Why Christians Ought to See "The Dark Knight"

I AM BACK... the trip was amazing! I have seen some things that have truly broken my heart and redefined prayer in my life. Thank you for your patience in my absence. I am now back on schedule (1-2 posts/week). HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

To begin: I am NOT a comic book junkie. I don't know what happened to Iron Man in issue #354 or Superman in issue #417… I do not know Captain America’s or Green Lantern's alter-egos’ names… I do not know which comics are actually still in circulation; however, I do like many comic book movies. I love GOOD movies with amazing stories and that are solid technically (directing, cinematography, effects, music, etc.), and recently many of the comic books-turned-movies have been enjoyable.

"The Dark Knight" is no ordinary, “enjoyable” comic book movie. It is a masterfully done piece of art that is probably the BEST good vs. evil movie I've ever seen. Politics aside (as many have alluded to the potential political message seen throughout the film), Christopher Nolan has directed a true masterpiece of a movie that I believe all Christians ought to see.

Superb acting aside (yes, Ledger’s Joker is worthy of all the hype), here's my rundown of why this film is one of the best (newly added to "my favorites" list) and why Christians ought to see it:

• Evil is portrayed as it truly is – pure evil. No real motive or reason for its cause – just the absolute lack of good. (Matter of fact, seeing it this way helps the viewer see how easy it is for good to blur the line of evil for its own sake… I digress.)
  


• I have not, in recent memory, seen evil portrayed in such a manner that the resulting anarchy/chaos actually become their own character(s). As the story and city seemingly come unglued, the audience is masterfully put in a shaky position of choosing its side (and for many, the good side is not as easy to identify as originally thought).
  


• The middle characters (supporting cast) do an amazing job of painting a grey line right down the middle of good and evil. If doing evil allows for good, is it really evil? Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhal), Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), Alfred (Michael Caine) and even the citizens of Gotham each come face-to-face with this question. How would you respond in such an event?

As a Christian this movie is even more enjoyable (though I am not a big fan of violence) because of how it wrestles with good and evil. It does not paint an easy to follow, cliché line of good. Instead it grabs the audience and puts them in a position where they are forced to see (maybe even test) their own ethical/moral values.

While the Bible does not paint an ambiguous line of what is good, many times Christians repaint the line for God according to their own definition of "good." That is what this movie shows, but (as Nolan beautifully illustrates) if good is ever going to conquer evil, there can be no compromise.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Just to be clear (though I know this is obvious to most), The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 for scenes of violence.

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Many Apologies and President-Elect Obama

I am so sorry for the virtual absence. I am leaving tomorrow for a mission trip to Palestine and the last few weeks have been very busy as I prepare for that trip (among other many details). I will return in 10 days, so look for a new post around November 17. :-)


A quick word on President-Elect Obama. I was listening this morning to a national radio program that was fielding calls from listeners regarding their reaction to his victory and it disturbed me greatly. Many self-described "religious" or "Christian" listeners were sharing some very hateful words insisting that his victory meant the end of a Nation (many also insisted he was the Anti-Christ).

Let me assure (and remind) and encourage you...

1. Be GRACIOUS with your words!!!! A LOST world is LISTENING to every word that proceeds from your mouth! He is now the President-Elect... campaigning is over - respect his position! Name-calling is not a form of accountability. It's childish. Honor Romans 13:1-7.

2. True "Change" is not coming from Obama (nor would it have come from McCain or Palin!) or any other members of our government. True change comes from a HEART change. In this case, America will change when people seek change and take responsibility. To sit back and wait for change to rain down (trickle down) from Washington is irresponsible of us as Christians. Money fades, taxes go up and down, gas prices rise and fall, salaries adjust and the economy booms and busts - it's a regular part of life. Truth and love, however, remain the same and it is our calling as believers to show what true change looks like from that perspective.

3. Above all - SHOW LOVE with all that you do, say and think!!! Remember, we know love because God first loved us. He extended love FIRST - He didn't wait for us to deserve it. Let us live that example as well - let us love all, first (Even if they do not ask it of us)!!!! SERVE those in your homes, work places and communities.


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