What is this fascination that we have with space adventures and science fiction? Two of the largest sci-fi franchises, Star Trek (1966) and Star Wars (1977) book-end the epic first landing on the Moon by Lance Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin via Apollo 11 in 1969. Both franchises have sparked and amassed a huge cult following of superfans, through various media forms, e.g. film, television, comics, animated series, toys, gaming, etc.
Without going into a heated debate over which franchise is better or superior, here are some basic observations. Whilst both introduced us to alternate galaxies with multiple planets and species, Star Trek mainly focused on space exploration, and it debuted in television. The main protagonists are the Star Fleet team on board the USS Enterprise. The story plotline is more believable and probable in the not-so-distant future of human history. Hence, perhaps its draw especially amongst science geeks and space nerds, especially with the recent resurgence brought about by the highly successful Big Bang Theory, with its cast of brilliant, nerdy, fanboy physicists obsessed with comic books, video games and sci-fi movies.
Star Wars (as part of space opera subgenre) focused on space warfare, battles and adventures, and made its debut in film. The main cast of the original trilogy comprise of the trio of a village boy protege, the young princess, and a loner smuggler and his first mate, with a support cast of 2 Jedi masters (Obi-wan & Yoda), the evil emperor and his powerful Dark Lord enforcer (Vader), and 2 resourceful droids. It leans much more towards fiction and fantasy, especially with the concept of the Force, the Dark Side, the variety of alien species and the two sides of the Rebel alliance and the Galactic Republic, with their fleets and armies of fighters, destroyers and even a killer planet (Death Star).
I guess having the first Star Wars movie (A New Hope) launched in my birth year, as well as growing as a young disciple in the faith, that drew me towards its folklore. There were resonant themes, such as the age-old battle/struggle between good and evil, masters and disciples, light-saber fights, spaceships and space battles, futuristic robots and inventions, and a myriad of original and creative worlds and creatures. There was also probably something exciting about watching it all on the big screen (going to the movies was a treat back then, with only a few cinemas across the whole island-state I grew up in). Growing up in the 80s, somehow I still remember and enjoy the original trilogy (Episodes IV to VI) the most, before the age of CGI effects and wider proportions, bigger-scale plotlines and battle scenes.
As Christians, there are common themes from a biblical perspective that we can glean as well, such as perseverance in our faith, struggling our sinful nature, and the indwelling empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives. One key difference, which I reflected on through my seminary systematic theology lectures, is the concept of dualistic cosmology, or the worldview that our universe/world is dualistic, with two (often equal or equally powerful) concepts or forces that exist, and often oppose each other. In movies, this surfaces when evil often triumphs initially over good, only for the protagonist to overcome tremendous odds to emerge victorious in the end. However, we know biblically that God is all-powerful and sovereign over all creation, including Satan and his demons, and will have the ultimate victory in the end times through Jesus’ second coming, and the final judgment.
In recent decades, especially in the comic or superhero genres, there are also more antiheroes that are flawed and conflicted. In the past, for example, the original Superman used to be this clean-cut, almost perfect hero that always stands on and fights for the law and justice. By the time of Batman versus Superman, you have both who have flaws, past mistakes, and internal struggles against themselves, powers, and moral/ethical dilemmas that are not so clear cut right or wrong. We see this also in Star Wars with the story of Darth Vadar, originally Anakin Skywalker, both after the epic saber-fight between Luke and Vader, where he reveals himself to be Luke’s father, and the prequel trilogy where we see the conflicted Anakin evolve to eventually become Vader. We see this also most apparent in Kylo Ren’s journey in the third trilogy, and glimpses with Luke and Rey as they struggle with the two sides of the Force.
In real life, perhaps this mirrors the increasing scandals we see amongst high-profile leaders, both secular and Christian. There are saddeningly less and less of clean-cut hero type leaders. Society has often lost trust in individuals, and never hold anyone in this high respect or regard anymore. Cynicism and skepticism creep in, there will always be flaws or dirt that we can dig up on anyone, whether you are from the media/press or just a concerned citizen. Of course, we should never place anyone on the pedestal or create idol worship of any human, but it is now few, rare and wide to find anyone of great integrity and faithfulness that we can emulate or look up to. Our ultimate focus should be on Christ and the cross, in our struggles and pressing on in the faith, remembering the heroes of faith (Heb. 11), fixing our eyes on Him, the author and perfector/finisher of our faith, remembering his love, example and sacrifice, so that we would not grow weary and lose heart.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb. 12.1-3)
May we work out our salvation with holy fear, shining as stars, holding out the word of life, as children of God, blameless and pure in a sinful generation, as God works in us to will and to act for His glory and pleasure until He comes again (Phil 2.12-16).