Ok, so this is a preview to a Theology and Film small group I plan to start in the Spring after we launch The Net.
I never could’ve made comparisons between Batman and Jesus using the old Batman movie series. But starting with Batman Begins new director, Christopher Nolan, has created a whole new Batman.
One thing Nolan did was create a more realistic Batman. A Batman that struggles. A hero that gets beat up. Yes, Batman ultimately ‘wins’, but not without a price. There are dark moments when we’re not even sure whether Batman is going to make it. He hurts. He suffers.
And the weird thing is… we like this Batman better than previous ones. We like our heros to be both hero and human.
The post-Christian generation is desperate for a hero that doesn’t just ‘rule the universe’ but is also a friend of the outcast. He suffers with the hurting. He feels pain. And yes, he wins, but not without a struggle.
So, what does this mean for the Church? We need to present Jesus in a more realistic light. We need to show our world that, yes, Jesus did win, but not without a price. He suffered. He felt pain, and still does. That for two whole days everyone close to him thought he was dead and gave up on him. Perhaps they need to see Jesus through Isaiah’s eyes:
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows
and acquainted with the deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
– Isaiah 53:3&5
To be continued…
Love it! Great stuff… I once did a message comparing Jesus to Superman.
good job, babe….i love your thinkin’
Beautiful!
jtp
very true! great post! anticipating the sequel.