Parables Today: The Great Debaters – The Judge is God
Denzel’s character, Melvin Tolson, plays a Christ Figure similar to that of the professor in Dead Poets Society. If anything, Melvins’ character was a stronger representation.
Jesus was a Radical
Almost in a Jesus and Nicodemus moment, Pastor Farmer meets with Melvin and they argue back and forth. Pastor Farmer warns him that he’ll, much like Christ, be hung on a tree/cross if he doesn’t cease his radical actions. Melvin’s response is “They’ll have to catch me first” and “Jesus was a radical.”
I dress like them so they can hear me….
As Melvin surreptitiously tries to organize a union to help blacks and whites, vigilantes raid the meeting. James, one if his disciples so-to-speak, bears witness to this. Like Jesus, Melvin tells James that he cannot tell anyone what he’s seen. When James asks him why he’s dressed like the farmers, Melvin says “I dress like them, so they can hear me – I’m not going to come in here dressed in my tuxedo.” That sounds familiar, like God coming in our likeness.
Disciples
Melvin was the teacher/rabbi and these kids were his disciples. The two boys were like the sons of thunder. There was even a scene where one kid learns of Melvin’s politics and turns away, just like what happens in John chapter 6:60-70. Melvin asks if anyone else wants to leave and they say no.
Many great quotes but my favorite quote stands as a reoccurring theme of the film:
Who is the judge?
The judge is God.
Why is he God?
Because he decides whether I win or lose, not my opponent.
Who is your opponent?
He doesn’t exist.
Why does he not exist?
Because he is just a mere dissenting voice to the truth I speak.
Source: http://parablestoday.blogspot.com/2010/02/great-debaters-judge-is-god.html
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