But nowadays, there are like 2-5 movies a year on superheroes, and I am pretty sure some people are getting tired from them, whereas others are overjoyed to see the "less famous" superheroes come into the big screen. I personally enjoy good action movies, with a decent plot, and some comedic relief once in a while.
This year there were 4 big films that many were looking forward to:
- Captain America: Civil War
- X-men: Age of Apocalypse
- Batman vs Superman
- Suicide Squad
I think Marvel is doing way better job at storytelling. But in general many of these movies share similar issues of plot holes, saturating too many characters, lack of pace and transition, unlikable characters, etc. Still, I went to the theaters to watch them.
One common theme from these films is the conflict of "controlling" the superheroes. Most of these characters have amazing powers that can easily allow them to do whatever they want. Fortunately, most of them have "good" moral values, and humanity is safe. But what happens when they are not longer "good"? Would humanity be at risk? Remember, these superheroes are still imperfect humans, and there is no guarantee that they will not go rogue.
(spoiler alert)
In Civil War, the United Nations trying to pass a bill to impose certain restrictions on the Avenger's movement (a weak attempt to control them). Batman vs Superman has the dark night trying to kill the man of steel because he thinks Superman does not care about people's lives. Suicide Squad is about a team of powerful villains working for the government in case a "bad" Superman was to arise. Age of Apocalypse shows how it would look like if a crazy god-wannabe was to rule.
(spoiler ends)
The idea of a demigod been so powerful definitely scares people, because you never know if it will turn against you.
I think one of the attributes of our Christian God that sometimes we don't ponder enough is God's goodness. Sometimes I take it for granted, because I am so "used to" experiencing God's mercy and love, and He always take care of me. But as I think about deeper, God's goodness is huge and is a key point that makes our faith true and consistent. For example, because God is good:
- I know that "in all things God works for the good of those who live him" (Romans 8:28)
- His love for me is real and I can truly say "Because you love is better than life, my lips will glorify you" (Psalms 63:3)
- Even if I fail, God is faithful and keeps His promise (2 Timothy 2:13)
- Our hope makes sense despite the suffering, because we are assured that this will mold us and we renewed inwardly day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Romans 5)
There is so much more that can be written.
Now, I am going to make a side discussion. In my church, we had the opportunity to listen to a 2 session seminar from a Christian pastor who used to be Muslim. The seminar was about the persecution on Christians that are happening on Iraq and Syria (places were the Islamic State has a stronghold). There was a lot of information, and I felt it was very beneficial for the church to know more about Islam, to be informed, to learn so that we can develop a good answer for the big issues on Islam and violence.
One particular point I want to bring out, is that the pastor said that true Islam is violent. This could mean that what the Islamic State is doing now might represent well what the Quran teaches. I myself am not expert on Islam theology to take a stance, and I don't think I am well informed to enter into a debate. So my intentions is to present facts and contrast them with our Christian faith, and glean lessons out of them.
These are external articles and interviews I read to gained more information:
- An interview with a former Muslim who is now a Christian: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-isis-represent-true-islam
- 9 basic things about Islam: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-islam
- Does Islam lead to violence: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-islam-inevitably-lead-to-violence
- John Piper's thoughts on why westerners are attracted to Islamic State: http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/why-is-radical-islam-alluring-to-westerners
These are a few points:
- Both religions have laws, and Islam focuses more on behavior on keeping them, whereas Christianity teaches about inward obedience in respond to God's goodness and love.
- Missionaries: Christians emphasizes on loving others and sharing the gospel, but never forcing our faiths to others, but trusting that Holy Spirit works in transforming unbelievers. In the history of Islam, there are examples of Muslims forcing others to believe (especially when they have conquered your land).
- Historical context, some of the chapters from Quran that speaks about inflicting violence to others were written when Mohammed (first prophet) had gathered a great number of followers, and was no longer just a prophet but also a political leader. So some of these ideology were used as a reason to conquer lands or retaliate to people who have taken land away from them.
- Violence on Islam is nothing new. It happened through history many times, but now we just have more media exposure.
- A strong focus on Islam in exerting power and dominion, in contrast of Christ's teachings on loving your enemies.
- Many of the people attracted to Islamic State share similar beliefs as Christians (dying for your faith, hope in the glory of God), but the root ideology is erroneous and twisted.
Concluding thoughts
- Not trying to pinpoint Islam as the sole source of violence, it is a human issue due to sin. Christians themselves are as guilty in partaking in violence throughout history. No one is good, except for God Himself. Hence we can redemption in Him, that He will transform us from our sinful state into people who can do good.
- It is very disheartening to read the news and see the atrocities that are happening in other parts of the world, especially fellow brothers and sisters who are persecuted. Some ponder whether the world superpowers (a few countries) should help intervene and eradicate these terrorist groups. But not sure if that will spawn new groups in the future... (cycle of hatred, revenge, etc). It is a battle of ideology, and many believe that this is an opportunity for the Christian faith to shine the light in the places that is most needed, because we believe our is God is good.
"A certain ruler asked him, 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'
'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered.
'No one is good - except God alone.' " - Luke 18:18-19
No comments:
Post a Comment