The film Matewan provides the life of economic inequality within the 1920s. The idea of economic inequality brings up the idea of Catholic social teaching as well. In Matewan, there are many religious symbolisms and connections within the characters to the gospel: Joe Kenehan, Sephus Purcell, C.E. Lively, and some coal miners.
First and foremost, the character Joe Kenehan would represent Jesus Christ in the film. He is the organizer for the United Mine Workers. Joe is the one who sees a cause that is unfair to many people, while the coal company is gaining. The Stone Mountain Coal Company announces it will cut the pay miners receive, and will be importing replacement workers into town to replace those who join the union. He wants fairness, peace, and a suitable lifestyle for the hard working coal miners that are in the union he formed. Like Jesus Christ, he is someone who cares for others, and wants to provide…show more content… They are portrayed as the “disciples” of Joe Kenehan; just like there were disciples of Jesus Christ. There were many cases of the followers acting as disciples within the film. First, they started to show their devoutness and faith for Joe and the plan he has for unionizing of the coal miners. In that time, it was really risky leaving the coal corporation and unionizing. It is a great thing if it works out, but if not the risks of losing your job, house, and much more are very high. They also believed Joe a lot, especially when C.E. Lively tried manipulating them to go against Joe. Jesus’ disciples stood by his side, and continued to follow him regardless of what the odds were stacked against them. For a majority of the followers of Joe, they were called “scabs”, they were looked at as lower citizens. The followers of Joe were committed to doing what was right as Jesus’ disciples
