The Hunger Games, a critique of its worldview

Confession, I have a slight addiction to trends. And because of this, my interest was peaked when The Hunger Games started getting tons of attention. Naturally over the Grace University Choir Tour… I read the first book. Some of my friends read the whole series that weekend, but I have somewhat of a life still (Sorry guys).

Here is my critique from the standpoint of a Christian worldview. I have been hearing a lot of Christians somewhat divided over this subject; is the message good? What themes are contrary to Christ? Is it just another evil Harry Potter?

The premise of “the kids have to kill each other” freaks most Christians out. The problem is, that is not the point of the movie. I also saw one review from a Christian position saying that this book promoted the type of oppressive and evil government that was in the book/movie. Once again, this is not the point.

We need a clear understanding that the story follows Katniss Everdeen, and from her perspective and thought process she has a very clear sense of morality. She knows the games are evil, that the government is basically promoting communism, having to break the law to survive is wrong but necessary. She hates the idea of having to kill her fellow “tributes,” she hates that she is just another pawn in the government’s plan to “keep peace.”

There are, admittedly, a few parts in the book where Katniss is naked. But this, I think, helps develop the moral decline of the Capital. The Capital forces her to get undressed so they can “make her pretty” to their standards. The author Suzanne Collins does a great job getting inside her head and revealing how dehumanizing the experience is. She feels the makeup artists are saying she does not have worth until they give her a “beautiful” body.

The Capital is a perfect representation of America right now. In my mind, the clothes and style of the people of the Capital is no less ridiculous that where we are at as a culture right now. Looking at artists such as Nicki Minaj, Ke$ha, and Katy Parry… I would say we are not far behind the world of The Hunger Games in regards to style and morality.

I neither think the book wrong to read (provided that the age of the person reading is old enough for themes of violence and moral decline) nor the story evil. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, have read the second, and am starting the third.

Christians cannot simply separate themselves from culture and hope that they will keep themselves or their children safe from ideas. Whether they like it or not, ideas will be heard. My warning to parents: in regards to this series and other series, is that their kids may know that the book has bad themes but not know why. Teaching your children to think critically about the world’s ideas is far more valuable than telling them something is wrong with no reason for it.