How NOT to Go Astray II

The previous section considered why The Davinci Code and the Capitalist Piglet cartoon were deemed so offensive to many. Challenge is much harder to embrace than comfort at the best of times. It also discovered that a humble and compassionate approach to possible hostility or embarrassment was in the spirit of Jesus, since fallible perceptions are universal. However, that type of response is certainly difficult to achieve when the relevant artifact appears to trivialize or sabotage a subject and identity dear to some. This will be addressed next here.

II. How NOT to be Unfaithful

"Is it meaningless?"

- Professor Langdon, The Davinci Code

As mentioned in the first portion, both the Davinci Code and the Capitalist Piglet cartoon were addressing particular problems with organized Christianity. The Davinci Code was dealing with a harsh and well-intended system, while the Capitalist Piglet was pointing to an impotent and indulgent church. Established Christianity was portrayed as functioning from an inferior and overcompensating position. Would an alternative be any better?

Critics often charge that the Davinci Code and the Capitalist Piglet skew and oversimplify the situation, thereby producing an unfaithful and negative lens in which to discover any insights for Christians. Yet any medium potentially distorts or oversimplifies in the pursuit of a message. The question is whether the offered remedy suffers more than the inadequacy of the opposing contrast. (For example, consider the Left Behind series. They explored a particular apocalyptic line of thought, yet any inadequate writing and possibly limited theology reduces any redemptive value of the books.) Mediocrity can detract from motivation and meaning, giving mixed results.

Two characters vie to redeem the presenting conflicts. The Davinci Code had Bishop Manuel Aringarosa and Sir Leigh Teabing to reckon with an invisible and subdued part of Church history. The Bishop strives to stifle the threat to preserve the institution, while Sir Leigh Teabing exploits the Church to create more authenticity. Neither ultimately succeeds, thus leaving the issue ambivalently handled. Apparently struggles within organized Christianity solve nothing and prove futile. Whatever perspective appeals will obviously be the determining factor in how people will practice. It does not determine what is wrong in the first place, the strength of the Church or the vitality of the underground.

In the Capitalist Piglet cartoon, a visitor and the Capitalist Piglet cope with an impure and unwholesome association by a character resembling Jesus. An onlooker exclaims the name of Jesus and then stops interrupting further. Someone appearing like Jesus hesitates slightly, prompting the Capitalist Piglet to suggest a reason for continuing the sexual act. Both the pig and the intruder try to avoid responsibility for their roles. What should the person representing Jesus do? No direction is truly given here, but something surely is needed.

For Christians, the parable of the Prodigal Son offers some context regarding unresolved issues. The original home circumstances were unsatisfying. One brother stayed in the comfort and security of the past and home, while the other ventured into the risk and novelty of the future in a different environment. The one who decided to leave eventually reached the limits of his resources and thence came back again. The other brother resents this and doesn't participate in the celebration surrounding the arrival of his wayward sibling. He only ponders what he lacks in a reward for conforming to the lifestyle of the family.

Perhaps the home improved as a result, but it is not clear. What is evident is how the brothers responded to their inherited legacy. One always obeyed whereas the other sacrificed everything. Both seemed to miss the point: that reform must begin at the source to be faithful. Exploring new things or remaining the same is not sufficient. What seems to be required is engaging where you are by not being separate and equivalent or uniform and incomplete. Maybe when Christians can do this will others see established Christianity as a form of renewal and response instead of unloving and vulnerable.

Part 3: How NOT to be Tempted