Iron Clad Ignorance: Rewriting History

July 02, 2010 by Beth Davies-Stofka

Continued from Page 1

Rather than becoming a mesmerizing exploration of the vulnerability of a superhero, Iron Man 2 just puts up its dukes. When Tony learns the origins of Vanko's anger, he doesn't do anything about it. He doesn't reflect on the abuse of power. He doesn't try to make things right. He just dons his weaponized suit and fights. Vanko is the voice of Tony's conscience, and a conscience can be a tough thing to have. If we are to believe Iron Man 2, there's only one thing to do when your conscience is tormenting you: blow it up.

Some scholars argue that theological reflection is a normative activity. In other words, theologians seek answers to questions of good and evil, answers that might reveal important moral truths. In Iron Man 2, this is Vanko's role. He attacks Tony for attempting to rewrite history and for forgetting all the families whose lives he has ruined. It is like the wrath of God sentencing the Kingdom of Judah to destruction for its cruelties to the weak and vulnerable.

In an otherwise disastrously loud and incoherent film, Mickey Rourke invented an unforgettable character. The theologian is the villain of this piece. I like that!

Page: 2 of 2

7/2/2010 4:00:00 AM

Ethics

History

Media

Movies

more at patheos

On Protestant Explanations of Catholic Conversion

Dave Armstrong

Why Do I Wear a Guillotine Around My Neck?

Brad Vaughn

Memorial Mass Fills National Shrine Basilica

William Hemsworth

Europe Could Dump Trump/USA and Form a More Perfect Union

Kermit Zarley

About Beth Davies-Stofka

Beth Davies-Stofka teaches courses on comparative religion and the philosophy of religion. Her teaching and research focus in two areas: the challenges that violence and human suffering present to theological ethics, and explorations of philosophy and...

Patheos Logo Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Subscription Support Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In

Follow Patheos