137: The Holiness of Victimhood

Stories Are Soul Food

Christmas is coming, so as a gift Brian lights the fuse and Nate destroys Dickens and Les Miserables. But first, the guys discuss whether “It’s a Wonderful Life” mishandles George Bailey’s depression -- does the movie pat him on the back and tell him what a good boy he is, when it should be handling his sin more roughly? (The answer is the movie handled it well). However, to be fair, Nate then sets off on a tirade against the more saccharine elements of the movie, which leads into a natural discussion of Charles Dickens’ strengths and weaknesses from “Tale of Two Cities” to “David Copperfield” and “A Christmas Carol.” Turns out, despite his characters, his work is mostly weaknesses -- could Brian edit them to be better in a editions titled “Dickens But Good” (trademark?). The guys review the truism that Tiny Tim is a really odious character, and then move on to Victor Hugo, concluding this fantastic Advent episode with a demolition of Les Miserables the musical, including its approach to justice and sacrifice, its deification of victims, and its catchiness. If Stories Are Soul Food podcast had to diagnose the disease that most evangelicals have, SASF would say they’re sick with the idea that victimhood is holy.
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