"V FOR VENDETTA” ***½ Take 2

*Please note, I originally wrote this post last year, May 2020. But just now posting it.

Suggested Listening: The Veil of Deception: Truth is Not a Conspiracy Theory (start at minute 29)

V for Vendetta has been a favorite of mine for years, and in April of 2010 I wrote a blog post about it.

My heart and understanding of Jesus, the gospel, and what we as believers are called to has changed in the last 10 years. I pray for the wiser.

When I wrote that blog 10 years ago, I was a pacifist. I disavowed weapons, I embraced the suffering and poverty of Christ, and I sat in solidarity with the poor. God saw the sincerity of my heart, and I don’t regret that time of my life.

But I recognize now that in my sincerity, I was largely unaware of the schemes of a very real enemy that doesn't play nice.

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.”

“Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. ”

- V for Vendetta

I have been a part of several communities that long to “sit in solidarity” with the poor or racially divided. We desired community, reconciliation, and peace, and is what many, including myself, labeled as loving your neighbor. But I do not believe it is the full picture.

As believers, we are called to die to self. To follow Christ and give up our rights. However, dying to ourselves and loving our foes does not mean staying silent. When it harms or oppresses the innocent we fight, and we stand up when sin is to become legally sanctioned. It is not selfish, or individualism; it’s truly loving your neighbor.

If all we do is sit in solidarity, singing about reconciliation, but never stand against the oppressor or empower the oppressed, how do we expect them to experience God’s freedom?

V saw and experienced the evil intentions of those in power. He saw humanity being exploited and enslaved and, instead of just sitting with them, he showed them, led them out, and fought the persecutor.

“Our masters have not heard the people's voice for generations and it is much, much louder than they care to remember.” - V for Vendetta

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they are children of God.” The Greek word for peacemakers is eirenepoios, which can be interpreted as “to make or do peace,” suggesting that Jesus is encouraging humanity to not just keep peace but to engage in peacemaking. In the Bible, peace means not only the freedom from all trouble, but enjoyment of all that is good.

Peacemakers must act. And the act of making peace may NOT look peaceful. Making peace can look very different than what is peaceful.

Jesus is revolutionary, His act rebellious – and yet He didn’t just sit in solidarity with the poor or the sinner. He died for them. Instead of peacefully talking, he made a whip out of cords and drove people out of the temple courts. He scattered coins and overturned tables. Instead of bringing fear, He brought freedom.

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

His Kingdom COME

His will be DONE

On EARTH as it is in HEAVEN.

“Jesus didn’t eat with sinners and tax collectors because he wanted to appear inclusive, tolerant, and accepting. He ate with them to call them to repentance. If we miss that, all we’re doing is building our social circle for our own self interest.” - Ariel Gonzalez Bovat