Here's a metaphor that could have come straight out of the synoptic gospels: "The kingdom of God is like a well-tended garden. If the roots are deep and we allow the seasons to unfold in their natural rhythms, there will be growth in the spring." The images come from Chance, the gardener, a simple-minded, unassuming man who has grown to adulthood completely isolated from the world of reality, except for television, which he watches incessantly. His only task and responsibility since boyhood has been gardening; it has come to define his identity.

When his aged benefactor dies, Chance (Peter Sellers is elegant, understated, and brilliant in this role) is forced to step out into the street for the very first time. The scene is a classic illustration of a paradigm shift. What makes this little movie magical is that, rather than taking on the ways of the world, Chance simply continues to "be," and it is the world that experiences the paradigm shift. A "chance" mishap brings him into the very heart of political and economic power, where his simple-minded innocence is misread as intensity, deep intelligence, and worldly wisdom.

He answers most questions with a quiet gaze (seen as deep thought and guarded power) or gardening advice (almost universally heard as pithy, insightful metaphor). When the President quotes Chance during a financial policy speech, the media and the politicos begin a frantic search for background information on this "brilliant power broker." Their efforts are futile because even Chance's name has been co-opted. The man now known as Chauncy Gardener does not exist on paper.

Chance is, in many ways, a creation of those he encounters. Each molds him in the image he or she wants or needs him to be. The President is threatened by Chance's influence in the media. The Russian ambassador sees in him the soul of a Russian poet. Ben, the dying business tycoon (played with grace and intelligence by Melvyn Douglas), is so taken with Chance that he positions him as heir apparent to his business, his political influence, even his much younger wife, conveniently named Eve. Eve (Shirley MacLaine at her wide-eyed, naïve and sex-starved best) is falling for Chance and interprets his lack of response to her overtures as a sign of stoic, respectful constraint; and she loves him all the more for it. In one of the closing scenes, at Ben's funeral, Chance wanders off for a walk in the woods — nature's garden — while Eve looks lovingly after him. The President reads quotes from Ben; and the pallbearers (obviously Ben's board of directors) whisper plans to support Chance for a run at the presidency. His lack of a past means so much less political baggage. They are prepared to put absolute power into his hands.

Chance, however, is oblivious to all the attention. He does not change. He simply continues to "be there." His behavior is modeled on what he has seen on TV, gracefully adapted to his circumstances. But his life is focused through a clear, strong, personal mission, vision, and aim: a garden to tend, a house that won't be closed up, and someone to bring him his meals. Chance never waivers in pursuing this clearly articulated mission and vision. The power of his character is repeatedly illustrated — not by the impact life has on Chance, but by the impact this simple man has on those around him.

This was a sweet ride of a movie. I began in sympathy for a gentle, retarded man, turned out into the mean streets. I was swept up in the real comedy as the rich and powerful misread the signs. I knew what they didn't — Chance doesn't have a clue what they are really talking about; and they, poor jerks, are completely fooled — ha, ha. But somewhere a shift occurred in my perceptions. I began to see the quiet calm and the integrity of Chance's interaction with the world. I began to think just how lovely it would be if all our leaders were so honest, guileless, and direct. The simple, innocent object of my sympathies was now clearly seen as Gardener of the world. And just in case the messianic inference is not crystal clear, the final scene shows Chance walking on water to check on a fallen tree. He stops once to confirm the actual depth of the water with his umbrella then calmly continues on — simply being there.

Some questions raised through the movie that you might want to consider follow.

Study Questions

1. If Jesus were to walk among us today as flesh and blood, would we clearly perceive that reality open to the changes it might require in us; or would we mold him to our own image, based on our needs, fears, and desires?
2. What are the implications of this name "Chance"? Are we to infer that grace is random and encountered only by coincidence? If so, what does that tell us about the nature of God and our relationship with God?
3. Reflect on the impact Chance makes on various people. Name scenes where this impact is highlighted or articulated. Compare and contrast these scenes with our common understanding of what it means to be a Christian disciple.
4. There is one character who seems to see as clearly as we do throughout the movie. What does Dr. Allenby mean when he says, "I understand" after Ben's death. What is it that he understands? If he is our alter ego in the movie, what do we understand about Chance in that moment?
5. What is the difference between adapting our behavior and compromising our vision in response to change? as individuals? as the church?
6. Take some time to consider what metaphor or set of images you might use to articulate your personal vision.
   • Name three elements of living that would make this a world of contentment for you.
   • What are you doing to pursue them?
   • What obstacles are in your way?
   • What behavioral adaptations can you make to better align your life with your mission and vision?
   • Share your learnings with others in a group setting.
7. What are the implications for the church of knowing and sharing one another's personal visions? What are the implications of not knowing and sharing them?

(originally posted 10-16-00)

— Barbara Miller is a Quest consultant.