Books & Movies: Divergent

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Christian should be engaging cultureDivergent is the first novel in Veronica Roth's trilogy: Divergent (2011), Insurgent (2012), Allegiant (2013).Although it is not an explicitly Christian book, in the acknowledgments Roth writes, "Thank you, God, for your Son, and for blessing me beyond comprehension..." The author is inviting us to think biblically about the important themes treated in her novel.Thinking Christians need to engage culture. This means we need to rise above the level of mere entertainment. Processing movies, books, TV series, music etc. theologically will enable us to enter into productive conversations.The appeal of Divergent:The younger generation (especially adolescents). Yet whatever your age category, all of us should strive for youthful vigor.  As the scriptures say, the righteous will continue to bear fruit even in old age (Psalm 92:14).Those who fear social rejection.All who feel pressure to fit into a niche, a pre-assigned category, a pigeonhole.Those who are nervous about the emergence of a totalitarian state.A sketch of society in post-apocalypse Chicago:FactionsAbnegationAmityCandorDauntlessEruditeThe factionlessThe divergentSlogan: "Faction before blood"Spiritual messages in Divergent:Love is more valuable than mere knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1).Social pressures are real and strong. The world says "conform" (Romans 12:2). Yet pressure can bring out the best in us. Moreover, we are supposed to conform -- to the character of Christ (Romans 8:29; Philippians 3:10).Keep a firm grasp on reality (1 Samuel 10:22; Acts 26:25).Beware selfish ambition (Galatians 5:21; James 3:16; 3 John 9).Don't just follow the crowd (Exodus 23:2; Mark 15:15; Acts 19:32).Face yours fears; don't give in to them (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:1; John 14:27).Life an adventure (dauntless). Deny self (abnegation). Speak the truth (candor) in love (amity). Learn all you can (erudite), and let all these virtues lead to being more and more like Christ (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:3-11).Yet don't be satisfied with only one area of strength. Strive for all the spiritual virtues (2 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:10-14).Beware the narcissism inherent in celebrating self.  The "me generation" has become the entitled generation. Although we shouldn't fear being different (diverging), we should never diverge from the Lord's morals and standards for our lives. Rather, our lives should converge on the life of the One who lived the perfect life.Our true hero is perfectly balanced.  Tris is admirable because she embodies a blend of selflessness, courage, and intelligence -- as does Jesus. Yet even Tris falls short. But keep the amity and the candor, and every other spiritual virtue, and we will be following Christ. The film points to Christ -- even if "through a glass, darkly" (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV).