Saved! might seem at first glance to be just another teen-centered comedy or, as some regarded it, a put-down of religion and the church. But soon the perceptive viewer will see that the filmmakers are genuinely concerned about the characters and their faith.

The characters are a mixed lot, some True Believers, others full of skepticism, and one, our heroine, Mary, beginning to question the beliefs handed down to her. The spoon-fed religion of her childhood is not big enough to guide her through the maze she is about to enter. Thus, the satire employed by the filmmakers is attacking not faith but the closed-off belief that regards any questioning as an attack on faith. Mary will emerge at the end of the film with her faith not just intact but, because of her questioning, even stronger-though much changed from the belief of her childhood. Even Hilary Faye, the True Believing opponent ("opponent" is a better term than "villain"), will find herself changed for the better by the climax of the story.

Some viewers will not agree with the filmmaker's stance on homosexuality--with the call for mutual tolerance made in the senior prom scene at the climax of the film. This guide does not attempt to deal with such a big issue, as that would require far more than one session. A good many secular critics and evangelical leaders missed the point of the film. Saved! offers an opportunity to examine our own faith journey and see how we too are confronted with difficult questions as we mature "in wisdom, and in stature, and in favor with God and man."

As with the other films discussed in the Thoughtful Christian, the group will watch a few scenes that are packed with insight and meaning. It would be best if everyone would see the entire film before the class meets, but this is not necessary for participants to profit from the study.