Sunday, June 15, 2008

You Need More Than "Sex and the City," darling.


Having watched the entire Sex and the City (SATC) series on DVDs purchased from Costco, I became an expert on the romps of “the girls”. Though many of the episodes were painful (remember the episode between Steve, Miranda and Dr. Robert Leeds?), I plowed through each one searching for one Pat Field styled ensemble after the other. The apparel, accessories, and lifestyles of these fashionable New Yorkers was creamy, enviable but, alas not reality…mine or yours.

The HBO episodes have became so popular that cable executives changed their minds and recently released Sex and the City The Movie. With SATC movie openings all over the world, the re-release of the SATC box set, the launch of the SATC book and on-line chats dedicated entirely to the SATC oscilating plots, I find it necessary to remind myself that the SATC phenomenom, though carefully wrapped in luxurious couture, espouses a very potent secularism.

The 4 main characters never focused on the need for religion or spirituality to combat life’s peculiar tragedies. Instead, the heroines leaned on their own intellect, shopping therapy and strong friendships with each other for survival. But what would have happened if Carrie lost all of her friends? What if Charlotte was not able to give her $10,000 to prevent her from being evicted? What if Samantha’s cancer had not gone into remission? What if Miranda, the atheist, gave birth to a child who suffered from a physical or mental handicap?

In “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Season 1, Episode 12, Carrie decides to attend church to verify that her boyfriend, BIG (John James Preston) actually accompanied his mom to church every Sunday. Carrie did not believe in religion. Instead, she like many, believe in the religion of “being nice” to others.

Jesus makes it very clear that “I am the way.” On our own, it is impossible to be good enough to warrant God’s favor and grace. We must confess that we owe God everything, We must confess that Jesus died for us and his death is what enables us to hope for life everlasting with HIM. Our safety, our help in the time of trouble is from God. God sends friends to help us. God sends his Holy Spirit to comfort us when we are alone. God send miracles to prevent us from falling into despair. It is all due to God and his mercy. Hallelujah! Darling, we are saved.