James Bond 007

Who is James Bond? xcFMohttp:// xcFMo

James Bond and Faith…. Is James Bond religious? Does he have faith? Most people would say – don’t be ridiculous! Do you ever see 007 praying when attacked by sharks? Or studying his Bible? Do you ever catch him bothered by the ten commandments? You could argue that Bond takes particular delight in breaking commandments six and seven (thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery). Bond seems to be a supremely confident spy who lacks faith. Or are we missing something?

Does Bond have faith….yes! Bond isn’t religious in a traditional sense (faith in God) but he does have a worldview. He does have faith. The Bible tells us that people can trust in ‘gold’ (Job 31:24). They can trust in the ‘temple’ (Jeremiah 7:14). They can even put their faith in ‘military power’ (Psalm 20:7). The psalmist confesses that he does not trust in his bow (Psalm 44:6). In this sense Bond does have faith but his weaponry is far more sophisticated than the humble longbow. So what are worldviews?

What is a worldview? Worldviews are best understood as the dreams, longings and ambitions that get people out of bed in the morning. For some people it is naked profit. For others it’s the destruction of Her Majesty’s enemies. Still others crave status and celebrity. Some Buddhists are desperate to avoid reincarnation. Worldviews are the ‘spectacles behind our eyes’ – we look at the world through them, not at them. Worldviews can be compared to secret agents. - Often they are invisible and elusive.

Challenge Consider the billion dollar challenge. How would you live your life if you suddenly got this huge wad?

Response Would you spend the rest of your life consuming Aston Martins, Omega watches, Bollinger champagne, Beluga caviar and gorgeous women? Or would you dedicate your considerable resources to ending the slave trade? Your answer to this question tells us what you really believe. Your lifestyle reveals your worldview.

Many worldviews Every worldview tells a story. These stories function as maps that guide the way we live. They captivate our imaginations and our spending habits. Worldviews are communal and they are grounded in faith. What is faith? It is the way we answer five basic questions facing everyone:

Where Am I? I am living in a world full of gadgets, helicopters, booby-trapped briefcases, beautiful women, luxury and enemy spies.

Who Am I? I am Bond … James Bond. I am a supremely confident MI6 agent. I am 007 licensed to kill. I have complete confidence in my ability to achieve all my assignments. All women find me extremely attractive.

What’s Wrong? Sometimes I lack complete control over nature and other people. Sometimes enemy agents refuse to be killed instantly. Sometimes I am attacked by huge crocodiles and sharks.

What’s the Solution? I will trust in science and technology. Q will help me here. I have complete confidence in my ability to conquer my enemies and seduce all the attractive women. They can’t resist me.

What Will Happen to me at Death? It’s almost impossible to kill me, but after I die at home in bed, I will rot and be eaten by worms.

Discussion Why is James Bond such a popular movie character? Do you agree or disagree with Bond’s worldview? What do you allow to shape your own worldview?

Homework Examine all the things you allow to affect your own worldview e.g. choice of movies, music, television shows. What kind of worldview are you being exposed to by allowing them into your life? Do you even know you are being exposed to other’s worldviews?