Hero Worship

Kenny pointed out an interesting article in Christianity Today, Hero Worship: The Dark Knight perpetuates America's hero confusion, that speaks of how "Jesus died a villain's death, but he lived again as the hero." The article says in part,

Americans love our heroes. But we are a little confused about what we should expect from them. We celebrate Michael Phelps's record-breaking achievements of human strength and endurance. And yet we wonder if he should use the platform to address China's broken record on human rights. Retired basketball superstar Charles Barkley once confessed in a commercial, "I am not a role model." Now, in the view of ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon, Barkley is the most beloved sports hero in America.

NBC hit comedy series The Office parodied America's hero confusion. A visiting diversity trainer uses the acronym H-E-R-O to promote honesty, empathy, respect, and open-mindedness. But office goof Dwight Schrute has his own definition of a hero. "A hero kills people, people that wish them harm," Dwight explains. "A hero is part human and part supernatural. A hero is born out of a childhood trauma, or out of a disaster that must be avenged." The trainer responds to Dwight that he is describing a superhero.

But can only darkness overcome darkness? Not from the Christian perspective.

Now the magazine did give the movie four stars so it's not that they have it in for the Batman. They are just asking about the heros we worship in the movies and point out the difference between those "superheros" and our savior. It's worth a look. The full text is online here: Hero Worship.