Field of Dreams Reflection Paper/Discussion
Option One:
Your task is to write a response to the movie Field of Dreams.
Where in the movie did you see some of the major concepts we have
discussed from our text chapters 1-3? You may pick and choose which concepts you wish
to discuss.
You will need at least three concepts in your paper.
Where in the movie did you see:
Chapter 1
Sacramental awareness
Sacramental blindness
Grace
Flesh-and-blood communication
God speaking through friendships
Listening for God
Responding to God
OR where did you see:
Chapter 2
Signs
Symbols
Cultural symbols
Universal symbols
Symbols from the natural world
Literal thinking
Symbolic thinking
OR where did you see:
Chapter 3
Rituals- symbolic actions that help us concretely, or physically express our beliefs,
values, and concerns.
Routine- an action we do on a regular basis that has no deeper meaning.
Rituals and Play- as playful activities, rituals enable us to pause from our daily routine.
Eight characteristics of Ritual:
Movements and Gestures with Meaning
Repeated Actions
Symbolic Celebrations
Important Events
Significant Words
Linkages to the Past
Communal Actions
Participation, Not Observation
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Rituals and Worship- Rituals worship is an attempt to get in touch with the spirit world,
to put oneself in harmony with the spiritual powers. Magic, on the other hand, is an
attempt to manipulate spiritual powers.
Christianity and Rituals- The New Testament shows us that rituals have been a part of
Christianity from its very beginning.
+Gathering together for the breaking of the bread
+Converts to Christianity undergo a ritual washing
+ Laying on of hands which developed out of the Apostle’s experience of receiving the
Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Option 2:
Respond to this quote in light of your viewing of the movie.
Where in the movie did you see these ideas best illustrated or were some of these ideas
missing from the movie?
Use three of the ideas mentioned in this quote.
Margaret Mead, a famous American anthropologist, claimed that every culture develops
rituals. Like symbols rituals seem to be at the core of what it means to be human. Ritual
celebrations open people up to the life-giving Spirit of God. They help people break
through the barriers of isolation and boredom. When rituals are public, community
ceremonies, they symbolize in word and action people’s deepest hope and dreams.
Through rituals people can re-establish their connection with the Earth, the cosmos, and
their Creator. In other words, rituals are symbolic actions that speak to and for people.
(From Celebrating SacramentsPg.40)
Option 3:
Answer this question: What would you say is the overall meaning of the movie Field of
Dreams?
Here listed are some quotes from the movie. You may use these quotes and your own
selected examples from the movie to help you express what you think is the meaning of
the movie. You will want to be clear in your examples.
“Build it and he will come.”
“Ease his pain.”
“Go the Distance.”
“ You’re not seriously listening to this are ya?”
“Is this heaven?” “ No, it’s Iowa.”
“ Is there a heaven?” “Oh, yeah, it’s where dreams come true.”
“I wanted to come home but I didn’t know how.”
“Why’d you say it?” “I was seventeen.”
“ You can’t go back!”
“ I have done everything I was asked. I didn’t understand why but I did it.”
“ But you’re not invited. Is that why you did this, for you?”
Are there some favorite quotes you have written down that you would like to use?
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For All:
No matter what option you choose:
The last part of your paper should be a personal response to the movie.
In what ways did it help you understand the ideas we have been discussing in class? In
what ways has the movie helped you become more aware of the
sacred in the everyday?
And finally do you think this movie should continue to be shown to Sacrament students
in the future? Why or Why not.
Notes:
The first half of your paper should clearly address the question posed by the option you
have chosen.
For Example: If you choose to do Option One you would choose at least three concepts to
Point out in the movie. That would be three paragraphs. Your fourth paragraph would be
the FOR ALL paragraph.
You are writing at least four paragraphs.
Total points for this assignment is 30.
Content, spelling and mechanics all contribute to your grade.
Date Due: _______________________
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