Constantine

Constantine was a movie that sure left an impression to me.

Although it's based on a comic book (Hellblazer) but the Christian undertones are very strong through the movie. I don't believe the director was trying to promote Christianity through this movie, but I feel it serves as a reminder for our standings with the Lord.

Few points noted:

1) Constantine was near suicide, and because he's been through Hell, he quickly decided this is not where he wanted to be. He thought by fighting demons, he would redeem himself. However, the ultimate sacrifice is by offsering self for others, which in the end he achieved by giving himself up in exchange for Isabel's life.

- The act of suicide itself is the ultimate sin, as we throw away what God given us. It's a very graphic reminder that we should not take life into our own hands, and to leave it up to God, although in the movie's case, it was done for a different purpose.

- God sent Jesus to earth to preach the living word and die for our sins so for the salvation of mankind. Notice that Jesus did according the Father's will, and sacrifice self for others. A similar tone was set when Constantine offered his life to save Isabel's. And by doing so, he finally redeemed himself.

Side note : although Keanu has been potrayed to be like Christ in Matrix Revelations (as Neo) where he sacrificed himself for the the people of Zion, I feel that Constantine's actions touches the heart more as it reflects a personal sacrifice for the sake of a loved one. Maybe coz Matrix is so hyped-up and new-age like it makes it looks very dramatic feast for the eyes rather than reaching out to your heart.


2) Angel Gabriel brought Mammon to life, because she did not agree with how generous and unconditional God's love is. By unleashing the ultimate Hell, she believes those who survive will truly become the choson people of God.

- Many people can't grasp Christianity for one reason : how can you just enter Heaven by just beliving in God? Believing that Jesus died for our sins to save us all? It's too simple, yet it's true. If you look around, other religions call for doing the right things - works - to gain the path to Nirvana or Heaven. Yet some don't even offer a direct path - you need to be reincarnated seven times before reaching Nirvana status? That's like heck of a lifetime!!

Unfortunately, many Christians advocate that you will be saved by Faith alone, not works.

Not true.

Although the Bible quoted that we are save by faith (Romans 3:28 & Romans 10:10-11),

we are also judged by works (James 2:14-17,21-24)


Looking into the verses again, it is true. How can you call yourself a Christian when your actions show otherwise. Someone once told me America is a blessed country by God. Faith is truly alive in the country, yet if you see what the people are doing and then the next thing is they still go to church, and smiling away as if nothing has happened. I'm not saying it's wrong to do that, but it gives the impression that you did something wrong, but because you are a Christian, you can get away with it. Yes, we are human, and we make mistakes, but I believe there's a wrong image potrayed for the christians who believe in being saved through faith alone.

(Interestingly enough, Romans 3:28 states we are put right with God only through faith and not by doing what the Law demands, it later emphasise in 3:31 that do we do away with the Law? Answer is No, we should instead uphold the Law)

There's also a group of people who are so involved with the physical aspects of religion, that I wonder : do they have the faith? Is Christ alive in their soul? Some people think that by meditating on the rosary every day, or going to daily mass leads to salvation.

Not true as well.

I always remind myself not to get overly zealous with following the customs such as fasting, meditiation on the rosary, sacrements of the church, without knowing the intent of doing so, and without doing it with the love and belief in God. It is important to know what you are practising. Our traditions stemmed from the ancient practices of the Jews and early Christians. One shouldn't critisize that this is pagan worship without doing the necessary homework.

I have known people on the other hand, became so involved in works because of their faith. I believe it would come naturally if you are truly being touched by the Lord. It is where i truly want to be, even though now I feel i'm not in the position to do so. How come it is more prevalent in Evangalical christians rather than Catholics, i'm not sure. Maybe Catholics from my church are more self-centered, but I pray that one day this will change. It's not easy walking with God, but it's not as difficult as it seems. God only wants you to believe in Him, and He will do the rest for you.