Macatangay, Mari Gabrielle M.

TREDFOR – A52
Miranda, Andrew Nicole Q.

​ Reflection on the film “Fireproof”

1.​ ​ Describe the general pattern of communication between the couple featured in the film.

In the movie “Fireproof”, it was evident that there has been a lack of communication
between the couple. The struggles that Caleb and Katherine went through was all experienced as
a result of poor communication. Because of their busy schedules, they rarely get to stay in their
house and spend quality time as a married couple. Because of this, they often point out the flaws
of one another. Instead of thinking of how they can save their marriage, they argued most of the
time. There has always been a lack of communication between the two, which stems out from
their poor listening skills. Because they did not know how to hear out what the other has to say,
what happens is that they end up arguing at the same time not being able to hear each other’s
side. When Caleb was given a book by his father, which contained the guide on how he can
rekindle their relationship, he tried to follow it. But, it seems as if Katherine is not responding. It
became one-sided, wherein Caleb was communicating his love for Katherine, but she was
ignoring everything. Throughout those 40 days, Caleb struggled and wanted to give up but chose
not to. 40 days had passed, and Katherine saw Caleb’s perseverance and commitment to their
marriage. It just goes to show that Caleb’s way of communicating his love for Katherine became
effective, even if it took some time for Katherine to get the message. Truly, communicating with
each other openly and respectfully are some of the important considerations in making a
relationship last long.

2. What do you perceive are the communication problems or hindrances to better communication
among young people in terms of their relationships? - parents, student organizations,
exclusive relationship, and peers. Propose solutions for each perceived problem.

Parents: ​For me, one of the communication problems that young people experience in their
relationship with their parents is caused by the use of gadgets and social media. Because of
spending so much time in front of their phones, young people don’t anymore get to have some
time to talk to their parents. Another would be not seeing the importance of communicating with
his or her parents. A solution for the first problem is to lessen the use of gadgets and social media
when you are at home. In our house, my parents would really remind us to have some time with
them for us to maintain an open line of communication with them. Parents should also remind
and show their children the importance of having proper communication with them because they
are the ones who guide us to be better versions of ourselves.
Student organizations​: A possible communication problem that can be encountered in a student
organization is its member’s poor listening skills. For an organization to work efficiently,
everyone’s voice must be heard, and everyone must listen to it. By doing so, possible problems
that the organization might be facing can be avoided. For this to be possible, each member must
show respect and listen to what another has to say.

In an exclusive relationship​: In an exclusive relationship, constant communication must be

maintained. A problem might possibly occur if there is poor communication between the couple.
If there is a lack of willingness to listen to each other’s side, problem might also occur. Hence,
both must learn how to listen first. Do not assume things without hearing what your partner has
to say.

Peers:​ Among young people, academics might be a hindrance to communication. One should not
forget that when a problem comes, he or she has his or her friends to talk to. Maintaining good
communication with peers will help you cope up with the stress that is being experienced.
Sometimes, focusing too much on your academics and not having some quality time with your
peers might be too toxic for you.

3. What do you perceive are the spiritual/theological/religious problems or hindrances young

people encounter in their relationships - parents, student organizations, exclusive
relationship, and peers? Identify at least 2 for each relationship. Propose solutions for each
perceived problem.

Parents: ​One problem to be considered as a spiritual hindrance between young people and their
parents is the direct influence of religion by the parents towards their children. In this society, it
is automatic that the children would profess the same religion like their parents. However, we
can’t say that it applies to all because there are some young people, throughout their finding their
own selves, seek religious encounter with certain religion different from their family religion. In
this case, there exists an issue between the parents and the child. The solution to this issue is that
parents should give spiritual freedom to their children since we all have different perspectives in
life and different way of showing our faith to God. We should not complicate things by making
people believe in what we believe because they have their own free will.

Parents: ​Another problem arises when there is no willingness in the part of the parents. The
family has no time or seldom go to church completely because of their schedules. Some would
set aside going to church and instead prioritize some other concerns in their work. Thus, there is
minimal spiritual encounter by the parents and their children. In this manner, the only way to
solve this is by means of proper communication by the family members, particularly the parents
since they have the responsibility to do so. The parents should give time for spiritual purposes of
the family in order to have a stronger relationship with each other.

Student organizations: In an organization, many people may have different religion. There could
be times that one member could influence another person of his/her religion unintentionally. But
the other person perceived it as a disrespectful act to their religion. A solution to this is that we
should be careful not to step out of the boundaries of our spiritual beliefs in a way that we
disrespect other religion.

Student organizations: Another issue is also about disrespecting other religion. For example, one
member of the organization is an atheist while the others are professing a certain religion. These
people always bully the atheist because of his beliefs in life; that he has no concept of higher
being or etc. This results to disrespecting other people’s beliefs in life. A good way to solve this
is for the atheist to stand on his ground and let his co-members know that he is a good man
despite their accusations.

In an exclusive relationship:​A possible spiritual or religious hindrance in a relationship would be

the couple’s opposing views and beliefs. For instance, if one is agnostic and the other is
Christian, there might be arguments. What can be done is for both to just respect what his or her
partner’s beliefs are.

In an exclusive relationship: ​Another possible problem would be if one forces the other to have
the same religious or spiritual belief that he or she has. A good solution to this is for both of them
to be clear from the start if he or she is not willing to convert into what his or her partner is
currently believing in.

Peers: ​In terms of peers, there would be an issue on spirituality when one forces the other person
to convert into their religion due to peer pressure. In this manner, the other person has the right to
refuse them and just choose another set of friends that would accept his personality.

Peers: ​Another issue involving peers is that when one person professing different religion unlike
the rest of his friends was forced to compromise his religion’s practice and norms just to conform
to a certain activity or trip of their group. In this manner, the solution would be not
compromising the norms of his religion and saying to his friends that it is out of the boundaries
of his religion, so he will not participate in the activity of the group. If his friends are respectful,
then , they will understand it. If not, then, they could be not true friends after all.