Last Tues. night we gathered together to watch the movie, The Book of Eli. This is a very thought provoking and interesting movie. If you are more interested, just Google a review and check it out. I'm not in the business of movie reviewing or recommending, so you will be spared my opinions here. The movie did stir a few thoughts in my head regarding "church", the bride of Christ.
The movie has the classic protagonist (Eli, the hero - lead character) vs. antagonist (Carnegie, the character who opposes the hero) plot line, but there is much more. For me, Eli reprsented freedom and Carnegie represented bondage, oppression power and control. Carnegie used the classic means to wield power; money, possessions, food/water and sex.
Eli was pursuing a path that lead to freedom, yet he was distracted by the intensity of his mission, which shackled him in a greater purpose; relationships with others. In The Book of Eli, all elements of the good vs. evil story portrayed the human condition so beautifully.
The question that comes up for me as I reflect is; how does the "church" well intentioned as it may be, wield power and control over people. We recognize the obvious in world history, so I'm not going to dwell on events of the past, a sad story for sure. I am thinking of today. I would submit to you that in today's church, the use of power and control is witnessed in what we will call moralism and legalism. Do you agree? What are your thoughts? How would you define these two terms?
Please add your comments and we will define these terms next time. Thanks in advance for sharing.
Vic
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