It’s another story for another time, but about four years ago I started attending a Quaker church. You know, the modestly appointed folks who brought us conscientious objectors and oatmeal. OK, I’m kidding about the oatmeal part but the priority of peace is definitely a central tenant.
So not long ago, in honor of Peace Month, our church had one of its periodic Movie Nights featuring the 1956 classic “Friendly Persuasion” starring Gary Cooper and a very dream-boaty young Anthony Perkins. (The “Friendly” part of the title is a play on the fact that the official name for Quakers is Friends. Again, another story for another time.)
The gist of the plot is a Quaker family living in Civil War times has to wrestle with their peace-loving values when the rebels literally come pounding on their door. Dreamy Anthony, playing the militia-aged son, decides he must defend his family and picks up a rifle – much to the horror of his mother – and goes off to war. There are a number of scenes involving weaponry, including a broom, and the use of angst-ridden force. Despite the glacial pace typical of movies from the 1950’s, “Friendly Persuasion” was a well-done and thought-provoking film. Two thumbs up!
After the applause, the lights came on and I noticed a family from our congregation was there; they had come in late. I said hello to the mom and dad. I then noticed their 5-year-old son and burst into laughter.
“Interesting outfit,” I said to the mom.
With sudden recognition of the irony, the mom looked at her son and laughed, “Yeah, maybe we didn’t think this one through…”
David was dressed in western wear, including cowboy boots, and was having a blast shooting at imaginary enemies in the sanctuary with his toy pistol. Best I could tell, he was a darned good shot, too.
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