A 'Boxed' Decision

for the sake of artistry I used a rather different box

Two nights ago I watched The Box with Cameron Diaz, James Marsden and Frank Langella as lead actors.  The story is a suspense thriller depicted in 1976 America. I should be enjoying watching movies, like this one, but with these reflections, realizations and questions lingering in my mind I can help but to write and involve you.

1. The Choice

They were offered one million dollars tax free, over a death of someone unknown to them, somewhere. All they have to do is to press the button in a little box. Are the Lewises in dire need of money? The story presented us with factors which predisposed the couple to choose for the prize: Arthur’s application to become astronaut was rejected, while Norma’s tuition benefit was cancelled. The couple was left with one question: Do we need that one million dollar?

Norma had found out of her husband’s rejected application and it only augmented the complexity of their trouble. Arthur is positive about getting through the financial burden they have to face but since Norma did not mention to Arthur her difficulty, she was left with the ‘only choice’.

 

2. The Fall

Pushing the button is very similar to eating the forbidden fruit. In the Bible’s creation story, the woman has to endure the multiple pains of giving birth, and of being a wife. Again, the woman is depicted as the ‘culprit’. The man consented but it was she who pushed the button. In the end the woman has to die to save their son’s impairment. To amplify the claim, it was the wives who pushed the button before the box reached and after it was taken from the Lewises.

Is this to present the woman is always at fault? That she deserved to endure multiple pains? Is this to justify enmity and cruelty to women?

3. Redemption 

The wife could not bear to stay alive and see their son in miserable condition. The man was left with a dilemma: to be a father or to be a husband. He chose the former only to realize and end up losing both. He could have convinced his wife to look at the positive side but emotions overshadowed him.

Would this mean the woman’s decision always influences if not completes man’s decision? That man’s EQ is dependent on women? That being emotional hinders rationalization?

To answer these questions would require a lot of arguments and counter arguments, prayerful reflections, philosophical and theological discussions. I guess I will just content and submit myself to such requirements, that answers are processes enclosed in time. 

However, it might help to know three factors which have substantial effect in our lives: 1. how a ‘succulent’ offer can change lives. 2. how with a ‘push of a button’ can one’s life be judged and ended. 3. how sacrifice is always indispensable for salvation.