RELS 117
February 27, 2014
The Way What is faith? The question alone seems so simple but yet is packed with so much uncertainty and lacks a definite answer. To some, faith may be the act of attending mass every Sunday. To others, it may be worshiping an object that they think will provide answers later in life. In Emilio Estevez’s award winning film The Way, characters demonstrate acts of faith that both appeal and contradict with some theologians and film critics’ definitions of faith. Although the film does have some religious themes and content, I agree with theologian Paul Tillich and film critic Steven Greydanus that this film lacks true faith. Paul Tillich is a theologian that would find the faith in The Way controversial. In order to understand why Tillich would disagree with the faith displayed in the movie, his definition of faith must first be laid out. Paul Tillich’s definition of faith is “the state of being ultimately concerned.” To be true faith, the ultimate concern must meet three criteria. The first criteria is that it must demand total surrender. Tillich bases this criteria on Deuteronomy 6:5 which states, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” In other words, the person must completely commit and give themselves up for their ultimate concern. His second criteria is that it promises total fulfillment. This means that ultimate concern promises, not guarantees, happiness, satisfaction, and purpose. Tillich’s third criteria states that if the promise is fulfilled, it will prove to be empty. This criteria explains that if the ultimate concern meets the third criteria, false faith is present. In order for a person to have true faith, there must be concerns and doubts about the ultimate concern. What Tillich is really saying is that a person’s ultimate concern must be God for it to be true