God’s Perfect Justice and Man’s Corruption in ‘The Uprising’
The Uprising is a chilling reminder of man’s capacity for evil. It’s violent, dark, and deeply disturbing. It forces viewers to question what evils they would or would not commit in similar circumstances. What I appreciated most was that, as historian and author of Summer of Blood: The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 Dan Jones said, “I don’t think anybody can come away from watching this movie, whatever your political persuasion, and not think about the world today.” Although the story takes place in Medieval times, it explores universal questions: Does justice come from the people or from God? What is the role of religion in government? Is simply changing the government enough?
The Source of Justice
What is the source of law and justice? In a press conference for this film, Andrew Garfield said, “. . . justice comes from God, but laws come from man. Corruption of that justice comes from man . . .” He’s correct that justice comes from God.
Not only does justice come from God, but so does the foundation for human law. Exodus 24:12 states, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain and wait there, that I may give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.’” God gave people the law so they would understand what is good and what is not. The point of the Mosaic law was to point people back to God, not be a straitjacket way of life that gives more power to those in authority and takes away from those who already have so little (as the Pharisees did). Laws are a necessary part of a functioning society, but when man creates laws that contradict with what God declares to be good, things fall apart and people get hurt.
The Role of Religion in Government
The government is an authority, but it’s not the ultimate authority. Scripture states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). Government was created to be good, but there is a great danger when human leaders begin to view themselves as divine authorities. Infamous leaders throughout the ages have weaponized Christianity to set in motion some of the most devastating events in history.
In this film, 14-year-old King Richard II is manipulated into believing he’s the messiah, and it corrupts him. The throne becomes his religion, and it ruins his life and the lives of countless others.
Government authorities aren’t the only ones misusing religion in the film. Several leaders of the revolt claimed that their movement is blessed by God and that he will perform a miracle. Advice a priest gives to the Ploughman during the march directly contradicts Scripture. He instructs the Ploughman that if he gives into his rage, he will be free. Yet Ephesians 4:31 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Giving into rage leads not to freedom but to murder and chaos.
It’s Not About The Government
“What happens to a person when they are squeezed to the point of saying to themselves, either everything changes or today is a good day to die?” Garfield asked. If that change happens, will it be enough?
Romans 8:19-21 states, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
We should push back against corruption and societal abuse whenever it exists, and throughout history there have been incredible examples of people, particularly Christians, at the forefront of such battles. But even in these noble fights, human error sullies the most blessed of intentions. Good, true, and lasting change is found in Christ alone.
