Another Story Must Begin
Get the resource >
Another Story Must Begin is an original Lent course based on the film, the novel and the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Through discussion of some of the themes and principal characters of this epic narrative, the course explores the grace of God, alongside our fallen state and opportunities for redemption. It ask us to reassess what we can do with our lives, both for ourselves and for those around us.
The course is based around five weekly group sessions:
Each session includes suggestions for using the Oscar-winning film and the original novel as inspiration, and provides questions and reflections for group discussion. Also available as ebook from DLT £3.29.
Adult, older youth, Beginning and Growing.
Paperback book with easy-to-use formats for each session; an effective and thought-provoking foray into Lent-related themes from Les Misérables.
Each chapter has a short paragraph that explains the aim of the session.
The one book contains an introduction and Leader's notes for each chapter. There are a few pages of ‘To start you thinking' about the subject – these could be used just by the leader – there is only one chapter where the subsequent session questions are linked directly to this input. It could be summarised also – it is a bit too long to read out verbatim. Obviously the whole group could pre-read this material if wanted, but the sessions would work anyway with the film clips (or song lyrics/songs from the show) plus the questions, led by the leader.
Each session has a mixture of elements: clips from the film (two – four), linked with biblical passages, time to reflect on the theme, plus questions and discussion. The sessions close with a scripted prayer. No references given for film clips, just descriptions, but otherwise straightforward and easy to follow. Written by the vicar whose church was used in filming 2012 version of Les Mis.
Les Misérables is stashed with biblical parallels and themes, so any leader who is enthusiastic about the production would be fine – with the usual proviso that they can lead effectively through the question/discussion format. Suggested timings for each section are given.
Just the one book which all will need if the introductory material to each chapter is to be read beforehand; otherwise, it would not be necessary.
As good as the screen the film is viewed on, and the competence of the person lining up the clips …
Familiarisation of the material, plus practising finding the film clips. Some leaders may want to write out and display the questions.
N/A
Format is consistently good questions plus discussion, so this should provoke interaction. I could imagine that the film will inspire easy interaction anyway – it is powerful in itself.
Watching the powerful film plus reflection and discussion provides for a slightly different mix. Good to bring together ‘popular' culture and Christian engagement.
This is quite a thoughtful resource, so would suit those best who will appreciate that approach.
Not a focus.
Grounded in the Bible passages that appear throughout each chapter, both for reading and discussion, and referenced.
Each theme is well linked in to the Bible passages, and the questions bring these together in a thought-provoking way.
The big themes of the film are common to much of humanity and lend themselves easily to biblical study. This is a good opportunity to think through attitudes and wrestle with challenging life issues.
Hugo began a Roman Catholic but ended up more of a self-confessed ‘free thinker'. His wide-ranging themes are suitable for all.
The film itself wrestles with some of the biggest questions and challenges of life, all of which are pertinent to discipleship. While some of the supplied questions explore the characters in the film, they also explore and challenge our own reactions.
The different characters from the film, plus the biblical material, should make for memorable engagement with the issues.
The appeal and strength of Les Mis are mostly because they revolve around very human issues – and yet they are essentially also very Christian issues. Definitely faith-stretching to focus on them in a structured way.
The story of Les Misérables is essentially all about real life issues, so it is good to consider them in the context of biblical study.
How well does it encourage personal evangelism? Not a focus; however, understanding the film better from a Christian point of view might mean that you could talk more interestingly to your neighbour about it.
Not a focus.
The issues of poverty, injustice, grace, mercy, greed, cruelty, courage, oppression, revolution, love … these are universal experiences.
Not a focus.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.