The Greater Narrative

I love watching movies. Comedy, drama -- you name it; I'll watch it. But I really love going to see a movie in the theater. There's something about the dark theater and the Dolby surround sound that make me feel like I'm really in it.  A couple of months ago I saw Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows; don't worry, I won't spoil it for you. It was very good, but I will not discuss it here. 

What I want to share is actually something I realized during the previews before the movie started. The realization: that it seems pretty clear to me that most movies, television shows and books tell stories that in some way are analogous with the story of the Bible; either a piece of it or the whole. Said another way, there are no new stories; only modifications of those already told in scripture. This may sound strange or like too absolute of a statement, but think about it. How many movies can you name that set a stage of the long-term oppression or enslavement of some group of people then introduce one special man (or sometimes woman) who is totally "other" who rescues the people from their oppressors and sets everything right (i.e. The Matrix, Avatar, John Carter). This should sound familiar to anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the story of the Bible. How many romantic comedies have you seen? Any female over the age of five and any male with a significant other have seen plenty. Any story of a man romancing or wooing a woman just a modification of Christ wooing us as His bride. 

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. God is the only original author; any other story is just an excerpt from His greater narrative. The next time you're watching a movie or reading a book, think about how it could relate to the story of the Bible. You might be surprised how prevalent it is.