Aaron Sorkin (Pt 1)

I really like Aaron Sorkin, especially the way he portrays Christians on TV. Under any other writer or for any other show, I would cringe. They always get it wrong. Law & Order, Nightline, you name it, Christians are always stereotyped and one-dimensional. And guess who they base it on? Take a look at the "famous Christians". I'm sure they are as much an "inspiration" for other Christians as well as non-Christians. I've talked about them in previous posts. I'm not ashamed of them, because it only proves that we, humans, are weak. We shouldn't admire any people, not even "men of God", because we all sin. It's just a matter of how well everyone hides their sins. Despite this, Christians still are viewed unfairly because the only famous Christians that are news-worthy are generally the ones who've done something wrong. You don't flip on the news, and see an uplifting news segment about Billy Graham not doing anything bad. It doesn't exactly make riveting news. But nothing captures the hearts and minds of the American Public than a scandal. Maybe it's because of the common conception of Christians thinking they are superior to the rest of the world, and it's good to see them taken down a peg or two. Hey, I totally feel the same way as well about any famous person, Christian, Muslim, Jewish or Scientologist-ism...

So anyway, I was saying, it's easy for TV writers to totally stereotype Christians. But not Aaron. For once, he doesn't show the "perfect" Christian, he shows: the real Christian, both the good and the bad. I remember clearly, West Wing was getting rave reviews by Christian magazines and websites. "Oh, they totally get Christianity (especially in the episode with the Chinese Underground Refugees). " And then what happens? Mrs. Landingham (President's Secretary) gets killed in a car accident, and the president is crying out against God in Latin. Reaction by the Christian media: "Boo! Hiss! Aaron is the anti-christ!" Umm... have they ever heard of Job? David? Read any of the psalms? It's ok to question God, to ask him, "Where were you when the fake secretary died?"

32 He is not a man like me that I might answer him,
that we might confront each other in court.
33 If only there were someone to arbitrate between us,
to lay his hand upon us both,
34 someone to remove God's rod from me,
so that his terror would frighten me no more.
35 Then I would speak up without fear of him,
but as it now stands with me, I cannot. (Job 9:32-35)

Background story: Job got punished by God, rather unfairly he thinks. And he would love to confront God about it, take him down to People's Court, and really grill God. I'm sure Job had many questions to ask God. For example, "What did I do to deserve losing my entire family and health?" or "How can you justify doing the things to me? What am I, your lab rat?" But of course, Job can't do that. Why? He's afraid of God! Piss the Big Guy off, and He could truly end Job's suffering... permanently. So, he doesn't. But these verses still express his frustration and his true wish. If he could somehow talk to God without fear of consequences, why, he'd really let Him have it! In fact, he kinda does in the next chapter. "Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked?" (Job 10:3) So, long story short, I think it's ok to question God, because God didn't ultimately kill Job in the end.

So yeah, I like Aaron. I think with that episode, I knew Aaron really "got" what a Christian is really about. They stand up for what they believe in, yes, but they don't say outrageous things like "New Orleans was being punished for their sins." The true evangelical Christian is just an every-day person, trying to cope with sin, but also the pressures of family life and/or professional work. They are more interested in coming up with fellowship activities rather than proving that the Christian Right are the most patriotic position in the government.