Pirates of the Caribbean 2

Went to watch Pirates 2 last night. After reading some reviews, I didn't expect much - which was good I guess. Some excellent swash-buckling scenes especially the 3-way sword fight. That was nice. The lines were not as witty as the first movie, but no doubt there were still some good ones though a lot more cheesy lines this time (unfortunately). As usual Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is the highlight of the movie. There are funny moments, though the comedy on the whole seems more slapstick than witty lines and good comic timing. However, they did end the movie well - it leaves you wanting to watch the third one to know how it concludes.

There were a couple of intesting moments that manage to tickle my staffworker antennae. One was a very short exchange between 2 pirates while one is reading the Bible (though upside down)
Pintel: You know you can't read.
Ragetti: It's the Bible, you get credit for trying.
Pintel: Pretendin' to read the Bible's a lie! That's a mark against [points to the sky]
I guess that does represent some people's view of the Bible. Somewhat shrouded in superstition though. But then some are superstitious in their views about God and are willing to have things (like a copy of the Bible or a crucifix) to be on the safe side.

In another exchange, someone makes a comment about what is the point of looking forward to the afterlife. This life is cruel and so why should the afterlife be any different. I know these came from the movie, but are probably opinions held by some people.

I think one can come to either conclusion - superstition or real cynism if our search for God is still covered in our own selfishness and an unwillingness to really encounter truth. Having a superstitious view of God reveals a preference to be in charge of our own lives, but having items or doing rituals as 'insurance' (just the case). The cynism I guess is harder to break. But sounds more like an inability to reconcile a loving God with suffering in the world. I wonder whether this stems from prefering God to rule the earth according to our own ideal values.

Truth is meant to set us free and give is abundant life and hope. Reading the Bible is no more a thing done so that we can tick the box, but an excitement that continues to reveal who God is and let us in more on this Truth. And with Jesus, yes there is still suffering in this world, but Jesus understands because of His own suffering, and we can have hope of a better place to go to after this life. Otherwise, life just seems too futile.