Religious Studies: The Mission Analysis

How do I complete this assignment?

The Mission The highly acclaimed Roland Joffé film The Mission could be characterized as a case study in different perspectives on how Christians relate to culture, and how to best fulfill God’s purposes in the world. To complete this assignment, you first need to watch The Mission. There are several ways to rent and watch this movie online, including iTunes (Links to an external site.), Netflix (Links to an external site.), Walmart (Links to an external site.), or Amazon Video on Demand (Links to an external site.). Local public libraries often carry the film to check out as well. (Before watching the film, I would recommend reading a plot summary (Links to an external site.) in order to be familiar with the setting and circumstances of the story.) While you’re watching the movie, consider the perspectives of the three characters. When you’re finished, answer the questions below.

Perspectives

Mendoza Perspective 1: Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro)

During the climax of the film when the fate of the mission is at stake, what does Rodrigo ultimately decide is the best way to accomplish God’s purposes? What relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World is reflected in his decision? Consider both the goals and methods of each kingdom in your answer. Identify a specific contemporary Christian person or Christian-affiliated group who serves as a representative of such a position today.

Gabriel Perspective 2: Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons)

During the climax of the film when the fate of the mission is at stake, what does Father Gabriel ultimately decide is the best way to accomplish God’s purposes? What relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World is reflected in his decision? Consider both the goals and methods of each kingdom in your answer. Identify a specific contemporary Christian person or Christian-affiliated group who serves as a representative of such a position today.

Perspective 3: The Prelate, Father Altamirano (Ray McAnally)

Altamirano During the climax of the film when the fate of the mission is at stake, what does Father Altamirano ultimately decide is the best way to accomplish God’s purposes? What relationship between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World is reflected in his decision? Consider both the goals and methods of each kingdom in your answer. Identify a specific contemporary Christian person or Christian-affiliated group who serves as a representative of such a position today.

Summary Questions

What is your overall reaction to the movie? What are the issues raised in the movie? What insights (if any) did you gain from the film?

Instructions

How long should it be?

The assignment should be no less than 750 words in length and no more than 1000 words in length. Using Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1-inch margins, 1000 words will typically equal between 3 and 3.5 pages in length. All versions of Microsoft Word (since 97) will perform word counts of documents.

How should I write?

Assignments should be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman, Arial or similar font in 12-point size. Papers should be logical, well organized, grammatically accurate and use correct spelling and sentence structure. Papers should demonstrate the “lucid brevity” that is the hallmark of good academic writing. Papers should conform to APA, MLA, or Turabian style guidelines (choose according to major).

When is this assignment due?

You must submit this assignment by 11:59 PM (Eastern) on Sunday of Week 5.

How can I earn the most points?

This analysis will be graded specifically according to the rubrics stated below.

Criteria Points

Assignment responds to all question groups, including each of the three perspectives and summary questions (10 points each set; see above, “How do I complete this assignment?”). 40
Assignment is well-written and demonstrates engagement with the issues raised in the film. 10

Total 50

Rubric
The Mission Analysis
The Mission Analysis

Criteria Ratings Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Assignment responds to all question groups, including each of the three perspectives and summary questions (10 points each set; see above, “How do I complete this assignment?”). 40.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Assignment is well-written and demonstrates engagement with the issues raised in the film. 10.0 pts

Total Points: 50.0