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Deehj here
For those who have listened to my music (see links here), those references to faith, God, spirituality, prayer are hard to miss haha – yup i’m a Christian. Whilst i’m fit on the more liberal end of things, my faith is a big part of who I am and my journey in faith inspires a lot of what I put out into the world.
In light of that, it’s pretty hard to miss a Messianic storyline when it presents itself and Dune (the movie) punches you in the face with it, repeatedly. But in a way that’s quite refreshing and holds different perspectives in mind that I thought would be worth talking about here.
Small small spoiler alert.
Watch Dune here:
Get the Dune books, graphic novels here:
Okay so Paul Atrietes is next in line to be the leader of the Atrietes people (kingdom) and the film follows Paul with this family, leaving his home to partner up with other nations, as was planned by the emperor or whoever (honestly guys, watch the film or read the book… its worth it).
More importantly in this scenario, the people of these various nations speak of the ‘Kwisatz Haderach’.. there is scripture surrounded this individual who is due to be the One who will lead a revolution to raise those who are oppressed under the emperor’s rule (sound familiar). Their scriptures point to the features that the [messiah figure insert] will possess. E.g. knowing the ways of the Dune people intuitively… being male.. having the giftings of different nations..
And Paul meets these.. so, could he be …the oNE?!!
Paul experiences dreams which points to truths that may take place in the future, as he travels he becomes aware of the how he’s presence, abilities and experiences point to him following in line of who the various groups are waiting for, the long awaited Messiah. Paul, however, responds in an interesting way.. he challenges the suggestions of those around him that he is destined to be the Messiah figure is their scriptures suggests. Rather he comments that “they believe what they have been told to believe”
As a Christian myself this opens up questions of intrigue for me. Historically, there have been other ‘messiah’ type figures that have been spoken of prayed for. Even in the case of Jesus, the Jews of the time (i read a few things, i’m not scholar, please bear with me – if you are scholar, holla at man!) struggled with the idea of a Messiah who was encouraging a certain level of obedience to their Roman rules (see any gospel and the questioning of the Jewish leaders of Jesus). There is a common understanding that the Jewish leaders of the time understood the coming Messiah to overthrow the Roman empire’s hand in Jerusalem, free the oppressed (See Isaiah 58,6 and Luke 4:18), but Jesus of the bible was not interested seeing Jewish government in leadership and overthrowing empire. He was interested in seeing people re-establish their relationship with God, so that their souls are secured with God after death. The Jewish leaders at the wanted someone to come and fix their troubles ..right now today!
Going back to Dune, the arrival of the Kwisatz Haderach is being watched by all, but by none more closer and deliberately tampering with it like the Benet Gessaret.
The Benet Gessaret are a collective of nuns with special abilities who have significant influence over the kingdoms from the shadows. This group has been who Paul’s mother is part of. For generations the Benet Gessaret have been selecting members to marrying into leadership across different kingdoms. Their aim? To bring about a leader is able to harness their abilities and lead a revolution and take the empire into a glorious future – the Kwisatz Haderach.
As a Christian who has belief in a prophesied Messiah that was sent from an all powerful Diety, Dune’s idea of a group of humans who had been plotting to bring about a messianic figure for centuries is really interesting.. its also challenging in an uncomfortable sense, but more than that (right now at least) it’s just really interesting.
In different faiths, religions (even in politics) we see different types of messianic figures (e.g. Jesus, Horus, Thatcher, Trump?) How much of this is orchestrated by powers that already exist.
We do we make messianic archetypes? What does that say about us as humans?
In the movie, the idea of the Kwisatz Hadereach, gave oppressed & poor people hope, something to hold on to in their suffering. Paul, the presumed Kwisatz Haderach, almost sees the belief of the oppressed & poor as ignorance. The path that Paul is taking so far in the film mirrors the Kwisatz Haderach, but for him, this is a choice that he feels that he should take. Not so much that it was always destined for this, but rather, this was one of the possible paths he could take and this one fit in his mind and heart. He is making his own destiny – a messiah by choice, not because fate deems it so.
..I think its interesting.. not sure what more to say on this, but maybe you guys do.
Let me know what you guys think
