Black Panther

Wakanda forever! If you haven't had a chance to yet, I highly recommend going to see Marvel's new Black Panther! Until the past year or so, I was starting to worry that Marvel would continue to put out new movies with the same plot formula that they have succeeded well at, but also, in my opinion, played it safe with. I'm excited to say that I think Marvel has recognized this, and are changing the formula to allow new and fresh ideas into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

For Black Panther, Marvel brought in Ryan Coogler as director; who is known for taking something well known and respected, like the Rocky franchise, and giving us something different but just as good with 2015's Creed. It is because of his vision and direction, that Black Panther is not only an excellent Marvel film but also a high quality and in-depth piece of cinema.

Black Panther is the story of T'Challa, the now king of Wakanda who we first met during Captain America Civil War. He has returned home for the first time since becoming King to inherit the throne of his isolated, technologically advanced nation in the heart of Africa. But, not long after his return, his claim is challenged by the outsider Killmonger, who as a child was the victim of T'Challa's father's mistakes.

The main theme of Black Panther is that of responsibility. Though T'Challa is a humble and well-respected man, he still has much to learn about responsibility. Being the king of Wakanda not only makes him the nation's ruler but also it's protector as the Black Panther.

T'Challa's character, for much of the movie, deeply struggles with finding a balance between the two. This is a strikingly relatable issue for anyone who has any kind of power or influence. In a leadership role such as CEO, manager, or being a parent, for example, there is always a balance to be found in how we operate. The Christian life is just the same. We are to value our time here on earth, but always focus on the eternity that lies ahead in heaven. This can be a considerable struggle, but God provides guidance through His word, the people He brings into our lives, and in prayer.

Along with the seeking of balance, T'Challa also must decide the wisest path to take when it comes to the isolation his nation has always embraced. Until this point, the immense wealth of Wakanda has always remained hidden and unshared with the outside world. Throughout the movie, T'Challa is confronted with the possibility of Wakanda no longer keeping their great wealth in vibranium for themselves.

The technological possibilities of vibranium are almost limitless, but the leaders of Wakanda have always feared what negative consequences may come with sharing this wealth. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce." So just like T'Challa, we have to choose to be wise with our wealth, whether it is great wealth or little. We are told in Romans 11:36 that everything comes from the Lord and it will all return to him. So in whatever wealth we have, we are to be stewards of it, because it is a gift from the Lord.

Going along with some of the themes I've mentioned, dealing with the sins of the past is another issue that Black Panther addresses. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers, but T'Challa coming to terms with past mistakes affecting the present and future is also part of his development and growth as a character. I really admired the way that the movie approached these issues as they both stand on their own, and intertwine together. All throughout the Bible, the Lord talks about sin and how widespread its effects can be. In the movie, seeing how people work through these situations and strive to right wrongs is both stirring and inspirational.

One other aspect of the movie that I would like to mention is the villain. Killmonger is by far the best villain that Marvel has had since we were introduced to Loki in the first Thor movie. He is great because he is multi-layered and in many ways similar to the hero. In certain ways, you can actually side with his beliefs. It is only in his execution and the way he acts on his beliefs that he is made the villain. That is what makes great writing and excellent storytelling; when a hero and a villain are alike in almost every way, except for the way in which they live out their beliefs.

I appreciate it when a movie takes time to break down and show us multiple viewpoints. Through this, we see that the hero is not just the hero because that's what we're told. We know this because we can see the hero's and villain's choices played out, and the effects of both on those around them. This is important to understand in the Christian life. Almost everyone has a different perspective than you do, and the more you understand each perspective, the more prepared you are to share God's word and His love with them in a way that they can understand.

To wrap things up, just as T'Challa has a responsibility to His nation in the type of leader he decides to be, so do we have a responsibility to God and how we choose to live our lives here on earth. I challenge you today to be a good steward of the responsibility that God entrusts you with. Seek to live a life from God's perspective, and choose to share any form of wealth that He blesses you with. It will not always be easy, but remember what Matthew 5:12 tells us: "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven."

God bless!😄
Austin