At The Movies
Beautiful Boy | Week 2
May 4, 2025 | By Jim Burgen
Is it possible to pull deep spiritual truth out of a Hollywood film about addiction, pain, and family brokenness? This week in our Flatirons at the Movies series, we dive into Beautiful Boy—a raw, emotional story about a father and his son's battle with addiction.
Pastor Jim Burgen unpacks how this story mirrors the love of the Father in the Prodigal Son and what it really means to love someone in a way that doesn’t enable destruction but invites redemption. This isn’t just about addiction—it’s about guilt, shame, parenting, blame, control, and what happens when we finally realize…we can’t fix anyone. But we can love them. And we can trust the One who can.
Set List
"Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon
"Reign Above It All" by Bethel Music & Paul McClure
"I Speak Jesus" by Charity Gayle
Discussion Questions
Bible References: 1 John 2:6
Community Question: What Celebrity would you choose for your best friend and why?
1. What are some examples of truths that might feel correct but might not be aligned with God's truth? Reflect on a time when you believed something to be true that later turned out to be false. How did that experience affect your decisions or relationships?
2. Jim pointed out that addictions often reflects deeper issues rather than the substance itself. Consider a challenge or struggle in your own life. What deeper emotions or pressures do you think are contributing to that challenge or struggle?
3. Jim mentioned the Biblical concept of depravity, stating that it doesn’t mean we are totally bad, but rather in need of God’s help. How does acknowledging our own brokenness change how we view God, ourselves, and others? How can understanding your brokenness help you connect with God or others who are struggling or feeling isolated?
4. Why is it sometimes necessary to take a step back from someone you love? Can you think of a time when you had to let someone make their own choices, even if it was hard for you? How did that experience change your relationship with them?
5. Think about a situation where you wanted to help someone but felt helpless. How can accepting that you cannot control everything change how you respond to that situation?
Challenge: What is an aspect of your relationship with God, a family member, or friend you would like this group to pray for today?
