C O M E W H AT M AY D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E

Scene Description:

Caleb Hogan is working on his moot court case to develop an argument that unborn children are alive. During a batting practice, Caleb’s father, Don, explains that life does not begin incrementally and argues that the only logical answer is that life starts at conception.

In the final round of the moot court competition, Caleb argues that regardless of the popular opinion of the day, from a legal standpoint, the Fourteenth Amendment protects the unborn because unborn children were included in the definition of “life” when the 14th Amendment was enacted.

A B O R T I O N & T H E U N B O R NIssue Raised: Are unborn children alive? How can you prove it?

Key Scripture Passages:What does the Bible say about the unborn? Exodus 21:22; Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41

What does the Bible says about arguing for His truth?1 Peter 3:15; 1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Proverbs 15:1

1 . H O W D O Y O U K N O W ?

How do you know when life begins? Is it a scientific question? Can our knowledge of the natural universe help us to define life or is it a moral decision? What can science show us in the abortion debate?

Caleb wants to know when life begins.

2 . W H A T C A N Y O U D O ?

Don claims his argument is “so simple, even a ten-year old can understand it”, yet Caleb never uses that argument during his debate? Why do you think that is? Are certain arguments more appropriate in particular situations?

Don says that people understand his argument, but that they do not want to hear it. What can you do to make someone who disagrees with you more receptive to your points?

Don answers Caleb and explains that people know when life begins (at conception). They just don’t want to admit it.

3 . W H A T D O Y O U B E L I E V E ?

If you saw a man being beaten to death on the street, would you do something to stop it? Do you believe that abortion kills innocent human beings? What are some things you can do to help prevent abortion?

Why is the question of life important? How does it affect you and your family?

If you don’t belive that the child in the womb is the living handiwork of God... you’) do nothing to protect him.

What do you believe?

D I G G I N G D E E P E R

C O M E W H AT M AY D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E

Scene Description:

Caleb meets with Dr. Farris to discuss his moot court arguments. Caleb wants to take the safer path to sidestep the abortion issue and focus on notifying parents. This argument is more likely to win the round for Caleb.

Dr. Farris points out that in the legal arena, Caleb’s argument concedes that Roe v. Wade is good law and adds more weight to its legal precedent.

F I A T J U S T I C I AIssue Raised: Do principles matter more than consequences?

When is it right to stand up for an ideal?

Key Scripture Passages:On what basis should we make our decisions?Matthew 6:25-34; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 9:10; John 14:15

1 . D O P R I N C I P L E S M A T T E R ?

Caleb argues that since moot court is not real, he should be focusing on the real world effects of winning or losing the round. Does what Caleb argue in the round have any effect in real life? If Caleb decided to make the “winning” argument, how do you think his life would have changed? Do you think he would have argued from principle when it really mattered? When do principles matter?

Caleb presents a “winning argument” to his Patrick Henry Co)ege moot court teammates, much to their dismay.

2 . W H O I S I N C O N T R O L ?

Is Caleb trusting God to guide his life? What actions does Caleb follow to take control of his own destiny?

Don, Caleb’s father, is struggling to decide whether to publish his book. On the one hand, he can publish his book and spread truth to many people. On the other, his teaching job is what allows him to support his family. What do you think is the right thing to do? Why?

Don worries that publishing his book that cha)enges evolution wi) cost him his job as a biology professor.

3 . A R E Y O U W I L L I N G T O L O S E ?

Caleb wants to allow a loss in the debate of when life begins so that he can gain ground in requiring parental notification. Is compromise always a harmful thing? How do you affirm your ideals while being pragmatic at the same time?

Why is winning the debate so important to Caleb? What does he have to lose? What would you be willing to lose for standing up for what is right?

Dr. Farris cha)endges the PHC moot court team to go for the jugular by overturning Roe versus Wade.

D I G G I N G D E E P E R

C O M E W H AT M AY D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E

Scene Description:

Don and Judith have conflicting worldviews and frequently argue. Caleb is worried about his parent’s marriage, so when Judith agrees to defend an abortion clinic in the Supreme Court, he strongly objects, knowing that Don will oppose her.

When Don finds out about the case and challenges Judith, she refuses to drop the case. Don decides to leave the house and stay at his brother’s to think things over.

C O N F L I C T I N M A R R I A G EIssue Raised: How should a Christian respond when a spouse or other family member is in

rebellion against God? What should a Christian do to resolve conflict in marriage?

Key Scripture Passages:What does the Bible say about love and marriage?1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Ephesians 5:22-28; Matthew 19:8-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10-16; Malachi 2:16How should we resolve conflicts with others?Luke 6:42; Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 12:17-19

1 . A P P R O P R I A T E R E S P O N S E

Don decides to leave for his brother’s house. Do you think this was the right decision? How do you think this made Judith feel? Would knowing her background and personal experience with abortion change the way you would approach her?

Don seeks to understand Judith, but is confused by her refusal to drop her U.S. Supreme Court case defending abortion.

2 . FA M I L Y U N I T Y

How does Caleb respond to his parent’s growing division? Do you think he should have tried to be more involved in resolving the conflict, or less?

Should Don have objected to Judith’s decision to defend the abortion clinic? Did his objection bring more or less division in the family? How important is family unity? Do you think Judith would have changed in the end if Don had not objected in the first place?

Caleb witnesses the final con.ontation between his parents. He is torn between his love for his mom and the past she reveals.

3 . R E S P O N D I N G T O S I N

How do you respond when you see someone you love in sin? How should you confront them?

Judith refuses to back down and drop her U.S. Supreme Court cases, using her past to justify her current actions.

D I G G I N G D E E P E R

C O M E W H AT M AY D I S C U S S I O N G U I D E

Scene Description:

When Caleb asks Rachel out for a date, she gently declines and explains that she will not go out on dates unless she has a serious commitment.

Caleb is completely surprised and learns from Rachel and his father, Don, why commitment is so important.

D A T I N G A N D C O U R T S H I PIssue Raised: What is God’s view of romance?

How should Christians act when pursing a relationship?

Key Scripture Passages:What does the Bible say about relationships?1 Corinthians 13; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6; Proverbs 4:23; Song of Solomon 8:4

1 . U N D E R S T A N D I N G C O M M I T M E N T

What kind of commitment is Rachel asking Caleb to make? Should a couple have to be willing to marry before going out on a date together? What is the difference between committing to marriage and committing to growing closer in Christ and considering marriage?

Why is it important to be serious about relationships? What can happen when you enter a relationship that is not serious and committed?

Rachel explains what commitment means to her and how important it is in a relationship.

2 . W H A T I S L O V E ?

What is love? Is it selfish or selfless? Based on what you have seen, what has Caleb done to show that he selflessly loves Rachel beyond being physically attracted to her? Has Rachel shown selfless love for Caleb beyond attraction?

What is the difference between dating and courtship? Does God approve of one over the other or is He more concerned about the heart?

Caleb and Rachel take a break .om moot court research and find they share a “love for music,” enabling them to improvise harmoniously.

3 . G U A R D I N G Y O U R H E A R T

Even though Rachel refuses to date Caleb without a commitment, she and Caleb spend a significant amount of time alone together talking working on moot court. Is this healthy? What exactly constitutes a “date”? Can the dangers of casual dating be present even without the official “date”?

What does it mean to guard your heart? What things can you do to keep your heart pure?

Rachel ’ te)s Caleb to do what’s right.

D I G G I N G D E E P E R