Another show representing religious beliefs was Joss Whedon's 'Firefly'. In the first episode 'Serenity', the main character, Malcolm Reynolds, wore a religious medallion but lost his faith after his side lost the rebellion. Years later, Book, a type of missionary, joins the crew first as a passenger and then decides to stay, since he has no real destination.
One fun interaction is between Book, and River, who is, shall we say, slightly crazy because the government played with her brain. The episode is 'Jaynestown'.
Book: What are we up to, sweetheart?
River: Fixing your Bible.
Book: I-uh-what?
River: Bible's broken. Contradictions, faulty logistics - it doesn't make sense.
Book: No,no you can't...
River: So we'll integrate non-progressional evolution theory with God's creation of
Eden - eleven inherent parallels already there. Eleven, important number, prime number, one goes into the house of eleven eleven times but always comes out one -
Book: River, just take it easy. You shouldn't -
River: Noah's ark is a problem -
Book: Really.
River: We'll have to call it early quantum state phenomenon - only way to fit five-thousand species of mammal on the same boat.
Book:Gimme that! River! You don't fix the Bible!
River: It's broken. It doesn't make sense.
Book: It's not about making sense. It's about believing in something and letting that belief be real enough to change your life. It's about "faith". You don't fix faith, River. It fixes you.
I'd say the writer nailed part of it correctly. Faith does fix us. What is left out is the element of Christ, but the inclusion of Book in a futuristic, transplanted group of descendants from Earth, shows that in spite of the wish to destroy God, belief in Him will follow humanity to the stars.
Dialogue taken from 'Firefly, The Official Companion, Volume 2'.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
'Why Not Question' : Religion and Babylon 5
One TV show in particular showed a great deal of respect for the various religions on Earth. It was Babylon 5. During the first season there was one episode where the various ambassadors on the station shared their major beliefs with each other. When asked about Earth's, Commander Sinclair took the Minbari, Centuari, and everyone else to meet with not just one religious leader, but several. A very realistic approach to show that even in the future, mankind will not have 'one' major religion.
It is also interesting to note the second in command, Susan Ivanova, was a Russian Jew. Her beliefs were obvious, including sitting shiva, a type of wake where those who attend share stories about the dead loved one, apologizing to God when something was said that shouldn't have been, and a continued steadfast faith.
Commander Sinclair also had strong faith. In the end, he transformed into the Minbari leader, Valen, who founded their ruling Gray Council and taught them a religious system whose origins came from Earth. Granted, the Minbari believed in a type of reincarnation with the souls being reborn into the next generation and thought that Minbari souls were being born into humans. A belief playing an important component all throughout the series.
Included as well was a group of priests who set up shop on the station. In a wonderful episode about forgiveness they helped John Sheridan, who was in command for three seasons, come to terms with the fate of a serial killer. Such people suffered death of personality and were reprogrammed. They spent the rest of their lives serving humanity. It was hard for Sheridan, but it was the choice of leader of the priests who personally chose the killer to be part of his order and sent the man back to Earth to be trained.
In 'The Lost Tales', a DVD released after the series ended, one of the mini episodes shared was about a demon who hitched a ride to the station.The person was captured and then returned to Earth in the custody of a priest. The interesting premise introduced was a concept that the demons would always be Earth bound and only humanity's children would inherit the stars.
Although not strictly Christian, the screen writer showed all belief systems with respect and serves as an excellent example for writers of the Science Fiction genre to follow.
It is also interesting to note the second in command, Susan Ivanova, was a Russian Jew. Her beliefs were obvious, including sitting shiva, a type of wake where those who attend share stories about the dead loved one, apologizing to God when something was said that shouldn't have been, and a continued steadfast faith.
Commander Sinclair also had strong faith. In the end, he transformed into the Minbari leader, Valen, who founded their ruling Gray Council and taught them a religious system whose origins came from Earth. Granted, the Minbari believed in a type of reincarnation with the souls being reborn into the next generation and thought that Minbari souls were being born into humans. A belief playing an important component all throughout the series.
Included as well was a group of priests who set up shop on the station. In a wonderful episode about forgiveness they helped John Sheridan, who was in command for three seasons, come to terms with the fate of a serial killer. Such people suffered death of personality and were reprogrammed. They spent the rest of their lives serving humanity. It was hard for Sheridan, but it was the choice of leader of the priests who personally chose the killer to be part of his order and sent the man back to Earth to be trained.
In 'The Lost Tales', a DVD released after the series ended, one of the mini episodes shared was about a demon who hitched a ride to the station.The person was captured and then returned to Earth in the custody of a priest. The interesting premise introduced was a concept that the demons would always be Earth bound and only humanity's children would inherit the stars.
Although not strictly Christian, the screen writer showed all belief systems with respect and serves as an excellent example for writers of the Science Fiction genre to follow.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
'Why Not Question' : The parallel of the vampire legend to Christ
With Halloween only a couple of days ago, it seems appropriate to talk about the parallel of vampire lore to Christianity. While an odd topic, it certainly fits within the realm of this blog.
Let's start with vampires raising from the dead, just as Christ did. There is also a legend floating around that Judas was the first of the undead. Fitting, so it seems for the betrayer of Jesus.
Next, comes the blood. By Christ's blood we are redeemed, our sins washed away, making us acceptable to God. When we accept Jesus as our savior and Lord we become a new person or creature. A vampire takes its victims blood, drains them, sometimes enslaving them and becoming a person's master, and can, by sharing its own blood, turn the victim into a vampire as well. Thus the person becomes a creature of the night.
Then, there is the eternal life aspect. After death Christians move on to heaven to be with God and Jesus in a new body and live forever. If a victim becomes a vampire then they 'live' forever in the undead state, draining blood themselves.
And let's not forget the importance of a cross. Jesus died on it to redeem humanity. A vampire is terrified of it.
The biggest difference is that vampires can be killed by being beheaded, a stake driven through their heart, and in later years, silver bullets or anything made from it. Not to mention the creatures sleep in their coffins, never actually escaping their grave as Christ did.
And a vampire chooses its victim, while we chose to come to Christ, even though he already knows we will.
Not to mention the seductive mystique of the vampire. At least in modern day. It has not always been so throughout history.
Christ on the other hand is warm and loving, inviting all to come to him. Although in some countries, becoming a Christian is a potential death sentence and becoming a martyr.
A vampire often kills its victims or those it has enslaved. And, often they are cruel.
Yet, there has been a rise of different sympathetic vampires like Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows, Nicolas Knight in Forever Knight and let us not forget the current popular sparkling vamps.
The real difference is that Christ is life, and vampires are shrouded in death.
Let's start with vampires raising from the dead, just as Christ did. There is also a legend floating around that Judas was the first of the undead. Fitting, so it seems for the betrayer of Jesus.
Next, comes the blood. By Christ's blood we are redeemed, our sins washed away, making us acceptable to God. When we accept Jesus as our savior and Lord we become a new person or creature. A vampire takes its victims blood, drains them, sometimes enslaving them and becoming a person's master, and can, by sharing its own blood, turn the victim into a vampire as well. Thus the person becomes a creature of the night.
Then, there is the eternal life aspect. After death Christians move on to heaven to be with God and Jesus in a new body and live forever. If a victim becomes a vampire then they 'live' forever in the undead state, draining blood themselves.
And let's not forget the importance of a cross. Jesus died on it to redeem humanity. A vampire is terrified of it.
The biggest difference is that vampires can be killed by being beheaded, a stake driven through their heart, and in later years, silver bullets or anything made from it. Not to mention the creatures sleep in their coffins, never actually escaping their grave as Christ did.
And a vampire chooses its victim, while we chose to come to Christ, even though he already knows we will.
Not to mention the seductive mystique of the vampire. At least in modern day. It has not always been so throughout history.
Christ on the other hand is warm and loving, inviting all to come to him. Although in some countries, becoming a Christian is a potential death sentence and becoming a martyr.
A vampire often kills its victims or those it has enslaved. And, often they are cruel.
Yet, there has been a rise of different sympathetic vampires like Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows, Nicolas Knight in Forever Knight and let us not forget the current popular sparkling vamps.
The real difference is that Christ is life, and vampires are shrouded in death.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
'Why Not Question' - What Christians could learn from the Science Fiction Community
There is a great deal Christians could learn from the Science Fiction community. Yikes! Christians fleeing in many directions of the mere mention of Science Fiction.
Ahhh! Save us from that unGodly thinking.
Oh, come on now. There are Science Fiction fans in many churches. It just isn't talked about because of this very reaction. Why set one's self up for condemnation?
However, the original comment stands. There is much Christians could learn from this tight knit and very open community.
What you ask? What could unbelievers possibly teach us?
Ever been to a Science Fiction convention? Answer is probably no, but please, bear with the blogger.
To begin with a convention, or con as it's normally called, is a huge family reunion. Most in these circles, and there are many sub genres, only see each other once maybe twice a year. It is a time to catch up on each others lives, the things one wouldn't post on Facebook, go out to eat together, see out of town friends, and engage in activities mutually enjoyed, example, gaming, filking,(SF folk singing), talking with authors or artists, viewing art, buying new stuff in the dealer's room, hanging out in the Con suite where free food is served, making new friends because everyone there is attending for the same reason and have a common interest, not to mention all the hugs exchanged. They're family.
Unfortunately, in many churches, people do not feel so welcomed. Yes, there are small groups as in the SF circles. Yes, everyone attending church has the same reason for being there and a common interest.
But today, everyone in church seems to be so busy they don't get involved in each others lives. They rush in for the service and rush out, maybe saying a quick 'Hi', before leaving to get the family home, fed and in front of the TV for the football game or to get the homework completed.
Rarely do Christians seem to take the time to get to know each other, hang out, talk, go eat together, or do anything that is common during a Con.
After all, Christians are all part of God's family yet seem to treat each other as perfect strangers and content to stay the way. No, it's not way in every church, but in the larger ones, it's the norm. One can go to church, sit in a pew, be preached at and leave, without ever speaking to anyone else.
This is unfortunate and part of what is wrong with churches/Christians today. How can a secular group have it so right and God's people so wrong?
Ahhh! Save us from that unGodly thinking.
Oh, come on now. There are Science Fiction fans in many churches. It just isn't talked about because of this very reaction. Why set one's self up for condemnation?
However, the original comment stands. There is much Christians could learn from this tight knit and very open community.
What you ask? What could unbelievers possibly teach us?
Ever been to a Science Fiction convention? Answer is probably no, but please, bear with the blogger.
To begin with a convention, or con as it's normally called, is a huge family reunion. Most in these circles, and there are many sub genres, only see each other once maybe twice a year. It is a time to catch up on each others lives, the things one wouldn't post on Facebook, go out to eat together, see out of town friends, and engage in activities mutually enjoyed, example, gaming, filking,(SF folk singing), talking with authors or artists, viewing art, buying new stuff in the dealer's room, hanging out in the Con suite where free food is served, making new friends because everyone there is attending for the same reason and have a common interest, not to mention all the hugs exchanged. They're family.
Unfortunately, in many churches, people do not feel so welcomed. Yes, there are small groups as in the SF circles. Yes, everyone attending church has the same reason for being there and a common interest.
But today, everyone in church seems to be so busy they don't get involved in each others lives. They rush in for the service and rush out, maybe saying a quick 'Hi', before leaving to get the family home, fed and in front of the TV for the football game or to get the homework completed.
Rarely do Christians seem to take the time to get to know each other, hang out, talk, go eat together, or do anything that is common during a Con.
After all, Christians are all part of God's family yet seem to treat each other as perfect strangers and content to stay the way. No, it's not way in every church, but in the larger ones, it's the norm. One can go to church, sit in a pew, be preached at and leave, without ever speaking to anyone else.
This is unfortunate and part of what is wrong with churches/Christians today. How can a secular group have it so right and God's people so wrong?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
'Why Not Question' - A Day of Rest
In Genesis the Bible tells us that on the seventh day God rested. Old Testament law required rest on the Sabbath with specific instruction on what type of work was allowed or how far someone could travel. With good reason, God's people worked hard the other six. Anyone who is familiar with life on the farm can appreciate the difficulty of this type of life style and the need to rest.
Today - God's people seem to have forgotten the principle and importance of rest. Often on Monday morning one hears stories about running around to various childrens' sporting events, running errands, cleaning the house, attending church for those who do and then it's Sunday evening and time to prepare for work the next morning.
When did they rest? They are as tired on Monday morning as they were on Friday evening.
However, there is a growing movement back toward a day of rest. Some take Saturday off, others Sunday. Many sign off their computer for one day or two. They don't allow their children to play computer/video games. They plan family activities or maybe indulge in hobbies or watch movies, there are those who don't even allow latter, take walks, read, or whatever they need to do in order to relax and 'rest'.
This is a life style change. The difference it makes in the productivity and attitude of those who practice a day of rest is astounding. Is it easy? No. In this culture people are very used to 'doing' all the time and constantly being 'connected' and knowing what is going on in their friends and family's lives or the current football score or whatever.
However, if God rested on the seventh day and had it included in the law, how can we, as modern day Christians, disregard a basic principle that is for our good?
Today - God's people seem to have forgotten the principle and importance of rest. Often on Monday morning one hears stories about running around to various childrens' sporting events, running errands, cleaning the house, attending church for those who do and then it's Sunday evening and time to prepare for work the next morning.
When did they rest? They are as tired on Monday morning as they were on Friday evening.
However, there is a growing movement back toward a day of rest. Some take Saturday off, others Sunday. Many sign off their computer for one day or two. They don't allow their children to play computer/video games. They plan family activities or maybe indulge in hobbies or watch movies, there are those who don't even allow latter, take walks, read, or whatever they need to do in order to relax and 'rest'.
This is a life style change. The difference it makes in the productivity and attitude of those who practice a day of rest is astounding. Is it easy? No. In this culture people are very used to 'doing' all the time and constantly being 'connected' and knowing what is going on in their friends and family's lives or the current football score or whatever.
However, if God rested on the seventh day and had it included in the law, how can we, as modern day Christians, disregard a basic principle that is for our good?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
'Why Not Question' - The Changing Church
The Internet, TV and the rush-rush of daily life has changed what 'Church' is today. Most of the more conservative or traditionalists still think of it as gathering in a particular building with other people on Sunday morning and/or evening and Wednesday Bible studies. Not to mention belonging to a certain denomination.
Nowadays however, several factors have changed that concept.
First, TV. Now those who are shut in or who have limited time and can't spend all Sunday morning in one spot, can watch the TV pastor of their choice for maybe thirty minutes or an hour and then move on to other things. Or, if they have time on Thursday evening, or Tuesday, they don't have to wait until Sunday. Church in this manner also allows for different types of teachers so they don't get convinced that only one thought pattern or belief system is the right one.
Second, the Internet. There are numerous sites where Christians can network together and have a 'church' of online believers. Also, many churches are starting to live stream their services so that a member does not have to leave their home to attend. This is a very handy in the event the roads are slick or it's snowing or illness.
Third, there are others who have gotten over the idea that a church building is necessary. Instead of expecting people to come to them, they go to the people and have services in office buildings during lunch breaks, on the street, or in homes. This is a return to the original concept of what was going on in the First Century church when believers met daily and in homes.
Each of these new methods,and the above list is by no means exhaustive, shows progressive thinking and a willingness to move out of traditional ideas into a new century where people have limited time and want more from their church than the same old - same old.
Bravo!
Nowadays however, several factors have changed that concept.
First, TV. Now those who are shut in or who have limited time and can't spend all Sunday morning in one spot, can watch the TV pastor of their choice for maybe thirty minutes or an hour and then move on to other things. Or, if they have time on Thursday evening, or Tuesday, they don't have to wait until Sunday. Church in this manner also allows for different types of teachers so they don't get convinced that only one thought pattern or belief system is the right one.
Second, the Internet. There are numerous sites where Christians can network together and have a 'church' of online believers. Also, many churches are starting to live stream their services so that a member does not have to leave their home to attend. This is a very handy in the event the roads are slick or it's snowing or illness.
Third, there are others who have gotten over the idea that a church building is necessary. Instead of expecting people to come to them, they go to the people and have services in office buildings during lunch breaks, on the street, or in homes. This is a return to the original concept of what was going on in the First Century church when believers met daily and in homes.
Each of these new methods,and the above list is by no means exhaustive, shows progressive thinking and a willingness to move out of traditional ideas into a new century where people have limited time and want more from their church than the same old - same old.
Bravo!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
'Why Not Question' : 'It's Supernatural' with Sid Roth
There's a TV show that has been on the air for a number of years called 'It's Supernatural' hosted by Sid Roth. What is amazing about it is that they confirm everything a guest says by making phone calls to those they helped or some other method. This in and of itself gives credence to the amazing miraculous events of God that are happening every day.
For instance:
Imagine following Biblical principles that allow you to get out of debt and stay out of debt for the rest of your life, including paying cash for a new car, a new home, or any other expense.
Does God still raise people from the dead today? They do according to a gentlemen in Africa and a born again ex-Muslim.
People are growing new bones in their legs, getting out of wheel chairs and dancing - wouldn't that be something to see!
These are just a few examples of the Supernatural things God is doing not just in places like Africa, but right here in the United States!
'It's Supernatural' is shown on several Christian networks. Tune in and discover what it's like to naturally in the supernatural.
For instance:
Imagine following Biblical principles that allow you to get out of debt and stay out of debt for the rest of your life, including paying cash for a new car, a new home, or any other expense.
Does God still raise people from the dead today? They do according to a gentlemen in Africa and a born again ex-Muslim.
People are growing new bones in their legs, getting out of wheel chairs and dancing - wouldn't that be something to see!
These are just a few examples of the Supernatural things God is doing not just in places like Africa, but right here in the United States!
'It's Supernatural' is shown on several Christian networks. Tune in and discover what it's like to naturally in the supernatural.
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