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A Jehovah's Witness perspective on the paradise theme of the movie

posted 11 years ago by zocolofishing
11 replies | jump to latest

The old VHS tape cover had on it 'The battle for paradise has begun'... The movie starts off in a tranquil setting just like what a lot of our JW publications depict the paradisiac future might look like. Then there are these lines in the movie that really resonate:

Picard: Your warp capable?
Anij: Capable yes. Except where would warp drive take us, except away from here. (She was saying why would you ever want to leave paradise?)

Picard stumbles on an exquisite artistic work, and inquires of Anij about it:

Anij: It's the work of students. They're almost ready to become apprentices. In 30 or 40 years, some of them will take their place among the artisans.
Picard: Apprenticing for 30 years. Did your people's mental discipline develop here?
Anij: You stop reviewing what happened yesterday. Stop planning for tomorrow.

You see these are the type of things we think about when we as Jehovah's Witnesses think about when it comes to an everlasting paradise Earth.

Then later in the movie you see Geordi regain the use of his eyes as he sees the sunrise, with some amazing music. Many of the other characters experience some reverse of the aging process.

Isaiah 35:5 "At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped."

[–] TheseAreTheVoyages 11 years ago

Very interesting thank you for your perspective on this. To me this film is just beautiful I really love it.

[–] aliceingoreland 11 years ago

Ah a work of fiction that is like another work of fiction.

[–] Danzence 11 years ago

Re: A Jehovah's Witness perspective on the paradise theme of the movie
image for user aliceingoreland
by
aliceingoreland
» Mon Nov 11 2013 20:17:01
IMDb member since May 2008
Ah a work of fiction that is like another work of fiction.

This.

[–] TheSolarSailor 11 years ago

An interesting parallel.

- - - - - - -
Whose idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have an "S" in it?

[–] audiosane 11 years ago

I enjoyed both the movie and your post. Thanks for sharing.

[–] Porpoise01 11 years ago

Trek has a history of basing fictional worlds on existing human beliefs and philosophies, and using these as springboards for stories. Your post makes me wonder if the parallels weren't deliberate.

"After years of fighting with reality, I am pleased to say that I have finally won out over it."

[–] zocolofishing 10 years ago

After few more years of contemplating it, and acquiring the blu-ray. This has become my favorite movie now. The sounds and the sound-track both are better than any other blu-ray or anything I own, and the story does resonate with me as I have stated.

'Generations' also has some similar religious 'overtones' that I enjoy. The evil character raises the question of 'is time gaining on you?' Whilest Picard just lost his Brother and his 'Nephew'. Most don't think of these concepts with Sci-Fi anymore. That is why I find the newest brand of Star-Trek movies. Mostly just violent hogwash.

[–] Tyrannosaurus_sex 11 years ago

yea, those people (jw's) are whacked outta their minds.

[–] MajesoFormo 10 years ago

Watching this movie I felt like the religious angle is correct since they are a culture driven by their beliefs. Less like the JW but more I was thinking some kind of futuristic amish. Thanks for sharing I was thinking the same thing.

START THE REVOLUTION! SHRED THE GOVERNMENT! My favorite movie is V for Vendetta.
BridgetTheFish

[–] Harlekein 10 years ago

I am not traditionally religious. I was raised an atheist and used to be a firm defender of atheism. Over time I have come to see that as yet another limiting doctrine. While I cannot subscribe to any doctrine or the belief of a God outside of our selves, this movie resonated to my own spiritual believes.

Spiritually does not need restrictions to be contained within, but I am glad your belief helps you into the right direction.

[–] steelywulf 10 years ago

Thank you for that refreshingly respectful post Harlekein. Too many atheists and religious people just can't seem to allow others to voice their perspectives without getting ugly, or insisting that theirs is the only way to live, and anyone who disagrees with them is out of touch with reality.

"But, that's just one fellow's opinion." - George Carlin