Fables for today.

*SPOILER ALERT*
Back in the day, you made a point through stories. Before the internet, before television or radio, before the printing press, people would listen to stories. In some cultures, communities would have a resident storyteller. There were people who made a living travelling from town to town just telling stories. Children would learn about values and life through stories. We don’t hear much about Aesop’s Fables these days, but they were a big hit once.

The Greeks had a wonderful and colourful mythology that addressed issues of power, injustice and how NOT to deal with daddy/mummy issues. Scandinavian mythology is no less fascinating and continues to resonate with many today. Take Thor for example, thanks to the Norse god of thunder and his recent depictions on the Big Screen, many people around the world now know where Byron Bay is.

Some would consider the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) storyline as a contemporary (and more PG) version of those mythologies of old. Of late, they seem to have storylines which seem to resonate with contemporary issues.

One of the most striking features of the latest MCU offering, Black Panther, are very fierce women who have attitude (and spears), who are strong, independent and who take the initiative in making change. The movie does a great job of addressing female empowerment, oppression of minorities, and social justice engagement. Quite relevant in the light of the ongoing conversations concerning #MeToo, race and social justice (Australia Day date change anyone?) and gun control in the United States. Should the ends ever justify the means? Is violence how we accomplish equality for all?

Throughout history, there have always been advocates for non-violent protest. Jesus himself taught about “turning the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39), but it wasn’t just theoretical, he actually walked the talk. Followers of Jesus are reminded that issues of social justice are important to God and we should do all we can to help the poor, oppressed, and marginalised. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48 NIV)

Sources:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-14/black-panther-review-this-is-the-film-the-world-needs-right-now/9423328

All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at pastor@pmbc.org.au