I am an avid superhero comic book fan and have been since I was a
child. One fact I have always been disappointed about is the lack of
positive and strong Christian superheroes. Out of the few I can actually
name, Nightcrawler stood out as a devout Catholic. The powers that be
were sure to destroy that notion by making him an insecure homophobe in
the ultimate universe who was unable to deal with Colossus’
homosexuality. Nice way to destroy a great character, Marvel! I can’t
even name a devout Christian or Catholic in the DC universe.
Many people can point out the fact that a superhero who believes in
one supreme God would have a hard time existing in a universe filled
with lesser gods and men who have the power of gods. I intend to agree.
However, I am not advocated for a character in the Marvel of DC
continuity proper and this is not really an indictment of either comic
book company. Christian comic creators can make their own continuity.
What I am talking about is the lack of Christian presence in the
industry altogether.
I know there are a number of Christian artists and writers, but there
does not seem to be much output. Sure, there are definitely comic books
involving Biblical stories and angels as superheroes, but where is the
story of the modern day Christian superhero with powers and all. I think
a lot of believers have a hard time with the question of where the
superheroes could get their powers. When we have an almighty God who
controls everything, chance encounters with chemicals or radiation
cannot occur without His interference. This is where we get to the crux
of the matter, many Christian creators are afraid to speak for God in
their stories.
If we are studying His Word as workman, then why should we ever be
afraid to speak for God because He has already spoken for Himself in the
Word? Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs shall follow them that believe;
In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly
thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and
they shall recover.” Is there any part of the last passage that does not
seem superheroic?
I like to call Acts the superhero book because it contains many
awesome powers displayed by believers which, unlike comic book
superheroes, are all true. Acts 5:14-16, “And believers were the more
added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Insomuch that they
brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and
couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might
overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities
round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were
vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” Even in the
Old Testament, men like Samson exhibited supernatural powers given by
God. Judges 16:3, “And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at midnight,
and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and went
away with them, bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and
carried them up to the top of an hill that is before Hebron.”
We even have a real life enemy, the devil, with an army of devil
spirits waiting to destroy us if they could. 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the
faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your
brethren that are in the world.” So, we see that God gives His people
power to defeat the devil; then, why is it so uncommon to see stories of
Christians doing miraculous deeds. I think this is an area that we, as
believers, need to start investing our talents because it could and
would open a whole new class of people to the greatness of God’s Word.
In addition, Christians could enjoy a comic book with a positive
character who shares their outlook on life.
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