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Humanity has long been fascinated with beings, whether gods or humans, who possess extraordinary powers. It is fair to say that superheroes and superhero fiction have existed for as long as stories have been passed down. Greek mythology features a multitude of gods, demi-gods, and stories that can rival any Marvel or DC character or storyline. Mesopotamia tells the tale of Gilgamesh defeating Humbaba. In Scandinavia, there is Beowulf, who defeated the monstrous Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Diana protected slaves and the lower class long before Wonder Woman emerged. Superheroes have a long history, and many of these stories have been used to convey important lessons.
For the purposes of this article, we will define superhero fiction as literature that depicts the adventures, personalities, and ethics of (usually) costumed figures known as superheroes. Superheroes or superheroines typically possess superhuman abilities and confront formidable villains or supervillains to safeguard the public. Since Superman’s debut in 1938, numerous superhero stories have been released, ranging from short adventures to lengthy sagas. The genre primarily originated and is recognized through American comic books, although it has now expanded to other media, particularly movies.
It is not inherently wrong for a Christian to be familiar with superhero fiction, to follow it, or to enjoy it. There are often valuable lessons to be learned from superhero fiction. The genre can impart concepts such as distinguishing between right and wrong, or good and evil. Batman demonstrates that one does not need to be born with superpowers to be a hero. The Power Rangers emphasize the importance of teamwork. The Hulk teaches the significance of controlling one’s temper to avoid losing control when angry. Spider-Man conveys the idea that great power comes with great responsibility. Superman, Iron Man, and other superheroes illustrate that while no one is perfect, everyone can still make a difference in this world.
World. Of course, there are also superheroes, such as Deadpool, who do not teach positive lessons, but these are better considered antiheroes.
Although there are some positives to the superhero genre, there are also some concerns regarding it. Superhero fiction contains a lot of aggression, fighting, and violence and is sometimes seen as promoting vigilantism. From comic books to the movies, superheroes take action against their evil counterparts, often violently. Children who watch or listen to stories containing violence may enact their superhero fiction play to an extreme and display aggressive tendencies. They can also have difficulty disassociating from superheroes, thinking that they can do some of the things the characters can do. Clearly, when a certain superhero is able to fly or bound across buildings, mimicry can endanger a child. Some of the superheroes and villains have particularly dark or frightening backstories that may be unhealthy for some audiences or inappropriate for certain age groups. One needs to make sure that whatever is watched or read is age- and maturity level-appropriate. Even then, becoming a “fan” of superhero fiction to the point of obsession or to the detriment of one’s spiritual walk is sinful.
Superhero fiction includes a broad spectrum of characters and storylines, as well as many media formats, and Christians need to apply the same biblical principles as they do to any other form of media. As Christians, we need to set our minds on things that are noble, true, right, pure, lovely, and admirable «Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. », (Philippians 4:8). If a superhero movie or TV show contains violence, sexuality, profanity, or otherQuestionable content needs to be approached with godly discretion.
Many individuals have attempted to depict Jesus as the ultimate superhero, but He is not a superhero. Unlike superheroes, Jesus has no faults. He possesses no Achilles’ heel or kryptonite to weaken Him, no flaw to be exploited. Jesus does not wear a costume and does not require special gadgets. Superheroes have adversaries who may defeat them. Jesus does not. There is no cosmic battle between good and evil where evil could triumph. God controls all things. While Satan currently governs the earth «in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. », (2 Corinthians 4:4), he has already been vanquished through Jesus’ death and resurrection «Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. », (John 12:31). Jesus is not a superhero. He is genuine. He is God incarnate, who descended to earth to lead a flawless life and then sacrifice it as the ultimate atonement for humanity’s sin. In doing so, He bestowed eternal life and liberation from death and sin upon all who will place their faith in Him (John 3:16-18). No superhero could accomplish what Jesus did, and no superhero will ever be required to rescue the world. Only God can achieve that «Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: Thy blessing is upon thy people. », (Psalm 3:8)!
