Prometheus

Director Ridley Scott’s much anticipated science fiction thriller “Prometheus”, long in the works, has been rumored to be not only Scott’s return to science fiction, but also his return to the world of the “Alien” films, which are still beloved to this day. Scott recently said that “Prometheus” is not a prequel, but does have “strands of ‘Alien’ DNA.” While that sounds all the more ambiguous, after viewing “Prometheus,” I can tell you that it is, in fact, a direct prequel to the “Alien” franchise, as well as a breathtaking marvel to behold.

In the year 2093, the spaceship Prometheus is bound for a planet over 500 million miles away. The journey has taken the 17 person crew over two years to complete. Why are they making such a journey? Because doctors Elizabeth Shaw and Charlie Holloway have discovered historical evidence that points to this planet as the birthplace of human civilization. In other words, this planet may finally hold the answer that humans have pondered throughout their existence: Who am I, and why am I here? While answers are found, they also come with imminent doom.

The crew of the Prometheus has been assembled by retired billionaire Peter Weyland. Along with Shaw and Holloway, the crew includes a medical doctor, ship captain, geologist, and biologist. Also, aboard the Prometheus is Weyland Corporation’s president Meredith Vickers, and a robot named David. David is not just any robot. He has been programmed to understand and mimic the human experience. He is also brilliant and can interpret any findings of the crew. Needless to say, every life is up for grabs, and some members of the crew have ulterior motives that may undermine the mission, as a whole. As the story unfolds, viewers are given a gripping story that also fills in plenty of details which clarify Ripley’s adventure in the original “Alien”.

“Prometheus” is a science fiction spectacle of magnanimous proportions. Viewed in IMAX 3D, the film is a visual feast that is jaw dropping. The detail and scope that Scott delivers is unimaginable and must be seen to be believed. The cast of the film is top notch. Michael Fassbender (“X-Men: First Class”) plays David, and gives a fascinating performance, almost completely devoid of emotion. Noomi Rapace plays the lead character of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw. While Rapace may not be known to many American audiences, she is a talented Swedish actress who is spellbinding, giving one of the best performances of the year. Charlize Theron and Guy Pearce are also excellent in supporting roles.

The content of “Prometheus” is what might be expected from an “Alien” prequel. The film is rated R and should not be viewed by children. It is a movie with great intensity. There are many frightening scenes that include killing, blood, and gore. There is one particular scene that includes stomach surgery on a patient who is still awake. There is no nudity in the film, although the women wear little clothing while they are in hyper sleep chambers. The language is actually tame for an R rated film, but does include one f-word, as well as several uses of God’s name and other mild profanities.

One of the most interesting aspects of “Prometheus” is the questions that the film poses about creation. Within the film, they present arguments for Evolution, as well as intelligent design. Obviously, it’s a science fiction film, and God is not presented as the creator, but the film does make a strong argument not only for intelligent design, but also for believing in something bigger than one’s self. While Ridley Scott is not a Christian, he has said that it is almost impossible that life on Earth was created without some sort of outside help. This belief is clear as “Prometheus” unfolds.

Ridley Scott has created a visually arresting, thought-provoking film in “Prometheus”. With so much hype surrounding this production, it may be difficult for the movie to live up to the expectations of the most ardent of fans. What cannot be denied is that “Prometheus” is the most visually accomplished film of the year, and, while only for adult audiences, it adds to the legacy Scott created over 40 years ago with “Alien.” Provocative, frightening, and masterfully delivered.

• Violence: Extreme
• Profanity/Vulgarity: Heavy—“J*sus Chr*st” (2), “J*sus” (1), “G*d-d*mn” (5), “My G*d” (3), “Oh G_d” and OMG, “So help me God,” h*ll (10), “s” words (8), d*mn (3), SOB (2)
• Sex/Nudity: Moderate

Editor’s comment

Followers of Christ should alert about this film’s promotion of ANCIENT ALIENS or ANCIENT ASTRONAUTS theory, because this is an issue that is truly deceiving a very great number of people, partly because it is presented as scientific and archaeological (both false claims). At its base, it is a lie being used by godless people to “scientifically” explain away Biblical miracles and events—and God Himself.

This tactic started with atheist author H.P. Lovecraft. Years later, this pseudo-scientific idea was famously promoted by Erich von Däniken (Chariots of the Gods) and others. The Director of this film was inspired by von Däniken, and says so. This idea has particularly been used by some whose worldviews are New Age or Evolutionism/Atheism (or both).

The claim is that extraterrestrials with advanced technology came to Earth in ancient times and were mistaken for gods, angels and supernatural activity—and that out of these encounters with naive and unsophisticated humans (who misunderstood what they witnessed), humans began to worship these aliens—and the world’s religions (including Christianity) are the end result.

I have researched these claims in considerable depth, including attending von Däniken lectures. I am in agreement with many other researchers, the so-called evidence for this fantasy is filled with foolish errors and serious outright lies and deceptions.

Nonetheless, many sci-fi books, movies and TV shows have eagerly used and promoted what is essentially a dangerous Atheist-inspired worldview.

What difference does it make? When accepted, this pseudo-science leads people directly away from Biblical truth about Earth’s Creation, mankind’s place in God’s plan, Earth’s history of wicked rebellion against the Creator, and the record of His judgments. Inherent in this worldview is rejection of belief in God and the Bible. People are less likely to perceive their spiritually bankrupt state before God and are more unlikely to want—or listen to—the Gospel.

Entertainment dramas that use the ancient extraterrestrial encounters fantasy and thus promote it some extent…

• “Stargate”
• “Prometheus”
• “Knowing”
• “Thor”
• “The X-Files: Fight the Future” etc.
• “Alien vs. Predator”
• Transformers: The Last Knight and most of the “Transformers” series
• “Outlander”
• “The Fifth Element”
• “Mission To Mars”
• “Star Trek” various episodes, including “Star Trek: The Next Generation—The Chase,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation—Who Watches the Watchers” —Gene Roddenberry, creator of “Star Trek” was an opponent of all beliefs in God
• “2001: A Space Odyssey”—the monolith
• “Earth: Final Conflict”
• “Space: 1999”
• “Quatermass and the Pit”
• 65 (2023)

If nothing else, the mere CONSTANT REPETITION of this view of history in entertainment media is causing it to become embedded in the minds of billions of people, making it somehow seem to them less ludicrous than it really is. Discerning Christians know that we and God have an Enemy who is the father of lies who seeks to deceive the whole world.

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

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