LOST, Mr. Eko, and American Christianity

My friend Keith Ghormley makes a good point about the character Mr. Eko on the show LOST. Mr. Eko is the only Christian character on the show, at least in any relevant sense, and he also happens to be Nigerian. There are other characters that seem to be "religious" in the same way that some people are blonde or like caramels. It's kind of part of who they are, but it doesn't make that much of a difference.

Contrast that with Mr. Eko. He knows the Bible (can you honestly say that YOU know ANYTHING about the book of 2nd Kings?), his faith impacts his life in a real and powerful way, and he is "different" than the other characters. That is not to say that he's the perfect example of what a Christian should be, but Keith makes the point that there is something about Eko that is "otherworldly, powerful, and mysterious."

Compare that with the milk-toast Christianity that is extremely commonplace in America. We throw silver fish symbols on our cars, wear W.W.J.D. bracelets (next to our yellow "Live Strong" ones), and go to church a few times a month. But, the bottom line is that American Christianity is a rather tame animal, the "stuffed kitten alternative to the African Lion" in Keith's words.

It says a lot about American Christianity that the writers of this show had to turn to Africa for their bold, powerful, courageous Christian character. Again, as Keith points out, this is just the perception of the writers, but "this perception says something about the American Christian that doesn't rhyme with 'well done thou good and faithful servant.'"

You can check out Keith's blog, The Presbyteer, for yourself. It's pretty interesting, including some pretty cool photography.