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Is the Wizard of Oz an allegory promoting liberal theology?

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by Tim, May 14, 2003.

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  1. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Follow the yellow brick road.

    Streets of gold?
     
    #21 SaggyWoman, May 16, 2003
  2. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    We represent the lollipop guild.

    the lollipop guild.

    the lollipop guild.

    Is that JW?
     
    #22 SaggyWoman, May 16, 2003
  3. Ransom

    Ransom Active Member

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    Tim asked:

    Does the Wizard of Oz promote liberal theology?

    The Wizard of Oz does not promote any theology. L. Frank Baum's stated purpose in writing his distinctively American fairy tale was

    Some things are just for fun.
     
    #23 Ransom, May 16, 2003
  4. LadyEagle

    LadyEagle <b>Moderator</b> <img src =/israel.gif>

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    Maybe, but think of it as a (liberal) allegory for a moment or compare it to Pilgrim's Progress. Except with the liberal / humanist spin, the pilgrims (Dorothy et al) find out God (Oz) is a fraud.

    Yellow brick road - narrow way.

    Good witches / bad witches - battle of good & evil.

    Poppy field - losing the way in vices & such.

    Emerald City - Heaven.

    Hmmmm......Fun.

    That's what they said about Alice in Wonderland, too..... ;) :eek:
     
    #24 LadyEagle, May 16, 2003
  5. NarrowWay

    NarrowWay New Member

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    It's not at all clear to me what you're driving at when you ask whether the Wizard of Oz as an allegory promotes "liberal" theology. If your interpretation is correct it represents Anti-Christianity. Are you suggesting that everyone who doesn't share your exact beliefs is anti-Christian?
     
    #25 NarrowWay, May 16, 2003
  6. Tim

    Tim New Member

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    I used the term "liberal theology" because of some of my past experience attending liberal denominational meetings as a representative from our local church. In fact, at one of these meetings, a woman cited the very things I've mentioned from the Wizard of Oz movie as an illustration for her point--we ought not bother God for all our needs--the kingdom of God is within us, i.e. we already have the brain, heart and courage we need.

    That seems sort of the opposite of faith and trust to me. Man-centered, typically "liberal theology".

    Probably half the people on this board think I'M a liberal--so, no, I don't use that term for everyone I disagree with.

    As far as Baum's intent in writing the story, I don't know his motives, and I doubt he would be completely forthright if he had an axe to grind against the Christianity practiced in his day. But being a children's author myself, I know that a lot of what is in your heart comes out in the text, especially thematic issues in the story.

    Finally, we have to consider the influence of Hollywood on Baum's story. Significant changes were made, including the power of the wizard to actually help those who sought his help. Hollywood made the Wizard more of a buffoon than Baum did.

    Tim

    P.S. btw,Yes, I still enjoy watching the Wizard of Oz, just like I still enjoy reading "Moby Dick" even though Melville himself admitted it was an "wicked book". Anybody want a thread on that one?
     
    #26 Tim, May 16, 2003
  7. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    Some things are just for fun. [/QB]</font>[/QUOTE]If that's what he really thought, he was loony. "Heartaches and nightmares are left out" [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
    #27 Alcott, May 20, 2003
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