DISCUSSION GUIDE ABEL’S FIELD 2012 CREW OVERVIEW Gordie Haakstad (Director) Aron Flasher (Writer: screenplay) CAST OVERVIEW Kevin Sorbo (Abel Adamson) Samuel Davis (Seth McArdle) Richard Dillard (Coach Chalmers) Nicole Elliott (Katie) Elizabeth Duff (Cary McArdle) Catie Duff (Mary McArdle) Devin Bonnée (Netty) Joe Ward (Keith McArdle) Trent Moore (Pastor Daniels) William Buchanan (Billy Hodges) USING THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE Intended for use after viewing the film, this study guide provides catalysts for biblically based discussion of various themes found in Abel’s Field. The guide features three themes from the movie and is structured in such a way that groups can choose to discuss the entire guide at once or can focus on one or two themes at a time. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Film Overview/Note to Group Circumstances would be more manageable with a support system, Set in the small town of Sinai, Texas, Abel’s Field tells the but Seth’s reality is an absent father, a deceased mother and an intersecting stories of Seth McArdle (played by Samuel Davis), a estranged brother, Keith (Joe Ward). And now Seth has to work for high school student struggling with sole responsibility for family silent, somber Abel, a man whose only communication is with his and home, and Abel Adamson (Kevin Sorbo), a fiercely private sketchbook. To make matters worse, Seth receives notice from the groundskeeper with a secret past. As familial, financial and social bank that the house payments are past due, and phone calls to his pressures wear on Seth, he finds help and wisdom in an unlikely long-haul trucker father result in nothing but voicemails. Sundays friendship with Abel. But, when Seth faces a desperate decision aren’t much better; when Pastor Daniels (Trent Moore) asks Seth if with potentially devastating consequences, will he remember he’s considered praying for guidance, Seth answers bitterly that his Abel’s advice about struggle, choice and redemption? most recent prayers – for his mother’s health – went unanswered. The first several scenes of the film demonstrate Seth’s demanding One day, Abel unexpectedly covers for a tardy Seth with Coach life, including his role as single parent to his young twin sisters, Chalmers, and what follows is a burgeoning friendship – a lifeline Cary and Mary (Elizabeth and Catie Duff, respectively); fights with for both men. At the same time, Seth starts noticing Katie starting quarterback Billy Hodges (William Buchanan); and the (Nicole Elliott), a popular, artistic acquaintance at school, and unrelenting stress of working two jobs to barely pay the bills. After Katie notices him, too. These good moments are short-lived, a brawl with Billy – one in a longstanding series – Seth has two though; soon after, an intoxicated Keith shows up to tell Seth that choices: accept Coach Chalmers’ (Richard Dillard) punishment and their father is dead. With the full financial weight now squarely help Abel install the football field’s new sprinkler system, or follow on Seth’s shoulders, he’s certain to lose the house unless he can in his father’s footsteps and drop out of school. Wanting to avoid meet with the bank in hopes of securing an additional loan. Seth’s his father’s lackluster legacy, Seth grudgingly accepts the task. friend, Netty (Devin Bonnée), has a different plan, though, and it involves criminal activity. (Warning – spoilers mentioned below.) Scriptures Referenced As Seth wrestles with his conscience over the impending robbery, • Psalm 46:1–3 (NIV): “God is our refuge and strength, an ever- he has several soul-searching conversations with Abel about present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the making the right choices, the importance of being honest and earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, the reality of God’s forgiveness. After a disastrous meeting at though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with the bank, Seth visits Abel and finds him preparing to skip town. their surging.” Confused and devastated by Abel’s hypocritical actions, Seth • Psalm 145:18–19 (NLT): “The Lord is close to all who call agrees to Netty’s plan to steal from the school safe. But, mid- on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the robbery, Seth remembers his young sisters, and knows he can’t desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and forsake them by leaving their futures to the state – or worse. Abel, rescues them.” feeling called back to the school, secures Seth’s escape, and finally tells Seth the truth. • Proverbs 18:10 (NLT): “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” Abel is actually the name of Abel’s brother, whom he killed in a moment of rage and jealousy. Ever since the incident, Abel • Isaiah 12:2 (NIV): “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and has been a transient – moving from town to town, finding part- not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and time or under-the-table work, staying sober and sketching. Abel my defense; he has become my salvation.” and Seth say goodbye, and when Seth gets home, the girls are • Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ gone. He finally falls to his knees in earnest prayer. As the film says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to concludes, Seth gets his sisters back with Pastor Daniels’ help, give you a future and a hope.’” and finds a new home to lease. Seth also receives a package from • Romans 5:3–5 (NIV): “Not only so, but we also glory in Abel – it’s his sketchbook with a note saying that Seth’s friendship our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces has reminded Abel of God’s presence and emboldened him to perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And face his past. hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Theme One: Struggle • Romans 8:1–2 (NIV): “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because Guiding Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): “Cast all your through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set anxiety on him because he cares for you.” you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.” • Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 (NIV): “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” • Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” • James 1:2–4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” • James 1:12 (NIV): “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” • 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” once again encourages Seth to accept outside help, he’s met with Movie Scenes to Review stubbornness, frustration and – ultimately – a closed door. • Church Luncheon (00:19:29–00:21:36, Chapter 4) Scenes to Review • “Are We Okay?” (00:24:59–00:27:05, Chapter 6) Keith’s News (00:31:35–00:34:56, Chapter 7) • Keith’s News (00:31:35–00:34:56, Chapter 7) Pastor’s Visit (00:39:10–00:40:58, Chapter 8) • Pastor’s Visit (00:39:10–00:40:58, Chapter 8) • What is your reaction to the first scene Keith’s( News)? How would you feel to learn not only of your father’s remarriage and • Honesty With God (01:05:21–01:10:19, Chapter 14) death, but also of your brother’s contempt for you? • Seth’s Prayer (01:31:39–01:35:48, Chapter 19) • In Seth’s defense, he does ask Keith for guidance. But, tragically, Keith is perhaps the only person who refuses to help. Does this relationship shed light on Seth’s struggle? Discussion Questions • Pastor Daniels reaches out to Seth during a sensitive time, but Romans 8:28 captures the beauty of God’s perfect will and plan: instead of welcoming the visit, Seth pushes the pastor away.