Movie Review- The Adjustment Bureau

I had been anticipating this film ever since I saw the trailer. The trailer led me to believe that the film would address some of the issues that I struggle with, both personally and professionally. I was not disappointed.

The film (based on a story by Philip K. Dick) tells the story of a hot-shot politician, who meets a woman by chance on the night of an electoral defeat. He then sees her again by pure chance. The problem is that he is not "supposed" to see her again. At this point, a group of men in suits and hats steps in to stop the ripples that will occur due to this chance meeting.

The plot centers around the politician and this woman. But more than just a simple love story is the heart of the issue. This pair's couplehood goes against something that is constantly referred to as "the plan".

So often, Christians (both ordained, and non-ordained) are caught repeating their catchphrase, "God has a plan for your life." Many different varieties of Christians can say that phrase, and even mean it. But it means very different things to different breeds of Christians.

Some of the issues addressed by the film are good questions that many people have: Does God have a plan? What does that mean? How much of the plan do we have control over? How much can we influence the plan? Is the plan adjustable? Does it matter if we don't understand the plan? Should we worry about trying to understand the plan or merely worry about following it? All of these are good, honest questions that regular people in the pews (and sometimes the pulpits) wrestle with.

How would you preach the idea of "God's Plan"? How would you answer the questions listed above?

GOSPEL HANDLES

The film shows that there is grace when we slip up, and redemption (or recovery) is possible.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy in the film.