Holmes as Christ (for Christian readers only, please)
Just a little thing I wrote concerning Holmes in comparison to Christ for Christians only (of course, it is everyone's prerogative to respond as they wish, but I ask kindly that non-Christians don't make hateful remarks)...
In The Empty House, whereupon Sherlock Holmes reveals himself to his devoted friend, John Watson, we are treated to the core establishing reasoning for Watson and our love upon the singular detective - Holmes as our champion, Christ. In the opening passages a mystery is presented and in short time it is clear that evil has once again asserted itself in the killing of Ronald Adair. There is a pall over the entire preceding tale as both Watson and detective LeStrade are aware that though the evidence which could snare the perpetrator of this crime is before them, they are unable to discern it, or as our ubiquitous hero would chide, "they see, but do not observe". Both Lestrade and Watson are much distressed and despondent in their knowledge that - if only - Holmes were alive, the blaggard could be brought to justice. However, without our hero this evil will go unpunished and the cruel murderer will be free to kill once again, flouncing his deadly crime in their face, rubbing their noses in it's putrid remains.
Then, a miracle, Holmes is alive. As Owen Dudley Edwards has recently pointed out, Holmes' the character closely mirrors that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both are proponents of justice, law, and both are willing to give their lives so that evil may be destroyed. Each, in his own way, is resurrected to life again and in this fresh incarnation they both are stronger, more assured, and their influence broader in scope and breadth. As Satan is the father of all lies, the source of all evil, so is Professor Moriarty the seat of all that is evil and criminal in England. Both Holmes and Christ do battle with the ultimate evil and are mortally wounded. Christ is truly killed, but miraculously raised again by the Father, while Holmes death is a ruse and his resurrection more a resurfacing. However, they are similar in impact to their own disciples, in Jesus' case he restores his rock, Peter and Holmes his rock, Dr. Watson.
The joy that both bring in their "resurrection" is the truth that the purest form of evil has been annihilated, but the stain and taint of it remains and there is desperate need for our heroes to once again take up the fight. The beast may be beaten, but in it's death throes there is danger and peril for all. When Sherlock returns, Watson is overjoyed to the point of literally swooning, mirroring his beloved friend's past three years and this brings to mind the baseless accusation that Christ Himself swooned in the tomb to revive and seemingly resurrect. However, in Holmes case the accusation is true, but in the case of Christ there is no evidence to support such nonsense, and much to prove that He did indeed die and was risen again on the third day. After Watson is revived and learns that it is truly Holmes, alive again and in good health, he is euphoric in the knowledge that not only is his friend returned, but that evil once again is matched and it's powerful adversary is ready to resist it and triumph.
Why does Watson (and also we) feel such strong emotion for this reunion? Is it only that Watson's friend is once again alive and with him? Surely not, for shortly after Holmes provides the details about his miraculous return, Dr. Watson is keen to hear that Holmes is hot on the case of the murder of Ronald Adair. Clearly, the greatest joy Watson has in Holmes return is the fact that justice - once again - has it's pure and shining knight to pitch in heated battle. Therein lies the true nature of our joy, we are made in the image of the Almighty and He delights in justice, and therefore so do we also that love Him. Our champion is there, for us to willingly follow, as he meets the challenge and pierces the heart of evil and injustice. This is the greatest achievement of A. Conan Doyle, that his hero mirrors ours - the living Christ. The powerful king that crushes the head of the serpent under foot. We willingly follow and struggle, all of our lives to be like Him. Though it is impossible to achieve, we are better, stronger, more stouthearted men in our imitation of Him. We delight in standing beside Him as he vanquishes evil, serves as a stumbling block to the proud and wicked, and a comforting Savior to those that recognize their need of Him, bow at His feet for forgiveness and take up the mantle to serve at His side. We cannot be Him, and do not seek to do so, but we admire Him and we do our best to please Him and serve Him in His struggle, and in doing so we are filled with joy and purpose through Him. Watson has his Holmes, and we our loving, conquering Lord, Jesus Christ.
"...nothing is left of me, each time I see her..." - Catullus