Jimmy Robson - Student Choice #2

Usually when we talk about religious themes we see in media, we talk about connections we can make from the movie or song or show that relates to a certain religious theme. However, it is not often that these discussions are triggered by the absence of religious ideas. For instance, one of my favorite shows growing up was Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In one of the most emotional episodes of the series that I have ever seen, or even of any show, Will's father, Lou, returns and attempts to make amends and become a part of Will's life again. Throughout most of the episode, things go great between Will and Lou. Will is grateful to have his father back and immediately begin to make up for lost time, doing things together to form a relationship. Toward the end of the episode, Will has decided to join Lou in a cross-country trip with his father, who is a truck driver. However, at the last minute, Lou cancels on him, stating that he has a delivery to make in a short period of time, but won't be able to make if Will is with him. Will is crushed by the fact that his father doesn't want him to come with him. He goes on a tirade to Uncle Phil about how he made it to this point of his life without his father and he doesn't need him now. However, this speech dissolves and ends with him asking his uncle "how come he don't want me, man?" Inherently, there is no religious themes. All in all, it's rather sad. However, the religious themes come into play when we consider the absence of them. This episode illustrates that even the ones we love can let us down and make us hurt. Will craves the attention of his father, but he is disappointed time and time again. Will's father is flawed. However, the Heavenly Father (God) is not flawed, but perfect. Will put his trust in an imperfect earthly father instead of finding comfort and approval in his Heavenly Father. Lou illustrates what a father should NOT be. Through this illustration, we know what qualities a father SHOULD have: the opposite of all of Lou's flaws. All of the things that Lou did wrong, God does right. God's love is perfect. He does not abandon his children. God is the perfect father.