes to mind is Les Miserables. This is a story about the French Revolution, but definitely has religious and spiritual themes. The archbishop toward the beginning of the play forgives Jean Valjean for stealing his silver. He shows him mercy, and provides him an opportunity to start his life over again. Jean Valjean then pays that forward on several accounts. He volunteers to take care of dying Fantine's child, and he spares Javert's life even though he didn't have to, just to name a couple examples. The entire play deals with justice and mercy, principles of the Atonement, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

One time, I was listening to the CD of the play in the car with my younger sister and she said, "Have you ever noticed that they talk about God a lot in this play?" 

I said, "Yeah, I did notice that."

"It seems like every time they ask God for something in their song, it happens."

"That's pretty cool, huh?"

"Yeah. I think this play is actually pretty church-y. It's about having faith."

That was something my sister picked up on, even though this play isn't necessarily meant for children. She understood that spirituality is an underlying theme. Characters make most all of their decisions based on their faith and inner beliefs. 

I thought this was a great topic to discuss to finish up this course of Children's Media. Each week, we discussed the theories and reasoning that help us realize our humanity. The week of Spirituality was a great culmination because we realize our humanity when we realize that we are children of God and we are created in His image. I know my goal in this life is to return to live with my Heavenly Father again, and so I should be actively trying to be the best I can be and try to be Christ-like as well, especially in my choice of media to engage with and what kind of media to show my future children.