It’s A Wonderful Life Versus Atheism
by Sarah Stewart, Juicy Ecumenism:
Frank Capra’s cinematic triumph “It’s A Wonderful Life” reminds us that all life is valuable, “no man is a failure who has friends,” and “all that you have is that which you give away.”
One of its best messages is often overlooked. In writing about It’s a Wonderful Life, Capra stated, “There are just two things that are important. One is to strengthen the individual’s belief in himself, and the other, even more important right now, is to combat a modern trend toward atheism.”
The film’s slow opening is easily overlooked in contrast to its famous climax, but is the essential moment making the conclusion possible. All of Bedford Falls prays for “a man named George Bailey” and the angels respond to those prayers. The audience, along with Clarence, the angel assigned to George, will learn of George’s life, how he has sacrificed for friends and family, and how he has come to the brink of suicide believing that his life has amounted to nothing. His building and loan business is short $8,000, and he is facing arrest. In the midst of this, his friends and neighbors pray for George, unbeknownst to him.
George’s redemption is set in motion by the brief prayers given at the beginning of the film. It is easy to forget that these have taken place, they remain always in the background as the subtle but essential plot catalyst. The movie’s climax and resolution do not occur because George is a good man, although he is, or because he is especially deserving. They come through patient, simple prayer.
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