Faith and Science in "Lost"
by Denise Morris on 06/05/2008 at 4:29 PM
[Spoiler Alert] If you haven't seen the season finale of "Lost," do not read this post. Also, if you are not a hardcore "Lost" fan, this post will probably bore you to tears. I feel sorry for you.
OK, so I know the season finale was last week, but I can't stop thinking about it! This may be a serious issue. Lostitis or something. I can't get Sawyer, Kate and Hurley off the brain!
Anyway, I think that one of the most interesting aspects of the show is the battle between faith and science -- most often portrayed through Jack and John Locke. Jack is Mr. Science and Locke has some kind of weird faith in the island -- he believes that fate brought them there and will keep them there. This faith/science conversation came up in the season finale right before Jack left the island. Locke went on and on about how Jack wasn't supposed to leave and how the island produces miracles. Jack says there's no such thing as miracles (something he might have to reconsider now that the island has completely disappeared). However, as we can see from the flash forwards, Jack goes off the deep end and eventually accepts whatever is going on on the island. Do you think he comes around and begins to believe in something?
Anyway, here's what I would like us to discuss: the depiction of faith and science in "Lost." Do you think that, in the end, one of the two will "win" or will there be some recognition of the two working together? What do you think of faith as it's portrayed on the show through the characters (Locke, Rose, Echo, Hurley's mom)? Do you think the series will end with everyone accepting "fate" or will there be a scientific explanation for everything we've seen?
OK, I'll round up some Dharma snacks and let's get to discussing.
1. Katherine said the following at 5:40 PM on Jun 5:
"Jesus Christ is not a weapon!"
Quite possibly the best line on LOST, and--incidentally--something a lot of people need reminding of.
2. brx said the following at 5:57 PM on Jun 5:
I just saw the show (finale episode) for the first time with a friend who is very hooked on the series. While I thought some of the things were creative and unique, I think it had waaay too many soap-opera-like relationship links and required waay too much suspension of disbelief (as bad as Indiana Jones & the Crystal Skull).
Sorry guys, couldn't get into it. But, I do believe faith and science go hand-in-hand -- that good science requires some kind of faith, and vice-versa. Science being the search for truth, you have to have faith it exists; faith being belief, you need discernment that you believe rightly.
Grace & peace.
3. Tyler said the following at 6:07 PM on Jun 5:
Thanks for this post. LOST is certainly one of the most ornate and developed TV shows in the last decade. I am constantly surprised by how much 'Faith' wins out over 'Rationality'. I think some of what we have seen can and will be explained, but certainly not all of it. The connections between characters before, during and after cannot be contained by a scientific explanation.
Already there has been some indication that faith and science can work together. Jack realizes Locke is right about them lying and admits (personally, not publicly) that the Island has moved (just as Locke and Ben claimed). In previous seasons, Locke and Jack are often portrayed against one another. However, there have been times when the two help one another and even lead together. I think this points to the possibility of science and faith not only coexisting, but aiding each other. Great question! and simply not enough room to really get into any depth.
4. Seth C said the following at 7:11 PM on Jun 5:
I think Lost is pretty open to "spirituality", although a more modernistic version that preaches the equality of all religions and ignores the existence of absolute truth. The island (or perhaps Jacob) does seem to have some characteristics of God as it works through the lives of miserably broken individuals, helping them find redemption and restoration.
I thought Locke's statement to Jack at the Orchid was particularly interesting when he boldly claimed that Jack knew that he was supposed to be on the island and if he (Jack) left, that knowledge would eat him alive. I could see a connection to Romans 1 where Paul notes that all humans have some awareness of God's existence through His creation, although we have the tendency to rebel and ignore those insights. Perhaps Jack leaving the island is like the individual who rejects God, but later realizes that he made a mistake.
5. Reid said the following at 7:25 PM on Jun 5:
I disagree that faith (in the Christian virtue sense) is depicted on Lost. Locke's beliefs are based on his experiences on the island. I think that if Jack had those same experiences, then he would also have good reason--even scientific credibility--to have Locke-like reverence for the island. (It seems to me that based on what he's already gone through, Jack's skepticism of crazy island events shouldn't have remained at such a high level.) Also, Locke's eagerness to do anything he thinks is part of his "destiny" doesn't jive well with the morality we usually associate with faith. Similarly, Eko's decisions seemed to vary based on the situation he was in. Rose's firm belief that her husband was alive, although it turned out to be true, struck me as being in denial. I don't remember much about the faith of Hurley's mom other than that she seemed prone to superstition.
In any case, I still think I prefer the faith depicted on Lost to the faith depicted on the show that was on after it,
"Eli Stone". (Have faith in your aneurism, and visit your acupuncturist.)
6. Shannon said the following at 8:42 PM on Jun 5:
I hope the writers of Lost do come to a middle ground - and it seems like they're pointing in that direction. Locke may disagree with Jack, but he doesn't have any hostility towards him.
Are they depicting Christian faith? No. I suspect whatever they are ultimately going for is going to be a whole lot of postmodern, new-age feel good mysterious-ness. Interestingly enough Francis Schaeffer talks about how the whole Enlightenment essentially created this debate - the science vs. faith (one being "rational" and other "irrational") - as Christians we believe in a God of unity and order, meaning, there is no real debate for us (because our faith isn't irrational - only by the standards of the world which aren't really standards because, hey, it's all relative). I bring that up because it's interesting to watch with that worldview in mind - beyond the mystery the authors are weaving for us, on some level, they're also trying to answer questions on a worldview that a concrete foundation.
As for the greatest line - I laughed hard at the "Jesus Christ is not a weapon" but I really loved Charlie to Mr Ecko - "And what if I don't? What are you going to do? Beat me with your Jesus stick?"
7. Will said the following at 8:54 PM on Jun 5:
To the person who said Jesus Christ is not a weapon:
Jesus is the Word made flesh. The Word is described as a sword, dividing the soul and spirit.
Therefore, Jesus is, in fact, a weapon. Just not one you would expect.
8. Jason said the following at 9:46 PM on Jun 5:
I think it's as contrasting as Evangeline Lilly's professed faith in Christ is with how she lives her life. But hey... that's what makes her... er, I mean the show, so interesting. (yeeeees... I'm sportin' a crush... especially after I saw her stick her ear inside itself on Jay Leno)
Seriously... just to get away from the topic and get all fanboy on ya'll... the combo of Hurley and Sawyer is absolute comedic gold.
Oh... and do I think that science will win or that faith will win? Answer: yes... I do.
9. Sharon said the following at 9:56 PM on Jun 5:
I really don't think that anything about the island will be wrapped up with some "scientific" explanation. I will be upset if they don't offer some kind of explanation though-especially about what exactly Jacob is.
10. Danielle said the following at 11:51 PM on Jun 5:
Guys, I'm confused. Can anyone give me the story of 'Lost' in a hundred words? I saw the last few episodes and the season finale (just screened last night here in Australia; we're always one step behind you folks)... but I can't make head nor tail of it.
11. Jo said the following at 2:57 AM on Jun 6:
Well, I read this post even though I've only just finished season 2 (bit late to jump on the bandwagon I know - but I am ADDICTED now)...
Anyway I've been thinking about this myself having just been watching Locke losing his faith in the island/hatch/button and Eko taking over his role as the believer, it's really interesting to watch that process and all the emotions Locke goes through.
I agree that the spirituality of Lost is nothing like Christianity (am quite disappointed with Eko's brand of Christianity so far), but it's still a fascinating study of faith and science and how they are linked and opposed. Especially as I find myself on Jack's side more than Locke's in the show!
Locke's faith seemed blind and based purely on his experiences, which, while amazing, say little about the island's inherent 'goodness'. It's not the same as following a God whose morality is spelled out for us in the Bible and who shows himself through small everyday things more than dramatic miraculous events. Like Jack, I tend to be skeptical of such spectacles and weigh them up very carefully. Anyway, I'll be interested to see how Locke's faith develops in season 3 now he's had this period of doubt.
Anyway, the island disappears?! Guess I'll have to keep watching... If they don't come up with a decent conclusion to all this craziness in the end, I'm gonna be so cross...
12. Eliza said the following at 9:03 AM on Jun 6:
Danielle #10,
Sorry, no :). Start at season 1 on www.abc.com (all 4 seasons are online). You'll be glad you did!
~~~~~~~~~~
So, Doc Jensen, who has the best Lost column ever on the Entertainment Weekly website, often reminds us that it is difficult to watch the show intelligently without a Bible commentary by your side (along with books by several enlightenment philosophers and a big, big atlas). Although I agree with above posters that the "faith" they're talking to is not Christianity, they certainly do make a lot of Christian references. I'm particularly curious to find out more about "Jacob". Is there an Esau? Boyfriend Carl was shown the verse "Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated" repeatedly in his brainwashing chair. Interesting.
Personally, I think the genius of the science/faith theme is how even footed both sides are. Jack is mistaken in putting all his eggs in the science basket (there are things science cannot explain) while Locke is trusting in a faith he cannot possibly understand. It seems he also has been/will be taken for a ride.
I love how the faiths of Charlie and Rose and Eko and Locke and Hurley's mom are all so different. They each bring a different kind of manipulation to their faith, in order to make it the faith that best suits them.
One thing that Doc Jensen mentioned was the symbolism of the heroin in the Virgin Mary statues--an almost blatant reference to Marx's "religion is the opiate of the masses" reference. Interesting!
In the end I don't think the writers have any larger agenda regarding faith and science than just getting us to think about it. I don't think science is going to win out over faith or vice versa. They are simply two flawed perspectives of the same Truth, which is not changed or affected by either.
I wonder if next year we will find two new faith v. science antagonists: Ben Linus v. Charles Widmore :).
13. IMO said the following at 2:30 PM on Jun 6:
I am also addicted to LOST. I even got my husband to watch with me. But he gets confused. That's okay. He hasn't been hooked to the show since Season 1, like me.
I echo Eliza on Doc Jensen!
For me, the next best part of watching Lost is having it be recapped for me with everything that totally went over my head as I watched it...
14. .j said the following at 2:50 AM on Jun 7:
I've got to disagree with Eliza on a couple points. 1) Karl wasn't shown "Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated", he was shown "God Loves you as He Loved Jacob" (Mal and Rmns) 2) Although it's not a column, the Official Lost Podcast beats Doc Jensen by a long shot :) (not to say Doc Jensen isn't great, however) The podcast is given by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (names that SHOULD be familiar to any Lost fan). Also, if you're a Lost fan, and haven't checked out Lostpedia.com, you should do so now :) It'll help you keep up on stuff related to the show as well as stuff you may have missed like the Lost Experience, the first Orchid video, the Hanso-Widmore-Paik connection way back in Bad Twin, etc.
On the topic of religion - Lost definitely is packed with biblical allusions, and I do believe such things (Locke and Jacks constant Faith vs. Science views) are open to discussion in that light. But, as other people have mentioned, Lost also sports a lot of other religious baggage. We've seen Islam, Catholicism, Judaism, Bhuddism and other eastern religions, as well as Greek and Egyptian mythology. Recently we saw references to the Dali Lama and (possibly) Aleister Crowley or the Baha'i (Cabin Fever).
This is not to mention the vast array of philosophers/philosophies referenced on the show such as Rosseau, John Locke, Edmund Burke (Juliet's ex-husband and also her current last name), (Desmond) David Hume, Anthony Cooper (Locke's Dad), (Gerald and Karen) DeGroot, and Thomas Carlyle (Boone Carlyle).
But all these religious and philosophical (as well as literary, cultural, etc.) references is part of what makes Lost fun, and can definitely open some doors in conversations with other fans (as correct biblical knowledge can shine light on some of the show's references). However, I've seen people run to embrace Lost for its "Christian message" which is a bit off :) Although (like most other things) I believe we can use parts of it as allegory if the allegory is biblically grounded.
That being said, I wonder if Lost will end ambiguously on a couple points. I think Ben will probably end up being a shade of grey (not a clear 'good guy' or 'bad guy'), and we already know from Damon Lindelof that we won't be getting a solid answer pertaining to the numbers (although we did get another piece from the Alvar Hanso orientation video). One of the big ones though (I think) will be science vs faith. We saw Jack struggle with his "science" viewpoint when faced with the disappearing island, but we also got hints that Locke's "faith" path didn't turn out entirely well for him. We've seen science and faith in a tug-of-war for four seasons, and I doubt we'll see one side clearly win out in the end. It will be interesting to see what happens :)
Lastly - those of you who are on the fence about Lost who just popped in for the last couple episodes: shame on you :) Go back and watch the whole thing it's totally worth it (unfortunately you've probably unintentionally spoiled some things for yourselves already.. :\ )
15. Joy W. said the following at 2:04 PM on Jun 7:
j (14), you left out one particularly obvious literary/philosphical allusion: Charlotte's full name is Charlotte Staples Lewis. Of course, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that since I don't really like her character, but there it is.
By the way, I think the recurring theme of redemption is one of the more interesting aspects of the show. Sawyer, for example, has really changed from the guy who only ever looked out for #1.
16. Fred Walker said the following at 4:56 AM on Jun 8:
To those who are on the fence - it's not worth it, it doesn't matter if you haven't seen every episode or if you don't understand the plot, it's just a tv show.
Don't do it, just don't do it - too many good people have been lost already.
17. Matt said the following at 3:14 PM on Jun 8:
I became "LOST" at the beginning of the second season and the only reason I didn't get to into before that was...I like Smallville. Ha!
It is an interesting battle that is fought on LOST and I agree with the poster who stated that Locke only believes because of his experience. As a Pentecostal I don't necessarily think this is such a bad thing but I also thought it was a testimony to those in my circle who make dogma of their experiences and if you don't jive with their "experiences" they go after you for "quenching the Spirit". I guess seeing Locke even turn on people he cares about for the betterment of his "beliefs" is something I've seen in Bible school and I would be interested if anyone else, who may not be Pentecostal, has experienced this as well?
I also like the fact that the supernatural interacts with the natural. That things which are not seen have affects dramatically on that which is! Jack is a great example of so many battles we all have in this area!
So...concerning the Island disappearing. "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mountain 'move from here to there' and it will move." Hehehe...either someone has the faith of a mustard seed or YODA has visited the the LOST set and was just showing off!
18. .j said the following at 9:01 PM on Jun 9:
#15 Right you are Joy. I decided not to touch on the literary allusions because there are TONS. But, the producers noted that Charlottes name was purposeful and a clue to where things were going in the rest of Season 4 and also a clue to her backstory (of which we got a hint of in the finale). I of course shot to the CoN, but there have been theories floating around the Lost community of the connection being The Great Divorce or some other Lewis classic. I'm definitely interested to see how that plays out.