On Calvinism and "The Adjustment Bureau"

Two things have been rolling around in my head -- Jonathan Edwards, the fiery American defender of Calvinism, and the film "The Adjustment Bureau." By the way, I remember the movie not just because Jerry Jones was in the audience, and doesn't he look like the aging Terence Stamp?

Actually the movie raises some "Calvinist" issues -- free-will, predestination. Or even Lutheran ideas to an extent.
Interesting quick review in the film about intervention by these somewhat "angelic" beings to influence human lives under the direction of "The Chairman" at times. They supposedly left after the Renaissance as humans were able to be more self-directed. (Why wasn't the Reformation mentioned in those freeing changes, since it probably freed more minds even more about choice than even the Renaissance?) Perhaps the emergence of Calvinism's doctrine of predestination ran counter to the films argument about the design of "The Chairman" over human life.

But ...
It is interesting that some freedom's are given even under the angelic directors, as long as the plan is generally trending towards its destination.

This actually seems more Lutheran: one thing is predestined -- God's love -- but there is a wide field of freedom because of that God choice.

I do wonder how this film will play in parts of the world (even Europe!) where individual freedom is not as vital a concept as social cohesiveness and the common good. At a time when the world is being encouraged to pursue freedom (think of the Middle Eastern demonstrations), it is interesting that a movie about the design of life toward human benefit, if not individual freedom, is playing to good-sized audiences.

"The Adjustment Bureau" is definitely a wonderful film for reflection!