Sicko, Michael Moore's new film on the American health care system, has already inspired fervent debate from admirers and critics alike. But for people of faith, this debate should expand beyond capitalism, or socialized medicine, or any of the other issues the film and its critics raise because Moore, a practicing Catholic, actually structures Sicko around a series of questions that should resonate with people of faith: Does how we treat "the least of these" illustrate our moral commitments? If so, how are we doing? Are Americans indeed a good and generous people?
In this session on Sicko, we'll discuss three clips from the film. In the process of our viewing and discussion, we'll explore theological and ethical questions as well as medical and political ones: What responsibilities do people have toward one another? What does the Bible say about health and healing, about care for the sick and disadvantaged? How should people of faith respond to a health care system that limits health care? Sicko challenges us with its powerful and one-sided presentation of stories, facts, and conclusions, but it also encourages us by the possibility that we can change and create a better world, which is, of course, at the very heart of the gospel message.