“V for Vendetta” **½

Suggested Reading: "Jesus and Nonviolence – A Third Way" by Walter Wink

A blend between “The Count of Monte Cristo” and “The Phantom of the Opera”, “V for Vendetta” portrays a country with the promise of security, without freedom – showing what could happen when a government rules without being a voice for the people. V’s main message is, “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”

“A building is a symbol, as is the act of destroying it. Symbols are given power by people. A symbol, in and of itself is powerless, but with enough people behind it, blowing up a building can change the world.”

“Violence is the answer.” At least that is what I hear time and again – in movies, through actions, within wars – it’s fed to each of my senses repeatedly until I can believe there is no other option.

In order to stop the terrorists and to protect ourselves and our homeland, people begin to believe a violent rebellion is the only way. Carry a gun, send a missile and inject fear – this is the only way to respond.

But, what if there was another way? What if we stopped blaming the government, our neighbors and our enemies for our problems, hurts, and sadness? We must take responsibility for our own actions and the world around us. And what if--instead of using violence to deal with problems, we chose love? What if we truly picked up the cross of Jesus and carried it?

We must begin by dying to ourselves and loving our foes.

Jesus is revolutionary, His act rebellious – and yet instead of picking up a gun, He died. Instead of throwing a bomb, He laid down His life. Instead of bringing fear, He brought freedom.

One man changed eternity through love; surely enough people can change a world through it.

- Kindness can transform the mood of an enemy.
- Forgiveness can eliminate revenge.
- Pardoning the debt of others can show mercy.
- Empowering and inspiring inner city youth can change the direction of a neighborhood.
- Silent protests can change legislation.
- Boycotting buses can bring equality.
- Signed petitions can reshape a government.
- Volunteers, educators, doctor and artists can be more effective than dropping missiles.

This idea seems almost too simple, lofty, maybe even idealistic –a rebellion of peace, a revolution of dying to oneself.

Instead of violence, peace.
Instead of hatred, love.
Instead of fear, trust.

“A cross is a symbol, as is the act of loving through it. Symbols are given power by people. A symbol, in and of itself is powerless, but with enough people behind it, the cross can change the world.”

His Kingdom COME
His will be DONE
On EARTH as it is in HEAVEN