

The Movie, “Conclave” – Pr. Ted Giese, 7/10/25 (1911)
Jul 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Pastor Ted Giese, a film educator from Mount Olive Lutheran Church, dives into the film 'Conclave.' He explores its artistic elements and subversive themes like a female Pope, connecting them to faith and identity within the Catholic Church. Giese links the movie’s narratives to Psalm 22, reflecting on despair and hope, while critiquing the church's portrayal of doubt. His insights illuminate the complex relationship between faith, community support, and contemporary discussions surrounding authority and tradition.
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Intersex Pope as Subversive Twist
- The film "Conclave" features an intersex cardinal elected as pope, challenging traditional Catholic doctrine.
- This twist aims to push a progressive agenda encouraging change in the Church's teachings on gender roles.
Psalm 22 Misinterpreted in Film
- Psalm 22 is used in the film to suggest Jesus had doubts on the cross, emphasizing doubt as part of faith.
- However, the full Psalm conveys ultimate trust and faithfulness, showing a misinterpretation in the film's context.
Sistine Chapel as Symbolic Backdrop
- The film uses the Sistine Chapel, especially The Last Judgment painting, symbolically to underscore themes of sin and judgment.
- Visual storytelling effectively emphasizes the film's narrative and the characters' internal struggles.