A few weeks ago, my awesome wife and I
were out on a dinner and movie date, which was especially fantastic because: 1.
I was with my awesome wife, and 2. because we went to see the movie “THOR: The
Dark World!”
Maybe it’s just because of my Viking ancestry
and genetics, which hold deep within me a hidden urge to do battle against evil
foes, but I loved the movie, and it got me to thinking about why I (and
probably most of us by looking at the box office totals) love Superhero movies
and stories so much. I mean, who hasn’t
ever dreamed about being able to fly, punch through walls, and basically being
indestructible while saving the world from the forces of evil?
Okay, so enough about me being the
body stunt-double for Superman in the Man of Steel movie, Back to my story!
I’m sure that all of us, even if we
are pretty nice guys and gals, would have to admit there’s also a part within us,
that when we get cut off in traffic, get frustrated or upset at a jerk of a
co-worker, or any other annoyance would love to unleash our inner-hulk and just
SMASH stuff into oblivion!
Fortunately for ourselves and society,
we are all pretty good at keeping the big green guy hidden in the deep recesses
of our soul most of the time. But just so you can get it out of your system, I will include a link to the video below.
But I
think that rather than just smashing stuff, the reason we are drawn to the pull
of these heroic characters is found within their moniker, “Super Hero”. There is something about them that is bigger
and better than just an average person going through life, something “Super”
and “Heroic.” These characters all have
inner weaknesses and flaws which they are trying to overcome, but hidden within
them is something much greater, which is such a force for so much good if they
can just tap into it.
Despite what we might think, the idea
of having super powers affects our behavior more than we realize. I remember reading a report on a study last
year (which unfortunately I cannot find the link to now), wherein the
participants in the study were instructed to play a virtual computerized
game. In both scenarios, the
participants were flying around a large virtual city trying to rescue people by
finding and providing them with medication or other items they needed to
survive. In one of the two scenarios,
the study participants were flying around performing these tasks in a
helicopter. In the second scenario the
participants had the actual ability to fly themselves (like superman) to
perform the same tasks. What was
interesting was that in every case, when the participants had the super gift of
flight, they were much more attentive and quick to respond to the needs of the
virtual scenarios in the game and complete them in a faster time period to save
more people. Whereas when they were
flying about in a helicopter at the same speed, there was a slower response
time and they were less engaged and attentive to the tasks. It was as if there was a partial detachment
when they were in the helicopter, but when they had the power within themselves
to fly, there was a greater sense of personal responsibility attached to
helping others.
So why is it that we have this
subconscious affinity to want to be Superheroes or have increased abilities to
perform? I think it is because we can
all find some personal relationship to a hero.
Let’s take Spiderman for example.
He’s just a nerdy student, struggling
to fit in and trying to work a regular job to support himself, while at the
same time somehow using his little available free time to swing into higher
heights,
and
despite the incredible odds against him, is able to get the girl of his dreams and
save the world in the end.
We all have our personal struggles in
trying to fit in, find the inner confidence we are searching for, find the
hidden strength and wisdom to conquer our weaknesses. But I think it goes even deeper than that.
There is a wonderful line in the movie
“Avengers” which I am sure you are all familiar with, where one of my favorite
heroes, Captain America is about to join in a fight with some very powerful “god-like”
beings. Another character is trying to
convince him that he is too small for the task and should sit the fight out. His response is truly inspired as you will
remember in the clip below:
That line which reveals where Captain
America gets his true strength, resolve and courage from, “There’s only one
God, Ma’am” is where I believe the key to this whole superhero phenomenon comes
from.
Hidden within each of us, trapped
behind the mundane routines of working, school, eating, sleeping and the drudgery
of life… Is a truly divine and powerful being!
Though the business of life sometimes clouds our realization and
understanding of this fact, the “more than human/super” being within us relates
to these fictitious heroes and calls out to us that we all have the potential
to be more than what we are in everyday life.
There is more of the god-like Thor within us than we realize.
The truth is that we are all godly
offspring and children of a loving Heavenly Father, the one true God which Captain
America was talking about. If we will turn
to Him, we can find that hidden super courage, faith, strength and commitment to
overcome any challenge in life and become a force for good in the world which
is far more wide-reaching that we know.
How can I make such a claim? Because I already have the proof and example
of this fact in the greatest and most powerful being and hero to ever walk this
planet, the Savior Jesus Christ. Without
any monetary or political power, His example of righteousness, commitment to
obedience, love, service and sacrifice have literally changed the world and
shaped nations! He showed us what true power
really is, what is actually achievable and how many lives can be affected for good
throughout time and eternity.
His call to “Come, follow me” is more
than just an invitation to be better people, but also helps us realize that if
we are willing to nurture the divine spark within us as sons and daughters of
God, that He can lift us and help us become something much more heroic and
super than we are!
So go ahead and enjoy those superhero movies and stories,
where the characters battle impossible odds and dig deep to find the strength,
courage and resolve to continue on and conquer.
But as you do, don’t forget to see yourself as that same champion on the
screen, for if God is on your side, there is more of a superhero within you
than you realize!
