Transformers

“......do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”

- St. Paul, Romans 12:2

TRANSFORMERS - MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!

This summer will be another filled with “Blockbuster” movies. The hype these days is around the new Dreamworks Sci-Fi action adventure, Transformers, due to open on Independence day.

Based on the very popular toys of the same time - the film tells the story of the invasion of mammoth robotic “creatures,” who have come to earth to do battle. One of the promo catchphrases says - “most have come to destroy us - some have come to protect us."

Like most of the great epic tales and legends told throughout history, Transformers, portrays the great battle between good and evil, that culminates in the victory of the good-hearted few over the seemingly more powerful, evil majority.

Based on the continuing success and popularity of this great moral theme, it seems to me that somehow it must be genetically imprinted in us. We know that reality often doesn’t work this way - but we most always WANT the good-guys to win.

I've written before that I often see in well-made movies a kind of 21st century "Iconic" representation of greater truths - as it says on the packaging for the original Transformers action figures: "More than meets the eye!

The dictionary defines a "Transformer" as something (or someone) that:

a : causes change in composition or structure
b : causes change in outward form or appearance
c : causes change in character or condition : a converter

THE SAINTS - MODELS FOR TRANSFORMATION

This past Sunday, the first after Pentecost is dedicated, by the Orthodox Church, to "All Saints," many who are known to us, and probably many more who are known only to God.

Although ALL followers of Christ are called "Saints," the Saints that are memorialized are those that realized more fully their potential. They are those who put their faith into action and exhibited behavior that lined up with their profession.

There have always been saints, male, female, adult and children, and they have existed, and continue to exist, in all parts of the world. Some were Apostles, some were Martyrs, some were Prophets, some were Clergy, some were Monastics, and some were just "regular" people, yet all were perfected by the same Holy Spirit.

"All Saints" fittingly follows the commemoration of Pentecost because it is through the descent of the Holy Spirit into the world that empowers us to rise above our fallen state and to attain, and manifest sainthood, thereby fulfilling God's directive to "be holy, for I am holy" (see Lev. 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16, etc.).

One of the many sad consequences of the reformation is that many modern Christians no longer look to the Saints for inspiration. Eastern Orthodoxy has always considered the presence of Saints - not just as historical "heroes" of the faith, but as eternally existent intercessors and "partners" in our formation. Hence the practice of taking the name of a Patron saint at the time of Baptism or Chrismation - signifying the timeless link with those that preceded us into the eternal Kingdom of God, which is present here now and forever. They become our spiritual allies - in Orthodox terms - they are our speedy helpers, along with the Angels. They are the "some that have come to protect us and help us as we make the journey to union with God..."

THEOSIS - THE ULTIMATE TRANSFORMATION

In Orthodox mystical theology, salvation is not a state of being but a process of becoming. The goal of salvation is not to "get to Heaven" when we die - but to be restored to the intended full potential of "image bearers of God." (Genesis 1:26-27) here and now, and forever. To become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). The Greek word that describes this is "Theosis," which is usually translated "Deification." It does not mean that we become God, as some people have understood it and therefore have justifiably denied it, it means rather than we "put on Christ" and regain our divine nature.

My favorite quote on the subject of Theosis is from St. Athanasius of Alexandria: "The Son of God became man, that we might become God."

THE "REAL" EVOLUTION

"Before Darwin, people believed that creation had ceased. God had created the world long ago and had stopped. After Darwin, people came to realize that God has not finished the creation of the world. He is still creating. This is part of what theistic evolution is. Our own creation is still going on. Man is evolving intellectually. Everything from the Ford automobile to the Einstein equation has been created in the recent past. Tielhard deChardin, the great anthropologist, believed that the destiny of man is to rise toward spiritual perfection until at last he is united with God. God has given us the power to become better than we are. He has given us the ability and the grace to evolve not only intellectually but also spiritually. We do not have to be captured by our past, or by our smallness, or by our sins. With God's power we can rise to new heights of intellectual and spiritual perfection. The ladder of divine ascent is there for us to ascend, to climb each day, that we may achieve theosis (deification) and be united with God."

- Anthony M. Coniaris, "Achieving Your Potential In Christ: THEOSIS", p. 7-8

THE "REAL" TRANSFORMERS

I'm really looking forward to seeing "Transformers" on the big screen - the special effects are going to be amazing. I'm sure it's going to be a popular movie. As all good moral adventures that inspire us to continue to stand against evil despite the odds - I hope it also reminds us to be thankful for the REAL "Transformers" that stand with us behind the scenes to help us win even greater battles against our own weaknesses.

"The universe offers You the God-bearing martyrs,
As the first fruits of creation, O Lord and Creator.
Through the Theotokos, and their prayers establish Your Church in peace!"

- Kontakion of All Saints