It was early evening, the schools were off and I thought it would be good to do something with the children.  Gayle opted out, Sam and Ross opted in.  I suggested the cinema.  We headed to the Show Case.  From the outset I knew what I wanted to see.  For fear of frightening the boys off with boredom I kept it to myself. When we arrived the car park was empty, it was only 5.15pm. I quickly entered the cinema – still not revealing my intention. Then they asked, ‘What will we go and see?’ – I muttered, ‘The Stone of Destiny’.  
The reply was synchronised, ‘The what?’  I then tried to tell the story briefly, knowing that the film would seem more like a history lesson than an adventure. The story is that of Iain Hamilton, a student at Glasgow University, and how he was passionate about Scottish Nationalism.  He was a political romantic and after the failure of a petition with over one million signatures calling for a ‘home rule’ referendum he wanted a symbolic act that would capture the nations imagination and ignite their pride.  The Movie then tracks Hamilton and colleagues as they bring the Stone of Destiny back to Scotland. The stone symbolised Scottish nationhood.  It is the stone over which monarchs of Scotland have been traditionally crowned. The stone has many legends attached to it; the pillow stone of Jacob in the Old Testament, the Alter used by St Columba on his travels.
The story, as told in the movie, plays to the notion of pride. There is pride in the nation and pride in people.  One of the most moving parts of the movie is when Hamilton’s father, a rather fierce Presbyterian, softens slightly and tells his son he is proud of him, -- all very moving.
In the Christian tradition pride gets rather a bad reputation.  It is listed along with sins like, greed and lust, it is seen as one of the seven deadly sins. How can pride be that bad?
A brief look at the Bible and you see the pride that is condemned is that which is wrapped up in self.  It is the pride that is full of self and consumed by self-righteousness.  The Bible speaks of an offensive pride that makes people ‘Haughty’; arrogant, vein, conceited, snobbish.
Read a bit further and you know Jesus commends humility. However look at 2 Corinthians and you find Paul saying ‘I am not writing to commend myself to you but giving you cause to be proud’. This seems to be a pride in others because of how they are living for God.
I am still moved by Hamilton’s father’s pride. He was pleased with what his son had done. Is there anyone you should tell ’I’m proud of you’? How proud can others be of you? The focus is on others not self.
 
Regards
 
Mark Johnstone.