Three Biblical Takeaways from 'Peaceful Warrior'
Interpreting the dramatic coming of age film through the lens of a Christian
If you approach Peaceful Warrior looking to interpolate Christian meaning into the film, your viewing experience may availeth much. However, if you’re watching for pure entertainment, you may endure a few eye-rolling, groan-worthy moments with plenty to laugh at and take inspiration from if you don’t take it too seriously. Though, you should be warned, don’t watch this film if you’re opposed to films trying to impart positive messages to you in sometimes awkwardly overt and forceful ways, and especially don’t watch, if like these critics, you loathe fortune cookies.
John Monaghan - Detroit Free Press
“A movie about spiritual awakening that plays like a spliced-together string of New Age fortune cookie messages.”
Claudia Puig - USA Today
“Based on the story by gymnast Dan Millman, the movie tries to be inspirational and profound, but much of the dialogue sounds like it came out of a fortune cookie.”
Yes, 2006’s ‘Peaceful Warrior’ is the fictionalized version of former gymnast and world champion athlete turned author, Dan Millman. And admittedly some of the messages of the film are trite and cringe-worthy in the way they’re delivered. Though, I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t emotional during my first watch through, before I read through the abundance of cynical critical reviews that bash the film for trying to lecture viewers about living in the moment.
This is not a post about critics or even about Peaceful Warrior in particular, but rather about the Biblical teachings and principles that can be applied to a few outstanding moments in the film.
There is no higher purpose than serving others
Dan becomes cynical about his mentor Socrates' lifestyle, wondering why he should trust any advice from this gas station owner and operator, thinking that man who has built such a modest and humble life could not possible have anything of merit to offer. He says something to the effect of: “Who are you to give advice to me? You work at a gas station!” His mentor quickly retorts that it is more than just a gas station but a service station and that ‘service to others is the highest aim in life.’
Where is the Lord leading and prompting us to serve others in our own life?
There then comes a moment where Socrates illustrates the difference between knowledge and wisdom. “You know how to was a car windshield, right?” Dan of course agrees. Socrates promptly throws him a squeegee. “Wisdom is actually doing it.”
It is no stretch to apply these messages to the teachings of our Lord Jesus. Jesus embodied the message of service to others. Perhaps there’s no greater example of this than when He washes His disciples feet.
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. [John 13:12-17]
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. [Mark 10:45]
Take out the trash
This film takes great pains to point out that many of us are preoccupied with an unending stream of thoughts throughout our day and consequently our lives. Furthermore, the lessons Dan learns encourage us that to get the most out of life, we need to take out all the trash in our head and be present. There’s a scene where, in a dreamlike state, Dan sits atop a beam lining his college gymnasium alongside ‘Soc’. The two look upon Dan’s peers and are able to listen in on their inner monologues. They’re self-deprecating, worrisome, and rife with angst. None of them seem to have any peace. None of them are grounded in the present.
Jesus never exactly tells us to ‘live in the now’, ‘be present’, or ‘empty our minds’ – those, admittedly, all sound new-agey and/or in line with eastern meditation philosophy.
However, what the Lord did do is reveal to us that when our hearts are corrupted and clogged up with gunk, we are thus defiled.
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. [Matthew 15:18-20]
Our Father knows our deepest thoughts and we are encouraged to take captive every thought that comes against Him. He desires for us to know His truths intimately, in our inmost being.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. [Psalms 51:6]Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me. [Psalms 51:10]
So how do we take out the proverbial trash, purge the lies of the enemy, temptations of the flesh, and the vanity of this world from our minds and hearts? I believe Paul instructs us how in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
And again, in Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Maybe you’re thinking: Why should we bother? The mind is filled with seemingly hundreds of thousands of thoughts a day, it’s overwhelming and exhausting to try and take each and every wicked one captive… Let us consider Romans 8:6
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Turn the other cheek
This is may be my favorite scene in the movie (I’ve cut it up to give you a gist while keeping it short). When Dan and Socrates are held up by gunpoint in a dark alleyway, Dan is ready for his mysteriously gifted mentor to bust out some martial arts on these thieves, especially because earlier in the movie Socrates displays a sneaky athleticism and ability to take down opponents with ease. However, Dan is taken aback when Socrates not only throws his wallet to the crooks, but calls them back to take Dan’s watch, their jackets, shoes, and apparently most of their clothing.
This immediately reminded me of Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek.
Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. [Matthew 5:39-42]
This scene embodies that humble, yielding, unattached to worldly possessions attitude with incredible accuracy and light humor. Perhaps it is not precisely what Jesus had in mind with this teaching, and I encourage you to correct me or at the very least let me know what you think of this connection in the comments section.
However, how Dan and Soc respond to their confrontation with evil should not be mistaken as cowardly and/or passive. It was an act of humility. They could have easily thrown their wallets and scurried off to safety, but as Jesus instructs us to do, they went the extra mile.
Thank you for going the extra mile by taking the time to read this article! Your support is a great blessing and encouragement to me.
Have you seen Peaceful Warrior? What were your thoughts, I would be especially curious to know if you were struck with any biblical parallels?
Is there a film you’d like me to discuss? Suggestions are always welcome and encouraged.
May the Lord bless you richly, and work through you all of the fruits of the Spirit. If you’re a writer, I assuming you are, may you continue to forge ahead diligently, dedicating your art to glorifying the Lord. I pray that this article has been an encouragement and a blessing to you today, in Jesus name Amen.
Consider subscribing and sharing if you enjoyed this, and especially if you would like to read more Holy interpretations of Art. Peace & Blessings :). -Christopher