Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith elements in Christopher Nolan's latest epic film, The Odyssey. Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland lead a strong cast that also includes Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and John Leguizamo. Both Kenny and Mike think John Leguizamo's performance may result in an Academy Award Nomination for Supporting Actor. Both the film and Christopher Nolan are most likely to be nominated as well.

Filmed with IMAX 70mm cameras and shown in a variety of formats including IMAX, which have sold out for a year, the The Odyssey fits the epic nature and scope of Homer's foundational literary work. Though not an IMAX screening Mike and Kenny shared their experience seeing the film in 70mm film rather than digital screening. Mike shared his appreciation for the rich contrast presented in the low light photography the IMAX film stock allows. Other technical aspects included the use of practical effects including forced perspective. Kenny questioned why Nolan did not choose more accurate costumes and other production design elements as well as some more modern words and phrase that took him out of the film briefly.

Faith Elements Reflected:

Among the many elements of faith spotted in the story, Kenny discusses the very nature of faith from a Christian perspective is as an odyssey as one journeys through seasons of struggle and joy as we travel toward our spiritual home, the Kingdom of God.

Calypso's instruction to Odysseus to surrender to and trust the ocean waves and tides rather than struggle against them is akin to surrendering to God's faithfulness, grace, and power rather than reliance of one's own abilities and power against the ooverwhelming power of sin and evil.

Athena's care, presence, and guidance to Odysseus reflects God's presence and involvement through the Holy Spirit in the lives of individuals as well as the work of God in transforming the broken world into the Kingdom of God.

Zeus's Law of Hospitality echoes the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament teachings on hospitality, especially the welcoming and caring for strangers and even enemies, Abram's hosting of Angels, Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan.

The need for humility in living a faithful life. Echoing the teaching of Paul in Philippians 2 to imitate the humility of Jesus. Odysseus's boasting set the stage for many of the struggles in his journey home.

Faithspotting Podcast hosts Mike and Kenny are joined in their conversation on the Netflix reboot of Little House On The Prairie by showrunner, producer, and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine and actor Warren Christie who plays the Wilder's family friend, John Edwards. Rebecca and Warren are very engaging as they share information on the development and production of the series and as well as how the series fits within with the Little House books and original television series as well, and how it speaks to issues and challenges of current times.

Faith Reflected:

Mike and Kenny also discuss the faith elements reflected in the series which include the importance of community in life, both in the midst of challenges and joy. Christian teaching calls for persons to walk the walk of faith, ie to walk the talk of Christ including loving and welcoming of all peopls as neighbors as Jesus teaches in the Gospels.

Kenny and Mike discuss and spot faith in the latest film by legendary filmmaker Steven Speilberg. Disclosure Day stars Emily Blunt as a Kansas City TV presenter Margaret Fairchild whose life is suddenly changed when she appears to have a neurological breakdown on air. Josh O'Connor co-stars as Cyber Security expert Daniel Kellner who is determined to disclose proof that Governments and other powers have been keeping proof of extra-terrestrial life away from the public. Government agencies race to capture Kellner before he can release the information. Margaret Fairchild seeks to help Kellner succeed in releasing the information. One of the chief concers about releasing the information is how the public would accept the information that they are not alone as well as the truth that governments have kept this secret.

Faith Issues:

Kellner's girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson) pushes Kellner if he and those supporting releasing the information have considered the impact on persons including, communities of faith, whether Aliens who may exist on a higher level than humans would impact the Judeo Christian faith in the existance of God, the place of humanity within creation, and if God is soverign over extra-terrestrials. The Hebrew Bible and New Testament teach that humanity is the top of the created order. Genesis 1 teaches God created all of the universe and that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, and Psalm 8 proclaims humans are described as just below the divine.

Most theologians would accept that God is God of all the universe including extra-terrestrials. Even without the presence of extra-terrestrials, this conversation can serve to open the consideration of what responsibilities come with being the top of the created orderd, and as Genesis teaches, stewards of God's creation. Created in the image and likeness of God is that which separates humanity from the rest of creation. After considering what the impact of a disclosure of extra-terrestrials should be how should humanity live up to the honor and responsibility of being the highest order of creation