Survivor

We just finished watching “Survivor Palau.” Since it first aired we may have missed 6 episodes. What I believe attracts us is the interaction between the various potential survivors.

Tonight’s episode was different than in the past as the contestants had to develop relationships immediately without knowledge of if there would be teams or what they had to do. It was very interesting to see the way teamed up and what was thought agreed, was not. Teams were balanced male and female, chosen by alternatively chosing the next team mate. The key was that the last person picked had the "burden" of chosing the next, taking the pressure off of the previosuly chosen members.

In many ways it is a micro-window into the psyche of the modern world: out-wit, out-last, out-play. Though I enjoy the show I do see how inherently powerful the notion of winning at all costs is to the world. Many times in the shows history people have chosen people over money and that has been heartwarming to see. The reality is that it is a game, and in spite of it’s playing with emotions, it is one entered into with all knowledge that it's a game.

From a Christian perspective it is the game of life, tough, self centered and harrowing. There are moments of grace, angst and pain. Irregardless of the game, it shows most clearly our brokenness as humanity. It shows mammon in all forms and how choosing financial gain is often the sole driving force behind relationships and actions. It is a skeptics interpretation. but one I feel is more often true in our simle lives.

Will I stop watching, no; but I watch in full knowledge of the truth behind the actions and motivations. I watch with open eyes and hope that it helps me examine more closely the relationships I make, and have made, and to see with better clarity the drive behind them. Maybe the TV shows we watch and critics as being non-Christian or moral should be seen with an eye to seeing beyond to assist us in understanding the world around us.