GUEST POST!! and an explanation

“I believe in Christ like I believe in the sun – not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else.” – C. S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia.

I think it’s time I’m clear about something, something many of you may have picked up from my previous posts and podcast episodes: I am a Christian. The way I believe often shines through in everything I do, and I often find echoes of these beliefs in the world around me, including in my fandoms. I know of no better way to say this than to quote the creator of one of the greatest fandoms of all time, one of the fathers of modern fantasy. 

“We have have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splitered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God.” – J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings.

I’ve invited one of my very good friends, Audrey, to write a guest post for this blog touching on this matter. She and I, along with tons of other fans, see our fandoms in this light, as reflecting those splintered bits of truth, and we wanted to share that view with you.

Thanks so much to you, my awesome readers, and thanks again to Audrey! 🙂

• Shay

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Finding Biblical Values in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

A guest post by Audrey.

Like me, you probably thought Rogue One was a great movie. The urgency of the mission. The epic battles. Darth Vader. But the real things that stuck with me were all the lessons in it, things I’m trying to grow in as I seek to become more like Christ. Now, most of the people involved in creating Rogue One are most likely not Christians, but the Truth still finds its way in. That said, there are several differences between the religion of Star Wars, and our relationship with the One True God. We must be discerning and always always compare what we let into our hearts and minds with the Bible. Here are the ways I found to use some of the themes of Rogue One to win our war “against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12

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Working together, despite differences

“You’re all Rebels, aren’t you?”

We all have those people we think we could never work with. Maybe you always seem to argue with them, or they just plain annoy you. Saw and the Alliance had a falling out of some sort (we’ll find out about that in season 4 of Star Wars: Rebels), and now things he was doing were causing them difficulties. The devil tries to divide the church or families by causing disagreements.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

Another example is the Rogue One crew. All of them were extremely different, and didn’t always see eye to eye. But each member had a vital part to play in the mission. Like Ezra learned in the Rebels episode “Ghosts on Geonosis”, not everyone you meet is going to fight for the same reasons you do, but that doesn’t make them your enemy.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

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Knowing God is in control

“I fear nothing. All is as the force wills it.”

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

This promise has comforted me so many times. No matter what happens, God is with you and is working everything for your good. Chirrut was blind, and couldn’t see much of what was going on, but had no fear of anything. Like Chirrut, we can’t see everything going on, but we can trust that God knows and has everything planned. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

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Freedom from guilt

“There is more than one kind of prison, Captain. I sense you carry yours wherever you go.”

Cassian had done some terrible things in his life for the cause of the Rebels. He constantly carried the weight of his guilt with him. Jesus took all our sins and guilt on the cross and finished it once and for all. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1

Once you have repented and been forgiven, don’t hold onto your guilt. It’s impossible to move forward that way. My pastor says it’s like telling Jesus, “I know you already took care of this, but I want to hang onto it a little longer,” and taking it back off the cross for you to carry. Jesus never meant for you to do that.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” – Psalm 32:1

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Taking Action

“You give way to an enemy this evil, with this much power, and you condemn the galaxy to an eternity of submission. The time to fight is now!”

The Council was divided. Some weren’t ready to start a full out war, some were worried about the safety of their pilots or soldiers, and some knew it was impossible. Jyn had seen it with her own eyes, the destruction, the evil, and knew no matter what the cost, something had to be done. There are so many things wrong in this world. There are people in need everywhere, but helping them involves looking around and finding ways to help. Of course we can pray and that’s a great start, but then we must get up and act. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” – James 2:26

The council could not decide the right course of action, so they chose not to act. Luckily for them, there were still people willing to. When the right way to act is unclear, prayer and wisdom are needed to know how to proceed. “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23

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Courage

“We’ll take the next chance. And the next. On and on until we win…or our chances are spent.”

Courage: The ability to do something that frightens one. Strength in the face of pain or grief. Not deterred by danger or pain.

The Lord tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you where ever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

 The Rogue One crew knew that the chance of success was unlikely. But they chose to be courageous, even when the rest of the Rebel Alliance decided on the safe route. We can choose to be courageous every day of our lives, by standing up for what is right, even if it might cost us something. Or everything. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

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Strength

“I can’t get to the shuttle. I can’t plug in.”

“You have to. They have to hit that gate. If the shield’s open, we can send the plans.”

This is one of my favorite parts of the movie, for a minute anyway. Bodhi’s strength was gone. He was under heavy fire, and could not reach the shuttle. Sometimes, God asks me to do things, and my first thought is: “There is no way I can do this.” And that’s partially right, there’s no way I can do somethings in my own strength. But if you know God truly wants you to do something, you can also know He’ll give you the strength to do it. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

You still have to chose to do it though. Like Bodhi, you have to make the decision to get up and run for it with all you’ve got.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10

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Perseverance

“I couldn’t face myself if I gave up now. None of us could.”

There are many days when I feel discouraged. I’m ready to give up trying to understand math or break a bad habit. Sometimes I even doubt that God can change me into who He designed me to be. But then I remember Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Cassian, after having fought for this cause for 20 years, knew he couldn’t turn back now, not when everything depends on it. Jyn, at this point on Scarif must have been exhausted and fighting not to think about her friends she had witnessed fall. She is focused on the mission, determined to reach the goal. We are all persevering to our final goal: Heaven.”Let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 21:1b.

Just as Orson is about to stop her from reaching her goal, Cassian appears. God doesn’t want us to run this race alone. He is with us every step of the way, and He has given us each other to encourage and help one another.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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Not acting out of anger

“Leave it, leave it.”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

This is way easier said then done. When we get angry or hurt, it’s so tempting to lash out by saying something better left unsaid, or getting revenge by doing something similar to them. This makes the situation worse by adding to the people who are hurt. If Jyn had decided to end Orson there, she wouldn’t have been acting any better than him. Orson had taken a lot from Jyn, and she had a good reason to be angry, but the Bible says: “In your anger do not sin” “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26

Orson still got what was coming to him, without Jyn having to decide what was just. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “’It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19

Most times, it’s better just to “leave it,” and walk away.

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Sacrifice

“All of us have lost things. And we’ll take more loses before this is over, but we can’t let that stop us from taking risks. We have to move forward. And when the time comes, we have to be ready to sacrifice for something bigger.” – Kanan Jarrus

Living for Christ takes sacrifice. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24

The Rogue One crew chose to give everything.

“…they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

We may not have to give our literal lives for Christ, but we must be willing to surrender our whole lives, which includes everything we do.”For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” – Matthew 6:25

It won’t be easy, but I’d rather die like Bodhi or Jyn, dying for something I believed in, than dying like Krennic, dying from a life spent chasing his success and desires.

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Hope

“Rebellions are Built on Hope.”

Hope is a lot of things.

Hope is the belief that anything is possible. It’s what unites us to one cause, and it’s the best gift we can give. Hope is what inspired the Rebels to take a risk and kept them focused through the mission. It’s what all of them have in common and what they’re struggling to keep alive.

Others may put their hope in their riches, or their good deeds, or others. But these things are so temporary and are constantly disappointing or changing.

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17

People who don’t believe in Heaven, or the ability to be reconciled to God don’t have real hope, and the ending to Rogue One may seem very unhappy. But we know our lives or our hope don’t end when we die. Paul says: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” – 1 Corinthians 15:19

Our Hope doesn’t depend on circumstances, on others, or on ourselves.

Our Hope is eternal, unchanging, and victorious.

Our Hope lies in a person: Jesus Christ!

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” – Proverbs 23:18

“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” – 2 Corinthians 3:12

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The defeat of evil

“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10

Some days it seems as if evil is going to win. Little by little, true good and truth is being attacked and hidden. People are trying to remove God, Who is the only thing able to defeat evil. But God will not allow this, nor will He be defeated. Just like the the Rebels, we may be the minority, we may be scorned, and we may soon be persecuted. But we know that evil will be defeated. Even though this group of Rebels had to make the ultimate sacrifice, others kept fighting, and even if the entire Rebel Alliance had been destroyed, there still would have been others in the future who would have fought back.

“Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.” – Psalm 21:11

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Leaving a Legacy

What is a Legacy? It is planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.

Did you know that we influenced over 10,000 people in some way over the course of our life times? I often wonder how many people were later inspired by the Rogue One crew. Maybe a certain Stormtrooper was told the story of how an Imperial pilot defected. Or at times when Leia was wondering if it was worth it to keep fighting, maybe she would remember all the others who kept on fighting before her. What are you doing now that will out live you? Are you inspiring people to follow God? How do you want to be remembered?

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What did you think of this post? Do you ever see your beliefs and values reflected in your fandoms this way? Tell me about it in the comments, I always love further discussing these topics with you guys!! 🙂