|
The Prequel Feminism: Part 2 - Page 4
© Paul F. McDonald
Page 4
Jul 2, 2002
This notion of grace is likewise evocative of feminity. As Alan Watts notes in his remarkable theology classic, "Behold the Spirit," introducing the Virgin Mary into the Christian pantheon gave it an openness or receptivity that it was lacking in its strictly patriarchal form. To the holy mother, even the most depraved sinner could pour out his heart with the assurance that all his misdeeds would be forgiven. This is the role Padme plays, and her very name evokes it. Padme is actually Sanskrit for "lotus," which is symbolic in the East of grace, among many other things. Amidala is likewise a reference to the Amida Buddha, which is also known as the Buddha of Compassionate Light. The sect honoring Amida is in Japan, and what is quite interesting is that when Jesuit missionaries traveled there, they were amazed that the Lutheran belief in salvation not by works but by grace was already in place. In both cases, deserving forgiveness had no bearing on whether one would receive it. This is the kind of indiscriminatory, inclusive love that is important to Star Wars, and it finds fine form in Padme Amidala.
* "Love and War" will be published on July 16.
Go To Page:
1
2
3
4
The copyright of the article The Prequel Feminism: Part 2 - Page 4 in Star Wars is owned by Paul F. McDonald. Permission to republish The Prequel Feminism: Part 2 - Page 4 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
In response to message posted by ekyla:
Reading your generous comments, I had a line from "As Good as It Gets" run through my mind.
...
|
I find this increasingly unfathomable as I read each of your new articles. It's amazing how you, as a male, can write about women so wonderfully. Congratulations! I couldn't have said it better myself ...
|
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to
Paul F. McDonald's
Star Wars topic, please visit the Discussions page.
|
