Theology and South Park

save your "south park" is immoral speeches. whatever you think of the show, or matt and trey, they are probably the most insightful writers on tv (but only because sthere are no joss whedon shows left on tv).

i was watching the infamous jesus vs. satan boxing match episode, and it struck me how theologically true the plotline was. here we have 135 lb jesus squaring off against the giant satan. the people get one look at satan, and EVERYONE (save the kids) bets their money on satan. matter of fact, by the time the bell rings, only one person in town has bet on jesus.

that one person? satan himself.

in the episode, satan takes a dive, and makes off with everyone's money. then everybody begs jesus' forgiveness for not betting on him.

honestly, i can't think of a better picture of what heaven will be like. can we honestly say that in our daily lives, we are counting on jesus? we say we love him on sundays, but during the week, where do we put our hope, or trust, our faith for the future? i'd bet not even half the people who sit in church with you can honestly say they trust jesus in their jobs, their money, or their lives.

in the south park episode only the kids and satan believe in jesus. how true is that to scripture! satan KNOWS God exists more vividly than any of us. he has stood in his presence, and he, unlike us, has no delusions about his fate and jesus' ultimate victory. his goal is to take as many of us down with him as he can; hence the lies and deception to get us to put our faith any place but in christ.

then there are the children. jesus himself said we must believe like little children. the kids never lose faith that jesus can save them. it's a shame that kids grow up. that WE grow up.

again, say what you want about matt and trey, but God reveals himself in everything, even the writings of two non-believers who revel in offending everyone. deep down, these guys show an innate knowledge of truth, even if they don't embrace it openly. deep down, we all have that innate knowledge. will we obey the inner voice, or be swayed by the 300 pound satan that clearly looks bigger than the gentle jesus in our picture bibles?

or more likely, be swayed by the green paper gods in our wallets rather than the one true God?