Corruption and Justice in The Constant Gardener

I watched The Constant Gardener in the FAC on Thursday night. It is the story of an English diplomat to Kenya whose wife is murdered under suspicious circumstances. As Justin Quayle (the diplomat) investigates the murder he unveils a plot by a major pharmaceutical to test a new tuberculosis drug on Africans; he discovers that Africans have died due to the effects of this unsafe drug. Justin Quayle dies in the end, but he exposes the corrupt pharmaceutical companies at fault.
This film has much to say about life in the empire and the kingdom of God. The main plot of the story deals with the corruption of men. Justin Quayle not only exposes unethical pharmaceutical executives, but corrupt leaders in Africa and politicians in wealthy nations. This motion picture is showing the essence and true power of the empire. We as western thinkers are not at all shocked by the corruption of many African leaders; however there is a great sense of surprise and disappointment when our western system of government is corrupt. This movie is showing that contrary to our popular view of the empire, western governments are just as corrupt as many “lesser” forms of government. It gets worse. Not only are western governments corrupt, but western capitalist corporations will do anything to make a bigger profit. This may even include lying, bribery, and unethical treatment of people. Life in the empire has corruption and dishonesty…everywhere. This film also deals with one major aspect of the kingdom of God. Justice. Justin Quayle works the entire movie to find who is responsible for the murder of his wife; and even though he pays for it with his life the men responsible are exposed. Although these men are not brought to justice in the movie, we are left to believe that there will be consequences for their actions. Injustice is one of the most frustrating things to watch and The Constant Gardener does a good job of reminding me that in the Kingdom of God there will always be Godly justice.

Geez Magazine

Admittedly, I’ve never been keen on the name, but Geez magazine has fascinated me ever since it appeared out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, just over three years ago. Geez is a quarterly publication proclaiming itself as “holy mischief in an age of fast faith” with themed issues on topics like activism, art, experiments, home and wonder. The artistically rendered, full-color covers contain black and white pages that alternate between straight text and collages of images, including ads, art, slogans, poetry, altered photos, lists and more.

One needs only to turn the magazine over to the back cover to witness one aspect that makes Geez radically different from so many other periodicals: taking a cue from Adbusters (where at least one staff member worked before starting Geez), they don’t accept ads. Well, they did once for the Nidus Festival, but included the whole e-mail exchange, detailing why they decided to promote the festival.

For those who are quite comfortable with ads gracing every possible television show, radio program, magazine and landscape, the Nidus Festival ad with its accompanying explanation may have seemed a little overdone. However, the situation is symbolic of the magazine staff’s efforts to sincerely practice what they preach about seeking the Kingdom in the midst of the empire. They don’t want to be bought and sold by their corporate sponsors, however well-meaning those sponsors might be. Rather, they count on individuals and institutions to demonstrate their value of the publication through subscription fees.

In addition to bucking the empire when it comes to ads, Geez also resists neat Christian categorization by inviting writers of all religious backgrounds, while remaining haunted by the radical Christ who is integral to its founding and purpose. According to their web site, “Geez magazine has set up camp in the outback of the spiritual commons. A bustling spot for the over-churched, out-churched, un-churched and maybe even the un-churchable. For wannabe contemplatives, front-line world-changers and restless cranks.” As I read the magazine, their self-description rings true. They juggle flaming swords of cynicism and hope, but always let hope fly just a little bit higher.

Welcome to the blog, y'all

Here 'tis--the class blog.  Throughout this course, the blog will serve as a tool for exchanging information in the public square related to our January interim class themes of pop culture, the empire and the Kingdom of God (no small themes, let me tell you).  Class members should feel free to post class-related tidbits, comments, links, videos and so on, in addition to assigned posts and comments.  And the public should feel free to follow the blog and comment over the next three weeks.

For starters, here's the course description:

While references to “empire” can easily bring Star Wars to mind, the word refers to a much broader reality that is referenced throughout Scripture and has significant implications for daily life in today’s world. This course will use texts such as Colossians Remixed (Brian Walsh & Sylvia Keesmaat) to help define empire and the role of fully awake Christians living in the empire, with particular reference to aspects of popular culture, including food, television, film, music and fashion. Through reading, film viewing, discussion, guest speakers and special projects, students will explore the problem of sin reflected in idolatry, consumerism and power manipulation, but they will also be encouraged to find hope in the Kingdom of God, rooted in activism, community and daily practices.