Alice in Wonderland

Just finished watching Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp.  It was nothing like the Disney movie I watched as a child.  But it was interesting and challenging in many ways.  How, you ask?  Well, let me tell you.

I consider many modern movies to parallel Biblical parables.  They are stories intended to convey some spiritual or moral insight.  Many modern movies develop the theme of the great struggle between good and evil.  Good almost always wins this struggle.  Sacrifice is also a common theme as this struggle demands it. 

In the 1970′s the original trio of “Star Wars” movies dominated the cinema culture.  The epic story of good vs. evil.  In the end good wins out and the evil emperor is destroyed by Darth Vader himself.  That fact is key to the moral or spiritual insight.  Luke believes there is good within his father.  Darth Vader validates such faithand redeems himself at the end of his life by sacrificing himself to save his son.  Spiritual lessons are everywhere in this last episode.  Good wins over evil.  Father sacrifices himself to save his son.  Redemption and love triumph over power and control.

Now back to Alice in Wonderland.  Here again there is the struggle between good and evil:  White Queen vs. Red Queen.  Here again is the call for sacrifice as Alice must face the evil dragon.  Here again good wins over evil.  Notice what is missing?  At the end of the movie there is a moment where we might expect the victorious White Queen to demonstrate mercy towards her sister the Red Queen.  But no.  This is not a story of grace or forgiveness, but rather of justice.  The Red Queen is offered the opportunity to reconcile with her sister.  Here is an opportunity for the Red Queen to redeem herself.  But she refuses.  She is evil to the core and beyond such actions.

What does the difference between the actions of the Red Queen and Darth Vader teach us about the evolution of our society?  Do we no longer believe redemption is possible for all?  Is there a greater societal need for justice than for mercy?  How might such attitudes affect our political dialog?  How might it shape our immigration debate?  How might it shape our approach towards labeling some crimes as “hate crimes” or sex crimes  – seeing no possibility of redemption for such individuals? 

Perhaps I make too much out of one movie, but what if I am right?  How might that effect our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Is a message of universal forgiveness and redemption attractive to such a culture?  How might that shape our witness to this culture?  If fear or anger push us towards justice over mercy, how can we call a society back to balance? 

Care to share you thoughts with me?

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