Valdy, I totally agree with you that Christ figures do seem to be harmless, and Kozlovic’s evaluative list of 25 characteristics definitely does help viewers to identify Christ figures in films. As Kozlovic mentions in his article, Hollywood movie makers often carry western-Christian centric background and their culture affects the production of films, and because of this, whether people notice it or not, the essence of Christianity can be found unexpectedly in many films.
Kozlovic’s evaluative list helps clarify and identify Christian essence in films, and Christ figures are not only harmless to Christianity, it may even be beneficial to the religion. As the blog says, defining Christ figures could help viewers develop an interest in Christianity. However, what can it do for non-Christians? Would it still be beneficial for the audience in general?
Looking at the issue from a non-Christian perspective, Christ figures do seem harmless at the first glance, although after thinking a little deeper in the issue, I started to wonder if it really is totally harmless? I agree with the blog that it is up to the viewer to interpret Christ figures in films, however, I do not think that the portrayal of Christ is totally harmless to everyone. I agree that it does not seem harmful to Christians, and the only problem for them is that some viewers might take the idea of Christ figures too far and misinterpret the film, though overall its still beneficial to the religion since it educates viewers on Christianity in a entertaining way, and would possibly help deepen the interest for the religion. I believe that everything has both sides, there are positive consequences and there are negatives.
In this case, Christ figures may seem harmless to those who believe, but it could be harmful for those outside of the religion. The essence of Christianity in films creates a sense of unity that gathers believers together, it gives the audience something to talk about, something that they share in common. At the same time, it may be propaganda for non-believers as it reinforces Christian ideas on them, and it also creates a sense of “othering” to those who do not belong or believe. Kozlovic uses many heroic characters as examples of Christ figures in his article, it appears that only Christians are heroic. Moreover, Kozlovic’s evaluative list of what is considered as Christ figures is based on his perspective of the religion, could he be limiting his scope into thinking that all good things must somehow be related to Christianity, and therefore all those heroic characters must be Christ figures?
As a Christian, recognizing Christ figures and the essence of Christianity in the media can be beneficial in educating one’s culture and tradition, as well as keeping it alive. As a non-Christian, these characteristics could be the boundaries between believers and non-believers, and it may also be propaganda that eventually limits one’s ability to choose wisely for their beliefs. As for those who understand the relationship between all these, Christ figures could be a manipulative tool to get what they desire. Everything has consequences after all.
Response to:
Kozlovic, Anton Karl. “The Structural Characteristics of the Cinematic Christ-Figure”. Journal of Religion and Popular Culture 8 (2004): 39 pp.
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