Robots, God and the Future - Film + Faith Sample

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (ESV)

The word mercy is used extensively throughout War of the Planet of the Apes by both sides of the battle between man and ape. There were outward portrayals of mercy and examples of mercilessness shown on screen. It is an element of the film that could lead to some confusion on what it really means to be merciful.

The dictionary definition of mercy is to show compassion toward an offender or an enemy.

It is a word that is at the heart of the message of the Bible. Even with the failings of mankind and our outward rejection of God, the being that breathed life into all of the world is a merciful being.

Throughout history, society has tried to push aside God or has not been willing to honour him for all that he has provided. This puts humanity into the position as enemies.

Even though we deserve judgement, punishment and rejection, God does an amazing thing. He offers mercy through the work of Jesus.

It is hard to imagine that a story about a battle between apes and humans could potentially point to God, but it is a subject that is hard to miss.

He is truly the example of supreme mercy that is unmatched in human history.

This conversation starter came from the full review of the Planet of the Apes franchise @ Reel Dialogue.