Serenity supports the neccesity for free will in Christian Theology by grrarrg

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Serenity supports the neccesity for free will in Christian Theology

POSTED BY: GRRARRG
UPDATED: Friday, October 14, 2005 12:00
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Friday, October 14, 2005 8:55 AM

I just had a thought that I'm sure many others would enjoy. I'm sure I'm not the first (it may have even been said here already). Anyway, I found this in nakedandarticulate's signature:

"It's about how much freedom you can take away from somebody before they either fold or fight," Whedon says. "It's about the right to be wrong and the nature of human beings, that they need the freedom to be wrong. That they cannot be made to be better or perfect."--Joss Whedon on Serenity

Now, I'm a Christian, and one of my big things regards the question "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" My standard answer involves the the need for free will and the idea that we must be allowed to make bad choices, and they wouldn't be 'bad choices' if they didn't cause something bad to happen. Of course there's more to it than that, but here's my point:

Serenity, in light of the above quote, is an example of why we must be allowed to make bad choices. The alliance tried to force everyone to act a certain way, and, well, you know the rest. Not as strong of an example as A Clockwork Orange, but one that's more appropriate to refer to when talking to younger people (or, really, anybody who would be offended by A Clockwork Orange, which is just about everybody). Pair that with Beauty and the Beast (she can't really love him until he sets her free and gives her the choice to love him or not), and you've got it.

Of course, as a mathematician, I am constantly reminded that you can't prove something by example. But amass enough examples, and sometimes you can use a little intuition to get there.

Somehow I get the feeling that this specific application was not Joss's main objective, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work.

I mock you with my monkey pants.
Oh, yeah - check out my rock band: http://www.myspace.com/readyempire

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Friday, October 14, 2005 9:53 AM

JEBUSYOON

the biggest mistake for christians is wanting to know what God thinks. We may be His children, but we won't be able to understand, comprehend, fathom, other words that mean understand what an iota of his thought is. So, the question "Why God does something" seems huge. I'm not saying asking those questions are wrong, but be ready for the answer. The answer will be more complex, more intense then you'll ever realize. A simple analogy of our brains trying to analyze God is our eyes trying to find the different colors in light by looking directly at the Sun. sorry that this didnt' address the firefly comment, but I felt compelled as a mathematician and as a christian to talk to a fellow brother. if you read this, thanks.

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Friday, October 14, 2005 10:16 AM

LIMINALOSITY

Do tell what a magical mathmatical Christian response might be to the final scene, with it's references to math and love.
Do tell do tell.

Then tell a math joke if you please, love math jokes.

(Mentally insert obvious Jayne quote here)

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Friday, October 14, 2005 12:00 PM

CITIZEN

Not sure it's particularly a christian sentiment but I see what you mean...

More insane ramblings by the people who brought you Beeeer Milkshakes!
Even though I might, even though I try,
I can't

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