Les Miserables, Jesus in the Desert, and Lent

Pastor Keith Anderson reflects on seeing Les Miserables and the contrasting understanding of religion in the show between Jean Valjean and Javert. He says, "We see today, as it did for Valjean and Javert that the very same religion, Christianity, can be used to oppress or to liberate, to condemn or to redeem, to exclude or to embrace. It can be used as a weapon (a bludgeon) or a healing salve." He connects this to Jesus' 40 days in the desert and rejection of the way of power and privilege.