Greetings Warriors and Scholars.
I have just had the privilege of reading an excerpt from "Holy Heroes: The Gospel According to DC & Marvel" by Scott Bayles. I first heard about it a couple months ago when Scott shared info about it in the FB group for "Costumers for Christ", an organization he leads that uses cosplay to share the Gospel at conventions. I had not even known he was working on a book like this. Here is a discription of the book:
This portion was only a little more than 2 pages long, but it was very enjoyable. His enthusiasm for super heroes and cosplay is very evident. In this portion he shared his memory of seeing the first "Iron Man" movie in theater with his wife and 2 year old son. He shared his personal story about building an Iron Man armor and then brings us to look at the Armor of God.
Now, this portion only gave me a small view of how he weaves his faith in with these stories, but it did show me the most important part: Scott is fully nerd and fully Christian. This isn't some guy trying to be famous with a "niche ministry" gone big, but a nerd who simply wants to share Jesus with people via his hobbies. I am not sure if this will have huge theological lessons, but it will be great reminders of what God is doing through Jesus and what He has for you.
If you are a Christian nerd, like me, this book will be a great tool. A way to enjoy fandom and take some steps with Jesus in your own life. I have already pre-ordered my copy, which comes out in May. I ordered mines straight from the publisher, but later learned that you can pre-order it here for a fair price.
I have just had the privilege of reading an excerpt from "Holy Heroes: The Gospel According to DC & Marvel" by Scott Bayles. I first heard about it a couple months ago when Scott shared info about it in the FB group for "Costumers for Christ", an organization he leads that uses cosplay to share the Gospel at conventions. I had not even known he was working on a book like this. Here is a discription of the book:
Author, pastor, and founder of the cosplay ministry Costumers for Christ, Scott Bayles is passionate about teaching spiritual life lessons based on the stories of comic book heroes. Likening the legends of superheroes to modern-day parables, Bayles connects the timeless truths of God’s Word with the stories of Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Spider-Man, Green Lantern, the X-Men, and others. So, if you’re a fan of DC and Marvel and a follower of Jesus—or if you’d like to know more about one or the other—then this book is for you! Ultimately, you’ll discover Jesus is the greatest superhero of all! Great for older teens, young adults—and beyond! Key features: Builds a bridge from the fictional world of superheroes to the one true superhero—Jesus Christ. Chapters feature easy-to-follow headings that make excellent sermon outlines for pastors. Includes discussion questions for small groups and features cosplay photos to introduce each character.
This portion was only a little more than 2 pages long, but it was very enjoyable. His enthusiasm for super heroes and cosplay is very evident. In this portion he shared his memory of seeing the first "Iron Man" movie in theater with his wife and 2 year old son. He shared his personal story about building an Iron Man armor and then brings us to look at the Armor of God.
Now, this portion only gave me a small view of how he weaves his faith in with these stories, but it did show me the most important part: Scott is fully nerd and fully Christian. This isn't some guy trying to be famous with a "niche ministry" gone big, but a nerd who simply wants to share Jesus with people via his hobbies. I am not sure if this will have huge theological lessons, but it will be great reminders of what God is doing through Jesus and what He has for you.
If you are a Christian nerd, like me, this book will be a great tool. A way to enjoy fandom and take some steps with Jesus in your own life. I have already pre-ordered my copy, which comes out in May. I ordered mines straight from the publisher, but later learned that you can pre-order it here for a fair price.
No offense, but I think this particular approach is really lame and dumb. There are many other methods for doing this that aren't so jarring and strange. Seeing somebody walking through a convention, wearing a supersuit and talking about "Super Jesus" would just piss me off and make me walk the other way. You just don't mix superheroes and religion this way.
ReplyDeleteBetter just to create a comic about an Angel on Earth or a Priest, both combating demons.
I'm glad yours is a minority opinion. Costumers for Christ has been warmly welcomed at nearly every convention we attend. Convention planners and con-goers alike are often eager to know if we'll be returning the following year. And, as a result, we've given away thousands of copies of the Amazing Gospel Comicbook, encouraging believer and seekers to see Jesus as the one true Superhero.
DeleteI have never had a problem with convention goers at any place I've been. As a Christian, I find analogies for Jesus in lots of stories. Jesus is all about redemption and we (the human race) were created in that same image. So our stories will often show part of the heart and plan of God. Even our creativity comes as part of carrying the Image of God in us. There is a guy who cosplays as Jesus at cons, and people I have heard from have had good experiences with him. Funny thing, his other cosplays are evil characters (like the Once Upon a Time version of Jafar from Aladdin).
DeleteThanks so much for the enthusiastic review, brother! I wish the publisher had sent you a bit more to read, but either way I appreciate you taking time to review.
ReplyDelete