I love Star Wars, and I love discussing it on social media. Sometimes however, fans make disturbing comments. I find people who root for the Jedi, but based on their opinions, they would be Sith. This serves as a warning against hypocrisy and a call to examine ourselves in all areas of life.
Tag: TV
Religion, Opium, and Jesus in Doctor Who
Although Doctor Who typically presents a secular worldview, Biblical spirituality often surfaces. The episode, “Gridlock”, which happens to by my favorite, contains the clearest presentation of the Gospel message. It challenges the notion that “religion is the opium of the people”, reveals our society’s true addiction, and points to Jesus as savior.
How Anakin Brings Balance to the Force
A Jedi prophecy said the chosen one would bring the Force back into balance. Did Anakin fulfill it? If so, how? Obi-Wan thought he would “destroy the Sith, not join them”. But how would that be balance?
The prophecy can be understood, but it requires an unorthodox explanation of the Force, heretical to the Jedi, but true to the films. This even reconciles key tenets of Eastern and Western spirituality and exhorts us to attain a balanced life, while purely good, uncompromising with evil.
A Japanese Jesus Superhero?
Ever wonder what it would be like if Jesus came as a Japanese Anime superhero for children? Well, now you don’t have to. Meet Anpanman, who’s head is made of bread called anpan. Even though he has typical superhero powers such as flying and delivering the incredibly powerful “anpunch”, he often saves hungry children by sacrificially giving them a piece of his head to eat. In so doing, he becomes incredibly weak until his father figure bakes him a new head and his strength returns.
You Must Be Hatched Again!
Spiritual Thoughts on Doctor Who, Episode “Boom Town”
Contains Spoilers
Having started with the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, I enjoyed watching Doctor Who from my first episode. Great TV makes you feel the tension between opposing ideas and contemplate the nuance found in a complicated world, and the 11th episode, “Boom Town” does exactly this as it considers the question, “How do you treat the guilty?”
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3 Innocent Paths to the Dark Side… of Politics
Contains spoilers for Star Wars Rebels, episode “Twilight of the Apprentice”
The dark side can often appear obvious, even cartoonish. But, in the season two finale of Star Wars Rebels, an actual cartoon, we see a path to the dark side subtly presented, not characterized by overt acts of evil, but by innocent actions and attitudes which can seduce a well-meaning individual. This speaks caution to the viewers, especially as it relates to our political choices.
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When George Costanza and Jesus Agree
Spiritual Thoughts on Seinfeld, Episode 83: “The Opposite”
No significant spoilers
George Costanza: “It became very clear to me sitting out there today that every decision I’ve made in my entire life has been wrong. My life is the complete opposite of everything I want it to be. Every instinct I have, in every aspect of life, be it something to wear, something to eat – it’s all been wrong.”
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Proving Love at First Sight
Spiritual Thoughts on Once Upon a Time, Season 1
Contains Spoilers
As Once Upon a Time expands the fairy tale world, it explores the most fundamental questions asked by humanity. As the theme of “True Love” recurs frequently, Once Upon a Time gives the definitive answer to the question: “Is there love at first sight?” (Whether or not they intended this answer, I don’t know.) But, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Well, sometimes.
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Can the Evil Queen be Forgiven?
A Spiritual Analysis of Once Upon A Time, Episode “The Evil Queen”
Contains Minor Spoilers
The Evil Queen does not have the best track record. It’s the whole “evil” thing. As she hunts Snow White, she questions the people of a town where Snow took refuge. When the people don’t give any information on Snow’s whereabouts, she has them all killed. So is this woman, able to murder an entire town without a second thought also able to repent? Is it still possible, after all this brutality, that she can let go of evil and embrace love, selflessness, and kindness?
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