Heroes captivate us, whether they appear in an engaging comic book or exciting motion picture. They awaken something inside of us and call us to live beyond ourselves.
In their own way, each hero that is presented to us taps into an innate desire for a savior, a Messiah, who will come to save us from distress. It’s something that is written into our very being and modern-day science fiction and superhero films often reflect that hidden desire.
Author Jim Papandrea recognizes this common theme and analyzes it from a Christian perspective in his book From Star Wars to Superman: Christ Figures in Science Fiction and Superhero Films.
Here is the synopsis:
When cultures such as ours toss Jesus out one door, He comes in albeit disguised through another. That’s why author Jim Papandrea turned to Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix, Terminator, Spider-Man, Batman, Dr. Who, and half-a-dozen other modern shows, discovering in each one powerful images of Christ and salvation.
Nor is that surprising.
In stories of alternative universes, people always need rescuing; somebody needs to save the day; and sometimes the whole world cries out for a savior . . . which is just what a hero is.
About the heroes of some of the most popular sci-fi stories of all time, author Papandrea here answers questions that concern Christians who are also Trekkies, Whovians, Matrix Dwellers, or aficionados of popular science fiction: What kind of “Christ-figure” is the hero of this story, and what does that say about the show s vision of Christ, humanity and salvation?
In the interest of being scientific, Papandrea even gives each hero a Numerical Orthodoxy Score based on the description of Christ in the Nicene Creed, Christianity’s common definition of orthodoxy.
Included herein are astute Christian analyses of:
Batman * Captain * America * Doctor Who * The Fifth Element * I, Robot * Iron Man * LOST * The Matrix * Planet of the Apes * Pleasantville * Spider-Man * Star Trek * Star Wars * Superman * The Terminator * The Time Machine * Tron * Wonder Woman
Papandrea presents a fascinating analysis of the truth hidden in each popular story and how the heroes match-up to the person of Jesus Christ. While they all fall short on some level, Papandrea explains how some characters are a better reflection of Christ than others.
The book is perfect for Christians who enjoy popular culture and provides an ample amount of material to ponder. It’s also a great book for those who wish to teach children how Jesus can be found in these modern-day myths, while being honest about the shortfalls that each contain.
The book is highly recommended and a perfect addition to anyone’s library.
Philip Kosloski
Philip Kosloski is the founder of Voyage Comics & Publishing and the writer and creator of the comic book series, Finnian and the Seven Mountains.