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Whoever decreed that a joke is never as funny the second time you hear it probably never watched The Princess Bride. Several moments in this movie become so much funnier, or at least more impactful, when you watch them the second time – or the two hundredth, as the case might be. For my money the best example is the Battle of Wits, when the man in the mask – Wesley or the Dread Pirate Roberts, as we soon learn him to be – dares to take on the hilariously scheming would-be murderer Vizzini. On a first viewing the scene makes little sense. We don’t know who either of the men are or what they want with Princess Buttercup, and still less can we decide who we want to win even if we expect the Man in Black will somehow best the undersized mastermind. On subsequent viewing, however, we see the glory of it all; the reason for Wesley’s relentless pursuit, the significance of his hitherto inscrutable tiny reactions as Vizzini raves on meaninglessly, and above all the ironic futility of the mastermind’s efforts to win a game that’s already – for him – rigged so that the only chance of winning is to not play.

               With the current parade of derision and mockery against all that is Godly and Christ-centered in the world, from the Bible’s account of history to current Judeo-Christian ideals for society and morality – this scene has never struck deeper. For decades, sociologists, scientists, and even theologians have trumpeted the claim that God is dead. Atheist Vizzinis rattle off endless arguments about why this or that is thoroughly inconceivable, often hiding a lot of circular talk behind intellectual factoid salad (sound familiar?). All the while they draw others into their wake, even leading some Christians – or some who call themselves Christians – to revile and conflict with their brothers and sisters.

               And yet, like Wesley in this scene, God will have the last laugh. No one can outmaneuver the inventor of skill itself. No one can overpower the Maker of the universe. And no one can outsmart God, Who knew every thought of every man, woman, and child before Adam drew his first breath. Like the Battle of Wits, the game is rigged, and only one player can win.

               Let the godless laugh while they can. Likely as not, they’ll die doing it.

            On a side note, I'll be posting at least one of these a day (on average) until "Pride Month" is done. Enjoy, everyone.

Description

Whoever decreed that a joke is never as funny the second time you hear it probably never watched The Princess Bride. Several moments in this movie become so much funnier, or at least more impactful, when you watch them the second time – or the two hundredth, as the case might be. For my money the best example is the Battle of Wits, when the man in the mask – Wesley or the Dread Pirate Roberts, as we soon learn him to be – dares to take on the hilariously scheming would-be murderer Vizzini. On a first viewing the scene makes little sense. We don’t know who either of the men are or what they want with Princess Buttercup, and still less can we decide who we want to win even if we expect the Man in Black will somehow best the undersized mastermind. On subsequent viewing, however, we see the glory of it all; the reason for Wesley’s relentless pursuit, the significance of his hitherto inscrutable tiny reactions as Vizzini raves on meaninglessly, and above all the ironic futility of the mastermind’s efforts to win a game that’s already – for him – rigged so that the only chance of winning is to not play.

               With the current parade of derision and mockery against all that is Godly and Christ-centered in the world, from the Bible’s account of history to current Judeo-Christian ideals for society and morality – this scene has never struck deeper. For decades, sociologists, scientists, and even theologians have trumpeted the claim that God is dead. Atheist Vizzinis rattle off endless arguments about why this or that is thoroughly inconceivable, often hiding a lot of circular talk behind intellectual factoid salad (sound familiar?). All the while they draw others into their wake, even leading some Christians – or some who call themselves Christians – to revile and conflict with their brothers and sisters.

               And yet, like Wesley in this scene, God will have the last laugh. No one can outmaneuver the inventor of skill itself. No one can overpower the Maker of the universe. And no one can outsmart God, Who knew every thought of every man, woman, and child before Adam drew his first breath. Like the Battle of Wits, the game is rigged, and only one player can win.

               Let the godless laugh while they can. Likely as not, they’ll die doing it.

            On a side note, I'll be posting at least one of these a day (on average) until "Pride Month" is done. Enjoy, everyone.