I Have An Opinion
You can learn a lot if you listen.
Tonight I was watching a movie and heard a conversation that made me stop and think.
It went like this…
Mary Adler: Is there a God?
Frank Adler: I don't know.
Mary Adler: Just tell me.
Frank Adler: I would if I could. But I don't know. Neither does anybody else.
Mary Adler: Roberta knows.
Frank Adler: No. Roberta has faith... And that's the great thing to have. But faith's about what you think, feel. Not what you know.
Mary Adler: What about Jesus?
Frank Adler: Love that guy. Do what he says.
Mary Adler: But, is he God?
Frank Adler: I don't know. I have an opinion. But that's my opinion and I could be wrong. So why would I screw up yours? Use your head. But don't be afraid to believe in things either.
Mary Adler: Huh. There was a guy on TV who said there was no God.
Frank Adler: The only difference between the atheists on TV and Roberta is, Roberta loves you. She trying to help. Tell you what though. One way or another we all end up back together in the end. That's what you're asking, right?
Mary Adler: Yep.
Frank Adler: Okay. Find something else to worry about, will ya?
Mary Adler: All right.
—The Movie: Gifted
When I read this again a few days later, I realized there are a lot of life lessons packed into this one short conversation.
The difference between faith and knowledge.
Being comfortable saying, “I don't know.”
Respecting someone else's ability to think for themselves.
Believing something without forcing it on others.
The contrast between certainty and humility.
“Love that guy. Do what he says.” 😁
The idea that people trying to help can disagree.
That's a lot for one short scene.
I like it.
I like the movie very much.
If you'd like to watch the scene for yourself, here's the clip:
