In the works at Netflix is a theologically illiterate mess about a 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the reincarnated Jesus.
Penned by comic book rock star Mark Millar, the mastermind behind such works as “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman,” his new project “American Jesus” will now be a series over at the streaming empire with both President Obama and his former ambassador Susan Rice on the payroll.
According to The Wrap, Netflix has a whole slate in the making based on Millar’s work, including a “Kick-Ass” and “Kingsman” movie along with another show called “Jupiter’s Legacy.” The adaptation for “American Jesus” will focus on a pre-teen boy who suddenly discovers “he can turn water into wine, make the crippled walk, and, perhaps, even raise the dead.” Here’s the full description from The Wrap:
“American Jesus” follows a 12-year-old boy who suddenly discovers he’s returned as Jesus Christ. He can turn water into wine, make the crippled walk, and, perhaps, even raise the dead! How will he deal with the destiny to lead the world in a conflict thousands of years in the making? Everardo Gout (“Marvel’s Luke Cage,” “Sacred Lies,” “Mars,” “Banshee”) and Leopoldo Gout (“Molly’s Game,” “Instinct”) will serve as co-showrunners and executive producers on the series. Everardo Gout will also direct.
Absolutely no prizes for anyone who predicts that this reincarnated Jesus supports every progressive cause in the books. He may even attend a “Beyonce Mass” at one point.
Also, the concept of a reincarnated Jesus presents a slew of theological problems that has no basis in tradition or scripture. For one thing, the Gospels clearly illustrate that Christ did not become a spirit when he left this Earth, but rather ascended into heaven in his resurrected body. That means Jesus Christ entered eternity as a physical man. Should Christ ever return, as Revelation predicts, it makes no sense for him to come as a reincarnated boy since it would fly in the face of the Judeo-Christian concept of one-body, one-soul. Christ lived once, died once, and was resurrected once. He will be that for all eternity, as we will be for all eternity.
There is no reincarnation according to Christian beliefs. The Jesus offered in “American Jesus” will be anything but Christian in any sense; Buddhist and Hindu more likely.