Finding your Fortress

Wouldn’t you love to visit Superman’s Fortress of Solitude?

This weekend my kids and I watched Superman: The Movie followed by Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut on VidAngel. In both films, Superman frequently retreats to his frozen sanctuary, the Fortress of Solitude. The Fortress is created by a special crystal that Superman’s Kryptonian father, Jor-El, enclosed in his son’s spaceship and contains numerous "memory crystals" that can be used to access Jor-El's artificial intelligence and hologram.

When Superman brings Lois to the Fortress, she exclaims, “Wow! This is your home?” Superman replies, “No, actually I live in the city about three blocks from you. But this is a very special place for me.” The Fortress of Solitude is special to Superman because it provides him a place to get away from all the distractions and demands of life and allows him to commune with his father.

This is yet another way that Superman emulates Jesus. Just as Superman traveled to a solitary place to be alone with his father, Jesus also traveled to solitary places to connect with his Heavenly Father. The Bible says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35 NIV). Elsewhere, the Bible says, “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (Luke 5:16 NIV). Not only did Jesus retreat to private places for prayer, but He also encouraged us to do the same: “when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 HCSB).

If your life is anything like mine, then you’ve got a lot going on. You’ve got chores to complete, costumes to create, children to chase, a spouse to love, a dog to feed, church commitments to keep, soccer games to attend, lunch appointments, doctor’s appointments, hair appointments and that doesn’t even begin to account for the projects, paper work, and priorities at the office or in the shop or on the farm. In the midst of it all, God longs to quietly connect with you.

We all need a Fortress of Solitude. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a crystalline castle. Maybe your Fortress of Solitude is a park bench or the foot of your bed. Maybe your “solitary place” is at the kitchen table early in the morning before anyone else is awake. Maybe your “private room” is a study, an office, or a deer stand out in the woods. It doesn’t really matter where your fortress is. What matters is that you find a special solitary place where you can connect and commune with your Father free from distractions, disturbances and disruptions.

So where is your Fortress of Solitude?

Holy Heroes!

I'm very excited to announce that my new book, Holy Heroes: The Gospel According to DC & Marvel, is finally in print and soon-to-be on shelves. If you're a fan of comics or cosplay and a follower of Christ (or if you'd just like to know more about one or the other), then this book is for you!

Like modern-day parables, the stories of superheroes such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spider-man, Hulk and many more pack a spiritual punch and help superhero fans draw near to the heart of God in a relatable, relevant way.

"Holy Heroes is a rare treat—one that showcases an impressive depth of superhero lore, personal fandom experiences, and biblical truths... Holy Heroes provides unique insight into the beloved genre and iconic characters from a Christian geeks’ perspective. If that’s not worth a hearty Shazam! then I don’t know what is." – Geeks Under Grace

“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.” – Nerd Chapel

"From comic books to fan conventions, from classic television shows to recent blockbuster movies, Scott embraces the whole superhero scene. His breadth of knowledge earns him a gold star in the grade book of fandom. My fellow pastor knows his Bible, too, and he grounds this book in solid Christian teaching." – H. Michael Brewer, author Who Needs a Superhero?

Holy Heroes is available at these and many other online retailers or, better yet, ask for it at your local Family Christian, Lifeway, or Barnes & Noble.

• Amazon
• ChristianBook Distributors
• Barnes& Noble

 If you've already ordered or read Holy Heroes, please consider rating and reviewing the book on Amazon, Goodreads, or Google Books. 

God v Evil

The most anticipated superhero film in history opened to rather mixed reviews last weekend. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is perhaps the most controversial superhero movie I’ve seen. It’s also the most theological. A profound philosophical question undergirds the film: Can a being of great power be truly good?

The maniacal mastermind, Lex Luthor, subtlety introduces this theme when he asks Senator Finch, “Do you know the oldest lie in America, Senator? It's that power can be innocent.” In one of the more depressing moments of the movie, even Superman seems to agree, remarking to Lois, “No one stays good in this world.”

The theme explodes to the surface, however, when Luthor levies some pretty heavy accusations against Superman… and God. In his climactic confrontation with the Man of Steel, Lex opines, “No man in the sky intervened when I was a boy to deliver me from daddy's fist and abominations. I figured out way back if God is all-powerful, He cannot be all good. And if He is all good, then He cannot be all-powerful. And neither can you be.”

It’s an age old argument. Philosophers and theologians have wrestled with it for centuries. And even among Christians, the question gnaws at us from the back of our minds. Isn’t there a part of us that wonders, “Is Luthor right?” Does the presence and pervasiveness of evil in our world demonstrate God’s limitations? After all—it’s argued—if God is all powerful couldn’t He rid the world of evil? And if God is all good, wouldn’t he want to? Let me offer three possible answers to that question.

First, if God were to rid the world of evil He would have to start with you and me. I believe that God created humanity with free will—the freedom to choose for ourselves between good and evil; right and wrong. Unfortunately, we all choose evil at times. We lie, we cheat, we act selfishly, we lose our tempers, give into to temptations, we make cutting and cruel remarks. The Bible sums up our situation, saying, “No one is good—no one in all the world is innocent” (Romans 3:10 TLB). We often forget that for God to rid the world of evil, He would have to rid the world of us.

Furthermore, I believe that God can bring great good even out of the darkest evil. Bad things happen and they happen with unpredictable frequency and varying levels of intensity. Some are mere inconveniences; others are life-shattering disasters. But there is a promise in God’s Word that can meet every negative moment head-on, and given enough time, it will resolve every problem. The Bible says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). Everything includes evil. Given time, even the most painful, heart wrenching experiences can be woven together for our eventual good.

Finally, rather than simply removing our suffering, God decided to join us in it. It’s no coincidence that Batman v Superman opened on Good Friday. The final scenes of the movie point us to Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, sacrificed himself on the cross on behalf of a fallen and evil world. He experience the worst humanity had to offer—the lies, the anger, the bitterness, the brutality, and betrayal. He took it all upon himself as if to say, “I’m with them.” In so doing, Jesus opened the door to eternity. In the face of evil, the Bible shouts, “For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

In the end, God will rid the world of evil. The return of Christ will herald the total abolition of evil. Looking forward to that day, Paul (who experienced more evil and suffering than most) said, “Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine” (2 Corinthians 4:17 GWT). In the meantime, you and I face the same challenge as Superman. We can surrender to the darkness that surrounds us, proving Lex Luthor right. Or we can shine a light in the darkness, and be the good that we hope to see in the world.

Vengeance is Mine!

If you’re like me, you probably spent the weekend binge-watching the second season of Marvel’s Daredevil on Netflix. The first four episodes pit Daredevil against one of Marvel’s most iconic anti-heroes—The Punisher. After the mob guns down his wife and children for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Frank Castle utilizes his military training to exact revenge. Now serving as judge, jury, and executioner, The Punisher wages a one man war against those who have done him wrong, leaving bullet-riddled bodies in his wake.

Despite his murderous wrath, Punisher is actually a likable character. We relate to his loss. We understand his thirst for revenge. The desire to "get even" seems to be woven into the human psyche. Revenge and retaliation are natural instincts. In an unusual story in the Old Testament, however, David shows us a better way.

David’s victory over the hulking Philistine, Goliath, won him the admiration and affection of everyone in Israel; everyone, that is, except King Saul. Saul saw David’s valor and victory as a threat to his throne and, thus, sought repeatedly to kill David. But when faced with the opportunity to pay Saul back for all the harm he’d done, David choose a different path. He showed Saul mercy and spared his life, then announced: “May the Lord judge between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you” (1 Samuel 24:12 NLT).

Rather than take revenge on his enemy, David put the matter into God’s hands. We all have a Saul in our lives. It might be an employer who unfairly fired you. It might be a spouse who abandoned you. It might be a mom or dad who failed you. It could be a friend who betrayed you. Whatever the case, you now live in the backwash of mistreatment. You have been “done wrong,” and maybe you’re waiting for your moment to get even. Instead, do what David did. Trust God to be the judge.

In the 2004 movie, The Punisher, a friend tells Frank, “Vaya con Dios, Castle. Go with God.” Frank Castle’s reply is revealing: “God's going to sit this one out.” That’s what happens when we take revenge. Payback removes God from the equation. But the Bible says: “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19 NLT).

God occupies the only seat on Heaven’s Supreme Court. He wears the robe and refuses to share the gavel. Only God dispenses perfect punishment. Vengeance is His job. So leave your enemies in God’s hands. 

Divided We Fall!

Two highly anticipated superhero flicks hit theaters soon. Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice releases in just two weeks and Captain America: Civil War debuts May 6. While the details differ, both of these films feature iconic superheroes pitted against one another over ideological differences. In Batman vs. Superman, the Dark Knight’s distrust of the Man of Steel leads to an epic battle between DC’s two most beloved heroes. In the comic series that inspired Civil War, Captain America and Iron Man find themselves on opposite sides of a heated political issue. Captain America’s decision to oppose Iron Man (and the White House) fractures the superhero community. Lines are drawn, sides are chosen, and chaos erupts. The ensuing melee lays waste to several square blocks of New York City. While conflicts like these make for enthralling entertainment, the fact remains—when superheroes skirmish, nobody wins.

The same is true for Christians. Unfortunately, conflict amongst Christians is all too common. With more than two hundred different denominations in the United States, it seems as though Christians will dispute and divide over just about anything—baptism, gifts of the Spirit, unconditional election, ecclesiastical structure, women’s role in ministry, homosexuality, evolution, whether or not Christians should watch Deadpool, etc. All too often we identify ourselves in terms of the particular beliefs that set us apart, rather than those that bind us together with the larger Christian world. Meanwhile, we’re oblivious to the damage we’re doing.

In the climax of Marvel’s Civil War mini-series, Captain America stands over Iron Man, ready to deliver a crippling blow. Suddenly, firefighters, EMTs and police officers tackle Cap and wrestle him to the ground. Only then does Steve Rogers lift his eyes and see the damage they’ve dealt to New York’s landscape. Tears well up in his eyes, as he says, “Oh my God… they’re right. We’re not fighting for the people anymore… we’re just fighting.” When I examine the landscape of Christianity today, I wonder if the same is true of us.

Jesus beseeched his Father, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one” (John 17:20-21 NLT). Paul expresses a similar sentiment, urging Christians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV). I’m sure that by the end of each film, the superheroes will overcome their differences and unite against a common threat for the common good. May we as Christians do the same!

The Most Powerful Voice on Earth

The Inhumans, a reclusive race of genetically altered superhumans, are among Marvel’s lesser known comic-book characters. These secluded superhumans follow the leadership of their king, Black Bolt, whose powerful voice triggers a supremely strong and highly destructive shock wave capable of leveling a city every time he speaks. Due to the potential peril posed by this power, Black Bolt practices rigorous mental training to prevent himself from ever uttering a sound, even in his sleep, and he usually maintains complete silence, communicating through sign language or via spokesperson.

In an episode of Ultimate Spider-man, which my son and I recently watched on Netflix, Black Bolt uses his earth-shattering voice to save the city of New York. As the floating city of Attilan plummets toward Manhattan, Black Bolt plants his feet atop the Daily Bugle building, turns his eyes skyward and utters a single word. The resulting shock wave sends the falling utopia sailing into the upper atmosphere. What I find most compelling is Black Bolt’s word choice. He could have chosen any word in the English language or even an alien language for that matter. But when Black Bolt spoke, he said: “Peace.”

Jesus made a similar choice. In Mark 4, a sudden storm seizes control of a leaky fishing boat occupied by Jesus and his followers. The sky rumbled above them, the water churned beneath them. Their fishing boat bounced and spun on the white-tops of angry waves. In the midst of the storm, one of them shouted over the crashing waves at Jesus, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” (Mark 4:38 NLT). Then Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39 ESV). When Jesus speaks, even the wind and the waves listen.

Two thousand years later, the words of Jesus have not lost their power. Not only did the words of Jesus have the power to still the storm on the Sea of Galilee, but also, when you read his words splashed across the pages of your Bible, they have the power to still the storm within you.

Just as Black Bolt’s powerful voice brought peace to the city of New York, the voice of Jesus can bring peace to your heart and mine.

Fight On Your Knees!

Who would win in a fight—Superman or Hulk? Batman or Captain America? The Flash or Quick Silver? In 1996 DC and Marvel Comics teamed up to answer these and other similar questions in an epic crossover event. With all of reality hanging in the balance, the heroes of two universes must battle each other for the fate of their own existence. Amid many other matchups, Thor, the mighty Norse god of thunder, is pitted against Captain Marvel, the emissary of the wizard Shazam and embodiment of Olympian power. As you can see in the image to the left, Thor and Captain Marvel stand poised—ready for battle. Their eyes meet. But before any fists fly, both combatants fall to their knees, fold their hands, bow their heads and pray. As both a follower of Christ and a fan of comics, this moment spoke to me. Nestled between mighty mêlées and swashbuckling skirmishes, two of DC and Marvel’s mightiest heroes paused and prayed.

Their actions echo those of Jesus in Matthew 26. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prepared Himself for what would be his greatest challenge. In a few short hours, soldiers would lead Him to a place called Golgotha, where He would be crucified. He knew exactly what was coming. Betrayal. Shame. Torture. Trauma. Loneliness. And eventually… death. How could He face such a future without flinching? The answer—He prayed. The Bible says that He went to a remote olive grove called Gethsemane then “Jesus fell to the ground and prayed” (Matthew 26:39 NCV).

Perhaps we could learn from these examples. We each have our own personal challenges and conflicts awaiting us. Before the battle begins, each of us ought to pause and pray. The Bible says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). Prayer may not remove our challenges, but it will give us the power and peace to face them head on.