Into Great Silence

I've written about this documentary before, but I watched it again last week. It's now out on DVD. I've never seen a movie that so effortlessly conveys the essence of ascetic Christianity. There are almost no words for three hours: just stunning, painterly cinematography that patiently, poignantly reveals the depths of devotion that some human beings are capable of in their relationship with God. I remain in awe of these men, sequestered for life, devoted solely to the divine, caring gently for one another, and leaving words behind to worship a God that eludes all human expression. In a world where Christianity is so often represented by those who have almost no understanding of the Gospel message, by the worldly and the power-hungry, the judgmental and the afraid, it is such a relief to see faith that isn't fear, faith that is never far from joy.