Tron with Paul McDonald and Sarah Daniels
In Tron (1982), the intricate relationship between the program and the user serves as a profound metaphor for the connection between us and our Creator. The film illustrates the notion that, just like programs relying on their users for guidance and purpose, we, as human beings, depend on our Creator for direction and meaning in life. The users represent God, while the programs represent us, constantly seeking fulfillment and seeking guidance to navigate the digital world. This captivating analogy not only highlights the concept of reliance and interdependence but also encourages us to reflect on our own relationship with our Creator, discovering a deeper sense of purpose and connection in our lives.
Quotes
This is a movie that sets the standard for other movies.
The creation reflects the image of the creator.
We think the Christian life should be a drudgery. But that’s not what Jesus said.
Themes
The relationship between the programs and the users as a reflection of the relationship between us and our creator.
The programs in the digital world all look like their user, just like we are made in God’s image.
Dillinger and the MCP reflection of the program telling the user what to do, a fallen, broken state. The program wants to grow in their knowledge and become greater than the user. His image has been distorted by his pursuit of power. He denies the existence of the users.
The programs enjoy doing the things they were written to do. Tron can’t imagine not working in service for his user. He loves talking to his user. He can’t believe what the MCP says because he has a relationship with his user. Other programs question the existence of the user because the don’t have a relationship.
Flynn as a Christ figure
A user that goes into the programs world
Has powers that the programs do not
Brings Yori back to life
He leads the programs into freedom
Resurrects himself to the user world
Resources
Infernal Fall by Bryan Timothy Mitchell
“A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on.” - C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24 (NLT)
“Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” - James 5:17-18 (NLT)
“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” - John 11:11 (NLT)
Questions
In Tron, we see that programs rely on users for their existence. How does this parallel our dependence on a Creator for our existence and purpose?
Discuss the concept of free will in Tron. How does it relate to the idea that God has given us the freedom to make choices in our lives?
In the movie, programs are created by users and subsequently develop relationships, loyalty, and even rebellion towards their creators. How can this be seen as a reflection of our own complex relationship with God?
The storyline in Tron explores themes of oppression and liberation, where the programs revolt against their oppressive Master Control Program. How does this parallel our own struggle with sin in rebellion to God?
The underlying message in Tron encourages the notion that the programs hold significance beyond the virtual realm and deserve recognition and respect. How does this reflect our understanding of our own significance as creations of our Creator?
Tron explores the idea of faith and trust between users and programs. How does this parallel our own need for faith and trust in our relationship with God, especially in times of uncertainty and adversity?
How does Flynn's selflessness and sacrificial nature in "Tron" reflect Jesus Christ? How can we embody this in our own lives?
In "Tron," Flynn represents hope and redemption within the virtual world. How does his unwavering belief in the good in others align with Jesus' teachings? How can we adopt this perspective?
Flynn's humility and purpose mirror Jesus' humility, like when he washed his disciples' feet. We can learn from Flynn to cultivate humility and purpose in our own lives.
Flynn's courage and determination in "Tron" echo Jesus' example of fearlessly opposing injustice. How can we draw inspiration from Flynn to stand up for what's right?
Flynn's forgiveness towards betrayers reflects Jesus' teachings on reconciliation. How can we apply Flynn's forgiveness to our own relationships, extending grace to others?
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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