“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a remarkable film. This retelling and revisioning of Fred Rogers’ encounter with a jaded writer for Esquire magazine requires one to hold reality a bit loosely, but the relationships and personal challenges it addresses are rooted deeply in reality. There is not a lot one can say about this film without spoiling it for the prospective viewer so let me place in within a context that pastors, clergy, and chaplains--those who practice pastoral care--will appreciate. The New York Times review by A. O. Scott begins with this statement: “‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ celebrates the virtues of patient listening, gentleness and the honest expression of feelings.” For me, this is what pastoral care is all about. Fred Rogers was, as you probably know, an ordained Presbyterian minister. His congregation was young children and their families. His pulpit was the television screen, a medium...
Comments from a Christ-follower on things that matter to him