I’m fascinated by this phrase…… it is unequivocal!
“Duties are ours, events are the Lords” – Samuel Rutherford
The Way is the way of duty!
“We are not put in this world to have a pleasant and easy time! We are not put here to consult our own inclinations at all. We are here — to go where Christ leads; to follow Him to sacrifice and to death — if He leads us in these paths. … It is the way of duty, however hard, that takes us home to Heavenly glory!
-JR Miller, Daily Bible Readings – Aug. 9th
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I want to preface my observations and remarks below by considering the question, “What is Culture?” I have heard it stated that culture is the expression of our values externalize. I’m sure there are better ways of understanding it. But it is fair to say that we find ourselves right now “in a cultural moment, in fact always are.” (John Stonestreet, Culture is downstream)
Reading Between The Lines
It is not so much what is read on the line that brings understanding, but what is read between the lines that is most significant. Years ago, as my youngest son was involved in BMX racing, to help defray costs I started a photography business – Dominion Photography – taking my camera onto the track to capture the racing action for riders and parents alike. In the process, I wrote a series of human-interest articles that were published in the American BMXer, titled From the Infield; my personal observations of the people and competitors viewed from the track. In those articles I did not wear my faith on my sleeve but simply expresses things from my viewpoint garnered from the infield. I’ll never forget a moment when a parent approached me one day with a wink and a smile saying, “I know what you are saying, even though you are not saying it.” …Much of our life, and the truth about our lives, is that which is lived out “between the lines,” unspoken but clearly enunciated anyway.
This is the Way
I do not have much of an affinity for pop-culture, but it ought not to be ignored. At first blush I think much of it is vacuous – empty of significant meaning and purpose (Ecc. 1:2&14). But in truth, our current culture says more about who we are, think, and do than we would like to admit.
However, saying that, once in a while something comes along that gets my attention, wondering, “Where did that come from?” At the moment, “This is the Way” from the Star Wars Mandalorian has caught my curiosity – where did this come from and why is it so prominent in the story line?
In the Star Wars – Mandalorian saga – when we hear said, “This is the way” – it appears to shut down all debate and any further discussion [sort of like a “count it all joy” that I often repeat to myself and others to shut down ungodly thinking– James 1:2]. There is a finality to it no matter how you say it, an acknowledged and accepted finality:
This is the way
This is the way
This is the way
This is the way
It is more than the euphemism, “It is what it is.” It is more than just an irresolute post-modern “Whatever.” On the contrary it appears to be a resolute imperative statement of faith in the fact that “This is the way,” there is none other! Among the Madalorians it is an accepted axiom or wisdom; – the way of resolute duty – end of discussion, no need to debate, nothing more to be said, just get on with it!
“Duties are ours, events are the Lords” – Samuel Rutherford
The Creed
I also find it interesting that in the Mandalorian context, identity is found in a “Creed,” a creed that in the Star Wars universe appears to supersede all race, origin, ethnic or species identity.
So, it appears there is this all-encompassing principle called “The Way” that unifies around an accepted, universal Mandalorian Creed. But what is that creed? Well, the Mandalorian says it is their weapons, “Our religion is our weapons” says Mando, which implies a code or creed that is at least in part meant for battle or warfare. That’s all we know about it, so far.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph 6:10-13)
I know I’m taking liberties here, but I think a case can be made that at its core the creed has within it a strong code of conduct; a deep element of group and personal sacrifice in the service, defense, rescue – redemption of others – a mercenary taking arms against evil and injustice. This is the way. He is, the Mandalorian, a mercenary and bounty hunter. Yes, somewhat like the “hired gun” of the old west. I’m dating myself here, but this seems to harken to a somewhat unconventional TV series that aired in 1957 to 1963, Have Gun, Will Travel. Like some knight of the realm for hire, the shows hero Paladin appears to be a gunslinger with a conscience, an underlying moral code of conduct – a creed.
What Means This?
As much as I’d like to draw some observable parallels to higher things at this point, I’ll demure for the moment. Maybe later; we’ll see. But for now, I am musing upon, thinking through this pop-cultural icon in asking, “Where is this coming from? And more than that, where might the be going?
Also, I find this curious. Note certain Mandalorian Season One episode titles:
Chapter 3: The Sin
Chapter 4: Sanctuary
Chapter 7: The Reckoning
Chapter 8: Redemption
Ok, what’s going on here? Think on it, when is the last time you have heard even a passing reference to Sin in our current society? Sin, Sanctuary, Reckoning, and Redemption are not words that populate much of our current cultural vernacular. Sin and Redemption are two words quite foreign to the post-modern mind. In 1973, noted psychiatrist Dr. Karl Menninger wrote a book, Whatever Became of Sin? – saying that society no longer recognizes sin as sin. Sin is a word that had lost its meaning and use in expressive thought. But there it is in the Mandalorian, Episode 3: The Sin. Curious, very curious.
And what might we think concerning “Sanctuary,” “The Reckoning” or even “Redemption?” What might these antiquated terms be telling us? Really, what is this story being told? (note to self – in the Clone Wars, Season 5 there is this civil war with Mandalor, the giving over at one point all authority to the self-serving evil of Darth Maul – Selah)
Well, I’ll leave you to think on this, but not before I drop another curious consideration.
The Child
The title for Mandalorian is well, The Mandalorian. But as much as the story is about this faceless righter of wrong, it is really a story about…. “The Child,” Episode 2 [in search of a Father metaphor]. A child with innate powers, not the least of which is the ability to heal and defend others; whose origin is a mystery; looking for his kind and a family. And in the process, he seems to be able to adopt others into his cause, dare I say by mere endearment. By simply being in the presence of others, they are drawn to him. Further, he is child needing rescue from the “authorities” who want his power for their own self serving interests, even at the expense of his – the child’s -death. …. curious indeed.
Leviathan
But there is more that piques the curiosity (well, at least my curiosity). Season Two opens with the “The Rescue.” In looking to connect and find answers from a fellow Mandalorian, Mando meets The Marshal and encounters – literally up from beneath the surface – a dragon, “Leviathan” as the dialogue goes. Really, Leviathan? Now where have I heard that term before? I dare say there are only a handful of my readers who know to what I am referencing.
In that day the LORD with His severe sword, great and strong,
Will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent,
Leviathan that twisted serpent;And He will slay the reptile that is in the sea. Isa. 27:1
This may also reference the Humanist philosopher Thomas Hobbes in his narrative and social commentary titled “Leviathan.”
Covenant
But it doesn’t end there. In the encounter with this Leviathan, we also encounter a “covenant” being made between the town folk and the Sand-people, who need to lay aside hostilities to defeat the dragon; the Sand-people wanting the spoils of the carcass in the bargain. This is a stretch I know, but my thoughts harken back to the ancient suzerain covenant found in the Bible’s Old Testament narratives.
In Season Two Episode 3, The Passenger, we learn that the Mandalorian – unbeknownst even to himself – is a “child of the watch” belonging to a clan in search of the ancient creed to recapture and re-establish the ancient way. A creed we learn later on that provides Redemption through ritual baptism in the “living waters.” Again, very curious.
In Search of Father
Throughout this saga there are references and allusions to fear and faith, and fatherhood. In fact, in the “The Gallery,” a series about the making of the Mandalorian that parallels various season one episodes, a conversation between the directors and producers reveals an interesting take on the whole of Stars Wars, commenting that it is a saga about “fathers in search of their fathers, in pursuit of connecting with the greater father.”
The Narrative
As I think on all this, I’m brought to some final considerations. Season Two, Episode 7 – The Believer, we find out the power being sought out by the authorities is in the blood (the child’s blood). We also learn that talent without training is nothing; and there is really no power in the Mythic Black Saber. In merely possessing the Black Saber, it does not mean you can wheel or control it. The Black Saber has to be won in battle, or as the antagonist states, “The Black Saber doesn’t have power; the story does!” In other words, the Saber’s power is in the narrative. …Again, curious, very curious.
Humm… something to think about, considering the fact that the Bible is 80% narrative, stories within the story of redemption, the eternal Word and Logos, Jesus Christ – the Way.
As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father – (John 10:15a)
Again, I do not have much of an affinity for pop-culture. But as an observer of such things, I know that God has written eternity on our hearts (Ecc. 11:3), and even though men may attempt to suppress the truth in unrighteous (Rom 1:18), the knowledge of God is innate within each and every human heart (Rom. 1:19).
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, …meditate on these things. …and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)
This is the Way.
I have spoken.
