The season of Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Christian tradition. It is a time to reflect on our own mortality, to confront our own sinfulness, and to seek forgiveness and transformation. The Black Panther, the 2018 Marvel movie, offers a powerful lens through which to explore these themes of Lent, as well as the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. In this Lenten blog post, we will explore some of the connections between The Black Panther and Christianity, and what they can teach us about the journey of Lent.
One of the central themes of Lent is the journey of self-discovery and transformation. This journey is mirrored in the story of T’Challa, the king of Wakanda, who must confront his own limitations and weaknesses in order to become a true leader for his people. Like T’Challa, we too must confront the parts of ourselves that are broken or wounded, and seek healing and transformation through the power of God’s grace. Lent invites us to be honest with ourselves and with God about our own shortcomings and failures, and to trust in God’s mercy and love to bring us into a deeper sense of wholeness and healing.
Another theme of Lent is the call to repentance and reconciliation. This call is echoed in the character of Erik Killmonger, who represents the forces of violence, hatred, and revenge that can tear communities apart. Killmonger’s story is a reminder that sin and brokenness can have real and devastating consequences, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Lent invites us to turn away from sin and to seek reconciliation with God and with one another, so that we may become agents of healing and transformation in the world.
The Black Panther also challenges us to think about what it means to be faithful in a pluralistic and diverse world. The movie celebrates the beauty and richness of African culture and spirituality, while also affirming the universal values of justice, compassion, and respect for all life. This vision of unity in diversity is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just a personal or individual matter, but is deeply connected to our relationships with others and with the world around us. Lent invites us to deepen our awareness of our interconnectedness with all of creation, and to seek ways to build bridges of understanding and compassion across lines of difference.
In conclusion, The Black Panther offers a powerful lens through which to explore the themes of Lent, and the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. By inviting us to journey with T’Challa, to confront the brokenness of our own lives, and to seek reconciliation and transformation, The Black Panther challenges us to live out our faith in ways that are courageous, compassionate, and life-giving. As we journey through Lent, may we be inspired by the example of T’Challa and the people of Wakanda, and may we seek to embody the values of justice, compassion, and respect for all life in our own lives and in the world around us.
