I cannot think of a worse way to teach gospel truth to young boys than with a cheesy costumed character. In a culture that worships self-sufficiency, individualism, and ultra-macho rule bending superheroes, why do we need a "Bibleman"?Perhaps it is far easier to manufacture a fictional "hero" than to actually study the Bible and discover the heroes found there. Perhaps it is too much to ask of those seeking to "educate" children to look to the great narratives found in scripture for their source and content. Further, the biographies of many past heroes of the faith are filled with amazing stories of Spirit-led victory against impossible odds.
I think too, that this is a backlash against the limp-wristed sissy Jesus portrayed in so many Sunday School stories, and the abandonment of many men of their God ordained role as husband and father. I think there are too few real men to be found in homes and churches.
Within the church, far too many men leave the role of children's teacher to others and avoid any opportunity to teach children the gospel.
Most importantly we don't need a superhero. We have Jesus. Jesus is the hero of every story. We need to teach kids about Him - not some dude in tights.
Jesus says:
John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
The Apostle Paul writes:
Romans 8:37-39 ESV No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39: nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.Young boys need to see that Jesus is greater than any hero mortal minds can conceive. They need to see how in perfect, willing obedience to the direction of God the Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit, on the cross Jesus defeated every enemy.
Most of all, we can balance the teaching of Christ as our great example with Christ as the Ultimate Holy Warrior who defeated the evil Satan and literally saved the world.
1 comments:
So the fact my son is encouraged by Bibleman to read his Bible and learn more so he can be like him is a bad thing?
Sorry, don't buy that. You may think that sticking a book in the hands of a seven year old is the way to teach them heroes but something Bibleman can be used to help them be more interested in God in a culture that saturates them with Spongebob Squarepants.
Perhaps you should look at how God can use all things.
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