Starship Troopers vs. Biblical Salvation: A Tale of Two Citizenships

 

The 1997 sci-fi film Starship Troopers, directed by Paul Verhoeven, presents a militarized future where full citizenship is earned through federal service. In this dystopian society, only those who serve in the military gain the right to vote and hold political office. The protagonist, Johnny Rico, joins the Mobile Infantry to prove himself, experiencing intense training, war, and loss along the way.

While the film critiques authoritarianism and blind nationalism, its concept of citizenship stands in stark contrast to biblical salvation. Whereas Starship Troopers presents citizenship as something earned through service and sacrifice, the Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift received through faith. This blog will explore these opposing views of belonging—one earned through deeds, the other granted by grace.

 

Citizenship by Service vs. Salvation by Faith

In Starship Troopers, citizenship is a privilege that must be earned. As Colonel Jean Rasczak states, "Something given has no value. When you vote, you are exercising political authority. You’re using force. And force, my friends, is violence, the supreme authority from which all other authority is derived." The film presents a world where self-sacrifice and military service justify one's right to full participation in society. Those who refuse to serve remain "civilians," lacking certain rights and privileges.

Many people today believe they can work their way into a peaceful afterlife, much like the path to citizenship in the movie. Statements like "I'm a good person, I don't... (fill in the blank)" or "At least I'm not... (fill in this blank)" reflect a philosophy that measures righteousness by comparison to others. This mindset leads to pride, boasting, an attitude of superiority, leading to division, racism, fear, hatred, and suffering.

In contrast, the Bible presents salvation as an unearned gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Unlike the merit-based citizenship of Starship Troopers, biblical salvation is not something one earns through works, military service, or personal sacrifice. Instead, it is granted by God’s grace to those who believe in Jesus Christ.

The Morality Test vs. The Heart Test

Another key theme in Starship Troopers is the idea of proving one’s worth through testing. In order to gain citizenship, one must not only serve but also pass rigorous exams demonstrating understanding of duty, loyalty, and the Federation’s moral code. This echoes human attempts to establish righteousness through personal merit or societal approval.

Biblically, however, true belonging in God's kingdom is not determined by external testing but by an internal transformation. Romans 10:9-10 states, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." The Bible emphasizes a heart-level change rather than a merit-based test. While Starship Troopers suggests that only the best and most committed individuals deserve citizenship, the Bible reveals that salvation is for all who place their faith in Christ, regardless of their past, present, future, social media following, status or physical attributes.

 

The contrast between Starship Troopers and biblical salvation highlights two vastly different approaches to belonging. The film’s worldview insists that only through personal sacrifice and service can one earn a place in society. The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not earned through human effort. Although receiving God's salvation is as simple as Romans 10. Walking in this Faith may require a time of testing and sacrifice. Don't be fooled the gift of salvation is not based on the outcome of the trials, but on your Faith in the works and sacrifice of Christ. 

While Rico and his fellow troopers fight for the right to be counted among the citizens of the Federation, Christians rest in the knowledge that their citizenship in God’s kingdom is secured—not by their own deeds, but by the finished work of Jesus Christ. In the end, Starship Troopers presents a world where worth is earned, but the Bible offers a greater hope: a kingdom where all are welcome by grace through faith.

Mercy in Space: How Star Wars & Star Trek Illustrate Blessing Over Retaliation

 In a galaxy where hurt is met with hurt and hate with hate. We see it everywhere – retaliation escalating into chaos. You know what I’m talking about, we all see it, just watch the evening news, listen to the news feeds on social media, FaceBook-Instagram-Tic Tok-etc. We see the hate to our neighbor, our City, State, Federal Government, car lots and buildings being set afire. It weighs on all of us.

But what if there's a better way?

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." - 1 Peter 3:9

Jesus himself taught, "Eye for eye only ends in blindness; instead, choose love – bless those who curse you." (My paraphrase of Matthew 5:38-42)

God's nature is really beautiful - He's incredibly patient, loving, and faithful, and He wants us to be like Him, showing kindness and humility everywhere. Actually, blessing others when they wrong us brings huge rewards – try it! God's mercy is always stronger than anger or judgment, and He never gives up on us. We can approach Him anytime without fear, because He offers grace and mercy constantly.

In a galaxy far, far away… there are characters that live out God's mercy principle from 1 Peter 3:9 and Matthew 5:38-42.

Obi-Wan, for instance, has every reason to kill his former apprentice Anakin on the planet Mustafar. Anakin had just turned to the dark side and tried to destroy him and his pregnant wife! Yet, Obi-Wan spares his life, leaving him alive. This mercy temporarily saves Anakin, setting the stage for his later redemption as Darth Vader.

Then Luke faces the same evil Darth Vader, his father Anakin. Instead of seeking revenge, Luke chooses love and mercy, ultimately redeeming his father. Vader sacrifices himself to save Luke.

Because of these acts of mercy from Obi-Won and Luke, Vader would never have had the opportunity to repent and be redeemed thus striking a critical blow to the corruption of the Sith.

We also see glimpses of mercy through other characters like Leia showing kindness to captured Stormtroopers and Chewbacca sparing Imperial officers.

 

Now let's beam over to the Star Trek universe avoiding the complexities of alternate universes.

You see mercy in action through leaders like Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Data, Captain James T. Kirk, all the Captains for that matter, and Odo. I'm going to show you the mercy of Captain Picard and Janeway saving time for this blog.

The Borg Queen is captured by Captain Picard when The Borg attacks Earth, seeking to assimilate all life into their cybernetic collective. Given Captain Picard’s past trauma of being previously assimilated by the Borg as Locutus, he could've sought revenge. Instead, he chose mercy, sparing her life and destroying the Borg cube remotely.

Picard explained his choice to his crew by saying: "She's no longer relevant... The Borg Collective will rebuild, but I will not be party to her execution."

Captain Janeway even showed mercy to the Borg Queen by sparing her life twice.  This I believe led to the self-inflicted destruction of the Borg.

Years later, a stunning twist revealed the reborn Borg Queen was Anneke Hanson, a former friend of Picard's before her assimilation into the Borg Collective. Anneke's friendship with Picard and the mercy given to the former Queen creates full circle redemption that helps prevent a Romulan attack on Earth and the Federation.

In case you wander “full circle redemption” is Biblical (Luke 6:37-38). It’s not easy and requires mercy from two parties but it is a pleasant miracle.

A similar theme emerged in our earlier exploration of the Planet of the Apes franchise, where we discovered powerful lessons on Revenge, Forgiveness, and Mercy: Lessons from War for the Planet of the Apes – From Galaxies to Genesis ' Caesar's choice to spare the life of Colonel McCullough, his enemy, illustrated mercy's transformative power, displaying the same principle we are discussing in this blog.

As we navigate our own galaxy filled with conflict and division, let us embrace the mercy principle embodied by Obi-Wan, Luke, Captain Picard, Ceasar and other sci-fi heroes. By choosing love over retaliation and blessing over insult, we may just inherit the blessings in 1 Peter 3:9.

Our heroes' examples inspire us to reflect God's nature of patient, love, faithfulness, and mercy. Together, let’s create a galaxy where mercy triumphs over judgment and love conquers hate. In God’s plan of mercy, we can use this Force to Live Long and Prosper.

Discovering Heavenly Riches: A Sci-Fi Parable

 

In a galaxy filled with treasure hunts – from Star Wars’ holocrons to Star Trek’s latinum – one quest surpasses them all, discovering heavenly riches. Matthew 13:44-46 is Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure, a quest worth surrendering everything to possess. This cosmic truth resonates with me, many sci-fi fans, and spiritual seekers alike. 

What if fictional characters’ obsessive pursuits of treasure mirrored our own hunt for the Kingdom of Heaven? Join me as we explore Jesus’ parable through a sci-fi lens – discovering whether we would surrender all for Heaven. 

In fictional universes, characters will stop at nothing to claim coveted treasures. Their obsessive pursuits often set them on a path that will cost them all that they have and make them walk in a faith they did not know they would. This mirror of intensity is what Jesus’ parable of the treasure in the field or the merchant searching for pearls is trying to express. There are many characters in Sci-Fi that have this intensity of pursuit, but I’ll stick with this list for time's sake. Let us start with the Ferengi, like Quark and Rom, who live by the “Great Material Continuum”-profit above all else. They hunt and pursue their whole life searching for the greatest deal for them. Lando Calrissian, is another, a character who embodies smooth talking savvy, yet his pursuit of wealth led him to risk everything – friendship with Han Solo and rebellion against the Empire – to govern Cloud City’s lucrative mining operations. For the Lord of the Ring fans, Gollum, a tormented soul consumed by obsession, his fixation on “my precious” – the One Ring – drove him to sacrifice relationships, sanity, and ultimately his life in pursuit of reclaiming it. I don’t talk about the superhero universes, but Thanos, a villain driven by twisted ideology, his relentless quest for Infinity Stones led him to wipe out half of all life in the universe, sacrificing love – Gamora – and companionship to balance resources and ensure power. Then again, the Avengers trying to restore what Thanos destroyed.  These characters’ extreme measures raise questions: What treasure could possibly warrant such sacrifice – and would we surrender similarly for heavenly riches? 

Matthew 13:44-46 – The Ultimate Treasure 

Jesus’ parable reveals the Kingdom of Heaven as the ultimate treasure worth surrendering everything.

The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

This verse shows us that unexpected discovery can spark joy and urgency, leading us to willingly sacrifice everything valuable for the greater treasure. We all have had that spark when we find the extra money in our stash. Now just imagine the spark of joy if you found enough to change your life permanently.

Then if we didn't get the meaning the first time Jesus gives us another example:

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Pearls were supreme treasure to people at this time. This would be like a vintage, mint-condition comic book (e.g., Action Comics #1). So valuable a collector would sell all his other comic book for this.

Jesus Himself is this treasure – worth surrendering all comforts, securities, and desires. The scripture is not telling you that you must sell all you have to have the Kingdom of Heaven, but if Jesus asked you to surrender all for Him, would you? 

Surrendering All for Heavenly Riches 

The question remains: would we surrender all for Jesus? The Bible records Jesus’ original followers surrendering everything – Matthew 19:27 says they “left everything and followed Him.” Through fictional backstories in The Chosen series, Peter leaves his fishing business and family’s livelihood behind. Matthew abandons his lucrative tax collecting career, and Simon walks away from Zealot extremism and potential revenge against Romans. 

In modern times, people worldwide surrender comforts sometimes even risking everything and their life for Jesus. Some of the modern-day searcher from Mathew 13 would be people like Tim Tebow, former NFL quarterback, left sports for ministry and philanthropy. Entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie closed his online business to focus on TOMS Shoes' nonprofit initiatives and faith-based projects.  Artist Lauren Daigle transitioned from secular music to award-winning Christian worship music. Former Muslims also made this ultimate sacrifice, Rifqa Bary, who fled her family and faced death threats for converting to Christianity. Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of Hamas founder, who converted and lost family ties. Sabatina James, Pakistani-born author, who faced persecution for choosing Jesus. All stepped out on faith to follow the Kingdom of Haeven's treasure. 

Would you join their ranks – surrendering all for heavenly riches and Jesus’ call? 

Claiming the Kingdom's Treasure 

As we have explored through sci-fi lens and real-life examples, Jesus' parable reveals the Kingdom of Heaven as treasure worth surrendering everything. The question posed throughout this journey would we surrender all for Jesus? remains deeply personal. Only you can answer this about yourself. Remember, countless individuals past and present have stepped out in faith, claiming the Kingdom's treasure as their ultimate riches. Will you join them? 

If you wish to start that search: 

A - Admit you are a sinner and need Jesus as Savior. 
B - Believe Jesus is the Son of God, crucified for your sins, and risen from the dead. 
C - Confess Jesus as Lord of your life, surrendering all to follow Him. 

Pray with me: "Dear God, I admit I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus is Your Son, my Savior. I confess Him as Lord of my life. Amen." 

If you have decided to find the Kingdoms Treasure and have prayed this prayer. Reach out to me at support@fromgalaxiestogenesis.com subject: decision. I would like to help you with your next step. 

Explore more faith-meets-sci-fi content and inspiring resources at the link in the right margin.

Battlestar Galactica: Faith and Coexistence

 

Battlestar Galactica: Faith and Coexistence

I remember the original Battlestar Galactica. At that point in my life, I mainly watched sci-fi for entertainment. Only occasionally did I think of spiritual messages. Of course, the original series put the spiritual message as a backdrop, unlike the 2004 reboot. This Battlestar Galactica explores the themes of faith and coexistence, blending thought-provoking questions with gripping sci-fi storytelling to a co-star status. The series tackles how belief systems shape actions, both in the human Colonials' multi-gods and the Cylons' strict one-god. Through characters like Dr. Gaius Baltar, who transforms from a skeptic to a follower of the Cylons' god, we see a range of perspectives on faith and purpose. These two beliefs are the core of the conflict. This raises a question: where do you stand? in our reality many of the religions do not allow for coexistence.  The bumper sticker on the car often makes me sad, wandering if the driver knows their own beliefs or the beliefs of the perceptive symbol. Whether faith unites or divides, the quest for truth is a journey we all share.

Colonials and Many gods

The Colonials believe in a multitude of gods inspired by Greco-Roman myths. Their faith is a central part of their culture, offering hope but also sparking tension within the Colonials.

Take Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, for instance. She wrestles with her role as the "Harbinger of Death," questioning destiny and divine will. Her doubts reflect struggles many of us face when trying to balance personal beliefs with a sense of purpose.

Then there’s President Laura Roslin, who follows ancient prophecies to guide humanity. Her deep faith often clashes with Admiral Adama’s practical, logic-driven mindset. Their disagreements highlight the ongoing conflict between spiritual beliefs and the rational decision-making of the Admiral.

Even in their darkest moments, the Colonials turn to rituals for strength, but I feel that the ritual often left doubt. Starbuck’s cry of "We’re going the wrong way!" after interpreting signs differently reveals how fragile yet resilient faith can be.

This mirrors our own experience with religion: Does tradition anchor us in truth or hold us back? The Colonials' struggles force us to ask how faith shapes not just survival, but the pursuit of purpose in life. This is a thought that I expressed in the earlier blog Revenge, Forgiveness, and Mercy: Lessons from War for the Planet of the Apes. I hope this will deepen your thoughts on this.

  

Cylons and the ambiguous one god

The Cylons, on the other hand, follow a singular, all-powerful god—a stark contrast to the Colonials. They see themselves as chosen instruments of divine will, often justifying extreme actions like genocide as part of a holy mission.

Yet, their faith isn’t without contradictions. While claiming to follow god’s will, the Cylons frequently display moral ambiguity. How does a belief in divine purpose coexist with such ruthless actions?

One of the most fascinating Cylons, Number Six, often speaks directly about god’s plans. Her devotion drives her actions, even as she grapples with guilt and redemption. Similarly, Boomer and Athena face struggles that question their loyalty and identity, showing that faith isn’t always simple—even for the devout.

Their belief also highlights universal questions: Does faith guide us toward justice or vengeance. Can it blind us to compassion? The Cylons’ faith challenges us to think about how convictions can drive both good and harm in the world.

 

The parallels between the Colonials’ and Cylons’ struggles highlight timeless questions about faith, Coexistence, and purpose. Both groups wrestle with regret over their creations, mirroring the divine sorrow in Genesis 6:5-7, where God grieves over humanity’s sin. This reminds us of the cost of our choices and the moral weight of being creator, jury and judge.

While Battlestar Galactica presents these dilemmas through sci-fi, the Bible offers profound answers to these conflicts. Within its pages, I find a Creator who provides forgiveness, hope, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Unlike the ambiguous deity of the Cylons or the fractured gods of the Colonials, the God of the Bible offers clarity, purpose, and peace.

When we are faced with the divisions and struggles of faith, the Bible challenges us to transcend human limitations and find unity in God's unchanging truth. I invite you to explore scripture and discover the ultimate source of redemption and purpose.

Revenge, Forgiveness, and Mercy: Lessons from War for the Planet of the Apes

 

Recently, I rewatched the entire Planet of the Apes saga—from the 1968 classic to the 2001 remake and finally, the modern saga. While the premise remains consistent—a world where apes rise to dominance—the details of humanity's downfall differ dramatically. In the original series, it was nuclear war; in the reboot, it’s a devastating virus. This change struck me, highlighting how our fears evolve with time.

One scene in the 1968 film particularly stuck with me: the trial of George Taylor. As the judges react to Taylor’s shocking testimony, each embodies the proverbial "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." One covers his ears, another his eyes, and the last his mouth. It’s hilariously on the nose! This moment had me thinking about religion and its dual role in society—either as a guide to truth and progress or a tool of oppression and control. I might just explore this theme in a future blog.

But for now, my focus is on Caesar, a leader who embodies the universal struggle with revenge, forgiveness, and mercy. These virtues, intricately intertwined, challenge us to rise above our base instincts, much like Caesar wrestles with his decisions. By reflecting on his journey, we find valuable insights into how these timeless virtues shape our humanity. Let’s dive into the lessons Caesar’s story can teach us.

The Weight of Revenge

Revenge is seductive. It offers a promise of justice wrapped in pain, often blinding us to the costs. Caesar's journey in War for the Planet of the Apes is marked by this heavy burden. Stricken with grief after the murder of his family by the ruthless Colonel, Caesar succumbs to the allure of vengeance. His heart hardens, and he embarks on a dangerous path, risking not only his mission but also the community he swore to protect.

As I watched this unfold, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with anger and bitterness. There were moments in my life when someone’s betrayal made me want to strike back. I told myself it would be about justice, but looking back, I see it was about satisfying my pride. Those moments often left me emptier, weighed down by the very anger I thought would set me free.

The Bible vividly illustrates how revenge can destroy a soul. Consider Cain, whose jealousy and anger led him to murder his brother Abel. Rather than bringing him peace, the act condemned him and the generations that follow to a life of wandering, marked by guilt and estrangement from God (Genesis 4:8-12). Similarly, King Saul’s obsessive pursuit of David consumed him, leading to paranoia, the collapse of his kingship, and ultimately his downfall (1 Samuel 18-31). These stories remind us that revenge doesn’t heal—it erodes the very essence of who we are and your culture.

Romans 12:19 warns, "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." Caesar’s quest for revenge mirrors this truth. As he confronts the Colonel, we see his rage collide with his deeper values. What begins as a personal vendetta transforms into a reckoning with his identity as a leader and his capacity for mercy.

Revenge can feel like control, but in truth, it enslaves us. As Caesar’s story shows, the cost is high—not only to those we aim our anger at but to ourselves and those we love. The weight of revenge is more than one soul should bear, and it’s through forgiveness and mercy that the burden is lifted.

The Freedom of Forgiveness

Caesar’s journey teaches us the heavy cost of revenge, and how it strips us of our peace. Yet, as we watch him struggle with this

burden, a shift begins to take place through the forgiveness of a human girl, Nova. In the midst of his pain, we see a glimpse of something more freeing— the possibility of forgiveness. This turning point in Caesar’s story reminds us that, while revenge may offer a fleeting sense of justice, true liberation lies in the courage to forgive. In War for the Planet of the Apes, Caesar grapples with this deeply. His pursuit of vengeance against the Colonel isolates him, drawing him away from his community and clouding his judgment as a leader. In his final moments, however, we see glimmers of redemption.

Caesar’s ultimate sacrifice—his death—cements his legacy as a leader willing to lay down his life for others. But it also raises a question: what if Caesar had chosen forgiveness earlier? If he had focused on guiding his people with grace rather than pursuing revenge, could they have avoided captivity? Would followers or his friend not have died? Could Caesar have lived longer, working to establish true justice for his wife and son while safeguarding the future of his people?

This notion echoes a profound biblical truth: forgiveness is not only a gift to others but also a pathway to healing for ourselves. Jesus, in Luke 23:34, asks forgiveness for those who crucified Him, embodying the ultimate act of mercy and grace. His example reminds us that forgiveness often costs us something—our pride, our right to revenge—but it offers a freedom that vengeance never can.

Forgiveness also restores what revenge seeks to destroy: relationships, community, and hope. By clinging to anger, Caesar jeopardized the very people he sought to protect. Yet his story reminds us of our own struggles. How often do we let bitterness dictate our actions, only to find ourselves isolated and burdened?

Ultimately, Caesar’s story calls us to reflect: who are we carrying anger toward? What might happen if we laid it down, choosing instead the harder path of forgiveness? The freedom of forgiveness doesn’t just set us free—it frees those we love and heals in the light of grace.

The Strength of Mercy

Forgiveness, as we’ve seen in Caesar’s story, doesn’t just release the one forgiven—it also releases the one offering it. But forgiveness alone isn’t always enough to heal a broken world. That’s where mercy enters the picture. Just as Caesar’s choice to forgive opens the door to redemption, mercy completes the journey by offering strength in the face of injustice. It’s in this powerful act of mercy that true transformation begins.  In War for the Planet of the Apes, the Colonel’s ultimate choice to take his own life speaks to the consuming power of guilt and the weight of revenge. Rather than face the mercy that Caesar offered, he succumbs to his own despair. His end contrasts sharply with Caesar’s choice to offer mercy, revealing how mercy, though costly, brings a strength that revenge can never provide.

God, too, demonstrated mercy in the face of overwhelming right to judgment. In the days of Noah, God had every right to destroy humanity with the flood. Yet, in His mercy, He chose to preserve life, giving a chance for redemption. This mercy was ultimately fulfilled in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who bore the consequences of our sin, offering a path to salvation for all. Jesus’ life and sacrifice embody the strength of mercy—mercy that doesn’t condone wrong but chooses to work for justice through love and sacrifice by grace.

In both the Biblical and cinematic stories, mercy calls us to rise above vengeance, to show strength in restraint, and to make space for redemption even in the most dire circumstances. Mercy allows us to restore relationships, heal wounds, and build a future grounded in justice and love.

As we reflect on Caesar’s journey, it teaches us a profound lesson about the transformative power of forgiveness and mercy. His choice to forgive, despite the cost, mirrors the ultimate sacrifice God made for us through Jesus Christ. Just as God chose mercy for us, allowing us to turn away from revenge and embrace grace, we too are invited to make that choice. This path of forgiveness brings healing and freedom. The question now is, will you choose forgiveness and mercy, or continue to hold onto vengeance? Remember, it is because of God’s Grace that you have the opportunity to love.

The Hero Within: Discovering Eternal Truths in the Wonders of Sci-Fi

 Whether it's Luke Skywalker- battling the Galactic Empire, Captain Kirk- exploring the final frontier, Michael Burnham- uncovering what grace and forgiveness is, or Paul Atreides- wrestling with destiny, and with purpose in life, we are captivated by stories of individuals who rise to the occasion and triumph over adversity. As a self-proclaimed "X-wing Trekkie" fan, I’ve always been drawn to how sci-fi explores the eternal struggle between good and evil, revealing profound truths beneath the surface of space battles and futuristic technologies.

From the moment I first watched "Star Wars" as a child, I was hooked. The epic battles, the larger-than-life characters, and the sense of adventure and discovery all captured my imagination. As I grew older, my love for science fiction expanded to include the rich tapestry of the "Star Trek" universe, the mind-bending concepts of "Dune," and the thought-provoking narratives of "Blade Runner" and "Battlestar Galactica."

 

Heroes captivate us, whether they’re wielding lightsabers or boldly going where no one has gone before. I’ve noticed that all these sci-fi universes share one thing: a hero rising against the odds to defeat evil, battling the darkness in us, and struggling with self-worth. While sci-fi worlds often depict evil as a natural force or a force that has always been, the Bible offers a different story. 

 

 Where heroes are born into a cosmic struggle with unchangeable forces, the Bible tells us this. According to Romans 8:1-5, Evil wasn’t always a part of our world—it was introduced by human sin. While characters like Paul Atreides are burdened with the weight of saving their worlds, we can’t be the ultimate hero in our own lives. Even in the most powerful of sci-fi narratives, the hero remains limited by their humanity. The fall of humanity introduced sin, and with it came suffering. But unlike the worlds of sci-fi where heroes are born into inevitable conflicts, the Bible teaches us that we weren’t meant for this brokenness. 

We long for a hero not just because we want to defeat an abstract evil, but because deep down, we yearn to return to the goodness and freedom we lost. Yet in reality, no matter how hard we try, we can’t be the ultimate hero. Even the bravest Jedi or most cunning starship captain will stumble. Even Paul Atreides and his messianic role in Dune, struggles with self-worth. That’s why I’ve found my true hero—not in the movies- a hero who doesn’t struggle with self-worth or fall into the failings of humanity, but who defeats evil once and for all, and stands as a hero that has even split time. This hero, Jesus Christ, conquered the real evil we face, offering not just salvation from external enemies but from the sin within.

 Jesus offers a salvation that goes beyond the temporary victories of sci-fi. While *Dune* questions the cost of heroism and messianic leadership, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate answer: a selfless hero whose triumph brings true and lasting freedom.

 

 So, whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie, a *Dune* aficionado, or a Jedi at heart, remember that the real hero isn’t found in a distant galaxy or a desert planet. Jesus is the one who has already come to defeat evil and restore what we had lost. The greatest hero story is not just a saga for the screen—it’s the one unfolding in the pages of Scripture. The next time you enjoy your next sci-fi journey, remember that the ultimate hero’s story isn’t on-screen but is written in the pages of Scripture, where you’ll find lasting answers to life’s biggest questions.

 

 

The Moon, the Bible, and the Ballot: Ideologies in the 2024 Election

In the upcoming U.S. election, the stark contrast between two of the five candidates' ideologies—Yes there’s five, an Independent, Green, Libertarian, a Democrat and a Republican. For the sake of this blog, we will look at the Republican and the Democrat candidates. These two ideologies mirror the polarized government styles often depicted in science fiction. One example is Robert A. Heinlein's novel, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress", which explores a capitalist society on the Moon rebelling against the tyrannical rule of Earth's government. The most gripping quote for this novel compelled me to meditate the similarities, fears and anger that so many feel.

"There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." - Robert A. Heinlein

Just as the American colonies sought freedom from British rule during the Revolutionary War, Heinlein's lunar colonists fight for independence from Earth's tyranny. Both revolutions are fueled by a desire for self-governance, driven by the core ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Because of these desires the technological advancements enjoyed by the U.S. populace are a result of capitalist innovation. Here are two examples that come to mind although there are many that I can see. The first is the backbone to the later and is not thought about, Semiconductors are in all our lives, from smartphones, autos, lighting to medical devices. The semiconductor industry is thriving under a capitalist system these unseen marvels have transformed our daily pursuit in countless ways. In most recent technology is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is revolutionizing various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. This cutting-edge technology, developed through the innovative spirit of capitalism, is poised to reshape our world in profound ways.

While capitalism and the current Republican policies has undeniably fueled innovation and technological advancements, it's important to examine the contrasting ideology. Democratic policies often embrace a larger government role, aiming to create a more equitable society. However, in today’s roles the policies risk stifling innovation, supply of food and goods, burden the middle class, and infringing on religious freedoms. The supporters believe they promote fairness and protect vulnerable populations but result in harming the ones it is to protect.

Biblical Perspectives on Tyranny and Freedom

The Bible presents profound insights into tyranny and the call to resist it, advocating for justice and freedom. In Isaiah 1:17, believers are called to "seek justice" and "correct oppression," emphasizing the moral duty to confront tyranny. Proverbs 29:2 highlights the suffering under unjust rulers, showing the harm they cause to their people. Exodus 1:13-14 provides a vivid account of the Israelites’ oppression under Pharaoh, serving as a timeless reminder of the evils of tyranny and the importance of liberation. These passages underscore the biblical mandate for justice and freedom.

The Bible not only addresses the physical freedoms but the spiritual as well. In 2 Corinthians 3:17, it states, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom," highlighting spiritual liberty through God's presence. John 8:36 reinforces this, saying, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed," referring to the ultimate freedom through Christ. Galatians 5:1 urges believers to embrace this freedom and not return to bondage, while Psalm 119:45 reflects the freedom found by living according to God's commands. These verses emphasize the holistic freedom in Christ over the tyranny of sin.

A Cosmic Struggle for Freedom

As we approach the U.S. election, the contrast between capitalism and socialism is more than a political debate—it's a battle for the essence of freedom itself. Capitalism, with its technological advancements and economic prosperity, reflects the potential of individual liberty and innovation. Meanwhile, the Bible's warnings against tyranny resonate with Heinlein's lunar rebellion, illustrating the ongoing struggle for self-governance and freedom.

In this pivotal moment in history, we must draw on both the wisdom of the past and the innovative spirit of the future. As science and faith converge, we are poised to unlock the mysteries of the universe and the boundless potential of human freedom.

 

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