Sermon Illustrations from Avatar (2009)

The Resource Development Administration has come to the planet Pandora in order to mine valuable mineral assets. Standing in the way are the Na'vi, ten-foot tall humanoids who do not want their planet despoiled. Into the mix comes Jake Sully, paraplegic marine, who has been recruited into the Avatar Program. Through a mental link, Jake is able to command the body of a human/Na'vi hybrid that will allow him to move among, and get to know, the Na'vi. But is Jake an ambassador, a spy, or both? This eye-popping visual extravaganza from director James Cameron addresses many issues ripe for spiritual discussion and sermon illustration.

Movie's Sermon General's Warning:
Avatar contains battle violence, some profanity, some "National Geographic" kinds of near nudity, and a brief moment of sensuality.

Rating: PG-13 Genre: Science Fiction

FilmTalk Card - Why are pagan myths attractive alternatives to Christ?

Avatar can stimulate discussions about competing worldviews, the attractiveness of pagan religions, and the persistence of Christian symbolism in films. Avatar can also inspire talk about when to take a stand and when to run, and the superior value of faith.

Illustration # 1

Clip: Not In Kansas Anymore

Scene Setup: New recruits to Pandora are assembled for an orientation by Colonel Miles Quaritch, the head of security for the planet. His tone is ominous.

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Illustration # 2

Clip: Jake Learns

Scene Setup: Jake Sully is an avatar driver, a man whose consciousness animates another body, on the hostile planet of Pandora. His task is to move among the native Na'vi, learn their culture, and win them over so that a mining company can come in and extract resources. Jake finds understanding another culture more difficult than he imagined.

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Illustration # 3

Clip: How Much Have You Logged?

Scene Setup: When Jake Sully's twin brother dies, he takes his place as an avatar driver on Pandora. Unlike his brother, however, Jake has no real training. Having lost the use of his legs in a war, Jake is anxious to be inside of a body, any body, that will allow him to walk. So, despite his substantial deficiencies, he is raring to go.

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