I was recently able to see the new movie Avatar in 3D. It was pretty incredible – the effects, animation, and 3D combined to make a truly immersive experience. The story, which some have compared to Pocohantas, is also very appealing, and not just for its standard underdog-takes-on-the-bad-guy script. There is something about the culture of the Na’vi (the film’s “blue people”) that appeals to our desire for something simple and genuine.
In fact, I was surprised to read recently that many people who watched the film are experiencing surprising side effects. CNN.com reports that film-goers are suffering from the “Avatar blues”, and longing for the community they saw in the movie. One forum commenter stated, “Ever since I went to see ‘Avatar’ I have been depressed. Watching the wonderful world of Pandora and all the Na’vi made me want to be one of them.” This desire for community has even led some to depression and suicidal thoughts. Other movies, such as The Last Samurai, point to this same longing in our hearts.
All of this reinforces a basic human desire: we long to live in genuine community. We want to be in a network of trusted relationships that values honor, courage, respect, purity, love, discipline, and connection with the divine. It’s an unsatisfied desire that has been within us since the fall of man (Genesis 3). Because sin entered the world, we are alienated not only from one another, but from God Himself. It is the most basic conflict of the human condition.
And this is why I feel the church is so important in today’s world. People are seeking this kind of connection with God and with others, but all that our society offers is superficial community and short-lived material satisfaction. This is why Jesus came into the world – to give us a path to connect with God and to reconcile us with one another.
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” – Colossians 1:19-20
We need to be reconciled to God.
This weekend, our church will be going on a retreat called “Make Us One”. It’s my prayer that we will experience the truth of the Gospel message that provides what this world can’t: community with God and with others. We want to be united as a church, and that can only happen through the reconciling power of Jesus Christ. This is what our church needs – and what the world is looking for.
