COMENIUS: LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN AMOS COMENIUS

COMENIUS is a fascinating historical movie playing on Redeem TV that’s very European in its sequential structure yet very compelling. The movie, made in Czechoslovakia, shows the religious and political struggles of the 1600s which try one Christian scholar as he tries to reform education.

COMENIUS opens with the famous Czechoslovakian theologian John Amos Comenius sitting for a portrait with the great painter Rembrandt, who’s been commissioned by the elders in Comenius’ church. Rembrandt starts being very Anti-Christian. Comenius discusses being a family man, and the movie cuts back from 1667 to 1605, when the Transylvanians invaded Austrio-Hungary and drove the few survivors out. At each important period of his life, as he describes it to Rembrandt, flashbacks show viewers the history he’s discussing. Some of those flashbacks are political wars in different parts of the Empire and some are religious persecution by Catholics and their civil allies. Also, there is Comenius’ approach to education, which is sought after first by English nobility and then by the Queen of Sweden. However, circumstances separate Comenius from his patrons.

Comenius believes in using illustrations and theater to help children learn. One member of the Swedish court opposes him but has to relent when the children put on their own historical theater, which the Queen loves.

As Comenius tells Rembrandt about two of his three wives dying, his struggles with his patrons, and the loss of some of his children, Rembrandt begins to see that his life, with the loss of his beloved wife and children, is remarkably similar to Comenius. In the process, Comenius stresses his that he couldn’t have survived through any of these trials and tribulations without believing in a loving God. Rembrandt is slowly transformed.

The production quality of this movie is extremely high, with great historical reenactments. The movie is a great witness to the faith. It shows that God is a loving God by taking us through trials and tribulations, not by being a supernatural genie who solves all our problems.

Comenius’ theology and education has had a tremendous long-term impact on the world. He is one of the most honored and beloved men n Czech history. The movie does have some violence, usually with soldiers and church authorities persecuting Christians, as well as references to the plague and death and dying. None of the violence is excessive, however. It’s more reminiscent of a 1950s movie. Also, the one scene of Comenius of his wife in bed is in no way salacious. For those who and for those who love history, COMENIUS is a fabulous movie playing on Redeem TV.