How NOT to Go Astray, III

The earlier sections have briefly explored what underlies the controversy surrounding the Davinci Code and the Capitalist Piglet cartoon. The first part determined that the imprecise structures of each still pointed to genuine problems within organized Christianity that are unavoidable. Allowing for honest reflection by Christians about their history and genuine struggles by others about their disenchantment was thought to be in the best interest of Christ.

The second part then accessed the quality of the proposed alternatives within the Davinci Code and the Capitalist Piglet comic. Both were found lacking while illustrating how cheap and comforting responses avoid satisfactory corrections. Any substantial development by Christians require more than a partial comprehension and superficial reaction. What that would involve will be unpacked next.

III. How NOT to be Tempted

"Maybe the human is divine."

- Professor Langdon, The Davinci Code

Both the Davinci Code and the Capitalist Piglet cartoon ask why mainstream Christianity appears to fail or goes astray. Is it due to premodern origins, accumulated time, advantageous opportunism, or something else entirely? The Davinci Code suggests that imposing the divinity of Jesus by historic Christianity obscures a more mundane and realistic portrait. Consequentially, it supposedly inspired an oppressive and punitive institution. The Capitalist Piglet comic implies that historic Christianity became too engulfed with a calculating, imbalanced economic system. Hence, the Church tends to shame and sabotage herself currently.

Regardless of whether or not these portrayals of established Christianity are exaggerated, it reveals an uneasiness with at least the appearance of a monolithic power. The common factor here is from the abuse and dominance generally associated with increased influence. Many organizations over some period can lose their identity and vision somewhat, becoming corrupt and crippled. Institutional Christianity is no exception, and any discounting of that resolves nothing.

At its best, the Davinci Code is really trying to restore some semblance of humanity into the Church by bringing Jesus down to earth, so to speak. This may not justify it sufficiently, mind you, but it wants to reduce the harm being done by historic Christianity. Yet it just does not do as much good as it appears, because by making Jesus more ordinary, it also makes humans seem more irrelevant in the process. Why follow in Christ's footsteps at all if there's no major difference between us? This is partly what worries critics here.

Whereas with the Capitalist Piglet, the crude exposure of a representative appearing like Christ makes the relationship with materialism seem superficial yet vivid. The cartoon's emphasis is on the shocking revelation provoking a more proactive position. However, if this interaction is not unique to established Christianity, then the impact is reduced to some degree. It does not strictly indicate whether religion is especially prone to acquire status over other venerable institutions. Why progress if it is nothing special?

These examples challenge Christians to become more sensitive and responsive to entrenched patterns of power within established Christianity. It seems as if the struggle is simply between survival and service. Perhaps examining something from the life of Jesus will provide more clarity for disciples of Christ.

In the Gospels, Jesus was confronted by tests of integrity after being in the desert fasting and praying for forty days. He had a mission approaching and had to be ready for anything. The devil devised three challenges for Jesus, starting with hunger. Which took priority, self-preservation or service? Jesus preferred the substenance of God that offered more than self-interest and could include satisfaction for all in many ways. Next, the deceiver proposed a sensational and potentially dangerous feat that might reinforce God's approval of Jesus to others. Which would take priority, survival or service? Jesus would not ask God to be rescued in isolation, since others needed rescuing even more. Jesus thus refused to participate in the stunt. Last, Jesus was offered the cursed world in exchange for serving others. Which took priority, hierarchy or service? Jesus chose to be in solidarity with others rather than with the tempter.

This is how to be better equipped to take on the seduction of power. Established Christianity must benefit more than its leaders to be like Jesus. It must conquer itself first before it is taken seriously. Otherwise, who else would want to share and participate anyway?