Book Review- Holy Superheroes!

The majority of pastors I know all share 1 common trait: They are big fans of fantasy, science fiction, and/or superheroes. Though I'm not as hardcore as I could be (and used to be), I can be found in that third camp. Superheroes offer us yet another way to examine our culture and ourselves.

That is the premise of Greg Garrett's book, Holy Superheroes! Exploring the Sacred in Comics, Graphic Novels, and Film." He states that superheroes give us another way to examine ourselves and our myths: "In the process of telling their stories of human-and superhuman- characters, comics deal with issues near and dear to our hearts:faith, hope, belief, guilt, justice, redmption, ultimate meaning, ultimate evil". (p.7)

Garrett explores the spiritual issues of a wide variety of comics and superheroes. And he does so as one who truly loves comics. He examines such issues as truth, power, heroism, vigilantism, evil, ethics, violence, and others.

Particularly helpful is the appendix that Garrett includes. It's a list of 25 graphic novels which Garrett referenced and recommends. Granted, not all of them deal with superheroes. But, it is a worthwhile list. Not only does he list these graphic novels, he gives a brief synopsis.

I'm not sure how much this book will help you in your ministry, but it is a good read. If nothing else, it may help with sermon prep. That is, it may help strengthen illustrations, or provide new possibilities for illustration.

What about those of you who are not fanboys, or even casual fans of the genre? There are possibilities for you as well in the book. It may strengthen bonds between the comics enthusiast member and yourself, if you are not already a comics/superhero fan. Att he bare minimum, it will help you relate better to other pastors who describe themselves as fans.

The book is a quick read, and well-worth it.

Book Review- Family Guy and Philosophy

I read this book recently with great interest. I am big fan of Family Guy. Even though there is some content which is slightly offensive to me, particularly when it comes to my Christian faith, there is much to like about the show, and a LOT which is, to say the least, hysterically funny.

This book is a collection of essays, dealing with some aspect of philosophy that one or more episodes touches on. There is also a philosophical examination of the main characters.

Since this blog is designed to highlight issues which are pertinent to ministry, will focus on the essays which are of particular interest to people involved in ministry.

The second essay in the collection questions whether people of faith should be offended at the show's treatment of religion. The author comes to the conclusion: "Perhaps the religious content doesn't benefit believers; but then perhaps it doesn't harm them either. And maybe that's enough to justify our choice to watch and not to take offense." (p. 26) It's easy to agree with the author's conclusion. However, there is some stuff that is objectionable to people of any faith. But, that is going to happen anytime faith and culture interact. One of the most valuable skills for ministry that I have learned (and am still learning) is to develop a thick skin when it comes to worldly interpretations of religion and religious faith.

Two other essays focus on religion is particular. Another essay seeks to define what, exactly, "real religion" is. It also challenges the idea of exclusionary religion. This is a fascinating discussion, regardless of the tie-in to the show. And it is of particular interest to those of us who are devotees of a religion which makes exclusivist claims (Christian for me, Islam for others, something else for still more).

The most entertaining essay regarding religious issues is the one on Stewie (the baby) and the so-called Seven Deadly Sins. The author concludes in this essay that the reason we laugh at Stewie and his antics is not that it is so absurd, but that we, in our original sin, are capable of the same thoughts, words, and actions. (Even though that particular author has no use for the doctrine of original sin.) This is a valid point, and worth discussing in a sermon or catechetical instruction.

Every essay in the book is well-written and highly readable. I recommend this volume for any minister who:
1. loves Family Guy
2. has parishioners who love Family Guy
3. are looking for ways to integrate more and better pop culture into their sermons and /or teaching.
4. are a minister who is personally put off by Family Guy, but knows it's huge in American culture right now, and is looking for a way to deal with that.

Movie Review- Watchmen

This is an amazing film, loaded with theological fodder for discussion. But then again, many superhero films are.

The central plot of the film centers on a team of superheroes, which is in s state of quasi-retirement/disarray in 1985. One member of the team, an aging hero called The Comedian, is attacked and thrown out of his high-rise apartment window. This is discovered by another member of the team, a masked avenger called Rohrschack, who believes that, due to the current political/social climate, someone is trying to kill superheroes. The rest of the film centers on him trying to convince the other semi-retired team members to reunite and stop whoever is doing this.

Vengeance is a big theme in the film. But really, the main theme of the film is power. What are the limits of power? What is power? And, when using power, where is the line of demarcation between hero and villain? (The film could come into play when discussing, teaching, or preaching on the difference/relationship of power and authority.)

The film (and graphic novel on which the film is based) takes it title from the famous quote by the ancient satirist, Juvenal: "Who watches the watchmen?" However, I would also opine that it could be taken from the passage in Ezekiel where God says to the prophet, "Son of Man, I have appointed you a watchman over Israel." Either way, it works.

GOSPEL HANDLES

Despite the recurring issue of vengeance, there are some Gospel handles to be had. There is a scene where Dr. Manhattan ponders saving a planet that he "no longer has any stake in". However, he intervenes out of love (for Silk Spectre). This also presents an interestingpoint of discussion. The main villain causes the deaths of millions to bring about world peace. It makes a powerful statement on death being necessary for salvation (a key part of the Gospel of Jesus). I'll leave that up to you.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one depiction of a minister doing a funeral.

I highly recommend this movie.