June 29, 2006
Super Savior?
“The world doesn’t need a savior”, a sentiment that is shared by more people than just Lois Lane. So why do bands like Stabbing Westward and Unwritten Law continue to write songs acknowledging that, in fact, we do need a savior? They, like the people of Metropolis, cry out for one everyday.
Movie reviews across the country of Superman Returns are picking up on this messianic message that has been woven into the fabric of the latest comic book movie. We saw the movie last night and couldn’t help walking away from this film being struck by the same message.
The Fling Journal – Michigan
The filmmakers play up the idea of Superman as a Messianic figure - sent, as Jor-El states, to Earth as my "only son." A scene of the hero being tortured recalls the brutality against Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ." "You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior," Superman tells Lois in response to her writings, "but every day I hear people crying for one."Orlando Sentinel – Florida
Singer has made Routh our most messianic Superman, a figure posed on a cross of kryptonite prepared to die for our sins, awakening the better angels of our nature.
The world does indeed cry out for a savior, and while stories like this offer only a glimpse into the deep narrative of the Cross – it is a powerful glimpse. The comparisons between any messianic figures to that of Jesus Christ will always be lacking and always fall short of the glory that is found in the truths of Scripture. That doesn’t have to take away from our enjoyment and albeit dim reflection of His glory.
Superman embodies the sentiment found in Proverbs 21: 21, “He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.” I am not a comic book fan, but this is a character from the movies of the past to the TV series of the present that has always been seeking truth and justice.
The review from the Orlando Sentinel goes on to say, “Every generation is given the Superman it needs, or deserves. Created as a Great Depression and World War II-era hero who could vanquish the great evil in the world, he came back on TV as the square reminder of "The American Way" in Eisenhower's Cold War America.
The Reeve Superman of the late '70s seemed to signal a disillusioned nation's search for a simpler, uncomplicated sense of our own virtue. Ronald Reagan wasn't far behind. The more recent TV Superman incarnations are more uncertain of themselves, their powers or their responsibilities.”
What do messages like the “messianic Superman” and “Save Me”/”Save Yourself” songs of today tell us about our generation and generations of the past? That we do cry out for something greater, something true and something noble. Where we seek the answer to our cries determines whether we actually find it or not. Seek the face of God, the face of Jesus Christ and you will see the “original Superman”.
June 27, 2006
Date Night Ideas
Last week my wife came up with this brilliant idea for a date night. We did a progressive dinner at The Avenue at White Marsh. These kinds of things are also fun when you have a group of people and you go from house to house or perhaps a fast food hoping dinner.
Our dinner began at Red Brick Station for an appetizer which filled us up so much that when we arrived at Friday’s we ended up splitting another appetizer. Amy may suggest that it was the Stout beer at Red Brick that filled me up so much, but the combo of bread in a bottle and crab dip was too much to pass up. Friday’s also has a pretty rockin Strawberry Lemonade, so I was quite content with that as well. We concluded our progressive meal at Chili’s with the molten chocolate cake and coffee followed by another treat, Nacho Libre staring Jack Black.
We were able to enjoy some good food, the night air as we walked along the Avenue from destination to destination and more than a few good laughs. My favorite line from the movie, “Those guys don’t think I know a buttload of crap about the Gospel. But I do!” And that is one of the great things about this movie – despite the hokiness – the answer for the heroine of the movie is found in God’s strength. Always a great reminder especially for a couple who makes their relationship with Jesus Christ the focal point of their love for one another.
June 12, 2006
American – A Postmodern Definition
What does it mean to be an American in a postmodern world? This is the question that Congress and many others have been grappling with when it comes to finding a solution to US Immigration Policy. Is that an over simplification? Yes, of course it is. The “war” on immigration policy rages on and spans across all the political and socio/economic spectrums leaving no stone left unturned.
At the end of the day this is the single over-arching issue as I can see it through this complicated mess. Whether it comes to enforcing our current laws, creating new ones, protecting our national security or cultivating a prosperous economy we need to answer the question. Who are the laws enforceable against? How are we redefining or refining our definition in creating new laws? Who and what are we protecting as part of our national identity? How are we able to maintain a stable US economy in light of more and more internationalization – a smaller world?
What’s the answer to the overarching question? Define what it is to be an American in a postmodern world. The difficulty here is that the basis for truth, our compass that guides us through the changing world and still points north has been dismantled. Postmodernism attacks every basis for truth and we are left with a relative definition. If the exact location of north were always relative to a single person’s thoughts and desires – there would be no north.
To answer the question we must first recognize truth, we must first recognize an existing culture – an American culture. It is the pot that makes up the framework for all societies to come together and melt; creating the most prosperous country in the world. If we define what an American is too loosely, we quickly discover there is no definition at all. And if we define who we are too narrowly we risk destroying that which has made us so prosperous. The balance between the protection of our sovereignty and the exportation of our economic prosperity to the world defines an American as both law abiding and compassionate – moral and gracious – obedient and loving.
So, what does it mean to be an American in a postmodern world?
June 08, 2006
Zed’s Dead
No, not the sadistic pawn shop owner from Pulp Fiction. But the sadistic terrorist Zarqawi in Iraq!! Here are some of the President’s remarks on this crucial victory:
Now Zarqawi has met his end, and this violent man will never murder again. Iraqis can be justly proud of their new government and its early steps to improve their security. And Americans can be enormously proud of the men and women of our armed forces, who worked tirelessly with their Iraqi counterparts to track down this brutal terrorist and put him out of business.
This must be difficult news for some on the “war is never the answer” left. Obviously this is not the end of our effort to defeat terrorism, but it is certainly helpful to have an accurate definition of what a terrorist actually is if we are going to be victorious. Zarqawi embodied terror through his countless acts of fear and cowardice; from the purposeful killing of men, women and children to the beheadings of representative members of coalition citizens like Nick Berg (USA) & Kenneth Bigley (UK).
Perhaps those that try to define President Bush as a terrorist should take a long hard look at what one actually looks like. With rhetoric like this, “In televised statements broadcast from his terrorist command center [you mean the White House?], Bush remains defiant and unapologetic for his actions...” I’d be pretty unapologetic too if I were freeing millions from tyranny, defeating terrorism and exporting democratic and economic prosperity throughout the Middle East.
Zarqawi’s dead, baby. Zarqawi’s dead.
June 06, 2006
House of Wonder Years
The very first girl I ever asked out on a date is now running for the Maryland House of Delegates. It’s not everyday you get to say that and I must add that I’m not entirely surprised at this either. Her father was in politics and for as long as I knew her; she was always involved in helping get her dad elected.
Back in 7th grade, before the invention of every adolescent boy’s nightmare – Caller-ID, 11 and 12 year old boys across the country could take personal pride and joy in the PRANK PHONE CALL. We were anonymous, we were witty (or so we thought) and we were proud of it. So one fall evening my friends and I were partaking in this glorious pastime. We had a phone book and were looking up the names of people we knew or thought we know as best as we could figure out who their parents were and where they lived.
After several phone calls that ended in boisterous laughter for us, our conversation turned towards other such important topics - GIRLS! There was a Halloween dance coming up and as every self-respecting, Wonder Years watching, middle school boy knew the ultimate accomplishment was to actually have a date. Somehow the love interests of my heart came up and we began looking through the phone book for her phone number.
I can’t remember who dialed the number, who answered the phone or even who asked the question, “Will you go to the dance with me?” I’m certain it was a team effort with my friends there. All I really remember is her saying, “Yes” and without missing a beat I replied, “Really?! Are you serious??!” The feeling of euphoria that came over me after I hung up the phone quickly eroded to absolute fear! This paralyzing fear haunted me right through the Halloween dance as I could not even bring myself to go talk to Cleopatra, let alone actually dance with her.
At least now, as an anonymous, witty (or so I think), proud citizen of the United States of America – I can cast a vote for the first girl I ever asked out. There is no fear in that; only excitement at the opportunity she will have to make a difference in our community.