The film Knowing tells the story of a man who comes to believe, through a series of discovered "facts," that the end times are near. In this one-session study we'll explore "knowing" as a matter of the head and of the heart, and look at how the apocalyptic themes in the film compare with those of Scripture.

The film establishes early on that John, a scientist, believes that the universe is a random one in which things "just happen," but as the movie progresses we see him moving closer to what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28-- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

As a scientist John "knows" facts about the physical world just as persons of faith "know" certain beliefs, such as God is love. Scientific knowledge, a matter of the senses and of testing theory with facts, is a matter of the head or mind, whereas spiritual knowledge is a matter of the heart and soul. But which is more important to our spiritual well-being? What does it really mean to us to "know"? And what if what we know in our heads contradicts what we know in our hearts to be true?

The stakes in the movie--as in life--are as high as they get; no less than the future of our world and the lives and souls of the people in it are at risk.

Church members will not only understand the biblical references but will welcome the opportunity to explore the theme of the Apocalypse--or the end time--as well as the age-old question of whether there is any purpose in the universe.