8/3/2019 Son of Man: An Updated Gospel Story of Jesus Set in South Africa by Michele Stopera Freyhauf

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Originally published: http://feminismandreligion.com/2012/01/12/son-of-

man-an-updated-gospel-story-of-jesus-set-in-south-africa-by-michele-stopera-

freyhauf/

Son of Man: An Updated Gospel Story of Jesus Set in South Africaby Michele Stopera Freyhauf

by Michele Stopera Freyhauf

January 12, 2012

Son of Manis an updated story of the life of Jesus set in the fictional State of Judea that is

modern day South Africa complete with warlords and child soldiers. It could easily be

mistaken for modern day Rwanda or Darfur with itsmodern issues and political overtones.

Roger Ebert stated, The secret of the movie is that it doesnt strain to draw parallels with

current world events because it doesnt have to. The director draws parallels between

the gospels and 21st

century Africa. According to Dartford-May, we wanted to look at the

Gospels as if they were written by spin doctors and to strip that away and look at the truth.The director captures the rhythms of African life in both rural settingsand sprawling townships. Feather-clad young angels offer an eerie echo

and reminder of Africas lost generations.

The movie also sticks with what Eric Snider calls Traditional African

trial music, dance, and costumes as a type of worship or or allusion toJesus godhood. Judea is in flux; warlords and corruption take center

stage. Poverty, violence, and oppression affect the all of the people. The

key idea is that Jesus is a freedom fighter one that fights injustice and

oppression. The director does not emphasize Jesus divinity so much as

his leadership, good sense and compassion. Jesus is not violent and hisfollowers, most of whom were former child soldiers, are encouraged to

respond non-violently, which goes against their upbringing and training.

Son of Man Film Poster

According to Roger Moore, Jesus speaks Xhosa and teaches his

followers not just the basics tolerance, forgiveness - but also fairness,

as well as decrying drug companies that price their wares out of the reach

of those they could save. The one particular scene that really emulatesthe character of Jesus effectively is when Jesus is talking to his followers.

He is using language that brings the beatitudes to mind, however thisversion is updated to address present day issues, which include the aforementioned drug companies as well as the

oppression of people by other nations. It calls evil by its rightful label. In fact his statements that address political

violence and protectionism are relevant today. In fact, you could assume that he stands with the current Occupy

movement and the 99% who are affected by corporate greed as well as hegemonic control and corruption.

Continue reading: http://feminismandreligion.com/2012/01/12/son-of-man-an-updated-gospel-story-of-jesus-set-in-south-africa-by-michele-stopera-freyhauf/

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