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Medina Ali
New Evangelization
Block D
March 13, 2015
The Theory of God
The Theory of Everything, starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, is an inspiring
biopic that deals with many morals and religious topics about God. In this film, Stephen
Hawking (played by Eddie Redmayne) is diagnosed with a motor neuron disease with a life
expectancy of two years. Throughout the film you see how Hawking lives a life with such a
terrible disease, without the existence of God. When Jane Wilde (played by Felicity Jones)
comes into his life, he begins to question his faith a little bit more. The character of Jane Wilde is
a cinematic incarnation of Saint Raphael, the patronage saint of sick people. Throughout this
film, Jane teaches Hawking and the audience two moral principles about faith: first, to always
have an optimistic outlook on life because you never know what God has planned for you and
second, to keep on being a disciple no matter what obstacles one might face.
Towards the beginning of the film, the writer, Andrew McCarten portrays Hawking as a
charming, somewhat awkward man. He is a PhD student at Cambridge who excels at physics
while working on his doctorate. He is a non-religious cosmologist, so a part of his theory is
everything he believes in could not be interfered by a "supernatural creator." As the film goes on
Hawking meets Jane Wilde--an attractive, sensitive, and deeply religious poetry student. One of

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the first conversations Jane has with him is, "What is cosmology?" Hawking responds, "Religion
for intelligent atheists." Jane then continues, "What does a cosmologist worship?" Hawking
replies, "A single unifying equation that explains everything in the universe." Jane was not fond
of his secularist view but there wasn't anything she could do at that moment to change his mind
about his beliefs. As time went on, the two ended up getting married and later on raising a
family. This was difficult for Jane because her world was centered around God, and she wasn't
willing to give all that up. When Hawking turned 21, he was diagnosed with a motor neuron
disease known as Lou Gehrig's disease, with a life expectancy of two years. Even though
Hawking overcame the prognosis it still put a lot of strain in his relationship with Jane. Jane
endures his physical deterioration which makes it clear that her devotion and dedication is born
from her religious conviction.
Throughout this film, Jane is constantly challenging Stephen. He may be diagnosed with
a disease that does not allow his body to function properly but she still continues to challenge
him in so many ways. One example of this is when Jane and Stephen are having dinner and Jane
brings up God. She says, "You've never said why you don't believe in God." He replies, "A
physicist can't allow his calculations to be muddled by belief in a supernatural creator," she then
responds, "Sounds less of an argument against God than against physicists." This conversation
goes on and shows how Jane is being an active disciple by trying to challenge Hawking how to
open his eyes and appreciate what God has designed in the world and their marriage. Their
marriage is supposed to provide: partnership, spiritual intimacy, and the ability to pursue God
together. Marriage is the firmest foundation for building a complete family. Their marriage is
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supposed to mirror God's covenant relationship with His people. Even though Stephen is atheist,
he cannot deny the fact that family is a reflection of Gods creation. Something so deliberately
beautiful cant be just simply created by a single atom. Its created through Gods mystical acts of
love. And that was something that Jane knew, which motivated her to stay with Stephen and raise
a family.
This work is an accurate portrayal of St. Raphael because it shows how Jane has not
given up on her husband, Hawking, after facing numerous of obstacles. St. Raphael is an
archangel of all of the major religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism. St. Raphael is known to be
the saint of sickness and healing because in Hebrew his name literally means, It is God who
heals, God, please Heal. There are many Patron Saints for specific types of sickness, but St.
Raphael intercedes for all healing requests. Jane on the other hand, is sort of like St. Raphael.
Even though she doesnt heal Hawking's disease, she did heal his mind and heart. When
Hawking was first diagnosed, and told by the doctors that he had a life expectancy of two years,
his life was shattered. His dreams of finding the true theory of the universe, getting married and
raising a family did not seem tangible. But the thing that Jane did, even though they ended up
separating, was making him believe in himself again. Because of Jane, Stephen was able to have
that optimistic outlook on life again. It was the little things that Jane did. For example, helping
him chew his food, bringing the kids onto his lap or even helping him up the stairs. He was able
to somewhat function normally, like he did before. St. Raphael gave other people hope when he
healed people, just like Jane gave Stephen hope.

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This film has surprised me. I did not think that it would have such a positive impact on
me. At first, I expected this film to be like any other sad story about the journey of a man who
deals with a terrible disease that affects all aspects of his life, which would soon result in death or
some other sort of horrific ending. The thing that really struck me was not the protagonist
Stephen Hawking, but it was Jane Wilde. Jane has this extraordinary capacity for love and care,
and a strength for willingness. The way she was able to overcome any challenge that faced her
was so inspiring. If you were to put yourself in her position, living with someone you love who
is extremely ill, is just unimaginable. She stuck with him, raised a family, and maintained her
identity. Jane Wilde truly is the depiction of a saint.
In conclusion, this film shows great moral principles about faith. Having an optimistic
outlook on life and God will always keep you on the right track. It also shows that being a
disciple, no matter what obstacles arise, will always end up making an impact in the long run. As
stated in Matthew 5:14-16, "the light of the world. Letting light shine before others, so that they
see good work and give glory to our Father who is in heaven." We all have the ability to help and
see good in others, just like Jane Wilde did.

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Works Cited

The Theory of Everything. Dir. James Marsh. Perf. Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones. Wildfire
Studios, 2014. Film.
Bible.org. Bible.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015.