Movie Review: Interstellar

When I first saw the trailer for Interstellar online, I expected the film to be an escapist ploy – an excuse for humanity to abandon its care for the Earth. As a theology student with interest in ethics and environmentalism, I take this responsibility seriously. At the same time, I enjoy science-fiction stories because of the deeper existential questions they explore.

The film begins in a stark, agricultural landscape reminiscent of the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s, except it is in the not-too-distant future. As the story unfolds we learn that the Earth’s capacity for life is collapsing. Many people scrounge on subsistence farming as food gets harder to grow.

When we first meet Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), he is cocky, cynical and restless about his life. A former aerospace engineer turned farmer, he pines for the days of testing new aircraft. He finds it difficult to accept that society has changed its views on technological progress. At first, I found Cooper’s character abrasive. As the film progresses, he encompasses a more compassionate viewpoint. His role as a widowed, single father peeks at this characteristic; only concern for the future of his two kids gives purpose to his life. So, it is suprising to see how the process unfolds next. 

Cooper’s evolution begins when his precocious daughter, Murph (Mackenzie Foy), discovers a mysterious gravitational anomaly present in her room. However, she calls it a “ghost.” After a dust storm, Cooper enters with Murph into her room and discovers that the “ghost” causes the dust to form a binary code. The code translates into geographical coordinates leading to a secret outpost where NASA is working on spacecraft and hoping to find other ways to save the human race. Cooper reunites with an old friend, and is faced with an unprecedented opportunity for space exploration in hopes of saving humankind. The catch is that deep space travel, by means of a worm-hole discovered near Saturn, will separate him from his children for many years.

Interstellar is the first science-fiction movie for director and screenwriter Christopher Nolan. His previous films – Memento and Inception – set the bar for mind-bending plots. In a few instances, Nolan egregiously manipulates advanced theories of physics, but he does not disappoint in pushing our minds to the edge once again.

In addition to a compelling story, Interstellar meets other "good movie" criteria. First, the film has an all-star cast. Anne Hathaway and Michael Caine play prominent roles as NASA scientists, but there are also solid performances by up-and-coming actors. On top of this, many of the space scenes are stunning. There is no doubt why the film won an Academy Award for “Best Visual Effects” earlier this year.

Overall, the movie is worth seeing for its exploration of the big questions that motivate human existence. As the credits rolled, I held a new appreciation for the power of love and the vigor of the human will. I am also reminded that the cosmos is a filled with many wonders that foster the human imagination.

That being said, I also believe Interstellar provides an opportunity to focus our creativity in ways that live in tune with the Earth. One line near the beginning of the film is especially telling. Cooper’s father-in-law, Donald (John Lithgow), describes human behavior just before the Earth’s decline. “Six billion people and every last one of them tried to have it all.” As a child, Donald witnessed the explosive consumption of technology worldwide, but eventually the production out-paced the natural limits of Earth’s ecosystem. Donald’s critique of over-consumption is a cautionary tale that we can also embrace alongside Cooper’s need for creativity.

Why My Theology is Public

As a youth, I often avoided discussion of my faith outside of the church for fear of judgment and
derision. Talk about faith and politics seemed precarious, like navigating a mine field.

I am still hesitant to talk about my beliefs publicly, but also acknowledge I have a voice to share. I fostered this voice as an intern with the Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness in Washington, DC. I learned about social issues our country faces alongside reading what scripture and the statements of the Brethren faith spoke to these issues. It was a new way to understand and witness my faith. 

Upon further reflection, I have lived out my faith publicly in the past, only through actions. The Church of the Brethren places an emphasis on service because of our relationship to Christ. Growing up Brethren, I sorted clothes for the community thrift store, collected cans for the local food pantry, raised money for charitable causes such as Heifer International, and traveled abroad a few times on service mission trips.

Today, I understand that my theology needs to be public, in word and deed, because of the principles Jesus of Nazareth embodied in his ministry. Jesus also formed a close community of friends to live out these characteristics and moved their message out to the world in spite of resistance. This community is now known as the church and is likewise called to move outward.  The Christian voice, when true to its highest ideals and aspirations, benefits the public sphere and the health of all creation.

I acknowledge a concern that the church will become controlled by the forces of the state when religion acts politically, as I have heard several members of my denomination express. Historically, this Brethren concern came out of extreme persecution by the political powers in Europe and the religious powers which dominated it. In America, the state is separate from religious power, but still represents people who are religious. As citizens, we have more freedom to practice our religion. As disciples following in the way of Jesus, we also have a responsibility to witness God’s yearning for reconciliation and peace for our neighbors. And besides, there are already other religious voices reverberating in the public sphere.

The religious right, such as the Moral Majority, control the public discussion by pushing their particular view of Christianity. They view America as God’s chosen nation as a democracy that is morally superior, a view which has often been used to justify military operations overseas. At the same time, I hear conservative voices saying we need to uphold tradition and social stability. Moral ground is shifting under society as post-modern philosophies and global perspectives fill in social discourse.

At the same time, I have concern that theologically liberal Christians, in seeking to change the social order and “keeping up with the times,” are often are tempted to forget what keeps them grounded. One temptation is to seek a faith of individual convenience and only what “feels good”. I understand that personal empowerment is a part of the religious process, but only seeking individual interests over the common good further divides society. In doing so, they may also dilute the message of the Gospel, or step away from valid principles of tradition that help us deal with life’s difficulties. At its best, the Church serves as a community to sort out differences that find “a third way” to live into. 

As Christians, we need to build bridges rather than widen divides. I agree with essayist bell hooks in that, “A love ethic emphasizes the importance of service to others.” As mentioned earlier, the Church of the Brethren places an emphasis on service to others arising from our relationship to Christ. Being Holy Week, I am reminded that my denomination practices Love Feast, a reenactment of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and partaking of communion with them. Both are modes of faith in the Brethren tradition that follow a Christian love ethic, transforming our lives inwardly so that we are empowered to love outwardly. Likewise, it is through these communal practices of faith that provide the best means for bridge-building within society.

I continue to grapple with faith principles and how they respond to social issues as seminary student. Yes, there is despair, sin and evil in the world. Human lives are at stake with issues such as war, poverty, growing debt, and environmental destruction. We need a Savior to redeem our troubled existence. Yet, Christ also came so that we have hope in the new creation. As people of Christ’s peace, we need to speak for the dignity of all people and work through diplomatic means. Our position also compels to look at what traditions of the Christian faith we find misguided or oppressive to the flourishing of all life. After a period of discernment we must correct our course to change toward a better direction.

God ultimately leads the future. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a part of that in-breaking hope through this example of self-giving love. I firmly believe that if we keep centered on the agape love that Christ proclaimed, and stay disciplined within the Holy Spirit, we cannot be corrupted by the political systems of this world. More importantly, glimpses of the Kingdom of Heaven through church activity become visible. People need to hear words of support and moral direction. Not everyone will agree with the message, but there are others who will find new life in it. The hope for whole living outweighs the risk of resistance. Let us remember, especially at Easter, that the risen Christ is walking among and ahead of the church today. I follow boldly as I am called to give a faithful voice in the public square.

Islamophobia in America

On the evening of February 10, three young people were killed in a Chapel Hill, North Carolina apartment. All three victims practiced the Muslim faith.

The New York Times reports: “The victims were shot inside an apartment, according to one of the calls, and family members said the police told them they had been shot in the head.” Investigators claim that the incident was related to a parking space dispute between neighbors. Yet, details of the incident raised questions about whether it should be considered a religiously-motivated hate crime.

The Guardian also reported Craig Stephen Hicks as the alleged shooter, who claims to be an atheist and has been connected to social media posts with views of religious intolerance.

Through both accounts, we see other human faces in this story. Deah Barakat was a second-year student at the University of North Carolina (UNC) dentistry school. His wife, Yusor Abu-Salha, was just beginning her first-year at the same program. They were fundraising for a program to provide dental service to Syrian refugees. The third victim was Yusor’s sister, Razan Abu-Salha, a student at North Carolina State University.

The case is still under investigation, so I will not comment on theories of what happened. Instead, I will focus on the conversations around Islamophobia in the United States that have resulted from the news of the Chapel Hill shootings.

Anna Bigelow, a professor of Islamic Studies at the UNC, knew Deah Barakat from one of her classes and remembered him as a bright student. She shares that all three people lived out the core Muslim principle of ihsan: “doing that which is both beautiful in itself and beautifying to the world.” In my mind, the term parallels the Christian value of compassionately serving others.

Bigelow then lists five points about American views of Islam.  The first of Bigelow’s points cites a study by LifeWay Research: about one quarter of Americans surveyed view ISIS as a true representation of Islam.  Bigelow finds this as part of a disconcerting trend that places negative views on Muslim Americans.

In the aftermath of the Chapel Hill shootings, there have been several violent attacks on Muslim communities around the country. While these actions are not be directly related to the Chapel Hill incident, they do suggest that negative views of Muslims are prevalent in America.

Sadaf Sajwani adds another voice to this concern. He cites a Pew Forum study that less than 40% of Americans surveyed know someone who is Muslim. This same study also claims that, “knowing someone from a religious group is linked with having relatively more positive views of that group.” Without personal experience, the view of Muslims by the American public are largely shaped through the political discourse and media coverage at times of crises. For example, Sajwani notes that this year the American media had more press coverage around the Charlie Hebdo killings in Paris while the attacks of Boko Haram in Nigeria were virtually ignored.

Sajwani says that this kind of media bias leads to a “systemic dismissal of Muslim voices,” and that the misrepresentations must stop. He concludes that Muslim Americans are just as much citizens as other Americans. I agree with what Sajwani claims is at stake: insuring that the principle of religious freedom is being recognized for all American citizens.

At the basic human level, this incident is a tragedy of three innocent lives lost, and one life changed for the worse because of a decision to act out in violence. Both realities are terrible to hear about and require a change in our public discourse toward more life-giving ways. Our mindset after this incident needs to follow that of Anna Bigelow. “These three beautiful individuals were exactly the kind of citizens America needs. Their achievements were celebrations of their lives, loves, faith, commitment, dedication, and integrity. And no amount of death can take that away.”

Instead of fear-mongering and polarizing, the American public needs to hold a fair dialogue on religious freedom. We should not make judgments about other people, and especially religious groups, until we have listened to what core principles they hold. Keep in mind that just as there are different views within Christian denominations, so also Muslim communities hold different views around Islam. Some beliefs of another might even be similar to what we hold. At the same time, understanding another person's belief does not mean that you have to accept them as your own. Yet, as we listen to what others believe we can better understand what we believe, and have a better sense of how each of our beliefs contribute to the morals within our country.

This I Believe: Authentic Community

The introductory essay for the Writing Public Theology Course at Earlham School of Religion. The assignment is based on the guidelines of the This I Believe Series that is often shared on National Public Radio. Click on the picture to play a recording and follow along with the text below.

As a child, I learned about compassion and encouragement through the church community. Its members supported my spiritual formation and public education. I grew up in a rural area where everyone knew you - or at least knew something about your family. And while there were times that I felt constrained by small-town life, it also provided a sense of belonging. I believe that the power of community shapes who we are because of how others shape us.

Before coming to seminary, I lived in Washington, DC with a group of other volunteers in a large row house. Each resident served at a community project or in other types of non-profit work. In addition to house chores, each resident was expected to take turns contributing dinner for the whole house.

Good memories came from these common meals. A bell in the hallway signaled when dinner was ready. Soon residents filed into the kitchen, grabbed some food and sat around the table. Gradually, conversation began around events of the day. Some days were mostly venting sessions about the stresses of work. In hearing their stories, I felt reassured that I was not alone in experiencing occasional struggle. On other days, conversation was alive with funny stories and triumphs. In these times, I was reminded there is something cathartic about sharing a good laugh.

Intentional community taught me more of what it means to be human. Not everyone at the volunteer house did their chores dutifully. Residents often held different political and religious views. I saw gray areas of life emerge, shades of intentions that diminished a black and white view of the world. But, I also found our relationships worked best when all were welcomed for who they were.

I believe community is at its best when members are committed in mutual respect of each other in spite of differences. I find happiness serving within a community. I am also grateful for those who helped lighten my load because of their compassion.

These qualities reflect the life of Jesus Christ: extending grace amidst sacrifice and struggle in this world. I believe that God’s love is revealed through moments of authentic community.

Welcome to the Civil Sage

The Civil Sage is a blog created for assignments and re-posts in connection to the Writing Public Theology course. The course is offered at Earlham School of Religion for the 2015 spring semester. Posts coming soon...