Sacred texts have been in human possession for centuries, and are still popularly known in today’s religious societies. However, as modern times are always dawning, these ancient and sacred texts have started appearing in our everyday lives in more secular, under-the-radar ways. Most of the time, it takes in-depth analysis to see where a secular use of a sacred reference is present; however, there are many instances of this occurring today. The most common appearances are through art and the media. People are becoming more aware of the distinct features and benefits of sacred principles, and therefore, they are becoming much more commonplace in movies, music, television, books, etc. In this particular essay, the focus is on the Holy Bible of Christianity and some similarities found in a popular film called E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.
The passage in the Bible that I chose was Matthew 28:20. The scripture reads: “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. More specifically, however, I chose to focus most on the part about Jesus being “with [us] always”. The context of the passage is important to the connection of sacred and secular usage. This passage is from the time when Jesus had been crucified. At this particular moment in the Bible, Jesus had risen from the dead, and was to ascend into heaven after fulfilling His Father’s wishes. First though, He gives this message to His followers and students.
This passage refers to Jesus’ mission call that he bestowed upon His students that day. Kenton Sparks says in his article that Jesus called his disciples to “the ultimate “conquest” of the nations … accomplished not by the sword but by going out, baptizing and teaching” (Sparks). So the original context of this passage was indeed a mission statement. In the church today, this passage as a whole is used in much the same way. For Evangelical Christians, it calls them to go out and spread the word, to be ready to follow Christ, and to know that He is with them in doing this. The Pastor at my church often uses this passage to inspire and remind people of what they are called to as believers. However, my emphasis is on the second part of the passage: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. Often, the passage is broken up in such a way to create a different context. On the one hand, we have an inspirational call to serve, but on the other hand, we have a promise. Kenton Sparks reminds readers of the importance of said half of the passage. He writes: “Jesus the resurrected Messiah promised his disciples: “I am with you”. With these words, Jesus uttered anew [His] divine promise” (Sparks). I have heard many preachers use this part of the passage to encourage the Church, to uplift them in times of suffering, sorrow, pain, trials, discouragement, etc.
As mentioned above, the sacred use of this passage was much the same as its secular use today. Jesus was speaking to His students and disciples, asking them to pass on His teachings, His message, His Father’s word and love. However, over the years, the interpretations of the passage have changed based on its context. Kenton Sparks states in his article that there is a “juxtaposition of… themes” (Sparks) concerning what Jesus’ followers had been saying and what Jesus promised His people that day on the mountain top. However, the use of the passage has very well remained the same in a contemporary Church setting, although the interpretations are still up for debate. The audience remained the same as well: Jesus was speaking to all followers of Him; Christians, believers, the Church, men and women, young and old. Today, preachers use it to speak to that same group of people.
The secular use I chose was in the movie E.T. when E.T. tells Eliott, “I’ll be right here”. E.T. is implying that although he is ascending back to where he came from, he will always remain with Eliott in spirit. This concept is actually used in many movies. Often it is during a separation of the main characters, when one or both of those characters states that they will always be there, always be with one another, etc. These can all be traced back to many sacred texts, not only the Christian Bible. I chose Jesus’ words “I am with you always” because I know them well, however Buddhism encourages its followers in saying that Buddha is within each of us. In fact many religions have the same principle of God or the gods always being present. Some examples of movies that use this concept in much the same way are The Lion King: “He lives within you”, Tarzan: “You’ll be in my heart” and so many other movies that include separation or conflict of some kind (which is most of them).
E.T.’s words and Jesus’ are similar in many ways. They are both claiming to always be with someone in spirit. They both offer this statement as truth and encouragement. They both make this statement as a promise as well. Other similarities are contextual: both Jesus and E.T. were ascending to the heavens. Outside of this passage, there are many parallels between E.T. and Christ that critics have noticed in the past. Bob Sullivan touches upon this in his article. He says, “Commentators have drawn parallels between E.T. and Christ, pointing to, among other aspects, the creature’s arrival, his healing touch, his persecution by civil authorities, and his ascension into the heavens” (Sullivan). Jesus was born in a stable and E.T. was found in a shed. Jesus provided a healing touch, and so did E.T. In fact, the image of the boy’s and E.T.’s fingers meeting is slightly reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Jesus spent time with questionable crowds as did E.T.; Jesus was crucified by authorities, E.T. was pursued by them. The list goes on and on. Bob Sullivan says, “The perceived message of the times… was one of hope, love… Thus it was that Spielberg’s film proved timely to its age, reflecting spirit and values that were being so eagerly sought by a troubled nation, and thereby appealing to adults and children alike” (Sullivan). This makes a statement about the audience. The movie was addressed to everyone; anyone seeking comfort and encouragement in dark times. That is slightly similar to Jesus’ intended audience and purpose in the passage of Matthew 28:20.
In conclusion, there are so many instances where we can see multiple references to different sacred religions and texts in modern media and artwork. It is a way to spread these undeniably good concepts with the rest of the world that isn’t listening in a religious way. When studied hard enough, there can be a religious or sacred reference found in almost any movie, song, book or artwork. It is truly fascinating to observe.
Works Cited:
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. Steven Spielberg. DVD. Universal Pictures, 1982.
Jesus Bible (The). New Living Translation. Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 2002. Print.
Sparks, Kenton L. "Gospel as Conquest: Mosaic Typology in Matthew 28:16-20." Catholic Biblical Quarterly 68.4 (2006): 651. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 25 Oct. 2011.
Sullivan, Bob. “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.” Life & Health Library: FindArticles. CBS Interactive, Jan. 2002. Web. 25 Oct. 2011.
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