2021-2022
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
Mr. Salber
Monday
11/22/2021
8th Grade World Geography
Students will:
Reflect on their own cultural
groups, traditions, sense of
place, and beliefs in relation
with or conjunction to Life of
Pi
Investigate and document
folk life in their communities
identify physical and / or
human factors such as
climate, vegetation,
language, trade networks,
political units, river systems,
and religion that constitute a
region.[9A]
describe elements of culture,
including language, religion,
beliefs and customs,
institutions, and
technologies.[16B]
describe and compare
patterns of culture such as
language, religion, land use,
education, and customs that
make specific regions of the
world distinctive.[17A]
describe major world
religions, describe major
world religions, including
animism, Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam,
Judaism, and Sikhism, and
their spatial distribution.[17B]
compare economic, political,
or social opportunities in
different cultures for women,
ethnic and religious
Tuesday
11/23/2021
8th Grade World Geography
Students will:
Reflect on their own cultural
groups, traditions, sense of
place, and beliefs in relation
with or conjunction to Life of
Pi
Investigate and document
folk life in their communities
identify physical and / or
human factors such as
climate, vegetation,
language, trade networks,
political units, river systems,
and religion that constitute a
region.[9A]
describe elements of culture,
including language, religion,
beliefs and customs,
institutions, and
technologies.[16B]
describe and compare
patterns of culture such as
language, religion, land use,
education, and customs that
make specific regions of the
world distinctive.[17A]
describe major world
religions, describe major
world religions, including
animism, Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam,
Judaism, and Sikhism, and
their spatial distribution.[17B]
compare economic, political,
or social opportunities in
different cultures for women,
ethnic and religious
Wednesday
11/24/2021
8th Grade World Geography
Students will:
Reflect on their own cultural
groups, traditions, sense of
place, and beliefs in relation
with or conjunction to Life of
Pi
Investigate and document
folk life in their communities
identify physical and / or
human factors such as
climate, vegetation,
language, trade networks,
political units, river systems,
and religion that constitute a
region.[9A]
describe elements of culture,
including language, religion,
beliefs and customs,
institutions, and
technologies.[16B]
describe and compare
patterns of culture such as
language, religion, land use,
education, and customs that
make specific regions of the
world distinctive.[17A]
describe major world
religions, describe major
world religions, including
animism, Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam,
Judaism, and Sikhism, and
their spatial distribution.[17B]
compare economic, political,
or social opportunities in
different cultures for women,
ethnic and religious
Page 1 of 18
Thursday
11/25/2021
8th Grade World Geography
Students will:
Reflect on their own cultural
groups, traditions, sense of
place, and beliefs in relation
with or conjunction to Life of
Pi
Investigate and document
folk life in their communities
identify physical and / or
human factors such as
climate, vegetation,
language, trade networks,
political units, river systems,
and religion that constitute a
region.[9A]
describe elements of culture,
including language, religion,
beliefs and customs,
institutions, and
technologies.[16B]
describe and compare
patterns of culture such as
language, religion, land use,
education, and customs that
make specific regions of the
world distinctive.[17A]
describe major world
religions, describe major
world religions, including
animism, Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam,
Judaism, and Sikhism, and
their spatial distribution.[17B]
compare economic, political,
or social opportunities in
different cultures for women,
ethnic and religious
Friday
11/26/2021
8th Grade World Geography
Students will:
Reflect on their own cultural
groups, traditions, sense of
place, and beliefs in relation
with or conjunction to Life of
Pi
Investigate and document
folk life in their communities
identify physical and / or
human factors such as
climate, vegetation,
language, trade networks,
political units, river systems,
and religion that constitute a
region.[9A]
describe elements of culture,
including language, religion,
beliefs and customs,
institutions, and
technologies.[16B]
describe and compare
patterns of culture such as
language, religion, land use,
education, and customs that
make specific regions of the
world distinctive.[17A]
describe major world
religions, describe major
world religions, including
animism, Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam,
Judaism, and Sikhism, and
their spatial distribution.[17B]
compare economic, political,
or social opportunities in
different cultures for women,
ethnic and religious
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
minorities, and other
underrepresented
populations.[17C]
Direct Instruction
Do now discussion - Jared
Diamond pushes the theory
that we are the way we are
based on Geographic Luck -
Is that the case ore is there
another divine purpose
missing?
Guided Practice
Procedure
1. Before Viewing Give
students an overview and
ask them to brainstorm
what they know about Life
of Pi. Self-Inventory: Ask
them to write briefly what
they expect to see and
hear as they view the film.
2. During Viewing Prompt
students to write down the
basic film information (title,
etc.) and to take notes as
they watch the film. To
organize observations
they may take notes on
notebook paper or use the
Film Analysis Framework.
3. After Viewing Open
discussion by asking
students to review their
self-inventories.
• How did the film differ from
what they expected?
• What surprised them?
• What tensions and
contradictions did they
sense?
minorities, and other
underrepresented
populations.[17C]
Direct Instruction
Do now discussion - Piscine
says the following about zoos
and religion: “Certain illusions
about freedom plague them
both.” What does Piscine
mean by this? Do you agree -
explain
Guided Practice
Procedure
1. Before Viewing Give
students an overview and
ask them to brainstorm
what they know about Life
of Pi. Self-Inventory: Ask
them to write briefly what
they expect to see and
hear as they view the film.
2. During Viewing Prompt
students to write down the
basic film information (title,
etc.) and to take notes as
they watch the film. To
organize observations
they may take notes on
notebook paper or use the
Film Analysis Framework.
3. After Viewing Open
discussion by asking
students to review their
self-inventories.
• How did the film differ from
what they expected?
• What surprised them?
• What tensions and
contradictions did they
sense?
minorities, and other
underrepresented
populations.[17C]
Direct Instruction
Do now discussion - Piscine’s
mother says the following:
That is true. Your father is
right. Science can teach us
more about what's out there -
(With a hand to her heart) -
but not what’s in here. Art,
music, literature - they all
spring from our faith.
? Explain, in your own words
what she meant by this. Do
you agree or disagree?
Guided Practice
Procedure
1. Before Viewing Give
students an overview and
ask them to brainstorm
what they know about Life
of Pi. Self-Inventory: Ask
them to write briefly what
they expect to see and
hear as they view the film.
2. During Viewing Prompt
students to write down the
basic film information (title,
etc.) and to take notes as
they watch the film. To
organize observations
they may take notes on
notebook paper or use the
Film Analysis Framework.
3. After Viewing Open
discussion by asking
students to review their
self-inventories.
Page 2 of 18
minorities, and other
underrepresented
populations.[17C]
Direct Instruction
Do now discussion - Why do
we have so many belifes
systems. Is one right?
Guided Practice
Procedure
1. Before Viewing Give
students an overview and
ask them to brainstorm
what they know about Life
of Pi. Self-Inventory: Ask
them to write briefly what
they expect to see and
hear as they view the film.
2. During Viewing Prompt
students to write down the
basic film information (title,
etc.) and to take notes as
they watch the film. To
organize observations
they may take notes on
notebook paper or use the
Film Analysis Framework.
3. After Viewing Open
discussion by asking
students to review their
self-inventories.
• How did the film differ from
what they expected?
• What surprised them?
• What tensions and
contradictions did they
sense?
• What values were
expressed?
• What is the main
message?
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
minorities, and other
underrepresented
populations.[17C]
Direct Instruction
Do now discussion -
Adult Pi: I’ve told you two
stories about what happened
on the ocean. Neither
explains the sinking of the
ship, and no one
can prove which story is true
and which is not. In both
stories, the ship sinks, my
family dies, and I suffer.
Writer: True.
Adult: Pi: So, which story do
you prefer?
Writer: The story with the
tiger. That’s the better story.
Adult Pi: (heartfelt): Thank
You. And so it goes with God.
Say what?
Is it that simple?
Guided Practice
Procedure
1. Before Viewing Give
students an overview and
ask them to brainstorm
what they know about Life
of Pi. Self-Inventory: Ask
them to write briefly what
they expect to see and
hear as they view the film.
2. During Viewing Prompt
students to write down the
basic film information (title,
etc.) and to take notes as
they watch the film. To
organize observations
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
• What values were
expressed?
• What is the main
message?
• What are subtexts?
• What would they ask the
filmmakers?
• Someone in the film?
Use a quotation from the film
to spark discussion.
Assign students to write a
personal narrative about their
experiences with this
tradition. Students may also
write a film synopsis or
choose words or phrases
from the film to use in writing
a poem.
After a class discussion about
the role of this tradition in
student’s lives, families, and
your community, students
may investigate further by
conducting fieldwork
research. Working
individually or in teams,
students interview,
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
sources that they can give
back to the community
through an exhibit, web site,
film, or contribution to local
archives. Products
Completed worksheets,
personal narratives, synopsis,
• What values were
expressed?
• What is the main
message?
• What are subtexts?
• What would they ask the
filmmakers?
• Someone in the film?
Use a quotation from the film
to spark discussion.
Assign students to write a
personal narrative about their
experiences with this
tradition. Students may also
write a film synopsis or
choose words or phrases
from the film to use in writing
a poem.
After a class discussion about
the role of this tradition in
student’s lives, families, and
your community, students
may investigate further by
conducting fieldwork
research. Working
individually or in teams,
students interview,
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
sources that they can give
back to the community
through an exhibit, web site,
film, or contribution to local
archives. Products
Completed worksheets,
personal narratives, synopsis,
• How did the film differ from
what they expected?
• What surprised them?
• What tensions and
contradictions did they
sense?
• What values were
expressed?
• What is the main
message?
• What are subtexts?
• What would they ask the
filmmakers?
• Someone in the film?
Use a quotation from the film
to spark discussion.
Assign students to write a
personal narrative about their
experiences with this
tradition. Students may also
write a film synopsis or
choose words or phrases
from the film to use in writing
a poem.
After a class discussion about
the role of this tradition in
student’s lives, families, and
your community, students
may investigate further by
conducting fieldwork
research. Working
individually or in teams,
students interview,
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
sources that they can give
back to the community
Page 3 of 18
• What are subtexts?
• What would they ask the
filmmakers?
• Someone in the film?
Use a quotation from the film
to spark discussion.
Assign students to write a
personal narrative about their
experiences with this
tradition. Students may also
write a film synopsis or
choose words or phrases
from the film to use in writing
a poem.
After a class discussion about
the role of this tradition in
student’s lives, families, and
your community, students
may investigate further by
conducting fieldwork
research. Working
individually or in teams,
students interview,
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
sources that they can give
back to the community
through an exhibit, web site,
film, or contribution to local
archives. Products
Completed worksheets,
personal narratives, synopsis,
poetry, interviews,
storyboards, reviews, etc.
Process Class discussions,
reflections, interviewing,
creating presentations,
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
they may take notes on
notebook paper or use the
Film Analysis Framework.
3. After Viewing Open
discussion by asking
students to review their
self-inventories.
• How did the film differ from
what they expected?
• What surprised them?
• What tensions and
contradictions did they
sense?
• What values were
expressed?
• What is the main
message?
• What are subtexts?
• What would they ask the
filmmakers?
• Someone in the film?
Use a quotation from the film
to spark discussion.
Assign students to write a
personal narrative about their
experiences with this
tradition. Students may also
write a film synopsis or
choose words or phrases
from the film to use in writing
a poem.
After a class discussion about
the role of this tradition in
student’s lives, families, and
your community, students
may investigate further by
conducting fieldwork
research. Working
individually or in teams,
students interview,
photograph, or make a film
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
poetry, interviews,
storyboards, reviews, etc.
Process Class discussions,
reflections, interviewing,
creating presentations,
analysis, comparing and
contrasting Life of Pi Essay
and Discussion Questions
Handout:
1.Piscine says the following
about zoos and religion:
“Certain illusions about
freedom plague them both.”
What does Piscine mean by
this?
2.Piscine’s mother says the
following: That is true. Your
father is right. Science can
teach us more about what's
out there - (With a hand to
her heart) -but not what’s in
here. Art, music, literature -
they all spring from our faith.
? Explain, in your own
words what she meant by
this. Do you agree or
disagree?
3.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Okamoto: We
need a simpler story for our
report. One our company can
understand. A story we can
all believe. (Chiba gives Pi a
glass of water.) Young Pi:
So…..a story without things
you’ve never seen before.
Okamoto: That’s right Young
Pi: Without surprises?
poetry, interviews,
storyboards, reviews, etc.
Process Class discussions,
reflections, interviewing,
creating presentations,
analysis, comparing and
contrasting Life of Pi Essay
and Discussion Questions
Handout:
1.Piscine says the following
about zoos and religion:
“Certain illusions about
freedom plague them both.”
What does Piscine mean by
this?
2.Piscine’s mother says the
following: That is true. Your
father is right. Science can
teach us more about what's
out there - (With a hand to
her heart) -but not what’s in
here. Art, music, literature -
they all spring from our faith.
? Explain, in your own
words what she meant by
this. Do you agree or
disagree?
3.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Okamoto: We
need a simpler story for our
report. One our company can
understand. A story we can
all believe. (Chiba gives Pi a
glass of water.) Young Pi:
So…..a story without things
you’ve never seen before.
Okamoto: That’s right Young
Pi: Without surprises?
through an exhibit, web site,
film, or contribution to local
archives. Products
Completed worksheets,
personal narratives, synopsis,
poetry, interviews,
storyboards, reviews, etc.
Process Class discussions,
reflections, interviewing,
creating presentations,
analysis, comparing and
contrasting Life of Pi Essay
and Discussion Questions
Handout:
1.Piscine says the following
about zoos and religion:
“Certain illusions about
freedom plague them both.”
What does Piscine mean by
this?
2.Piscine’s mother says the
following: That is true. Your
father is right. Science can
teach us more about what's
out there - (With a hand to
her heart) -but not what’s in
here. Art, music, literature -
they all spring from our faith.
? Explain, in your own
words what she meant by
this. Do you agree or
disagree?
3.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Okamoto: We
need a simpler story for our
report. One our company can
understand. A story we can
all believe. (Chiba gives Pi a
Page 4 of 18
analysis, comparing and
contrasting Life of Pi Essay
and Discussion Questions
Handout:
1.Piscine says the following
about zoos and religion:
“Certain illusions about
freedom plague them both.”
What does Piscine mean by
this?
2.Piscine’s mother says the
following: That is true. Your
father is right. Science can
teach us more about what's
out there - (With a hand to
her heart) -but not what’s in
here. Art, music, literature -
they all spring from our faith.
? Explain, in your own
words what she meant by
this. Do you agree or
disagree?
3.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Okamoto: We
need a simpler story for our
report. One our company can
understand. A story we can
all believe. (Chiba gives Pi a
glass of water.) Young Pi:
So…..a story without things
you’ve never seen before.
Okamoto: That’s right Young
Pi: Without surprises?
Without animals or islands?
Okamoto: Yes. The truth.
4.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
about your community. They
will be creating primary
photograph, or make a film
about your community. They
will be creating primary
sources that they can give
back to the community
through an exhibit, web site,
film, or contribution to local
archives. Products
Completed worksheets,
personal narratives, synopsis,
poetry, interviews,
storyboards, reviews, etc.
Process Class discussions,
reflections, interviewing,
creating presentations,
analysis, comparing and
contrasting Life of Pi Essay
and Discussion Questions
Handout:
1.Piscine says the following
about zoos and religion:
“Certain illusions about
freedom plague them both.”
What does Piscine mean by
this?
2.Piscine’s mother says the
following: That is true. Your
father is right. Science can
teach us more about what's
out there - (With a hand to
her heart) -but not what’s in
here. Art, music, literature -
they all spring from our faith.
? Explain, in your own
words what she meant by
this. Do you agree or
disagree?
3.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
Without animals or islands?
Okamoto: Yes. The truth.
4.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Adult Pi: I’ve told
you two stories about what
happened on the ocean.
Neither explains the sinking
of the ship, and no one can
prove which story is true and
which is not. In both stories,
the ship sinks, my family dies,
and I suffer. Writer: True.
Adult: Pi: So, which story do
you prefer? Writer: The story
with the tiger. That’s the
better story. Adult Pi:
(heartfelt): Thank You. And
so it goes with God.
5.Why does Piscine tell this
fantastic tale? Why does his
story “go with God”?
6.Piscine speaks of despair
being more formidable than a
tiger. Explain, in your own
words, what Piscine means
by this statement. Can you
think of an example from your
own life where you were
overwhelmed with despair?
7.What is the Central theme
of the film? (A few choices
could be: hope, sacrifice,
and/or the idea of the hero’s
film? (A few choices could be:
hope, sacrifice, and/or the
idea of the hero’s journey.)
How does the theme you
have chosen develop over
Without animals or islands?
Okamoto: Yes. The truth.
4.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Adult Pi: I’ve told
you two stories about what
happened on the ocean.
Neither explains the sinking
of the ship, and no one can
prove which story is true and
which is not. In both stories,
the ship sinks, my family dies,
and I suffer. Writer: True.
Adult: Pi: So, which story do
you prefer? Writer: The story
with the tiger. That’s the
better story. Adult Pi:
(heartfelt): Thank You. And
so it goes with God.
5.Why does Piscine tell this
fantastic tale? Why does his
story “go with God”?
6.Piscine speaks of despair
being more formidable than a
tiger. Explain, in your own
words, what Piscine means
by this statement. Can you
think of an example from your
own life where you were
overwhelmed with despair?
7.What is the Central theme
of the film? (A few choices
could be: hope, sacrifice,
and/or the idea of the hero’s
film? (A few choices could be:
hope, sacrifice, and/or the
idea of the hero’s journey.)
How does the theme you
have chosen develop over
glass of water.) Young Pi:
So…..a story without things
you’ve never seen before.
Okamoto: That’s right Young
Pi: Without surprises?
Without animals or islands?
Okamoto: Yes. The truth.
4.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Adult Pi: I’ve told
you two stories about what
happened on the ocean.
Neither explains the sinking
of the ship, and no one can
prove which story is true and
which is not. In both stories,
the ship sinks, my family dies,
and I suffer. Writer: True.
Adult: Pi: So, which story do
you prefer? Writer: The story
with the tiger. That’s the
better story. Adult Pi:
(heartfelt): Thank You. And
so it goes with God.
5.Why does Piscine tell this
fantastic tale? Why does his
story “go with God”?
6.Piscine speaks of despair
being more formidable than a
tiger. Explain, in your own
words, what Piscine means
by this statement. Can you
think of an example from your
own life where you were
overwhelmed with despair?
7.What is the Central theme
of the film? (A few choices
could be: hope, sacrifice,
and/or the idea of the hero’s
Page 5 of 18
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Adult Pi: I’ve told
you two stories about what
happened on the ocean.
Neither explains the sinking
of the ship, and no one can
prove which story is true and
which is not. In both stories,
the ship sinks, my family dies,
and I suffer. Writer: True.
Adult: Pi: So, which story do
you prefer? Writer: The story
with the tiger. That’s the
better story. Adult Pi:
(heartfelt): Thank You. And
so it goes with God.
5.Why does Piscine tell this
fantastic tale? Why does his
story “go with God”?
6.Piscine speaks of despair
being more formidable than a
tiger. Explain, in your own
words, what Piscine means
by this statement. Can you
think of an example from your
own life where you were
overwhelmed with despair?
7.What is the Central theme
of the film? (A few choices
could be: hope, sacrifice,
and/or the idea of the hero’s
film? (A few choices could be:
hope, sacrifice, and/or the
idea of the hero’s journey.)
How does the theme you
have chosen develop over
the course of the film? What
specific details from the film
help refine the theme?
8.How does Piscine develop
over the course of the film?
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Okamoto: We
need a simpler story for our
report. One our company can
understand. A story we can
all believe. (Chiba gives Pi a
glass of water.) Young Pi:
So…..a story without things
you’ve never seen before.
Okamoto: That’s right Young
Pi: Without surprises?
Without animals or islands?
Okamoto: Yes. The truth.
4.Analyze the following
conversation that takes place
towards the end of the film
(between Piscine and
Okamoto): Adult Pi: I’ve told
you two stories about what
happened on the ocean.
Neither explains the sinking
of the ship, and no one can
prove which story is true and
which is not. In both stories,
the ship sinks, my family dies,
and I suffer. Writer: True.
Adult: Pi: So, which story do
you prefer? Writer: The story
with the tiger. That’s the
better story. Adult Pi:
(heartfelt): Thank You. And
so it goes with God.
5.Why does Piscine tell this
fantastic tale? Why does his
story “go with God”?
6.Piscine speaks of despair
being more formidable than a
tiger. Explain, in your own
words, what Piscine means
by this statement. Can you
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
the course of the film? What
specific details from the film
help refine the theme?
8.How does Piscine develop
over the course of the film?
Does he change? How does
his interaction with Richard
Parker change him? How is
Richard Parker an integral
part of the plot?
9.Do we need to suffer in life
to give our lives meaning?
10.What is the role of fate in
the film?
Discussion points
Why Tell the Story?
• Do you think it’s good
enough to just believe in a
god, or gods…or is the
actual god you choose to
believe in (his character
and nature) a critical
factor?
• Do you see Life of Pi as a
positive thing because it
gets viewers thinking
about the question of the
existence of God? Or is it
a negative thing because
the movie doesn’t clearly
point to one, true God?
• If you heard that someone
had a story which would
make you believe in God,
would you want to hear it?
Are you, like the writer,
looking for something to
convince you that God is
real?
the course of the film? What
specific details from the film
help refine the theme?
8.How does Piscine develop
over the course of the film?
Does he change? How does
his interaction with Richard
Parker change him? How is
Richard Parker an integral
part of the plot?
9.Do we need to suffer in life
to give our lives meaning?
10.What is the role of fate in
the film?
Discussion points
Why Tell the Story?
• Do you think it’s good
enough to just believe in a
god, or gods…or is the
actual god you choose to
believe in (his character
and nature) a critical
factor?
• Do you see Life of Pi as a
positive thing because it
gets viewers thinking
about the question of the
existence of God? Or is it
a negative thing because
the movie doesn’t clearly
point to one, true God?
• If you heard that someone
had a story which would
make you believe in God,
would you want to hear it?
Are you, like the writer,
looking for something to
convince you that God is
real?
film? (A few choices could be:
hope, sacrifice, and/or the
idea of the hero’s journey.)
How does the theme you
have chosen develop over
the course of the film? What
specific details from the film
help refine the theme?
8.How does Piscine develop
over the course of the film?
Does he change? How does
his interaction with Richard
Parker change him? How is
Richard Parker an integral
part of the plot?
9.Do we need to suffer in life
to give our lives meaning?
10.What is the role of fate in
the film?
Discussion points
Why Tell the Story?
• Do you think it’s good
enough to just believe in a
god, or gods…or is the
actual god you choose to
believe in (his character
and nature) a critical
factor?
• Do you see Life of Pi as a
positive thing because it
gets viewers thinking
about the question of the
existence of God? Or is it
a negative thing because
the movie doesn’t clearly
point to one, true God?
• If you heard that someone
had a story which would
make you believe in God,
would you want to hear it?
Page 6 of 18
Does he change? How does
his interaction with Richard
Parker change him? How is
Richard Parker an integral
part of the plot?
9.Do we need to suffer in life
to give our lives meaning?
10.What is the role of fate in
the film?
Discussion points
Why Tell the Story?
• Do you think it’s good
enough to just believe in a
god, or gods…or is the
actual god you choose to
believe in (his character
and nature) a critical
factor?
• Do you see Life of Pi as a
positive thing because it
gets viewers thinking
about the question of the
existence of God? Or is it
a negative thing because
the movie doesn’t clearly
point to one, true God?
• If you heard that someone
had a story which would
make you believe in God,
would you want to hear it?
Are you, like the writer,
looking for something to
convince you that God is
real?
• Do you know of anyone
who has a story like Pi’s,
one which, if someone
were to hear and believe
it, would convince them of
God’s existence? Or do
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
think of an example from your
own life where you were
overwhelmed with despair?
7.What is the Central theme
of the film? (A few choices
could be: hope, sacrifice,
and/or the idea of the hero’s
film? (A few choices could be:
hope, sacrifice, and/or the
idea of the hero’s journey.)
How does the theme you
have chosen develop over
the course of the film? What
specific details from the film
help refine the theme?
8.How does Piscine develop
over the course of the film?
Does he change? How does
his interaction with Richard
Parker change him? How is
Richard Parker an integral
part of the plot?
9.Do we need to suffer in life
to give our lives meaning?
10.What is the role of fate in
the film?
Discussion points
Why Tell the Story?
• Do you think it’s good
enough to just believe in a
god, or gods…or is the
actual god you choose to
believe in (his character
and nature) a critical
factor?
• Do you see Life of Pi as a
positive thing because it
gets viewers thinking
about the question of the
existence of God? Or is it
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
• Do you know of anyone
who has a story like Pi’s,
one which, if someone
were to hear and believe
it, would convince them of
God’s existence? Or do
you, yourself, have such a
story?
• Did you know that in the
Old Testament, the
Israelites were
commanded to repeat the
stories of what God had
done to future generations
so that they would know
who God was and His love
for His people. When
they did so, people put
their hope in God. When
they didn’t, they were
rebellious and unfaithful to
God. See Psalm 78 – I call
it “The Cautionary Tale”.
How does knowing this
affect the way you think
about Pi and his story, and
why and how he told it?
He could have told the
story of his survival,
making the adventure the
point, or himself as hero
the point, but he was clear
from the beginning the
point of his story was to
make its hearers believe in
god.
Guilt and Religion
• Pi said Amen after his
prayer for his meal. The
writer questioned him, “I
didn’t know Hindu’s say
• Do you know of anyone
who has a story like Pi’s,
one which, if someone
were to hear and believe
it, would convince them of
God’s existence? Or do
you, yourself, have such a
story?
• Did you know that in the
Old Testament, the
Israelites were
commanded to repeat the
stories of what God had
done to future generations
so that they would know
who God was and His love
for His people. When
they did so, people put
their hope in God. When
they didn’t, they were
rebellious and unfaithful to
God. See Psalm 78 – I call
it “The Cautionary Tale”.
How does knowing this
affect the way you think
about Pi and his story, and
why and how he told it?
He could have told the
story of his survival,
making the adventure the
point, or himself as hero
the point, but he was clear
from the beginning the
point of his story was to
make its hearers believe in
god.
Guilt and Religion
• Pi said Amen after his
prayer for his meal. The
writer questioned him, “I
didn’t know Hindu’s say
Are you, like the writer,
looking for something to
convince you that God is
real?
• Do you know of anyone
who has a story like Pi’s,
one which, if someone
were to hear and believe
it, would convince them of
God’s existence? Or do
you, yourself, have such a
story?
• Did you know that in the
Old Testament, the
Israelites were
commanded to repeat the
stories of what God had
done to future generations
so that they would know
who God was and His love
for His people. When
they did so, people put
their hope in God. When
they didn’t, they were
rebellious and unfaithful to
God. See Psalm 78 – I call
it “The Cautionary Tale”.
How does knowing this
affect the way you think
about Pi and his story, and
why and how he told it?
He could have told the
story of his survival,
making the adventure the
point, or himself as hero
the point, but he was clear
from the beginning the
point of his story was to
make its hearers believe in
god.
Guilt and Religion
Page 7 of 18
you, yourself, have such a
story?
• Did you know that in the
Old Testament, the
Israelites were
commanded to repeat the
stories of what God had
done to future generations
so that they would know
who God was and His love
for His people. When
they did so, people put
their hope in God. When
they didn’t, they were
rebellious and unfaithful to
God. See Psalm 78 – I call
it “The Cautionary Tale”.
How does knowing this
affect the way you think
about Pi and his story, and
why and how he told it?
He could have told the
story of his survival,
making the adventure the
point, or himself as hero
the point, but he was clear
from the beginning the
point of his story was to
make its hearers believe in
god.
Guilt and Religion
• Pi said Amen after his
prayer for his meal. The
writer questioned him, “I
didn’t know Hindu’s say
‘Amen’.” Pi replied,
“Catholic Hindu’s do. That
means we get to feel guilty
before hundreds of gods.”
The audience laughed.
It’s a funny line to be sure,
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
a negative thing because
the movie doesn’t clearly
point to one, true God?
• If you heard that someone
had a story which would
make you believe in God,
would you want to hear it?
Are you, like the writer,
looking for something to
convince you that God is
real?
• Do you know of anyone
who has a story like Pi’s,
one which, if someone
were to hear and believe
it, would convince them of
God’s existence? Or do
you, yourself, have such a
story?
• Did you know that in the
Old Testament, the
Israelites were
commanded to repeat the
stories of what God had
done to future generations
so that they would know
who God was and His love
for His people. When
they did so, people put
their hope in God. When
they didn’t, they were
rebellious and unfaithful to
God. See Psalm 78 – I call
it “The Cautionary Tale”.
How does knowing this
affect the way you think
about Pi and his story, and
why and how he told it?
He could have told the
story of his survival,
making the adventure the
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
‘Amen’.” Pi replied,
“Catholic Hindu’s do. That
means we get to feel guilty
before hundreds of gods.”
The audience laughed.
It’s a funny line to be sure,
and anyone who has been
anywhere near religion
knows what close
bedfellows’ religion and
guilt make. But a few
questions arise from his
statement.
• Can you truly be Catholic
and Hindu, if you truly hold
to the tenets of those
religions? Doesn’t
Catholicism follow the
Bible, in which God says
you should have no other
gods before him (10
commandments and all),
and in which Jesus claims
to be THE way, THE truth
and THE life? That no one
comes to the Father (God)
except through HIM?
(John 14:6).
• Religions and
denominations may
indeed inspire and
encourage massive
servings of guilt, but what
about Jesus (who Pi
claimed to have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
‘Amen’.” Pi replied,
“Catholic Hindu’s do. That
means we get to feel guilty
before hundreds of gods.”
The audience laughed.
It’s a funny line to be sure,
and anyone who has been
anywhere near religion
knows what close
bedfellows’ religion and
guilt make. But a few
questions arise from his
statement.
• Can you truly be Catholic
and Hindu, if you truly hold
to the tenets of those
religions? Doesn’t
Catholicism follow the
Bible, in which God says
you should have no other
gods before him (10
commandments and all),
and in which Jesus claims
to be THE way, THE truth
and THE life? That no one
comes to the Father (God)
except through HIM?
(John 14:6).
• Religions and
denominations may
indeed inspire and
encourage massive
servings of guilt, but what
about Jesus (who Pi
claimed to have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
• Pi said Amen after his
prayer for his meal. The
writer questioned him, “I
didn’t know Hindu’s say
‘Amen’.” Pi replied,
“Catholic Hindu’s do. That
means we get to feel guilty
before hundreds of gods.”
The audience laughed.
It’s a funny line to be sure,
and anyone who has been
anywhere near religion
knows what close
bedfellows’ religion and
guilt make. But a few
questions arise from his
statement.
• Can you truly be Catholic
and Hindu, if you truly hold
to the tenets of those
religions? Doesn’t
Catholicism follow the
Bible, in which God says
you should have no other
gods before him (10
commandments and all),
and in which Jesus claims
to be THE way, THE truth
and THE life? That no one
comes to the Father (God)
except through HIM?
(John 14:6).
• Religions and
denominations may
indeed inspire and
encourage massive
servings of guilt, but what
about Jesus (who Pi
claimed to have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
Page 8 of 18
and anyone who has been
anywhere near religion
knows what close
bedfellows’ religion and
guilt make. But a few
questions arise from his
statement.
• Can you truly be Catholic
and Hindu, if you truly hold
to the tenets of those
religions? Doesn’t
Catholicism follow the
Bible, in which God says
you should have no other
gods before him (10
commandments and all),
and in which Jesus claims
to be THE way, THE truth
and THE life? That no one
comes to the Father (God)
except through HIM?
(John 14:6).
• Religions and
denominations may
indeed inspire and
encourage massive
servings of guilt, but what
about Jesus (who Pi
claimed to have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness to die for the
sins of all mankind)? Is
Jesus a promoter of guilt?
• What about Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
point, or himself as hero
the point, but he was clear
from the beginning the
point of his story was to
make its hearers believe in
god.
Guilt and Religion
• Pi said Amen after his
prayer for his meal. The
writer questioned him, “I
didn’t know Hindu’s say
‘Amen’.” Pi replied,
“Catholic Hindu’s do. That
means we get to feel guilty
before hundreds of gods.”
The audience laughed.
It’s a funny line to be sure,
and anyone who has been
anywhere near religion
knows what close
bedfellows’ religion and
guilt make. But a few
questions arise from his
statement.
• Can you truly be Catholic
and Hindu, if you truly hold
to the tenets of those
religions? Doesn’t
Catholicism follow the
Bible, in which God says
you should have no other
gods before him (10
commandments and all),
and in which Jesus claims
to be THE way, THE truth
and THE life? That no one
comes to the Father (God)
except through HIM?
(John 14:6).
• Religions and
denominations may
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
astounded Pi with his
willingness to die for the
sins of all mankind)? Is
Jesus a promoter of guilt?
• What about Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no
condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus”?
What does that mean? If
Pi truly found Jesus,
should he be also feeling
guilt before hundreds of
gods as he said?
Gods as Superheroes
• Pi said, “The gods were
my superheroes growing
up.” He mentions several
of the stories of Hindu
gods and the qualities of
strength, power and/or
character they
represented.
• How is Pi’s love of his
superhero-gods similar to
and/or different from our
American
superheroes…marvel
comics, fairytale stories,
etc .?
• Is there something positive
about his desire to fill his
life with stories of those
who did great things?
Could his love of stories
been improved by
believing in different
stories? Were there better
ones he could have
chosen?
• You behold what you
become. Therefore, how
astounded Pi with his
willingness to die for the
sins of all mankind)? Is
Jesus a promoter of guilt?
• What about Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no
condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus”?
What does that mean? If
Pi truly found Jesus,
should he be also feeling
guilt before hundreds of
gods as he said?
Gods as Superheroes
• Pi said, “The gods were
my superheroes growing
up.” He mentions several
of the stories of Hindu
gods and the qualities of
strength, power and/or
character they
represented.
• How is Pi’s love of his
superhero-gods similar to
and/or different from our
American
superheroes…marvel
comics, fairytale stories,
etc .?
• Is there something positive
about his desire to fill his
life with stories of those
who did great things?
Could his love of stories
been improved by
believing in different
stories? Were there better
ones he could have
chosen?
• You behold what you
become. Therefore, how
astounded Pi with his
willingness have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness to die for the
sins of all mankind)? Is
Jesus a promoter of guilt?
• What about Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no
condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus”?
What does that mean? If
Pi truly found Jesus,
should he be also feeling
guilt before hundreds of
gods as he said?
Gods as Superheroes
• Pi said, “The gods were
my superheroes growing
up.” He mentions several
of the stories of Hindu
gods and the qualities of
strength, power and/or
character they
represented.
• How is Pi’s love of his
superhero-gods similar to
and/or different from our
American
superheroes…marvel
comics, fairytale stories,
etc .?
• Is there something positive
about his desire to fill his
life with stories of those
who did great things?
Could his love of stories
been improved by
believing in different
stories? Were there better
Page 9 of 18
condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus”?
What does that mean? If
Pi truly found Jesus,
should he be also feeling
guilt before hundreds of
gods as he said?
Gods as Superheroes
• Pi said, “The gods were
my superheroes growing
up.” He mentions several
of the stories of Hindu
gods and the qualities of
strength, power and/or
character they
represented.
• How is Pi’s love of his
superhero-gods similar to
and/or different from our
American
superheroes…marvel
comics, fairytale stories,
etc .?
• Is there something positive
about his desire to fill his
life with stories of those
who did great things?
Could his love of stories
been improved by
believing in different
stories? Were there better
ones he could have
chosen?
• You behold what you
become. Therefore, how
important is it the thing
things we behold?
• As mentioned previously,
God not only desired that
we behold the stories of
His deeds, his love, his
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
indeed inspire and
encourage massive
servings of guilt, but what
about Jesus (who Pi
claimed to have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness have found in
the Catholic
church…Jesus who
astounded Pi with his
willingness to die for the
sins of all mankind)? Is
Jesus a promoter of guilt?
• What about Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no
condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus”?
What does that mean? If
Pi truly found Jesus,
should he be also feeling
guilt before hundreds of
gods as he said?
Gods as Superheroes
• Pi said, “The gods were
my superheroes growing
up.” He mentions several
of the stories of Hindu
gods and the qualities of
strength, power and/or
character they
represented.
• How is Pi’s love of his
superhero-gods similar to
and/or different from our
American
superheroes…marvel
comics, fairytale stories,
etc .?
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
important is it the thing
things we behold?
• As mentioned previously,
God not only desired that
we behold the stories of
His deeds, his love, his
power and might…but he
commanded that we dwell
on them, and pass them
on (again, see Psalm 78).
Who are your
superheroes? Have you
chosen to make God and
His faithful followers your
heroes? To dwell on their
stories as your inspiration?
• Psalm 101 (which I call
“Spirituality 101”) and note
all the things David
resolves – especially for
our purposes: “ I will
ponder the way that is
blameless.” “I will not set
before my eyes anything
that is worthless.” “I will
know nothing of evil.” “I
will look with favor on the
faithful in the land.” “He
who walks in the way that
is blameless shall minister
to me.”
Pi’s fascination with Christ
• Pi heard about Jesus and
was fascinated. “Why
would a god do that? Why
would he send his only
son to atone for the sins of
the whole world?” The
Catholic priest answered
him, “Because He loves
us. He made himself
important is it the thing
things we behold?
• As mentioned previously,
God not only desired that
we behold the stories of
His deeds, his love, his
power and might…but he
commanded that we dwell
on them, and pass them
on (again, see Psalm 78).
Who are your
superheroes? Have you
chosen to make God and
His faithful followers your
heroes? To dwell on their
stories as your inspiration?
• Psalm 101 (which I call
“Spirituality 101”) and note
all the things David
resolves – especially for
our purposes: “ I will
ponder the way that is
blameless.” “I will not set
before my eyes anything
that is worthless.” “I will
know nothing of evil.” “I
will look with favor on the
faithful in the land.” “He
who walks in the way that
is blameless shall minister
to me.”
Pi’s fascination with Christ
• Pi heard about Jesus and
was fascinated. “Why
would a god do that? Why
would he send his only
son to atone for the sins of
the whole world?” The
Catholic priest answered
him, “Because He loves
us. He made himself
ones he could have
chosen?
• You behold what you
become. Therefore, how
important is it the thing
things we behold?
• As mentioned previously,
God not only desired that
we behold the stories of
His deeds, his love, his
power and might…but he
commanded that we dwell
on them, and pass them
on (again, see Psalm 78).
Who are your
superheroes? Have you
chosen to make God and
His faithful followers your
heroes? To dwell on their
stories as your inspiration?
• Psalm 101 (which I call
“Spirituality 101”) and note
all the things David
resolves – especially for
our purposes: “ I will
ponder the way that is
blameless.” “I will not set
before my eyes anything
that is worthless.” “I will
know nothing of evil.” “I
will look with favor on the
faithful in the land.” “He
who walks in the way that
is blameless shall minister
to me.”
Pi’s fascination with Christ
• Pi heard about Jesus and
was fascinated. “Why
would a god do that? Why
would he send his only
son to atone for the sins of
Page 10 of 18
power and might…but he
commanded that we dwell
on them, and pass them
on (again, see Psalm 78).
Who are your
superheroes? Have you
chosen to make God and
His faithful followers your
heroes? To dwell on their
stories as your inspiration?
• Psalm 101 (which I call
“Spirituality 101”) and note
all the things David
resolves – especially for
our purposes: “ I will
ponder the way that is
blameless.” “I will not set
before my eyes anything
that is worthless.” “I will
know nothing of evil.” “I
will look with favor on the
faithful in the land.” “He
who walks in the way that
is blameless shall minister
to me.”
Pi’s fascination with Christ
• Pi heard about Jesus and
was fascinated. “Why
would a god do that? Why
would he send his only
son to atone for the sins of
the whole world?” The
Catholic priest answered
him, “Because He loves
us. He made himself
approachable. We can’t
understand God with all
His perfection, but we can
understand His Son.” We
then hear Pi in the present
day commenting on his
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
• Is there something positive
about his desire to fill his
life with stories of those
who did great things?
Could his love of stories
been improved by
believing in different
stories? Were there better
ones he could have
chosen?
• You behold what you
become. Therefore, how
important is it the thing
things we behold?
• As mentioned previously,
God not only desired that
we behold the stories of
His deeds, his love, his
power and might…but he
commanded that we dwell
on them, and pass them
on (again, see Psalm 78).
Who are your
superheroes? Have you
chosen to make God and
His faithful followers your
heroes? To dwell on their
stories as your inspiration?
• Psalm 101 (which I call
“Spirituality 101”) and note
all the things David
resolves – especially for
our purposes: “ I will
ponder the way that is
blameless.” “I will not set
before my eyes anything
that is worthless.” “I will
know nothing of evil.” “I
will look with favor on the
faithful in the land.” “He
who walks in the way that
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
approachable. We can’t
understand God with all
His perfection, but we can
understand His Son.” We
then hear Pi in the present
day commenting on his
thoughts at the time about
what the priest said. “That
made no sense. … But I
could not get this Christ
out of my mind. The more
I got to know Christ, the
more I liked Him.” The
movie then flashes back to
Pi as a boy, “Thank you,
Vishnu, for introducing me
to Christ.” he says.
• Do you find Christ as
fascinating as Pi did? Has
the thought of Jesus’
death for your sins
become stale to you, or is
it a puzzling amazement?
What about those around
you? Do you assume that
others know and/or do not
care, or do you realize
how many people are
mesmerized by the
thought, even if they aren’t
sure what to do about it?
• How do you feel about the
way Jesus is presented
here? Do the writers/
filmmakers portray Jesus
in a way that is consistent
with the Bible here, or do
they miss the mark?
• How do you feel about Pi’s
response to Christ, his
fascination and his
approachable. We can’t
understand God with all
His perfection, but we can
understand His Son.” We
then hear Pi in the present
day commenting on his
thoughts at the time about
what the priest said. “That
made no sense. … But I
could not get this Christ
out of my mind. The more
I got to know Christ, the
more I liked Him.” The
movie then flashes back to
Pi as a boy, “Thank you,
Vishnu, for introducing me
to Christ.” he says.
• Do you find Christ as
fascinating as Pi did? Has
the thought of Jesus’
death for your sins
become stale to you, or is
it a puzzling amazement?
What about those around
you? Do you assume that
others know and/or do not
care, or do you realize
how many people are
mesmerized by the
thought, even if they aren’t
sure what to do about it?
• How do you feel about the
way Jesus is presented
here? Do the writers/
filmmakers portray Jesus
in a way that is consistent
with the Bible here, or do
they miss the mark?
• How do you feel about Pi’s
response to Christ, his
fascination and his
the whole world?” The
Catholic priest answered
him, “Because He loves
us. He made himself
approachable. We can’t
understand God with all
His perfection, but we can
understand His Son.” We
then hear Pi in the present
day commenting on his
thoughts at the time about
what the priest said. “That
made no sense. … But I
could not get this Christ
out of my mind. The more
I got to know Christ, the
more I liked Him.” The
movie then flashes back to
Pi as a boy, “Thank you,
Vishnu, for introducing me
to Christ.” he says.
• Do you find Christ as
fascinating as Pi did? Has
the thought of Jesus’
death for your sins
become stale to you, or is
it a puzzling amazement?
What about those around
you? Do you assume that
others know and/or do not
care, or do you realize
how many people are
mesmerized by the
thought, even if they aren’t
sure what to do about it?
• How do you feel about the
way Jesus is presented
here? Do the writers/
filmmakers portray Jesus
in a way that is consistent
Page 11 of 18
thoughts at the time about
what the priest said. “That
made no sense. … But I
could not get this Christ
out of my mind. The more
I got to know Christ, the
more I liked Him.” The
movie then flashes back to
Pi as a boy, “Thank you,
Vishnu, for introducing me
to Christ.” he says.
• Do you find Christ as
fascinating as Pi did? Has
the thought of Jesus’
death for your sins
become stale to you, or is
it a puzzling amazement?
What about those around
you? Do you assume that
others know and/or do not
care, or do you realize
how many people are
mesmerized by the
thought, even if they aren’t
sure what to do about it?
• How do you feel about the
way Jesus is presented
here? Do the writers/
filmmakers portray Jesus
in a way that is consistent
with the Bible here, or do
they miss the mark?
• How do you feel about Pi’s
response to Christ, his
fascination and his
attraction to Him? How
realistic is it?
• When people see Christ in
you and/or hear how you
portray Him, do you think
they find a representation
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
is blameless shall minister
to me.”
Pi’s fascination with Christ
• Pi heard about Jesus and
was fascinated. “Why
would a god do that? Why
would he send his only
son to atone for the sins of
the whole world?” The
Catholic priest answered
him, “Because He loves
us. He made himself
approachable. We can’t
understand God with all
His perfection, but we can
understand His Son.” We
then hear Pi in the present
day commenting on his
thoughts at the time about
what the priest said. “That
made no sense. … But I
could not get this Christ
out of my mind. The more
I got to know Christ, the
more I liked Him.” The
movie then flashes back to
Pi as a boy, “Thank you,
Vishnu, for introducing me
to Christ.” he says.
• Do you find Christ as
fascinating as Pi did? Has
the thought of Jesus’
death for your sins
become stale to you, or is
it a puzzling amazement?
What about those around
you? Do you assume that
others know and/or do not
care, or do you realize
how many people are
mesmerized by the
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
attraction to Him? How
realistic is it?
• When people see Christ in
you and/or hear how you
portray Him, do you think
they find a representation
of Him which is as
compelling, curious and
attractive?
• Pi thanks Vishnu for
introducing him to Christ –
what do you think about
that? Can another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? What are the
implications of such a
thing? Do you think Pi
feels one god is superior
to the other? Does he
think both gods are
true…and even if Pi does,
would both gods agree
with that?
All Gods are One, or at Least
Work Together?
• Pi claims, “I came to faith
through Hinduism and I
found Christ. … But God
wasn’t finished with me
yet. He introduced himself
to me again, this time
through the name of
Allah.”
• Pi claims that god was
introducing himself to him
through his various forms
– through Jesus, Hinduism
and Allah. Do I even need
to ask the questions or is
attraction to Him? How
realistic is it?
• When people see Christ in
you and/or hear how you
portray Him, do you think
they find a representation
of Him which is as
compelling, curious and
attractive?
• Pi thanks Vishnu for
introducing him to Christ –
what do you think about
that? Can another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? What are the
implications of such a
thing? Do you think Pi
feels one god is superior
to the other? Does he
think both gods are
true…and even if Pi does,
would both gods agree
with that?
All Gods are One, or at Least
Work Together?
• Pi claims, “I came to faith
through Hinduism and I
found Christ. … But God
wasn’t finished with me
yet. He introduced himself
to me again, this time
through the name of
Allah.”
• Pi claims that god was
introducing himself to him
through his various forms
– through Jesus, Hinduism
and Allah. Do I even need
to ask the questions or is
with the Bible here, or do
they miss the mark?
• How do you feel about Pi’s
response to Christ, his
fascination and his
attraction to Him? How
realistic is it?
• When people see Christ in
you and/or hear how you
portray Him, do you think
they find a representation
of Him which is as
compelling, curious and
attractive?
• Pi thanks Vishnu for
introducing him to Christ –
what do you think about
that? Can another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? What are the
implications of such a
thing? Do you think Pi
feels one god is superior
to the other? Does he
think both gods are
true…and even if Pi does,
would both gods agree
with that?
All Gods are One, or at Least
Work Together?
• Pi claims, “I came to faith
through Hinduism and I
found Christ. … But God
wasn’t finished with me
yet. He introduced himself
to me again, this time
through the name of
Allah.”
Page 12 of 18
of Him which is as
compelling, curious and
attractive?
• Pi thanks Vishnu for
introducing him to Christ –
what do you think about
that? Can another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? What are the
implications of such a
thing? Do you think Pi
feels one god is superior
to the other? Does he
think both gods are
true…and even if Pi does,
would both gods agree
with that?
All Gods are One, or at Least
Work Together?
• Pi claims, “I came to faith
through Hinduism and I
found Christ. … But God
wasn’t finished with me
yet. He introduced himself
to me again, this time
through the name of
Allah.”
• Pi claims that god was
introducing himself to him
through his various forms
– through Jesus, Hinduism
and Allah. Do I even need
to ask the questions or is
this statement in itself
enough to keep you
talking amongst
yourselves for ages?!
• I mentioned before that in
the Bible God says you
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
thought, even if they aren’t
sure what to do about it?
• How do you feel about the
way Jesus is presented
here? Do the writers/
filmmakers portray Jesus
in a way that is consistent
with the Bible here, or do
they miss the mark?
• How do you feel about Pi’s
response to Christ, his
fascination and his
attraction to Him? How
realistic is it?
• When people see Christ in
you and/or hear how you
portray Him, do you think
they find a representation
of Him which is as
compelling, curious and
attractive?
• Pi thanks Vishnu for
introducing him to Christ –
what do you think about
that? Can another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? another god
introduce someone to
Jesus? What are the
implications of such a
thing? Do you think Pi
feels one god is superior
to the other? Does he
think both gods are
true…and even if Pi does,
would both gods agree
with that?
All Gods are One, or at Least
Work Together?
• Pi claims, “I came to faith
through Hinduism and I
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
this statement in itself
enough to keep you
talking amongst
yourselves for ages?!
• I mentioned before that in
the Bible God says you
should have no other gods
before him (10
commandments), and that
Jesus claims to be THE
way, THE truth and THE
life? That no one comes to
the Father (God) except
through HIM? (John
14:6). How do you think
Pi would respond to those
statements? How do you
think a Christian (who
believes in the Bible as
God’s inspired word – just
to be clear, since Pi would
call himself a Christian
too) would defend his
position that the God of
the Bible is the one, true
God, and wholly set apart
and distinct from Allah and
Hinduism and all others
gods and religions on
earth?
• What do you think a
devout Muslim would think
about Pi’s statements?
Would Allah and his
followers be any more
willing to be lumped
together with Jesus and
the Christians, than Jesus
and the Christians are?
Would Islam (its core
teachings) be content to
this statement in itself
enough to keep you
talking amongst
yourselves for ages?!
• I mentioned before that in
the Bible God says you
should have no other gods
before him (10
commandments), and that
Jesus claims to be THE
way, THE truth and THE
life? That no one comes to
the Father (God) except
through HIM? (John
14:6). How do you think
Pi would respond to those
statements? How do you
think a Christian (who
believes in the Bible as
God’s inspired word – just
to be clear, since Pi would
call himself a Christian
too) would defend his
position that the God of
the Bible is the one, true
God, and wholly set apart
and distinct from Allah and
Hinduism and all others
gods and religions on
earth?
• What do you think a
devout Muslim would think
about Pi’s statements?
Would Allah and his
followers be any more
willing to be lumped
together with Jesus and
the Christians, than Jesus
and the Christians are?
Would Islam (its core
teachings) be content to
• Pi claims that god was
introducing himself to him
through his various forms
– through Jesus, Hinduism
and Allah. Do I even need
to ask the questions or is
this statement in itself
enough to keep you
talking amongst
yourselves for ages?!
• I mentioned before that in
the Bible God says you
should have no other gods
before him (10
commandments), and that
Jesus claims to be THE
way, THE truth and THE
life? That no one comes to
the Father (God) except
through HIM? (John
14:6). How do you think
Pi would respond to those
statements? How do you
think a Christian (who
believes in the Bible as
God’s inspired word – just
to be clear, since Pi would
call himself a Christian
too) would defend his
position that the God of
the Bible is the one, true
God, and wholly set apart
and distinct from Allah and
Hinduism and all others
gods and religions on
earth?
• What do you think a
devout Muslim would think
about Pi’s statements?
Would Allah and his
followers be any more
Page 13 of 18
should have no other gods
before him (10
commandments), and that
Jesus claims to be THE
way, THE truth and THE
life? That no one comes to
the Father (God) except
through HIM? (John
14:6). How do you think
Pi would respond to those
statements? How do you
think a Christian (who
believes in the Bible as
God’s inspired word – just
to be clear, since Pi would
call himself a Christian
too) would defend his
position that the God of
the Bible is the one, true
God, and wholly set apart
and distinct from Allah and
Hinduism and all others
gods and religions on
earth?
• What do you think a
devout Muslim would think
about Pi’s statements?
Would Allah and his
followers be any more
willing to be lumped
together with Jesus and
the Christians, than Jesus
and the Christians are?
Would Islam (its core
teachings) be content to
be considered not only
equal to but the same as
the Hinduism and
Christianity, and that the
gods of all these religions
are one in the same?
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
found Christ. … But God
wasn’t finished with me
yet. He introduced himself
to me again, this time
through the name of
Allah.”
• Pi claims that god was
introducing himself to him
through his various forms
– through Jesus, Hinduism
and Allah. Do I even need
to ask the questions or is
this statement in itself
enough to keep you
talking amongst
yourselves for ages?!
• I mentioned before that in
the Bible God says you
should have no other gods
before him (10
commandments), and that
Jesus claims to be THE
way, THE truth and THE
life? That no one comes to
the Father (God) except
through HIM? (John
14:6). How do you think
Pi would respond to those
statements? How do you
think a Christian (who
believes in the Bible as
God’s inspired word – just
to be clear, since Pi would
call himself a Christian
too) would defend his
position that the God of
the Bible is the one, true
God, and wholly set apart
and distinct from Allah and
Hinduism and all others
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
be considered not only
equal to but the same as
the Hinduism and
Christianity, and that the
gods of all these religions
are one in the same?
• It sounds like such a nice
idea – that the various
religions can all get along
with each other because
they are really all the
same, all following the
same god, all just facets of
the same personality.
How do we know this will
work? Because Pi has
incorporated them all into
his own life. He has
become a follower of all
and it works…so it should
work for the world at
large…right? What do you
think about this? Can we
accept that Pi really does
follow those religions in
truth when those religions
have teachings which
exclude the possibility of
such acceptance?
Pi’s Attitude before Christ
• We may disagree with Pi’s
thoughts on who God is,
but there is much to be
admired in his response to
suffering and his humility
and gratitude before the
god (whatever god he may
believe in). Here are some
of his responses to God.
“God, I give myself to you.
I am your vessel.
be considered not only
equal to but the same as
the Hinduism and
Christianity, and that the
gods of all these religions
are one in the same?
• It sounds like such a nice
idea – that the various
religions can all get along
with each other because
they are really all the
same, all following the
same god, all just facets of
the same personality.
How do we know this will
work? Because Pi has
incorporated them all into
his own life. He has
become a follower of all
and it works…so it should
work for the world at
large…right? What do you
think about this? Can we
accept that Pi really does
follow those religions in
truth when those religions
have teachings which
exclude the possibility of
such acceptance?
Pi’s Attitude before Christ
• We may disagree with Pi’s
thoughts on who God is,
but there is much to be
admired in his response to
suffering and his humility
and gratitude before the
god (whatever god he may
believe in). Here are some
of his responses to God.
“God, I give myself to you.
I am your vessel.
willing to be lumped
together with Jesus and
the Christians, than Jesus
and the Christians are?
Would Islam (its core
teachings) be content to
be considered not only
equal to but the same as
the Hinduism and
Christianity, and that the
gods of all these religions
are one in the same?
• It sounds like such a nice
idea – that the various
religions can all get along
with each other because
they are really all the
same, all following the
same god, all just facets of
the same personality.
How do we know this will
work? Because Pi has
incorporated them all into
his own life. He has
become a follower of all
and it works…so it should
work for the world at
large…right? What do you
think about this? Can we
accept that Pi really does
follow those religions in
truth when those religions
have teachings which
exclude the possibility of
such acceptance?
Pi’s Attitude before Christ
• We may disagree with Pi’s
thoughts on who God is,
but there is much to be
admired in his response to
suffering and his humility
Page 14 of 18
• It sounds like such a nice
idea – that the various
religions can all get along
with each other because
they are really all the
same, all following the
same god, all just facets of
the same personality.
How do we know this will
work? Because Pi has
incorporated them all into
his own life. He has
become a follower of all
and it works…so it should
work for the world at
large…right? What do you
think about this? Can we
accept that Pi really does
follow those religions in
truth when those religions
have teachings which
exclude the possibility of
such acceptance?
Pi’s Attitude before Christ
• We may disagree with Pi’s
thoughts on who God is,
but there is much to be
admired in his response to
suffering and his humility
and gratitude before the
god (whatever god he may
believe in). Here are some
of his responses to God.
“God, I give myself to you.
I am your vessel.
Whatever comes, I want to
know. Show me.” “Thank
you Lord Vishnu. Thank
you for coming in the form
of a fish and saving our
lives.” “I surrender. What
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
gods and religions on
earth?
• What do you think a
devout Muslim would think
about Pi’s statements?
Would Allah and his
followers be any more
willing to be lumped
together with Jesus and
the Christians, than Jesus
and the Christians are?
Would Islam (its core
teachings) be content to
be considered not only
equal to but the same as
the Hinduism and
Christianity, and that the
gods of all these religions
are one in the same?
• It sounds like such a nice
idea – that the various
religions can all get along
with each other because
they are really all the
same, all following the
same god, all just facets of
the same personality.
How do we know this will
work? Because Pi has
incorporated them all into
his own life. He has
become a follower of all
and it works…so it should
work for the world at
large…right? What do you
think about this? Can we
accept that Pi really does
follow those religions in
truth when those religions
have teachings which
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
Whatever comes, I want to
know. Show me.” “Thank
you Lord Vishnu. Thank
you for coming in the form
of a fish and saving our
lives.” “I surrender. What
more do you want?” “God,
thank you for giving me
my life. I’m ready now.”
“Even when god seemed
to have abandoned me,
when he seemed to be
indifferent to my suffering,
he was watching me. And
when I was so close to
dying, he gave me rest.”
• What good things do you
see in Pi’s responses
above?
• How does his statement
about Vishnu and the fish
reveal a worldview that is
different from the Christian
worldview?
• How do you think Pi
maintains his gratitude,
even in the midst of such
suffering and tribulation?
• Why do you think a
Christian has reason to
maintain a posture of joy,
gratitude and submission
to God, despite the
circumstances?
• Pi says that god gave him
rest (remember the quote
from above? “… when I
was so close to dying, he
gave me rest.”).
• Do you know that rest is
very important to God in
Whatever comes, I want to
know. Show me.” “Thank
you Lord Vishnu. Thank
you for coming in the form
of a fish and saving our
lives.” “I surrender. What
more do you want?” “God,
thank you for giving me
my life. I’m ready now.”
“Even when god seemed
to have abandoned me,
when he seemed to be
indifferent to my suffering,
he was watching me. And
when I was so close to
dying, he gave me rest.”
• What good things do you
see in Pi’s responses
above?
• How does his statement
about Vishnu and the fish
reveal a worldview that is
different from the Christian
worldview?
• How do you think Pi
maintains his gratitude,
even in the midst of such
suffering and tribulation?
• Why do you think a
Christian has reason to
maintain a posture of joy,
gratitude and submission
to God, despite the
circumstances?
• Pi says that god gave him
rest (remember the quote
from above? “… when I
was so close to dying, he
gave me rest.”).
• Do you know that rest is
very important to God in
and gratitude before the
god (whatever god he may
believe in). Here are some
of his responses to God.
“God, I give myself to you.
I am your vessel.
Whatever comes, I want to
know. Show me.” “Thank
you Lord Vishnu. Thank
you for coming in the form
of a fish and saving our
lives.” “I surrender. What
more do you want?” “God,
thank you for giving me
my life. I’m ready now.”
“Even when god seemed
to have abandoned me,
when he seemed to be
indifferent to my suffering,
he was watching me. And
when I was so close to
dying, he gave me rest.”
• What good things do you
see in Pi’s responses
above?
• How does his statement
about Vishnu and the fish
reveal a worldview that is
different from the Christian
worldview?
• How do you think Pi
maintains his gratitude,
even in the midst of such
suffering and tribulation?
• Why do you think a
Christian has reason to
maintain a posture of joy,
gratitude and submission
to God, despite the
circumstances?
Page 15 of 18
more do you want?” “God,
thank you for giving me
my life. I’m ready now.”
“Even when god seemed
to have abandoned me,
when he seemed to be
indifferent to my suffering,
he was watching me. And
when I was so close to
dying, he gave me rest.”
• What good things do you
see in Pi’s responses
above?
• How does his statement
about Vishnu and the fish
reveal a worldview that is
different from the Christian
worldview?
• How do you think Pi
maintains his gratitude,
even in the midst of such
suffering and tribulation?
• Why do you think a
Christian has reason to
maintain a posture of joy,
gratitude and submission
to God, despite the
circumstances?
• Pi says that god gave him
rest (remember the quote
from above? “… when I
was so close to dying, he
gave me rest.”).
• Do you know that rest is
very important to God in
the Bible—starting with
God resting himself on the
seventh day after creating
the world, to his
commandment to maintain
a Sabbath or day of rest,
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
exclude the possibility of
such acceptance?
Pi’s Attitude before Christ
• We may disagree with Pi’s
thoughts on who God is,
but there is much to be
admired in his response to
suffering and his humility
and gratitude before the
god (whatever god he may
believe in). Here are some
of his responses to God.
“God, I give myself to you.
I am your vessel.
Whatever comes, I want to
know. Show me.” “Thank
you Lord Vishnu. Thank
you for coming in the form
of a fish and saving our
lives.” “I surrender. What
more do you want?” “God,
thank you for giving me
my life. I’m ready now.”
“Even when god seemed
to have abandoned me,
when he seemed to be
indifferent to my suffering,
he was watching me. And
when I was so close to
dying, he gave me rest.”
• What good things do you
see in Pi’s responses
above?
• How does his statement
about Vishnu and the fish
reveal a worldview that is
different from the Christian
worldview?
• How do you think Pi
maintains his gratitude,
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
the Bible—starting with
God resting himself on the
seventh day after creating
the world, to his
commandment to maintain
a Sabbath or day of rest,
to Jesus’s claims that He
came to give us rest?
What do you know about
rest from a Biblical
perspective? ·Which is the
Better Story?
• Pi tells the writer two • Pi tells the writer two
stories and asks, “In
both stories—ship sinks,
family dies and I survive.
So which story do you
prefer?” “The one with
the tiger. That’s the
better story.” The writer
answers. Pi replies,
“Thank you. And so it
goes with God.”
• Why is it the better • Why is it the better
story? Is the answer to
that question based on
preference, or does it
have something to do
with which story better
accomplishes a
particular goal? If so,
what’s the goal, and how
could a different goal
change the answer to
that question?
• In regards of convincing • In regards of convincing
someone there is a god,
which story does a better
job and why? o What do
you think Pi meant by
the Bible—starting with • Pi says that god gave him
God resting himself on the rest (remember the quote
seventh day after creating from above? “… when I
the world, to his was so close to dying, he
commandment to maintain gave me rest.”).
a Sabbath or day of rest, • Do you know that rest is
to Jesus’s claims that He very important to God in
came to give us rest? the Bible—starting with
What do you know about God resting himself on the
rest from a Biblical seventh day after creating
perspective? ·Which is the the world, to his
Better Story? commandment to maintain
a Sabbath or day of rest,
stories and asks, “In to Jesus’s claims that He
both stories—ship sinks, came to give us rest?
family dies and I survive. What do you know about
So which story do you rest from a Biblical
prefer?” “The one with perspective? ·Which is the
the tiger. That’s the Better Story?
better story.” The writer • Pi tells the writer two
answers. Pi replies, stories and asks, “In
“Thank you. And so it both stories—ship sinks,
goes with God.” family dies and I survive.
So which story do you
story? Is the answer to prefer?” “The one with
that question based on the tiger. That’s the
preference, or does it better story.” The writer
have something to do answers. Pi replies,
with which story better “Thank you. And so it
accomplishes a goes with God.”
particular goal? If so, • Why is it the better
what’s the goal, and how story? Is the answer to
could a different goal that question based on
change the answer to preference, or does it
that question? have something to do
with which story better
someone there is a god, accomplishes a
which story does a better particular goal? If so,
job and why? o What do what’s the goal, and how
you think Pi meant by could a different goal
Page 16 of 18
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
to Jesus’s claims that He even in the midst of such
came to give us rest? suffering and tribulation?
What do you know about • Why do you think a
rest from a Biblical Christian has reason to
perspective? ·Which is the maintain a posture of joy,
Better Story? gratitude and submission
• Pi tells the writer two to God, despite the
stories and asks, “In circumstances?
both stories—ship sinks, • Pi says that god gave him
family dies and I survive. rest (remember the quote
So which story do you from above? “… when I
prefer?” “The one with was so close to dying, he
the tiger. That’s the gave me rest.”).
better story.” The writer • Do you know that rest is
answers. Pi replies, very important to God in
“Thank you. And so it the Bible—starting with
goes with God.” God resting himself on the
• Why is it the better seventh day after creating
story? Is the answer to the world, to his
that question based on commandment to maintain
preference, or does it a Sabbath or day of rest,
have something to do to Jesus’s claims that He
with which story better came to give us rest?
accomplishes a What do you know about
particular goal? If so, rest from a Biblical
what’s the goal, and how perspective? ·Which is the
could a different goal Better Story?
change the answer to • Pi tells the writer two
that question? stories and asks, “In
• In regards of convincing both stories—ship sinks,
someone there is a god, family dies and I survive.
which story does a better So which story do you
job and why? o What do prefer?” “The one with
you think Pi meant by the tiger. That’s the
“And so it goes with better story.” The writer
God.”? answers. Pi replies,
• What do you think the “Thank you. And so it
true story was? Can goes with God.”
both be true? Do you • Why is it the better
think the better story is story? Is the answer to
always the true story, or that question based on
Week View
2021-2022
Mr. Salber
“And so it goes with
God.”?
• What do you think the
true story was? Can
both be true? Do you
think the better story is
always the true story, or
are there other factors to
consider?
• Do you think the author is
making a statement(s)
about god by making this
ending a little
ambiguous? For
example, could he be
implying that belief in god
is useful and beautiful, but
truth is maybe subject to
interpretation? (If so, do
you agree?) Or is he
possibly saying that god is
fantasy, but that we prefer
fantasy because reality is
too horrible to accept?
• How do you think a
person’s interpretation of
the author’s intent would
vary based on their
interpretation of the
ending?
“And so it goes with
God.”?
• What do you think the
true story was? Can
both be true? Do you
think the better story is
always the true story, or
are there other factors to
consider?
• Do you think the author is
making a statement(s)
about god by making this
ending a little
ambiguous? For
example, could he be
implying that belief in god
is useful and beautiful, but
truth is maybe subject to
interpretation? (If so, do
you agree?) Or is he
possibly saying that god is
fantasy, but that we prefer
fantasy because reality is
too horrible to accept?
• How do you think a
person’s interpretation of
the author’s intent would
vary based on their
interpretation of the
ending?
change the answer to
that question?
• In regards of convincing
someone there is a god,
which story does a better
job and why? o What do
you think Pi meant by
“And so it goes with
God.”?
• What do you think the
true story was? Can
both be true? Do you
think the better story is
always the true story, or
are there other factors to
consider?
• Do you think the author is
making a statement(s)
about god by making this
ending a little
ambiguous? For
example, could he be
implying that belief in god
is useful and beautiful, but
truth is maybe subject to
interpretation? (If so, do
you agree?) Or is he
possibly saying that god is
fantasy, but that we prefer
fantasy because reality is
too horrible to accept?
• How do you think a
person’s interpretation of
the author’s intent would
vary based on their
interpretation of the
ending?
Page 17 of 18
are there other factors to
consider?
• Do you think the author is
making a statement(s)
about god by making this
ending a little
ambiguous? For
example, could he be
implying that belief in god
is useful and beautiful, but
truth is maybe subject to
interpretation? (If so, do
you agree?) Or is he
possibly saying that god is
fantasy, but that we prefer
fantasy because reality is
too horrible to accept?
• How do you think a
person’s interpretation of
the author’s intent would
vary based on their
interpretation of the
ending?
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
preference, or does it
have something to do
with which story better
accomplishes a
particular goal? If so,
what’s the goal, and how
could a different goal
change the answer to
that question?
• In regards of convincing
someone there is a god,
which story does a better
job and why? o What do
you think Pi meant by
“And so it goes with
God.”?
• What do you think the
true story was? Can
both be true? Do you
think the better story is
always the true story, or
are there other factors to
consider?
• Do you think the author is
making a statement(s)
about god by making this
ending a little
ambiguous? For
example, could he be
implying that belief in god
is useful and beautiful, but
truth is maybe subject to
interpretation? (If so, do
you agree?) Or is he
possibly saying that god is
fantasy, but that we prefer
fantasy because reality is
too horrible to accept?
• How do you think a
person’s interpretation of
the author’s intent would
Week View
2021-2022
11/21/2021 - 11/27/2021
Mr. Salber

vary based on their

interpretation of the
ending?

Page 18 of 18 Week View