“Volition” is a short film featured by The Doorpost Film Project.  I heard about it on a list serve that I am a member of and really appreciate the quality of the film-making and it’s ability to make you think about issues more deeply.

View the film here

Film Synopsis:

“Volition” (n) – The act of making a choice.  Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine.  Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform.  This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity, the hope that is buried in the heart of those that look themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for.

The main character lives in three historic eras and faces the moral implications of his culture and personal circumstances. He is internally torn by racism and slavery in the 19^th century south, Nazi anti-Semitism in Germany during WWII, and devaluation of humanity through abortion in the modern world.

While it is quite appropriate to question the direct moral equivalence of each of these ethical considerations – The message is that although our cultural influences are powerful forces in our decision-making processes, we can and should at times make choices that are based on transcendent values that are not consistent with our common culture, traditions and respected authorities.

Tags: Abortion, Films, Movies, Social Commentary, Video