24 and the Common Theology

May 25, 2009 Posted by Roger Overton

Apparently I’m one of the few viewers who generally liked how last week’s season finale of 24 wrapped up the Season 7 plot. From its beginning, 24 has portrayed excellent writing that provokes reflection on some of the most controversial topics of our day. I still believe 24 is one of the best shows on television.

However, I do agree with many other viewers that there was a troubling scene toward the end of last week’s finale. Jack Bauer believes he’s about to die, so he calls his new Muslim friend Gohar (they met a few hours earlier and seemed to bond somewhat quickly). Gohar is Imam, a leader at a local mosque. In Jack’s apparent final hours, he turns to Gohar for spiritual counsel…

Bauer: I made so many mistakes. I always thought I’d have the time to correct them.

Gohar: You have the time right now.

Bauer: (tears welling up) You don’t know what I’ve done.

Gohar: We live in complex times, Mr. Bauer. Nothing is black and white. But I see before me a man with all his flaws and all his goodness. Simply a man.

(Gohar prays)

Let us both forgive ourselves for all the wrongs we have done.

Bauer: Thank you.

(transcript HT: PJM)

When I first saw this, I said, “Don’t make Jack become a Muslim!” But that fear soon subsided as I realized Gohar didn’t even bother to try to convert Jack. He didn’t mention Allah or the teachings of Islam, nor is it all at clear whom he was praying to. I’m not an expert on Islam, but as far as I can tell, this may be a somewhat accurate reflection of what an Imam might do in this situation. Islam is a works based religion, and forgiveness is only given in the end if one’s good works outweigh the bad they have done. Gohar could not offer Jack forgiveness, he could only express that Jack has a chance because he has done some amount of good in his life. If Jack wanted the assurance of forgiveness prior being judged by Allah, he would have to find it in himself.

Whether or not the writers understood all of this, we really can’t say. Regardless, this scene also betrays the writers’ belief in the common theology of our times. Jack understood that he did things in his life that were morally wrong and something had do be done about that. He felt guilty because he is guilty. Jack’s problem is the problem common to everyone who does not trust in Jesus for their salvation- he believes he can save himself. He said he thought he would have time to correct his mistakes, and he apparently agreed with Gohar’s prayer and believes he can forgive himself. The writers probably believed that this would resonate with viewers and many of them would be satisfied with this resolution of Jack’s spiritual and moral crisis.

Of course, those of us who have entrusted ourselves to Christ’s work instead of our own recognize that Jack can do nothing to save himself. Any attempts to correct his mistakes or forgive himself are in vain and an affront to the supremacy of God. We have the responsibility as Christ’s ambassadors to relate the offense of the gospel at this point. Our so-called “tolerant” society cannot tolerate a Savior who tells them they cannot save themselves, though He would save those who believe in Him. The common theology of our times is a powerful mechanism for self-deception and self-aggrandizement.

Jack Bauer is, of course, a fictional character. But the writers and viewers who hold to the common theology are not. There are people all around us attempting to earn their way to heaven through what they believe are good works, and though they feel the pang of guilt, they reassure themselves that they’re okay because they’re not as bad as “that guy.” Hopefully this scene has presented opportunities to discuss true salvation and can act as call on us Christians to re-double our efforts in preaching that Jesus is the only way to the Father.

Category Posted in Culture, Roger's Posts

One Response to “24 and the Common Theology”

matthew said:

May 25th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

My sense is that the 24 writers were not trying to faithfully represent what an actual Muslim Imam would do in that situation. Rather, I think they were trying to highlight the symbolism (of having an imam come instead of, e.g., a priest) and underplay any actual faith content (”Let’s forgive ourselves.”) My sense was that the show wanted to keep the faith claims to a minimum.

But, I confess, I do love 24 myself and I’m looking forward to reading your other posts on the show now! (Oh, and lastly, I really did think this season was not as good as previous seasons because they tried to make a good action show into a drama. The strength of the show is the action sequences!) Blessings.