This post was inspired by Doc Jensen’s masterful post in which he compares Lostie, “Doc Jack” to a book written by another Doc, “Doctor Luke” (see, it all makes sense now). “Doc” Jensen points out certain similarities between the storyline of LOST and six chapters from the Gospel of Luke in the Bible (chapters 4,8,15,16,23,24) which make up the Numbers, even though 24 is an inversion of 42. So, I got to thinking, “What if there is something to this?” What if the writers of Lost have borrowed an outline or at least themes from these six chapters of Holy Writ? I mean, come on, they certainly love to use other literature for ideas! Now, while I do believe the Bible is more than literature (you can discuss that with me on my other blog), it certainly is literature, nonetheless. It without a doubt is a book, or a collection of books bound together in one Book. You get the point.The first thing that I noticed about Doc Jensen’s post is that he focused on the redemption of Jack. Now, this makes sense to me because I do believe LOST is a story of redemption, as is the Bible. I also believe that LOST is primarily Jack’s story. This doesn’t mean that the other characters aren’t important, but they do take a backseat to what is going on with Jack. I know that you could make a case for Locke, Kate, and even Sawyer, but what is the common denominator in many other Lostie stories? You guessed it, Dr. Jack. Now, if Lost is first and foremost a redemption story about a doctor named Jack, whose last name is Shephard which is another biblical image for you, then it would make sense that if LOST borrowed some of its thematic elements from a book of the Bible; it would use the book of the Bible most associated with another doctor, Dr. Luke. To add another twist, Jack’s Father’s name is…Christian…ok, you get the point and I could go on and on with this idea.
Adam and Eve: Luke 4
Doc Jensen rightly pointed out the “Physician, heal thyself” reference out of Luke 4, but there may be a more important LOST reference in the chapter. Luke 4 parallels Matthew 4 in giving the account of Satan tempting/testing Jesus in the wilderness. You Losties should already be thinking, “a test in the wilderness, that’s the whole point of LOST.” Now, most people will take Luke 4 as encouragement because Jesus understands the temptations that they are going through. While that is a valid point, there is MORE going on in Luke 4 than that…much MORE. In the bible, the temptation of Jesus is presented as a kind of “Garden of Eden, part two.” In other words, Satan came to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 with a temptation, they failed. Satan comes to Jesus in Luke 4 with a temptation, Jesus succeeded. Question: are the Losties undergoing some grand test? Did someone before them fail? And where have we seen Adam and Eve? Oh yeah, the cave…well, only time will tell.
The Sower Sows the Seed: Luke 8
Luke 8 highlights a parable, a story that was told to teach some greater truth. And what is the great truth of this parable? A sower sows seeds, which is equated with proclaiming a message (Locke: “We are here for a reason”) and then there are different kinds of hearers: some believe, some believe for a while but change their mind, some never buy into it (sound familiar?). This parable has been played out for 5 seasons. The question now is: has Jack become the new sower? Will he succeed where Locke failed? Will his message of “destiny” be heard or fall on deaf ears?
All Things LOST: Luke 15
This chapter is almost too easy. I mean come on, three stories about three things that are LOST and have people LOOKING for them. A coin, a sheep, and a son. The only real question is: if the LOST writers are using Luke 15, who represents which characters? Is Jacob or MIB the father in the prodigal son? Is Jack the prodigal? Is Locke? Are all the castaways? Is Ben the older brother who is self righteous and judgmental? I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you!
You Cannot Serve Two Masters: Luke 16
Luke 16 contains these words spoken by Jesus, “You cannot serve two masters.” When I read that I about stopped in my tracks! Competing allegiances has been one of the major themes in all five seasons. Think about it. Are you Team Locke or Team Jack? Will Locke choose Anthony Cooper or Helen? Who is really the leader of The Others? Is it Ben or is it Richard? Are you with Jacob or MIB or some other third thing? And what about this line from Locke to Walt about backgammon all the way back at the beginning of the series: “two sides, one is light, one is dark.” LOST has been about picking a side. You cannot pick two. The only problem is that at this point no one knows which side is the right side.
Death by Love: Luke 23
The main feature of this chapter is the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus is presented as a willing sacrifice to save the people that he loves. This made me immediately think of Locke, but only for a minute. Here is why. It is true that Locke willingly gave up his life, like Jesus. However, I am NOT convinced that Locke did it for any feelings of love for any person on the island. Remember, even when Locke did love someone (Helen), his sick devotion to his weird and cruel dad (if Cooper really was Locke’s dad) destroyed any hope Locke had with Helen. I believe that Locke has the same kind of sick false loyalty to the island. That’s why he gave his life up. So, the question is, will someone else have to die for those on the island? Again, I’m just asking the question.
Back from the Dead: Luke 24
I’m going to assume that Doc Jensen’s number inversion theory is correct, even though Jon points out that Luke also wrote Acts and that means that Acts 18 is the 42nd chapter written by the beloved doctor. So, I have two camps of interpretation over one of my LOST crazy theories…I’ll take that. But, Luke 24 does emphasize the time reversal idea that we seem to be seeing in the ABC promo clips. This makes sense. Luke 24 records the resurrection from the dead of Jesus. Time turns backwards. In C.S. Lewis’ classic work The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, after Aslan comes back to life, when he gave up his life for the children and for Narnia he says, “death will be turned backwards.” I’ve been saying all along that LOST is using Narnian ideas from the beginning. Think about it: a mystical land where normal rules of time do not apply, a place with miraculous healing powers, a place that causes normal folks to have courage and bravery that they never had before, the character Charlotte Staples Lewis, the Lamp Post, heck even the inclusion of polar bears who pulled the sleigh of the White Witch into battle. All of that to say that if Doc Jensen is right and Luke is being used to chart the course of LOST at all, we can expect someone to come back from the dead. The question is, who will it be?
Come May, everything I just said might be totally obliterated…but that’s why I love LOST! Live together, die alone!
