Freud’s last session

I see that God is everywhere, incognito. Every day He shatters my understanding of Him, the trick is to keep searching.

Although I am conscious of the fact that I can sound a bit preachy, I simply like that quote too much to not plaster it all over the walls so I never forget it. That quote is, hands down, the highlight of the movie for me. Also, I am aware that this is not a direct quote, but the essence of it. It’s that which managed to glue itself to my brain as I drove home from the theater. But, let’s back up a bit, shall we?

“Freud’s last session” is centered around a dialogue between Sigmund Freud, a famous psychoanalyst, and C.S. Lewis, a famous Christian Apologist. Lewis is graciously invited into the home of Freud because Freud has a fascination with Lewis. Freud is a staunch atheist, and wonders how someone like Lewis, who has a fierce intellect of his own, could follow what Freud believes to be a “delusional fantasy.” They spend most of the movie picking each other’s brains, and exchanging jabs at each others views. 

Going into this movie, I was expecting the “Christian vs Atheist” debate to take center stage. The trailers depicted something more vibrant, highlighting the exchange of jabs and crosses between Lewis and Freud on the raging debate on God's existence. However, the actual execution of these felt a little more disbursed in this regard. It would be a remark or two, followed by a flashback or personal tale, followed by another snipping comment of one against the other’s viewpoint. 

So, on one hand, I think my expectations weren’t met. I was expecting vibrant dialogue for two hours, with just enough of a “storyline” for the interaction to feel authentic. But what I got is, perhaps, what many such discussions should be: storytelling. I believe the most impactful thing we have is our stories. Especially as Christians, I believe one of the most powerful thing we can offer is letting others experience God's growth in us. In most cases, there is nothing more powerful than such an experience. Even the most compelling argument on paper pales in comparison to an argument lived out in everyday life. It’s sacrificial giving, loving when it makes no sense, being at peace in times of war, and being joyful when in hard times, that truly impacts lives of others for the better. 

This act of getting to know one another is powerful indeed. What I appreciated was how the characters handled their differences. Nowadays, we have a “sweep it under the rug” mentality, but these characters were the exact opposite. One of the things Freud says to Lewis is basically “how could someone as smart as you stoop to a delusional fantasy?” And he doesn’t stop there! Throughout the movie, he hurls insults about Christianity, about God, and about Lewis. Lewis, albeit far more subtle, chuckles at the remarks made against him, and hands them right back. It feels more like a friendly fencing match than an all-out war. 

Although I, personally, would like to see everyone come to Jesus, I appreciate the dynamic set by the two main characters in this movie. In today’s culture of washiness, and an “everyone's a winner,” mentality, it’s a breath of fresh air to see fierce, yet healthy, debate. Because, if we don’t handle the Christian-Atheist debate well, that mindset starts to spread. It causes divide amongst Christians, and amongst atheists, and amongst any other group of people you can think of. If we can learn to disagree with as much respect as passion, it would do the world a lot of good.

But that’s just my two cents, let me know what you think of the movie, of my thoughts on it, or on life in general. 

Until next time

Cheers!