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The Movie: The Devils Advocate

Paper Type: Free Essay Subject: Philosophy
Wordcount: 971 words Published: 18th Apr 2017

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I had a chance to watch the movie The Devils Advocate that was directed by Taylor Hackford and released in 1997. This movie is one of the best films that have some deep theology over the doctrine of God and the philosophical problem of evil. In fact, the problem of evil has been discussed over the long centuries, and the debate still rages on today. After watching the show I really got thinking whether I am on a right way in my life and reconsider my life priorities.

Basically, the film is about the law company run by John Milton who represents the Satan. I believe that the author chooses the lawyers as the main characters intentionally because they have this power to judge the others and decide on the lives of the accused. The show reveals different kinds of issues that all humans from different parts of the world struggle. Also, the movie proves how ‘sin’ leads to falling and destroys the human life. The most interesting thing is that in the show it is presented as the Satan’s plan. However, there are certain moments where it is obvious that the humans have a choice and go for sinful one.

What is so dangerous about the humans? Why are we always destroying ourselves and the world around us? The answer cannot be simple explained by the original sin and human weakness. Actually, the reason is the loss of ethics and concerns for the others. People obsessed with vanity, greed, lust and the list can be continued. The reason is that they merely violate the Ten Commandments written in the Old Testament, or put it differently, God’s law. The illustration of vanity is an episode when John Milton asks whether it would not be better to take care of wife and give up one case. Kevin Lomax responds that “You know what scares me? I quit the case, she gets better… and I hate her for it. I don’t want to resent her, John, I’ve got a winner here. I’ve got to nail this fucker down, do it fast, and put it behind me. Just get it done. Then – put all my energy into her” ( The Devil’s Advocate (1997) – Memorable quotes, n.d.). It is worth to admit that this choice is the significant moment that led to the ruin of Kevin’s family and life.

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Therefore, this passage highlights basic, fundamental beliefs at play. This is a great example of how fast the humans get possessed with power and exchange biblical moral beliefs to follow fleeting sinful desires. It seems that with each step we take away from these beliefs, we each step become closer to true evil.

The strongest point in the show is presented by Kevin Lomax who asks, “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven”, is that it?”( The Devil’s Advocate (1997) – Memorable quotes, n.d.). Then, John Milton responds, “Why not? I’m here on the ground with my nose in it since the whole thing began. I’ve nurtured every sensation man’s been inspired to have. I cared about what he wanted and I never judged him. Why? Because I never rejected him. In spite of all his imperfections, I’m a fan of man! I’m a humanist. Maybe the last humanist.” (The Devil’s Advocate (1997) – Memorable quotes., n.d.). This approaches to the doctrine of God. I mean that God has integrity; he is truthful. God is concerned for the welfare of those whom He loves for their best interest.

God has unconditional love and unselfish interest in us for our sake. As in the Bible John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. In contrast, Satan always hated the humans from the existence.

The problem of evil challenges Christian faith, but we should not forget that the Lord promises us the blessing in our life, and all we need just obey and be faithful to God. Even though all people are sinners as we are born with it, God is generous to us because in his plan he gives us a chance for redemption and salvation.

I remember from the class lectures that, according to Augustinian theodicy, there is no evil but the lack of good. God created us as good beings in His image. However, we have a free will, and we have to make the choices that will define our life, our surrounding, our ethics, our relationships, and our faith. When the humans put themselves over the Creator, we separate from God even if He loves us. I see that in the choice that God gives us we have to take responsibility for our actions. As a matter of fact, this responsibility is repentance.

What worldview is assumed in the show? The show The Devil’s Advocate paints a clear picture of different worldviews with its consequences. Some have faith in the government or in a hope for world peace. Others have faith in their money, their education or their employment; however, it can all let them down. Our health can fail, we can lose our job, and we can end a meaningful relationship with someone we care about.

In contrast, I am convinced that all of those things are temporal, and they can be changed. I am a believer, and I agree that only Christian worldview produces a way of living that is fruitful and creative. There is no doubt that the Christian faith makes sense in this world that has lost its moral. I believe that the truth is absolute, and it can only be understood by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We all live by faith.

To sum up, I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie because it made me to think what is really destroying our world, and what our part in creating better future is. We should start from the choices we make every day. God’s will do not have power unless we allow evil to seep in our hearts.

 

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