Superman versus Batman – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

We deconstruct our heroes.   We create antiheroes and make them our heroes.  In the golden age of comics both Superman and Batman were fighting against the darkness.  Eventually they did so together. 

I have always said that out literature is the best record of our culture and values.  There was a time when it was unthinkable for Batman to kill anyone.  Superman was accepted in his power because he was honest, good, and humble. 

When we start by peeling away the goodness of our fictional heroes we guarantee that their flaws will turn them into monsters.  We assure that we are devoid examples to draw out the better in us; the hero in us.

Systematically our culture seeks to deconstruct Christ in the same way.  Through the failures of Christ followers to live as an example and the erosion of the influence of Christ over culture in general we have seen even basic respect for him wear away.  We divide over social issues that are solvable if they are not politicized.  We fail to love at a level that is unconditional and disarming. 

As a true idealist I believe that we can be heroes.   I believe that Christ is who he claimed to be and that his followers can make the world a better place.  The problem is that we are not willing to risk all to do it.  We don’t believe in the no win scenario but we do not live like it.  Our faith and love do not crush the barriers erected to it. 

We seek for hope in drawn heroes when the only hope we have is in Jesus.  Those who follow Christ must be willing to live that hope; be that hero at any cost.  We must show a world truth, justice, and the Way.  We must do so in love and humility.  We must make everything else secondary to this.   

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Superman versus Batman – The Dawn of Justice

Greetings Dear Reader,

The purpose of redemption is not just to bring us back to the Father.  It is also to satisfy his justice.  In any good society there must be justice.  There must be a satisfaction of justice for there to be true peace and reconciliation.   Forgiveness is not enough.  The Father accepts the unjust voluntary death of the Son as satisfaction.

SPOILERS FOLLOW:

In Batman v Superman we see the birth of The Justice League.  Batman declares war on Superman.  Lex manipulates them both.  Batman does not deal justly with Superman.  Wonder Woman tries to deal justly with them both.  Alfred seems to be the voice of reason that no one hears.

The movie never addresses how unjust Batman is in dealing with Superman.  Once he sees that he is wrong though, Superman joins forces with him without question.  Superman could leave humans to their fate.  He knows there are other worlds where he could find refuge.  Instead he joins the human in redeeming mankind from its own evil.

It forces me to ponder who just we are with Christ.  Do we really judge him justly?  We use his name as a swear word.  We curse him.  We reject him.  We declare war on him.  We violate the rights of others in his name.  We claim to follow him and do so without living up to his prime directive to love EVERYONE.

The morning of the resurrection is the true dawn of justice.  It is the day where justice is satisfied and mercy wins.   It is the moment when the God/man chose to rescue, forgive, and befriend those who beat, mocked, and crucified him.  He asks us only to follow in faith.  He asks us to love and forgive.  I wonder Dear Reader if you have given Jesus an honest unfiltered look. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Superman versus Batman – Our View of Evil

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have watched our view of what is evil shift over the years.  In many cases our society has aligned itself with Milton’s Satan in professing “evil be thou my good.”  Please do not think I am passing judgement on anyone.  I am not calling any individual evil.  That is not my place.  I do see some actions as inherently evil.

We will spend thousands of dollars for a few hours in a skybox eating and drinking whilst people in the city below are starving.  We murder children both born and unborn for convince.  When we murder the unborn and call it good we echo Milton so clearly.  I realize I have put a very fine point on this but it is where I stand.  I do not hate anyone involved but I hate the act.

SPOILERS FOLLOW:

When Batman is confronting his anger over the loss of life he posits this, “He has the power to wipe out the entire human race, and if we believe there's even a one percent chance that he is our enemy we have to take it as an absolute certainty... and we have to destroy him.”

He does not see how much Superman risked to save humanity from HIS OWN PEOPLE.  Batman has walked away from his conciliator, his conscience.   He ignores Alfred’s statement “He is not our enemy.”   Alfred also reminds us that anger is the path to darkness, “That's how it starts; the fever, the rage, the feeling of powerlessness that turns good men... cruel.”

The Dark Knight chooses the path that leads to darkness.  His anger and fear lead him.  This is something the Batman with whom I grew up would never do.  Once again we flaw our heroes to reflect our own character.  The rejection of Superman is akin to our rejection of Christ.

I see a great falling away from faith the troubles me.  We have claimed evil as our good and reject the God/man who did nothing but bring us hope.  As long as there is evil in the world there will be collateral damage.  What Christ promises is that he will work it all out to bring us back to good.  All he asks for is a little faith.  Like Superman we are not content to even give him that.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – Doing Due Diligence

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that many of you read my BLOG daily.  Some of you have even bought one or more of my books.  The most recent title, Sheet Rock on the Road has been selling well.  For that I thank you.  

As I have promised my people, my publisher, and my promotor I am attempting to solicit aid in increasing the visibility of my books.  The request is simple.  If you have read one or more of my novels and enjoyed it, could you go to Amazon and write a review.  The more reviews I get the higher my visibility when people search for books like mine.

I hate promoting my writing but I feel it is worth the effort and I gave my word.   If you could help me I would be grateful.  Please do not feel pressured or obligated.   Even in this I find great value in you Dear Reader.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Superman versus Batman – Claims versus Assignations

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things about God is that he claims to be God.  Each time he arrives or sends his messenger he is not trying to prove who he is.  He is who he is.  He wishes to be accepted for his character not his power. 

SPOILERS FOLLOW:

In Batman v Superman it is the humans who talk about Superman being a god.  He never claims to be one.  When aliens invade earth bent on destroying we are grateful and then in hindsight blame him for the collateral damage.  What is it about us we blame our saviours for the problem of evil?

We put our heroes on a pedestal then judgment and fear cause us to tear them down.  We sees the flaws in those who serve us and forget the debt of gratitude we owe.   Evil men use that flaw to further malevolent purposes by dividing loyalties to cloud the real problem.  We accept our heroes until they call on us to do what is right.

Even factions within the church try to “use” Christ for their own purposes.  They weight the simplicity of the Gospel with their own flavor of control that devours the spirit of followers.  Superman never claims to be a god.  He never puts conditions on his care of others.  He never forces others to accept him.  He does not even abandon us to our fate.  He risks all to save us.

Christ does not force us to accept who he is.  He asks us to do so.  He asks us to follow in faith.  He asks us see the way out of our fate.  He gives everything to save us and yes he does claim to be God. 

I have written before about why I believe this.  In a culture where Christ and his followers are increasingly marginalized I see increasing evidence that he is truth, redemption, and life.  I see people abandon and malign him because he does not act in the way others think he should.  Perhaps, like the apostles, we flee in fear of sharing his fate.  Perhaps we have forgotten that following Christ is to die to self.  For now I have a cross to carry; not as a martyr or hero, but as a faithful, obedient, follower.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Superman versus Batman – Attributes

Greetings Dear Reader,

In addressing the obvious imagery of Jesus in the Superman movies we see in both Superman Returns and Man of Steel that in the latter the creators of the film do so intentionally.   Batman v Superman seems to try and deconstruct this. 

SPOILERS FOLLOW:

Lex Luthor has a line in the new movie “If God is all powerful he cannot be all good and if he is all good he cannot be all powerful”.  The idea of this axiom is flawed as the premise can only be measured by human standards.  First one must ask by what standard is this axiom established.

Why do to we think it is not possible for God to be both?  We have to assume that one is judging the goodness of God by standards other than God’s.  One of the inherent problems with judging God is establish standards by which to judge him.  As I have said often his standards are defined by who he is.

The other thing to consider is that these attributes, good and powerful are not his only attributes.  God is holy, just, loving, and all knowing.   In order to establish the criteria for judging God’s goodness one must also measure against these other attributes.

What troubles me most is how important it is that we see the goodness of God.  It seems in an ever-growing way that society judges God by standards that do not align with his other standards.  He makes it clear that he will not be judged by man.  He also asks that man prove his goodness through following his ways in faith.

The Father is all powerful and all good.  The two are not mutually exclusive.  In following Christ I must assure that I follow in the knowledge that the Father has all things under control and that he is good.  This is one of the reasons why I follow.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Superman versus Batman – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

First let me say that when there are spoilers I will give ample warning.  I waited a week to see this movie and the reviews are mixed from other partakers.  I enjoyed the movie but I also found the God sub-theme very intriguing.  The last few Superman movies have interwoven the God/man theme both intentionally and unintentionally. 

SPOILERS FOLLOW

The new movie; Batman v Superman: The Dawn of Justice challenges the theme.  It also continues on the watering down of the character of the heroes of my youth.  Batman is dark and malignant.  He places personal vendetta above what is right.  He seems more criminal than crime fighter.

Superman is seen as aloof and above man.  It seems that Lex Luthor’s view of Superman is supposed to be our common view.  It follows that in what many consider a post Christian era we would challenge the imagery of Christ that is woven throughout the Superman story.   I find that the challenge is meant to be the right view in this film.

I also find that challenge wrong.  I am going to ponder this for a few days and try to speak to some of the things said about both Superman and God in the film.  I am processing this for my own well-being but as always you are welcome in the conversation Dear Reader. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Celebrating a Favorite Fool

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today is my Brother Ian’s birthday.  I thought that as part of it I would share the chapter from Sheet Rock on the Road about him.  I wish that everyone could meet him and know him.  He is one of the great blessings in my life.   Enjoy and buy the book if you like the chapter.

K-Mart at Christmas

Sometimes you get to share your most precious things with those most precious to you.  At age twenty two, many things are wrong in my life.  I have finished most of a college degree and messed up both my schooling and my relationship with a lovely girl.  I have lost sight of my future and my footing to find it.

Truly the only thing that is solid in me is my faith.  I believe even when I am hurting and hopeless.  I believe even when it is foolish to do so.  I am back at home with my parents and my foolishness has left me alone in many ways.  I leave that situation determined to set out on my own and fix things.  Had I stayed things would have fixed themselves.

Two years later things are almost as bad.  This time, however, I have a wife, a two year-old, and an infant.  My faith is strong and I am searching for a way to mend other things in my life.  I love my family and we are living with my parents for a season before making the transition to a school that will help me complete my undergraduate education.

So many things are out of sorts and none of the old ghosts that involve my parents have faded.  It is Christmas Eve and my young brother is concerned because he has not gotten a present for our mother.  I volunteer to take him shopping.  We drive to K-Mart where he picks out some heavy and horrid sweaters for our mother.  He is determined that they are just what she wants.  I am sure she will lie and tell him she loves them.  I am also sure they will disappear some time in January. 

After completing our shopping we join the line of weary Christmas Eve shoppers.  The store is about to close and it is unusually cold for Georgia in December.  We pay and make our way to the old car I am driving.  It needs to warm up a bit before it will willingly make the journey back to my parents’ home.  Whilst sitting in the K-Mart parking lot he asks me about school and where I am headed.  I explain that I am studying to teach the Bible and train future pastors. 

He pauses for a moment and then asks the deep question.  He asks what I believe.  I quietly and gently explain that I believe some very simple things.  I believe that we all are heading toward God in some way.  I believe that we have created our own barriers in that journey.  Jesus died to remove those barriers and only faith in that creates the necessary relationship to assure that our journey is headed in the proper direction.

I had no idea in that moment what I was beginning.  Over the years my little brother has become a Christ Follower who I love and trust.  His humble obedient spirit is an example I treasure when I am weak.  That Christmas was lovely in many ways but the best moment was in my old car waiting for my brother to open the door that opens only to a voluntary touch.  My faith comes so easy but it is at its richest when others partake of it.  Sometimes when you are driving your brother drinks it all in and both of your lives are different forever.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – Farewell to a Friend

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I realize that this is directed at an individual but I think you can all understand the sentiment.  My friend Ashley is moving away.  Her career has offered her an opportunity far away in the sun and warmth.  She would be foolish to not take it.

Her new adventure leaves a gap in the joy and enjoyment of the day.  Any day that I have encountered her smile and kindness has lifted my spirits.  Her love for work and her community have allowed her to take on challenges and be better for them.  Whether putting sweat equity into a rental home or serving food at a festival she always gives her very best.

Ashley did not have to be a friend.  Her position and the demands of her work would command understanding that she gives enough just doing her job.  Her heart, however, would not allow it.  Where kindness is shown to her she returns it with interest.  She treats people with love and respect.

Her departure will leave a void.  Someone will fill her position.  Someone will do the job she did here.  No one will ever replace her.  This writer is thankful for the laughter, kindness, and intelligence she shared during her sojourn here.  As she journeys on to the next adventure my heart breaks a little but it also is filled with joy for her. 

It is the nature of life that changes comes.  I did not wish for this transition to go un-lauded.  Ashley you have a friend here whenever you need one.  You have made a difference that will never fade.  Fare well wherever you fare dear friend.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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No Fooling

Greetings Dear Reader,

Although the first recorded record of April Fools’ Day or All Fools’ Day is in the Canterbury Tales we have no idea how the traditional day of pranks and hoaxes began.  We know it is centuries old and takes on many faces in different parts of the world. At some point today someone will “get my goat” (what do goats have to do with this anyway?).  I have indulged in a few pranks over the years but must admit I am pranked much more often than I prank.

Still I am a fool.  I have been called one by more than one person.   If you ponder the things I believe I am at least foolish if not outright mad as a hatter (this has to do with mercury).  Here is a list that others have said serves as evidence of my foolishness.

• I believe that I have an unseen enemy who watches me and wishes to destroy me.
• I believe that I am being watched constantly.
• I love my enemies.
• I have to die in order to live.
• I try to respond to everything with kindness and love.

The list could be longer.  I have done many things where others have accused me of foolishness.  I do it all because I know that following Christ seems foolish to those who do not believe.  Paul wrote that, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  It is not my place to expect others to see me as wise.

When we follow Christ we are going to appear to be fools.  We need to remember that at one point even Mary thought her Son had gone mad.  She asked his brothers to stop him.  She had seen and heard the angel.  She had tasted the wine made from water.  She knows who Jesus is yet she sees his actions as those of a fool.

So toady I choose to celebrate my foolishness.  I choose to live a life where I have no visible evidence that what I seek is real.  I will follow in faith even when it seems like madness.  I have found good company in this journey.  Most of all I treasure you Dear Reader.  Happy All Fools’ Day; no joke.

God’s Own Fool – Michael Card

Seems I've imagined Him all of my life

As the wisest of all of mankind

But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men

He must have seemed out of His mind

For even His family said He was mad

And the priests said a demon's to blame

But God in the form of this angry young man

Could not have seemed perfectly sane

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise

He played the fool and He opened our eyes

When we in our weakness believed we were strong

He became helpless to show we were wrong

And so we follow God's own fool

For only the foolish can tell-

Believe the unbelievable

And come be a fool as well

So come lose your life for a carpenter's son

For a madman who died for a dream

And you'll have the faith His first followers had

And you'll feel the weight of the beam

So surrender the hunger to say you must know

Have the courage to say I believe

For the power of paradox opens your eyes

And blinds those who say they can see

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise

He played the fool and He opened our eyes

When we in our weakness believed we were strong

He became helpless to show we were wrong

And so we follow God's own fool

For only the foolish can tell-

Believe the unbelievable

And come be a fool as well

So we follow God's own Fool

For only the foolish can tell

Believe the unbelievable,

And come be a fool as well

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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