Category: TV

Finding Truth and Love in Star Trek Enterprise

Many would define “God” as a powerful person who created the universe. While Biblical and historical Christianity agree with this description, they also portray God, as C.S. Lewis puts it, as “beyond personality.” Scripture identifies God as more than a person, but as truth and love itself. This raises the question: what do truth and love have to do with one another? In an unlikely way, the Star Trek: Enterprise episode “Chosen Realm” answers this theological question.

Continue reading Finding Truth and Love in Star Trek Enterprise

Why You Might Be on the Dark Side

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.

Continue reading Why You Might Be on the Dark Side

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.

Continue reading Religion, Opium, and Jesus in Doctor Who

Obi-Wan and Jesus, Alike but Not

In giving his life for Luke and appearing after death, Obi-Wan Kenobi clearly fits the role of a Christ figure. But, let’s dive deeper than that and learn from Obi-Wan’s 19 years on Tatooine. While minimizing spoilers from Star Wars Comic #7 and Star Wars Rebels: “Twin Suns”, we can see how his—dare I say—temptation in the desert enables him to give his life so easily. At the same time, this does not help him discover a critical fallacy in his Jedi faith. Continue reading Obi-Wan and Jesus, Alike but Not

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.

Continue reading A Japanese Jesus Superhero?

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?”
Continue reading You Must Be Hatched Again!

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.
Continue reading 3 Innocent Paths to the Dark Side… of Politics

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.”
Continue reading When George Costanza and Jesus Agree

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.
Continue reading Proving Love at First Sight

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?
Continue reading Can the Evil Queen be Forgiven?