On Tuesday the 9th of April, year 9 engaged in a chapel seminar program, replacing the normal talks in chapel. There were different sessions with different topics to choose from, with different teachers digging deeper into each topic. One of the seminar topics was the Christian Narrative in narratives. This topic was taught by Mr Trenerry, in which we explored how every narrative, story, or movie is related to the ‘Narrative of the Saviour’ and how the protagonist reflects the characteristics of God. At the end of most stories, good always defeats evil and the world is saved from the destruction done by evil. We love stories where good triumphs over evil and the innocent are saved or justified because it gives us the satisfaction that good received its salvation and this is an echo of the bible story. But what does God truly mean by good triumphing over evil?
In Exodus 23, There is a section of the chapter that explains the Laws of Justice and Mercy. “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.” This verse is an act of mercy and that if anyone is in distress, you should always help them whether they are a friend or an enemy. God is telling us to give mercy to enemies by helping them when they need it.
What do you see when you think of good defeating evil? When asked this question, most people described good killing evil or evil being given a taste of their own medicine. I think this is a stereotype forced into stories, that the hero immediately battles the villain at first sight because of all the horrible things they have done in the past. Before battling the villain, the hero always gives a chance of mercy that not many people see. For example, in Lord of the Rings, Frodo spares Gollum’s life, even after Gollum attempts to kill him. When Frodo had the chance to kill Gollum, he saw that the creature was just misunderstood, so he lowered his knife and ran away instead. Later in the book, his mercy changes Gollum’s behaviour as he means no harm when he visits Frodo and his friend Sam. Unfortunately, Sam doesn’t know how to show mercy to Gollum, reversing the effect of Frodo’s mercy and making Gollum angry and evil again.
God shows us through the bible that no matter how evil a person can be, it is important to show them mercy. This concept is also discussed in books and movies, showing how the hero gives the villain another chance to set himself right before battling the villain at the end. Defeating evil doesn’t always have to be evil receiving the taste of their own medicine. By granting people mercy, it can give them hope, making them think better of the world. After all, villains are broken heroes.
