A Different Perspective

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

If you are an insane movie buff, or perhaps a Robin Williams fanatic, you might recognize this line from the 1989 drama film Dead Poets Society. Dead Poets Society is one of my favorite movies of all time. The film’s dark academia themes mixed with an adorable cast of characters and an emotional but important message makes for a perfect movie.

If you are unfamiliar with the film, I will give a brief synopsis: Dead Poets Society follows John Keating, a new English teacher, to a prestigious all-boys preparatory school. Though the students are used to a classical teaching style, Keating uses non-traditional methods to connect with his students and inspires them to embrace literature, and life, in a different and unique way.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie happens in the classroom when Keating unexpectedly climbs onto his desk and stands on it. He then asks his students why exactly he is doing this. When no one can give a plausible answer, Keating responds with, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”

After he states this iconic line, Keating then asks all of his students to stand on his desk as well. One by one, the schoolboys line up and climb onto Keating’s desk. The students are skeptical, but they understand the importance of this lesson. We must constantly look at things in a different way.

So what’s keeping Christians from looking at things with a different perspective? Why is there a harsh stigma from Christians surrounding the LGBT community, teen mothers, people struggling with addiction, and so many more? Because we’re not looking at a different perspective.

The Bible clearly states that these things are sinful, and some are even punishable by death. Romans 3:23 also states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Who hasn’t sinned at least once in their life? Simple things some might do every day, like lying to a friend or eating too much food (aka gluttony), are both sinful. Change your perspective. There shouldn’t be some sins that are “socially acceptable” and some that aren’t.

In John 8, an adultress is brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. They intend to stone her to death as the Law of Moses commands, but Jesus stops them by saying, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” When no one can cast a stone, Jesus sends off the woman and commands her not to sin anymore.

Basically, Jesus is saying not to be hypocritical in your hasty judgment. We are all guilty of sin. All sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord and all sin separates us from God. God calls us to love, not hate. Scripture points to inclusion, not exclusion. The Word of God inspires us to be open and accepting, not fearful and judgmental.

When we just see what is in front of us and don't bother to look deeper, the consequences can be harmful. Our perspective is very much a reflection of who we are. Like 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, ‘As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.’ (ESV)

So instead of being hateful and judgmental Christians, let's be people who stand up on the desk and see a different perspective. Look at people as who they are, children of God, and not their sin. And together, let's be good people and do better by looking at a different perspective.

—Olivia Born

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.