Using The Discussion Starters
One aim of the Chasing Utopia series of videos is to interest the various age groups and subgroups of the current secular-minded generation in engaging with religious faith. Therefore we are trying to make our discussion questions open ended, stimulating, and written to lead to reflection on bigger life matters such as spirituality and human destiny. The material in each video partly suggests the categories and groups of questions to pursue, while our theoretical framework gives these categories direction.
The framework for compiling the questions of the Chasing Utopia series is a human needs framework. We all have deep needs. These include the need to survive, be loved and accepted, to have impact on others, to have fun, to make choices involving a degree of freedom, and to make sense of our existence. We spend our lives trying to meet these needs to attain a good level of quality in our lives.
This "needs framework" is useful because it is a bridge between secular society and religious faith. There are many direct and indirect links between human needs and faith. For example, faith is a search for life meaning and a coherent worldview. It is also developed in relationships as people reveal trust, commitment, love and acceptance to each other. And it grows in making value choices. Life meaning, love, and freedom to make choices are all deep human needs.
Each set of questions under a subheading is interspersed with sets of three or four quotations from the video. We have provided quotes to remind viewers of what was said, and to invite the discussion to be more focused and thematic.
Click on the links below to view the discussion starter material. Note that in order to download the documents in Microsoft Word format you will need to right-click the link and select "Save Target As..." from the drop-down menu.
Discussion Starter Material
1. Celebrity. This episode explores some aspects of the nature of celebrity in our society. Here are some points to consider for reflection or discussion. Download in Microsoft Word format.
2. Addiction. This episode opens some windows on the world of addiction, whether this addiction is with gambling, drug taking or other behaviours. There is dialogue with some who describe its nature, others who have battled to escape its grasp, and a counsellor who helps in the ongoing struggle with it. Download in Microsoft Word format.
3. Ordinary Madness. This episode shows three people trying to cope with city life and meet their needs in the city environment. Here are some points for reflection and discussion to consider as you watch it. Download in Microsoft Word format.
4. Marasmus. This episode raises the question about what essentially makes humans human. It starts by recounting how that during the Korean War, over 2000 United Nations POW’S who were isolated and cut off from all meaning died from no known causes. They simply lost their will to live. This isolation and loss of meaning somehow took away their humanness. This process is called "marasmus". Download in Microsoft Word format.
5. Visage. This episode presents a set of issues surrounding the marketing of cosmetics, fashion design, the arts, and entertainment. It highlights the existence of exploitation and illusion in advertising, and of dependence on skin-deep personal appearance and body form to superficially convey what beauty is in the entertainment and fashion industries. Download in Microsoft Word format.
6. Intimacy. This episode takes a look at the ways in which men and women pursue one of their deepest human needs as they try to relate to each other intimately. Through its conversations it explores the ways in which men and women view intimacy and draws out some suggestions about how good relationships are created and sustained. Download in Microsoft Word format.
7. X Marks the Spot. This episode looks at perceptions of our work and the workplace and how they affect us. The various people who talk about work refer to a number of issues revolving around their work and its effects on many aspects of their lives. Download in Microsoft Word format.
8. Gender. This episode presents opinions on how male sexuality and identity is perceived in society, and on how these aspects of maleness present themselves in male behaviour. Underlying the dialogue is the view that modern males face a number of difficulties and that consequently their identity is becoming confused. Download in Microsoft Word format.
9. Something Bigger than Me. Participants in this episode are being asked what it takes to make children and adolescents successful in life. Comments in the episode relate life success to self-esteem, identity, connection to others, and other factors. Download in Microsoft Word format.
10. Family Interrupted. Families suffer various kinds of stress, and family relationships often break down as a consequence of this stress. In this episode the participants discuss the issue of why modern families fall apart, and offer opinions about how to improve family life. Download in Microsoft Word format.
11. Prejudice. This episode presents perceptions of prejudice. Those interviewed describe prejudice, offer opinions about its causes, and suggest remedies for overcoming it. As you think about prejudice, you are challenged to do what you can to lessen its negative impact. Download in Microsoft Word format.
12. Freedom. One of the great human needs is to be free to make choices. This episode explores what it means to be free. We can be restricted in our choices, or free to choose in many ways. Download in Microsoft Word format.