May 17, 2010 10:32 AM
Lost - Christian themes and Catholic moments?
Do any of you watch Lost? I've never watched it, but I'm really intrigued after reading an article in World magazine about the Christian themes running through it:
Mystery Island Biblical connections and questing expand with final season of Lost
Megan BashamThis may seem a strange time to review ABC's mega-hit series Lost. After all, the show did just begin its final season, and Christian TV watchers are, much like the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 and the Others, already settled into two clearly drawn camps: those who harbor a fierce, dedicated affection for the show and those who never watched it and don't get what all the fuss is about.
To the first group--I know you. Heck, I am you. And I know that you enjoy poring over every bit of theory, conjecture, and analysis related to your beloved drama. To the second, it's time to learn what you've been missing and be cheered that it's not too late for you. Thanks to Netflix and others, you can enjoy past seasons of Lost, and thanks to the internet, you can even catch up on the first couple of episodes from this final season.
Without spoiling anything for those who have yet to experience the secrets of the island, it is safe to say that from the outset Lost has been a rare show that allows those able to pick up on its Christian symbolism to appreciate it on a deeper level than the average viewer. Some of those symbols are writ in neon and some in postscripts (ask Christian fans about the thrill they experienced when the character Charlotte Staples Lewis--ahem, C.S. Lewis--arrived on the scene), but they are an ever-present, ever-developing feature of the story.
Read more at World.
It's Sunday school on Tuesday night for 'Lost' devotees
The today I ran across this from Our Sunday Visitor:
Top 7 Catholic moments on 'Lost'
Last Updated Wednesday, May 12, 2010 3:44:55 PM
By Emily StimpsonVirgin Mary statues, Jesus sticks, and characters named after C.S. Lewis. Not exactly your typical ingredients in prime-time television. But all par for the course on ABC's "Lost."
Thanks in part to its Catholic co-creator, Carlton Cuse, "Lost" went where few television shows have gone before, tackling questions of salvation, damnation and faith. Ostensibly about a group of plane crash survivors stranded on an island, "Lost" gave a cool and compelling story to post-modern man's quest for redemption and meaning.
On May 23, after six mind-bending seasons, the final episode will air. To mourn the occasion, Our Sunday Visitor looks back on seven best Catholic moments on "Lost."
Read more at Our Sunday Visitor.
So what do you think? Is it worth renting the series - starting from the beginning? Not that I have a lot of time to watch it - but maybe I could use the elliptical and try to lost the 25 pounds I've regained (of the original 80 I lost - better get off the computer and get busy!)
I really want to know what you think.
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Comments
I finally started watching to know what my kids were talking about. Watched five seasons in about two weeks. Mind-numbing? Definitely. Worth it? Oh, yeah baby, definitely.
I've always enjoyed the "stranded on a deserted island gotta survive" themes. It loses me on the soap opera who likes who stuff, but I've stayed hooked from the mystery of it all.
Posted by: cliff | May 17, 2010 11:45 AM
I've watched several episodes with my teenage sons just to see what it was all about - don't waste your time!!! Redeem your time in a more valuable venue.
Posted by: Darleen | May 17, 2010 11:46 AM
I watch the show and I enjoy it. But I'm going to hold off on giving a recommendation to watch it until it's over. I have a feeling that the show is going to side with relativism and try to portray that there is no good or evil. If it does turn out that way, then I cannot recommend anyone watch it.
Posted by: silver | May 17, 2010 12:00 PM
The first couple of seasons are on Netflix instant watch. I haven't decided if I should watch them or not. If you do, let us know what you think!
Posted by: Debra | May 17, 2010 12:02 PM
We've watched it from the begining. They've kind of gone off the track with the Christian symbolism the last few episodes. But it was never supposed to be a Christian show. It just had certain themes that were reminiscent of Christianity. My favorite character died early on. His name was Mr. Echo. You can google him and find tons of info but he was awesome!
One of my friends started watching it by getting the seasons through NetFlix. It's probably a much better way to watch it because the show is so complex. I have a tendency to forget details and have to go online to research stuff. I say give it a try and if you hate it take it off your list :)
Posted by: Alison | May 17, 2010 12:30 PM
I started watching about three years ago. Over all it is very worth it, but I say that with some hesitation. I think this final season is falling short of past seasons and I'm watching with some concern over where they are taking these good/evil themes.
Posted by: Diane | May 17, 2010 12:33 PM
If you want to watch something, watch Lost. We were discussing it around the dinner table last night. It is the most thought provoking thing I think I've ever come across, either on TV or in movie format. The writers and producers on the show have done an excellent job of developing their characters, and this gives a depth to the show that you really won't see anywhere else. Among the many themes in the show is the idea of actions having consequences and the interplay of "fate" or providence and free will.
If you do watch, you have to watch from the beginning. Starting anywhere but at episode 1 will only give you a headache.
Posted by: mamarachel | May 17, 2010 12:35 PM
I watch it...it is very good. Don't expect it to be down-the-line Christian friendly, though. But the theme of sin and redemption runs through the whole show. Along with, can a person really change; fate or free will; looking beneath the surface of a person...all is not as it appears to be..etc. It is one of the more thoughtful shows I've watched. I'm with some of the other commenters, though, that I hope it doesn't end with some yin/yang concept of good and evil.
(Another show with very interesting religious themes is the remake of Battlestar Galactica, which just concluded last year. Yes, I am a sci-fi geek.)
Posted by: Jennifer | May 17, 2010 1:37 PM
I would suggest, actually, getting a Netflix streaming device and watching them that way... Some game consoles do this (we have a Wii) and a few other dvd players and tvs are capable of doing the streaming, but a plain Netflix streaming device is something like $70, and we've found it very useful in that it helps keep our queue from getting clogged with tv series. :)
Posted by: Katja | May 17, 2010 2:10 PM
I am a lost devotee. You definitely have to see the series in order. They build on each other. Be prepared to "be lost" after watching some episodes. Some go back in time, forward in time, but while watching you think it's present time. It's definitely something you have to listen well to. I never thought of Lost as a christian centered themed show. There are many violent death scenes and lots of gun episodes. So don't get tooo attached to any character. I always thought of it as a soap opera on at nighttime. If you are looking for entertainment, go for it...it will be a great ride. You can also watch lost episodes at abc.com.
Namaste.
Posted by: sharonP | May 17, 2010 2:17 PM
I am definitely a "lostie." My husband and I started watching it through itunes and now record it and watch it after it runs so we can ff through commercials.
Is it worth watching, especially with your teens? Yes. Is it a "Christian" show? I don't know. There are powerful themes involving forgiveness, redemption, second chances, purpose, marriage, fathers and sons, sacrificial love, consequences, and on and on. And there is Christian symbolism to be sure, but what it all means will only be truly known with the series finale. Like other commenters, I'm a little concerned about where it's going, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and even if it doesn't end the way I think it should, there have been some very thought-provoking episodes and just some truly great t.v. At the very least, it demands that you pay attention, that you remember things from past shows, and it helps to be familiar with your "dead philosophers." Several of the characters are named after important historical people, not just C.S. Lewis. It also *really* helps to read the various Lost blogs (or keep up with Rocks in My Dryer's Lost Recaps - they're great!).
And like Alison, one of my favorite characters was Mr. Eko, the drug-runner turned priest. I really, really wish they would have brought him back.
At any rate, before V began, LOST was the only t.v. I watched. At all.
My mom likes it and you and my mom seem like very similar people. :)
Posted by: lucy | May 17, 2010 8:47 PM
My husband and I have been catching up on this show over the last few weeks. The first 4-5 seasons are on netflix and this past season can be found on Hulu, although I bet it's about to expire.
It is really a cliffhanger-type show like 24, but as far as Christianity in the series, I saw more Christian name-dropping. I think the free-will vs. destiny theme throughout was the most compelling element for me. As far as TV goes, we have enjoyed it, but I think it's a sad commentary when the meager allusions to the Christian faith make those in the media take notice. It should be the norm.
Posted by: republicanmother | May 18, 2010 12:13 PM
I'd say it's definitely worth watching. I've seen every episode from the beginning, and I plan on re-watching the whole series when it's all over.
Posted by: Julie | May 18, 2010 7:00 PM
I don't know if the "big picture" is going to be Christian, but individual lives portrayed do have the Christian theme of redemption throughout.
It has been quite an adventure. I will miss the show.
Posted by: paigeu | May 19, 2010 11:39 AM
Apparently the writers were working from a Hindu theme with elements of Western religion thrown in.
Being that I was viewing it through my own experience as a Catholic and not a Hindu I saw a lot more Christianity. A Hindu might say differently.
Is it worth watching? Absolutely 100% YES. It is a fantastic story of sin and redemption. There are several characters whose lives represent the true cost of one (or more) of the seven deadly sins. The main villains in the story are very similar to our theological understanding of Lucifer...who started out as a good but fell due to his pride.
The satisfaction on the face of the main character who finally realizes his lifes purpose was deeply deeply touching.
The season finale did not answer all questions (supposedly more are to come on the box set extras disk), but it was EPIC and emotionally powerful.
The acting was PHENOMENAL.
Many people will probably be heavily annoyed by the New Age themes. Watching it with kids will involve some dialog so they understand that not all religions are equal and why.
I will definitely be watching the series again (and again and again).
According to the writers the theme of the show is "faith vs science". The answer was satisfying.
Posted by: paigeu | May 25, 2010 9:41 AM
