Whoa, hate to be one of those kids when Papa Prof finds out they jacked the car.
There's something bizarrely noteworthy about the brand of incompetence unique to the X-Men producers. Sure, most of Hollywood is a sad disgrace with storytelling these days. But the ones involved with the X-Men not only portray the complete opposite of their intended messages, they also make powerful statements by chance. One example I've mentioned is how Erik's poisonous relationships with Charles and Raven come off as a cautionary tale about being mindful about who you let into your life as well as what the warning signs of emotional manipulation look like. In FC, the audience is introduced to a pair of close siblings who have issues but are full of youthful energy with smiles more valuable than their entire family fortune. By the stupid phoenix movie, their dynamic is cold and considerably distant with nothing but unresolved resentment and borderline apathy between them. The once lively light in their eyes almost completely extinguished.
There's another piece of symbolism they inserted that was in no way, shape, or form deliberate. The portrayal of Charles Xavier not only as the moral center but as the total embodiment of the works and teachings of Jesus Christ. I assert that without an ounce if hyperbole. No, I do NOT mean that Charles is some sort of mutant deity equal to Christ Himself. When other films attempt to make a messianic figure out of a main character, audiences are easily turned off by the contrived grandeur awarded to such a one-dimensional protagonist. The reason it worked with Charles is because his filmmakers can only deliver a solid message by accident. There's pathetic and then there's the crew behind the X-movies, fascinatingly pathetic.
For those of you whose knowledge of the Good Book is derived solely from hypocritical authority figures who carefully edit the text to their liking in-between pushing the dangerously false notion that the Creator hates the gays, let me explain. While there are a number of acts and lifestyle choices of which the Bible does not approve, Christ did not live among us as a scrutinizing taskmaster. He took the destitute, the hopeless, the sick, the immoral, children, and basically whoever the religious leaders at the time considered insects or less and gave them the instructions and tools needed to be beacons of hope in a world so bleak. He did not select and interact with these people because they possessed greatness. He took them on so that they could achieve greatness, even those convinced of their unworthiness.
Although He died to secure our afterlife, not once did He make promises of fortune and prosperity for the mortal existence. He warned of continued suffering, wars and rumors of wars, false prophets, and on-going conflict until the Earth's dying day. For believers and non-believers alike. Christ emphasized brotherhood, caring for each other, and avoiding the corruption vengeful desires inevitably cause. Christ forgave the world and wants us to do likewise. He judges us based on how well we treat those considered the least of us. I can tell you more. Message me if interested.
No character dreamed up by the cinematic sick joke that is Pureflix Productions or any faith based media can articulate Christ's message as accurately as Charles. Very ironic for a scientist who supposedly subscribes to the theory of evolution. And no, Christ never advised drinking binges or one-night stands, but Charles' youthful coping mechanisms do not define him at his core.
Across the entire franchise, Charles is the undeniable pillar of hope. Quite strange, considering the sorrows of his past well before even Raven arrived on his doorstep. He's Erik's absolute opposite in terms of world view, physique, and most of all, personality. Instead of trying to rebuild anew from that which he lost like so many other survivors, Erik's response to tragedy is causing his own. He wears his scars like a badge of honor, constantly doubling-down on his unwaivering cynicism to self-fulfilling prophecy proportions.
As for Charles, it could be argued that his greatest foe is not Erik but darkness. The telepath is adamant in not continuing the vicious cycle. Despite all the cruelty and mistreatment he's put through, Charles never even entertains the notion of retribution. After his family abandoned him on that beach, darkness gained the upper hand as depression and despair overwhelmed Charles for a time. Ultimately, he won against it as he tried to heal himself. His dark period reminds me of the one the disciples went through after the Crucifixion. An older version of himself even appears as something of an angelic advisor, emphasizing that their hope and altruism are far more powerful than any mutant ability. An often forgotten truth is that so many things can be taken from us, from our loved ones to control over our own bodies. But our spirits- our principles and true inner selves- cannot be confiscated by anyone.
Throughout most of his life, Charles extinguishes fires with water. He came from an emotionally negligent, possibly physically abusive, family and his reaction to that is to assume the role of caretaker with found family. Christ gave legitimacy to adopted families when He declared His chosen disciples to be His true family. When people are afraid and panicked, Charles acts as their steadfast shield. When they are filled with self-loathing, he brings their good attributes to the forefront. When they hurt him, Charles still answers the call to heal them. When his enemies want him dead, he exults their lives.
Thanks to inaccurate teachings, there are many who view Christ and the good-natured in general as soft pacifists too meek to get their hands dirty. Yeah, that's a grave misinterpretation Erik types continue to sprout. Magneto claims Professor X is weak due to the younger man refusing to make sacrifices. Charles is willing to sacrifice- such as severing ties with those he loves but are too toxic to be around- but winning the day is not worth sacrificing human life. Resuming his telepathy in dofp is quite possibly his biggest sacrifice. He traded in his mobility and peace of mind in order to take the painful hits for others. His code as a telepath is another example. As much as he may be tempted to force his will on certain people, he only chooses that option during urgent circumstances. Otherwise, he will not usurp free will.
When he found himself abducted and facing mental rape by Apocalypse, Charles- paralyzed and surrounded by enemies- stood taller than anyone present. He didn't play the part of the compliant captive. Whatever befell him, he would not be complicit in Apocalypse's vile plans for the world nor would he die on his knees. With Erik among his kidnappers, flashbacks of being forced to help kill Shaw likely coursed through his head. He would not let history repeat. With his masculinity and unbreakable will on full display, Charles conducted himself as a real man and his authority resonated. His mortality at tremendous risk, he still communicated with the horsemen to get off the dark path and compelled the strong to safeguard the vulnerable. It was righteous anger vs. evil's scare tactics.
By the time he reaches Patrick Stewart's age, Charles embodies the strong, self-sacrificing paternal figure. Still confined to a wheelchair, his able-bodied mutant students look to him for safety and reassurance. Charles fully relinquishes all of himself in service to the world.
There's further symbolism backing this up. Erik is obviously the Judas- hand chosen and present for every significant moment but ultimately, the traitor. Raven is something of a prodigal. Granted, both those Biblical figures experienced real guilt and remorse, but I digress.
Charles' best similarity to Christ is in how he's never the one to burn the bridge. Through thick and thin, he keeps his door and arms wide open for any and all to return to him. However, the decision to do so is entirely in their hands.
No chance whatsoever of topping this one tonight.
Be safe, Charles' Angels. And Erik apologists, I guess. Yeesh, Prof makes this enemy love thing look too easy.
