Sunday, February 28, 2010

A MAN CALLED PETER

Based on the true story of a young Scottish lad, Peter Marshall, who dreams of only going to sea but finds out there is a different future for him when he receives a "calling" from God to be a minister. He leaves Scotland and goes to America where after a few small congregations he lands the position of pastor of the Church of the Presidents in Washington, D.C. and eventually he becomes Chaplain of the U.S. Senate. A highly influential man for Christ.Richard Todd's interpretation is reasonably faithful to the way the Reverend Marshall preached. As a humane, broad-spirited man of understanding and tolerance, Peter reached out to others, including those of other faiths, and who took a non-discriminatory approach even to religion. Reverend Marshall was a man of gentle spirit, a vigorous man of God who used love and kindness to find common cause with those who differed with him, who sought understanding between men, and who preached -- and practiced -- love and forgiveness. He was definitely not shown to be someone of narrow views attempting to foist his particular beliefs on others -- not even his religious views, let alone his opinions on non-spiritual matters. As a biographical film, the viewer is called upon to consider their faith, their relationship with Jesus, and whom they choose to worship. Peter Marshall denied his will to be a captain at Sea to follow the will of God. Within 10 years of following His lead, God groomed Peter to play a significant and important role in a prim New York society and eventually in the Senate. Hollywood produced this film with full sermons which were needed in 1955, a time when Hollywood was under investigation for communism. The message contained in this rare film remains relevant as our current Senate and the intentions of our countries leaders are called into question. Praise God for His wisdom by enabling the voice of Peter Marshall to live on.