Go Watch Bohemian Rhapsody

It’s award season, which means life right now involves watching lots of critically acclaimed films - some of which will hopefully be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. So far, I’ve seen Roma which was a cinematic masterpiece. Seriously, so lovely. It’s on Netflix, so do yourself a favor and just watch the beauty that is Roma. Apologies about the subtitles, if reading isn’t your thing and also about the plot. It’s sad. But if you’re a visual artist of any kind - seriously, go watch Roma. It’s stunning.

I’m not pretentious enough to give you reviews of these films. I’m also not knowledgeable enough. Yes, I’ve been watching the Academy Awards for over ten years, yes I can name the Best Picture winners probably all the way back to 2004 when I started and perhaps even to 2000 but I’m not about to tell you why these films are good or should or shouldn’t win. I save that for my Oscars ballot. I save those thoughts and opinions to win.

But last night, I watched Bohemian Rhapsody. Friends, do yourself a favor and watch Bohemian Rhapsody. I don’t care if you hate Queen. I don’t care if you’re staunchly against homosexuality and Freddie Mercury offends you. I don’t care if sex, drugs, and rock and roll just aren’t your thing. Just go watch the movie.

Don’t watch it because it was well made. (Which it was). Don’t watch it because it was well acted (Rami’s getting that Best Actor). Don’t watch it because the music was great. (Yes, it’s partially his voice). Don’t even watch it because Branson from Downton Abbey is in it. (Seriously. Don’t. He’s the WORST in this).

Watch Bohemian Rhapsody because whatever you think about Queen and however you feel about Freddie Mercury - we could all use more films about friendship and non-romantic, sacrificial, love.

See what struck me the most about this movie was the familial relationship between the members of Queen and also the relationship between Freddie and Mary Austin. The love that they had for one another. I’m not a Queen expert, nor am I, Bryan Singer (thank goodness). But the impression or takeaway I got from the film was that there is something to be said for family outside of DNA and love that isn’t purely romantic.

But you’ll have to watch the movie to decide for yourself if that’s the case. This isn’t a review or spoilers. Instead, I want to talk about the importance of those two concepts - or simply, the importance of community.

Because I think community is vital. Not only to an isolated rock star in the 70’s and 80’s but to all of us, today.

Last week I re-tweeted a tweet by Joy Clarkson. It said this:

Christians often focus on marriage as the most important relationship in a person's life. But here's the thing: Jesus never got married. The primary mode of relationship that the perfect human being lived in was friendship. We should probably take friendship more seriously.

She then went on to explain that marriage is good and great and not bad but that Christians overemphasize marriage. Because, FYI church, we do. Now she was met with a lot of positive response but there was also some backlash from more conservative folk.

If you’ve been around the block, you’ve probably read C.S. Lewis’ book, The Four Loves. If you haven’t - stop reading this trash and go read it. It’s fantastic and was a huge help when I wrote a talk for college students on the importance of Friendship. I don’t have time to delve deep into the theological importance of friendship. I’m just gonna tell you this - friends are key. Community is key. If you don’t have either - you are missing out. Friendship and community are not only vital to Christians living in the in-between, they are vital to humanity.

That’s why I loved Bohemian Rhapsody - it spoke into this idea of community. See Freddie Mercury might have been the lead singer of a rock band - but he was also an immigrant who was subject to racism. He was also gay in a time where homosexuality was shameful. But he had his band who loved him regardless and he had Mary, the love of his life.

I can’t confirm this, but my theory is, he loved Mary the most, even more than any of his male lovers, because she saw him for who he was and accepted him. She knew him better than anyone and loved him despite himself.

I believe that’s all humanity wants - to be known fully and loved anyways. (I read that in a marriage book a few years ago - either Matt Chandler or my guy, Tim Keller so credit where it’s due).

I think ideally, that’s what a healthy marriage can be. BUT - I also think friendship can also be held to this kind of standard. Yes, there are levels of friendship and not all helpful. But we can know people and love them. We can love them without expecting anything in return. And guys and girls, we can love someone of the opposite gender and not have it turn into marriage and THAT IS OKAY. Because marriage isn’t the answer. God calls us to be in community. He places the orphans and the lonely in families. His answer is the church - not your dreamboat. So let’s stop diminishing friendship and community and strive to love as Christ loves.

Let’s also take that love to the marginalized, to the needy, to the hurt. Let’s take that kind of love and community to those dying of AIDS or your immigrant neighbor. Let’s stop pretending Jesus cared about politics and your right to own a gun, and let’s remember that Jesus actually cares about those people you hate. Let’s remember that Christ called us to love our enemies as ourselves.

Okay?

Also, go watch Bohemian Rhapsody. And while you’re at it, Roma too. Watch Moonlight if you’re feeling brave. Because stories of people who are different than us, they matter. We need to start listening and loving. So go hear their stories and allow the Holy Spirit to convict your heart while you watch them. Because, fun fact - God can speak through secular media. He’s not limited by your limitations. He’s active and speaking. So, let’s quiet ourselves and listen. Because you may be shocked at where you hear Him and you may be challenged by what He says.