Christians all over the world can learn a thing or two from the storyline of Marvel's Doctor Strange, which has just surpassed Ant-Man at the box office worldwide this week, that both exceeds expectations and critical reviews.
It overtook Marvel's Ant- Man by more than $52 million at the close of the week, with a total of $571 million according to Box Office Mojo currently holding 10th place in the Marvel Comics Universe in terms of global box office revenues. The list is topped by The Avengers that grossed $1.5 billion holding the number 1 spot.
Despite the box office earnings for the Marvel flick, Doctor Strange has been the first of the Marvel movies that adds the element of spirituality in the fight against crime and evil. Taking into context the theological undertones of the movie and although it delves into the occult, it does portray a picture of explaining the battle for good versus evil in a more spiritual context.
In the story, Doctor Stephen Strange is played by TV's Sherlock fame Benedict Cumberbatch a medical doctor who gets injured in a car accident and goes on a journey for healing. He experiences a spiritual encounter of enlightenment with an order of mysterious Tibetan monks led by the Ancient One played by Tilda Swinton.
Doctor Strange was introduced to powers that allow him to manipulate time and space, where he is made to choose sides whether to fight for good and evil. Without a doubt, he chose light.
According to Christian Today, director Scott Derrickson was able to depict messages into the story that correlates with many theological references, including the ideas of submitting to a supreme being, the battle to vanquish evil forces and desires, as well as the virtues of humility and sacrifice.
However, several theological experts believe that these lessons need to be taken in with caution, as there are clear signs of the occult all over the film that may throw many viewers off from the spiritual references and instead become more focused on the practice of the dark arts.
Christian film critic Dr. Tom Baehr, according to CinemaBlend, points out that this could possibly lead to an introduction for some viewers to explore the world of the black arts characteristic of occult practices. Baehr, who also chairs the Christian Film and Television Commission, points to several passages from the Bible, particularly from Deuteronomy and Galatians warning about occult practices and sorcery, for which there are clear manifestations found all throughout the movie.
Film experts are advising to always take caution and exercise a good sense of judgment in watching the film, Christian or not by taking it in the perspective of its entertainment value rather than for anything else.
