Arts and Faith #37: Chariots of Fire

Scott's introductory comments about the Arts and Faith top 100 Films list
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Director: Hugh Hudson
Arts and Faith top 100: #37

"I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure." These are the words that reveal the inner motivation of Eric Liddell, a Presbyterian Scot who is one of the two main characters in Chariots of Fire.  The film tells the story of Liddell and Harold Abrahams, two British runners who excelled at the 1924 Olympics in Paris.  Liddell made headlines around the world by refusing to run in an Olympic heat on a Sunday, because it was the Sabbath.

Abrahams, a Cambridge University student, faced prejudice because of his Jewish heritage.  His need to prove himself fueled his internal self, and motivated him to excel in running. After losing a race to Liddell, he was despondent.  It led him to seek out Sam Mussabini, a coach who promised to help Abrahams drop a couple of seconds from his time.

The movie was billed as a story about two runners who had conflicting religious convictions.  But in the film, the religious convictions did not lead to conflict; they were rivals simply by being the two best runners in Great Britain.  What makes their story interesting is the focus on purpose and motivation.  These are themes not simply about running, or generally speaking, about sports.  These are themes about human-ness.  What moves us to act as we do?  What is our purpose in life?

The ancient Hebrews believed that all humans were created with a purpose.  The idea was embedded in their Scriptures.  "Then God said, 'let us make man in our image, after our likeness (Gen. 1:26)."  The theological anthropology of imago dei was shared by both Abrahams and Liddell in Chariots of Fire. We are not random accidents.  We are God's handcrafted creations, made in His image.

Christians and Jews also share the common belief that they are chosen of God.  Abrahams' eponymous ancestor was called by God to become the father of a great nation.  The Hebrew Scriptures continue to be both the story of the children of Abraham, and the source of faith for the Jewish people even today. The story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is also the story of Harold Abrahams.  His need to prove himself to a world that rejects his faith and heritage is a narrative found throughout Scripture.

Liddell's conflict was twofold.  First, he struggled with his calling as a missionary.  His sister wondered why he pursued running when God had called him to witness to the people in China.  Second, he struggled with his nationality.  Even the prince of Wales asked Liddell to run on the Sabbath, and against his religious convictions...all for king and country. His faith that God had given him the gift of athletic ability moved him with purpose, and guided Liddell in his refusal to run on a Sunday.

Both Abrahams and Liddell shared the same basic convictions that God chose them, and gifted them, to be Olympic athletes. Faith is a recognition of these gifts, and a perseverance to use them in service of something greater than ourselves.