There is undoubtedly value to be gleaned from every religion out there. And though many people don’t
like to admit it, those values tend to boil down to the same basic ideas. Be kind to others. Don’t lie, cheat,
steal, or kill. Act selflessly when possible. Set a good example for children, so they might do the same. I can
get behind these ideas, and see the utility in theologies that promote them. Where religion falls short,
however, is in the notion that life’s pleasures are sinful.  This is the kind of misguided religious philosophy
that permeates Babette’s Feast. 
Puritan beliefs are based in fear - fear of God, fear of hell, fear of the self. The two extremes of Christianity juxtaposed in Babette’s Feast are fear and love. Should God be worshipped because we fear Him? Or because we love Him? When worship is shrouded in fear, satisfaction becomes sinful. And is there a more basically satisfying part of life than a warm, delicious meal? In Babette’s Feast, food is the ultimate symbol of comfort. And it takes a rich, decadent, extravagant meal to sway the puritans in how they view God.
Their transformation isn’t particularly dramatic. It’s not like the movie ends with an orgy in the streets. Their transformation is subtle: the smiles on their faces as they enjoy for the first time one of life’s greatest pleasures - food.
Babette’s Feast teaches that worshiping God does not mean one must live a repressed, unsatisfied life. Instead of viewing life’s pleasures - like food or alcohol - as temptations meant to test one’s devotion to God, they can be viewed as gifts that God has given to enjoy life to its fullest. And by enjoying life to its fullest, Babette’s Feast suggests, one can become closer to God.
I’m not a religious person. I don’t believe in God. But if more people practiced religion in a way that did not oppress others or themselves, but promoted religion as a means to enjoy life, well that’s an idea I can get behind.

Comments

  1. Mohamed EsaFebruary 11, 2020 at 6:42 AM

    That is awesome, Lucas. Spice up your blog by adding images and videos.

    ReplyDelete

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