Christian Arguments
Like any piece of work in pop culture there will be critics that love it or hate it. It defines the product. When it comes to the Christian world though things can get a little more criticed as some may find that the product is dangerous to their lives and families, such as Harry Potter many people think that their kids may learn satanic things or want to learn witchcraft because of the books. Others may find that books and movies in pop culture can help people learn in a fun way, it may not be the direct lessons that you learn from reading the bible or in church but it teaches you the essence of the way to live. For example the Narnia books tend to contain a lot from the bible and contain many references to biblical people. With all that being said where does the church find The Avengers to be on that list, is it wildly liked or do people seem to disagree with the teachings of The Avengers.
The main focus of this is to show that The Avengers can have a positive influence on the people that watch these movies but as mentioned before; there will always be critics who don’t approve of it. With the research that has been completed it seems as if the majority of the Christian critics seem to enjoy the films and do approve of the teachings they convey. Although a little violent they put out a positive message and they do provide hope to some. First let’s take a look at the people who don’t agree and see what their argument is.
There are two arguments against The Avengers that will be discussed and these include:
Jesus as a hero
First of all according to some article’s I have found, people are starting to believe that superheroes are coming a little to far in pop culture. An article called “Jesus as a Superhero” by A. D. R. Hayes explains how not only are superheroes being called Gods but they are also having an impact on Jesus. Churches and religious families are starting to refer to Jesus as a superhero and by doing so they are actually lowering the power that Jesus is believed to have. This article speaks of a song called ‘Jesus is my superhero” the song goes on to say how Jesus is a superhero; he’s a star and better then other heroes but it takes away the fact that he is able to heal, give strength and forgive eternally. There is also an issue with this because heroes come in multiples, according to the articles almost like grains of sand, some are alien and some super human. ( A.D.R hayes, 2014) This takes away power again from Jesus because there is only one God and no one is suppose to worship another according to the bible, there can't be multiple. Although there is similarities, it is still not safe for families to be using Jesus as a hero when he’s never actually refered to himself as that. Hayes also spoke of David and Goliath to which he says the story shows true courage and that it is that courage that people should look for. Not to character created to ease peoples minds during the depression and wars. ( A.D.R hayes, 2014) If they truly want courage look to God like he did that day.
God Like Power
People also seem to find that these movies are inappropriate for a very simple reason. It is giving god like abilities to humans. Throughout the marvel university there are aliens, Demigods, superhumans and extreme geniuses; people have an issue with this because the things they do are only suppose to be done by Jesus, no one should be given the power to self heal, control storms, or time. These are all powers that seem devilish if not in the right hands. Christian critics don’t seem to give the reviews you would think because these powers allow them to take actions into their own hands. In both movies The Avengers find themselves saving the world as if it is theirs to save. An example of this is the conversation between Tony Stark and Loki when Loki says that he has an army Tony says “we have a hulk” after this Loki proceeds to explain how they will never win and tony explains how if they can’t protect the world, they will avenge it. This contrasts the bible as it says if evil takes control the world will be his (Gods) to avenge.
In comparison there are way more critics that find these movies to be great to watch and up lifting. With so many scenes of good triumphing evil and people working together to solve a problem caused by evil (the devil); why would a Christian not watch this to get into an up lifting mood like there in power in their beliefs. Scenes such as the final battle in Age of Ultron show how eventually everyone can come together for the great good. Much like if the members of the church banned together to help people who haven’t found their way. In the past around 9/11 they were big for encouraging that good will win. Even when hearts were breaking and fear was setting in; this gave people a feeling that they could rest there hearts with people and that they could make it. (American Political Identities)
The research also showed that a lot of the characters actually believe in a higher power and that they aren't the strongest people to walk the earth. Even Thor a Demigod believes that there is a stronger power then him in the universe who has control over all. This just explains how even viewers can't loss sight of the truth, if the heroes they look up to believe in a God above. There is a scene in the first film that shows this through pumbling Loki as he says "I'm a God", to this Hulk says "Punny God". This one scene can serve to show that although they have God like powers they still have no strength compared to our God as he rules over all.
Other reasons that The Avengers is okay for religious communities and does contain it, is because according to “The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series: The Avengers and Philosophy: Earth's Mightiest Thinkers” by Irwin, William, White and Mark D. it will allow people within them to learn how to effectually use their moral compass the way they do. Each hero has their own set of power and because of this each and every day they have to make the decision what is right and wrong and where to use their power. (Irwin, William, White, Mark D., 2011) (Joss whedon, 2013). Not only do they learn how to use this they also learn how to looking deeper into things because a lot of the religious themes are hidden they must look deep to find them which teaches them to look deeper into their own faith( pop culture, critical thinking, 2005).