Perspectives: Seeing God in the media

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” So says one of the Hobbits.

So how do we respond to explicit and implicit representations of spirituality in the media that surrounds us.  Because this age is immersed in media, we need to have some consideration as Christians.

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Perspective 1

Les Miserables …
Grace abounding.

This has to be one of the most profound movies released this year. It is especially meaningful and provocative for us Christians who know the Gospel story and who are trying to be Jesus followers. No, not only for us but surely those who know of the Christian God, even they would be drawn to the unprecedented gracious forgiveness extended to Javert by Jean Valjean.

Javert, the duty bound man of law, wrestles with himself as he watches Jean Valjean lift a wagon that has fallen on a peasant outside his factory. He recognizes Valjean but cannot reconcile his stereotype of a criminal with this wealthy, respected mayor who is now helping a peasant. Javert ‘s perspective and belief that once a criminal always a criminal leaves us with this incredible tension as Valjean IS a changed man, notwithstanding the unjust authority structures.

The tension continues in Javert after Valjean lets him go free. Valjean offers to kill Javert during the barricade scene as he has been recognized as an infiltrator. Instead, Valjean cuts the ropes off Javert, shoots into the air and leaves him. Javert threatens to come back for Valjean to see justice done and have him incarcerated for jumping parole. Valjean then spends agonizing time dragging a badly wounded Marius through the sewers (very powerful) while Javert, clean and in full uniform (amazing contrast), prowls around at the sewer outlets waiting for them to come out.

When they appear, Valjean begs for clemency to get Marius to a doctor. Javert continues to threaten him with death if he moves one step but as Valjean starts walking away, he drops his gun.

His turmoil becomes heightened as he walks along the parapet above the Seine. His agony at being unable to reconcile this new man with the criminal, the duty of law with obvious injustice, mercy extended for hatred (albeit fueled by duty bound conviction) leave Javert with what he says as no alternative … he jumps.

My inner man, this new creation in Christ causes me to cry out NO NO NO NO can't you see the love of Jesus being extended to you Javert, can't you choose to live and see how our God can make you a new creation too!

But that’s not how Hugo writes it … but imagine a place where there is no shame, no hatred only acceptance and redemption. Imagine if more of us Christians could show this to those who don’t know that there really is another way to live … in our beautiful sad and sick world.

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Perspective 2

I am unknowingly  influenced by what I watch and listen to.  The stuff (and I use that term deliberately) whose quality is &%$#&, is easy to identify.  The stuff that makes me feel good is more subtle.  So often I find the initial goodness I relate to comes packaged with twisted deviancy that leaves a dark streak.

The ones I have the most difficulty with are movies which explicitly portray God.  Like the film "Bruce Almighty" ... a great movie to sensitize people to bigger issues, and I have often thought it is a great entry to opening discussion ... and it is.  But I am also aware that it remakes God in our image, it humanizes and diminishes God to something like me with some super powers.

On the other hand, movies like the Hobbit I have no problem with.  The portrayal is of powers beyond our understanding, that we can only barely scratch the surface of.  The difference between good and evil is clear, as is the absoluteness of morality.  This deeper struggle underlies even the most idyllic scene. 

We have Gandalf, a Jesus-type figure who draws powers from who knows where.  And Sauron, the personification of evil who can only create disfigurement and distortions of all that is recognized as pure and beautiful.  Nothing is directly equated to the God we know, but the parallels are true and insightful.  Not surprising, given the author was Christian.

Likewise, in such stories we can find theology unpacked with brilliant insight.  No wonder Jesus used stories to unveil the nature of God -- it connects with us.  For example, the last book in CS Lewis' Narnia series is a brilliant allegory that helped me understand the nature of judgment and heaven.

So what does this leave me?  I am wary of anything that minimizes and diminishes God to human levels.  I am uplifted by the allegorical  representation of truth.  And I am cautious that I may be easily manipulated into error.

But Jesus told stories, so I'll enjoy and appreciate the media of today under the guidance of His Spirit.