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James L. Papandrea
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From Star Wars to Superman: Christ Figures in Science Fiction and Superhero Films Paperback – November 16, 2017

by James L. Papandrea (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
See all formats and editions
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When cultures such as ours toss Jesus out one door, He comes in albeit disguised through another. That's why author Jim Papandrea turned to Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix, Terminator, Spider-Man, Batman, Dr. Who, and half-a-dozen other modern shows, discovering in each one powerful images of Christ and salvation.

Nor is that surprising.

In stories of alternative universes, people always need rescuing; somebody needs to save the day; and sometimes the whole world cries out for a savior . . . which is just what a hero is.

About the heroes of some of the most popular sci-fi stories of all time, author Papandrea here answers questions that concern Christians who are also Trekkies, Whovians, Matrix Dwellers, or aficionados of popular science fiction: What kind of "Christ-figure" is the hero of this story, and what does that say about the show s vision of Christ, humanity and salvation?

In the interest of being scientific, Papandrea even gives each hero a Numerical Orthodoxy Score based on the description of Christ in the Nicene Creed, Christianity's common definition of orthodoxy.

Included herein are astute Christian analyses of:

Batman * Captain * America * Doctor Who * The Fifth Element * I, Robot * Iron Man * LOST * The Matrix * Planet of the Apes * Pleasantville * Spider-Man * Star Trek * Star Wars * Superman * The Terminator * The Time Machine * Tron * Wonder Woman

Here you'll read about:

  • The pervasive Christian imagery in Doctor Who
  • Star Trek s predicted "death of God"
  • Free-will: the stumbling block in the first Matrix
  • The crucifixion of Spider-Man
  • Why Wonder Woman is an image of a gnostic savior
  • The meaning of salvation in Star Wars (It masquerades as Christian)
  • How Superman's life begins as a parallel of Moses.
  • I, Robot: the religious reason why the robot is called "Sonny"
  • Whether, in any Christian sense, Neo is The One?
  • Captain American and Iron-Man: one defends the innocent, the other brings justice to the guilty
  • The tomb scene in the Fifth Element: it s not the resurrection we need
  • Matter vs. Spirit in Tron: gnostic to the core
  • The anti-Christian bias of Planet of the Apes
  • Why the Force in Star Wars is no analogy to Grace or the Holy Spirit
  • The Star Wars Christ figure: Obi-Wan? Luke? Or even, ultimately, Darth Vader
  • What Heaven is understood to be in the LOST universe
  • Time travel as incarnation in The Terminator: a compelling analogy
  • Regeneration as resurrection in Doctor Who: Is it Christ-like?
  • How Pleasantville reverses the dynamism of the Fall
  • The baptismal significance of the plane crash in LOST
  • Pleasantville: a twisted version of Eden
  • The incarnation of the Christ-figure in Planet of the Apes
  • Tron's parallels between Christianity and the Roman Empire

. . . and much more about other science fiction and superhero shows!

Christians who enjoy popular culture will greet this fun book with interest and acclaim.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    335 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Sophia Institute Press
  4. Publication date
    November 16, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1622823885
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1622823888
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fun, witty, and insightful. As the ultimate Sci-Fi Jesus geek, Papandrea puts storytellers on notice: Your Christ figures will be graded!"
Matt Forbeck
Author of Rogue One: Junior Novel and The Marvel Encyclopedia

"I don't think we can fully understand or enjoy superheroes and science fiction until we understand this dynamic. This book is a key to the evangelization of our culture. And you know what? it's just a fun read."
Mike Aquilina

"From Star Wars to Superman is eminently readable, stimulating intellectually, and satisfying religiously."
Lloyd Baugh
Professor, The Pontifical Gregorian University

--Personal Endorsements

From the Back Cover

When cultures such as ours toss Jesus out one door, He comes in albeit disguised through another. That's why author Jim Papandrea turned to Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix, Terminator, Spider-Man, Batman, Dr. Who, and half-a-dozen other modern shows, discovering in each one powerful images of Christ and salvation.

About the heroes of some of the most popular sci-fi stories of all time, author Papandrea here answers questions that concern Christians who are also Trekkies, Whovians, Matrix Dwellers, or aficionados of popular science fiction: What kind of "Christ-figure" is the hero of this story, and what does that say about the show's vision of Christ, humanity and salvation?

In the interest of being scientific, Papandrea even gives each hero a Numerical Orthodoxy Score based on the description of Christ in the Nicene Creed, Christianity's common definition of orthodoxy.

Included herein are astute Christian analyses of:

Batman * Captain * America * Doctor Who * The Fifth Element * I, Robot * Iron Man * LOST * The Matrix * Planet of the Apes * Pleasantville * Spider-Man * Star Trek * Star Wars * Superman * The Terminator * The Time Machine * Tron * Wonder Woman

Here you'll read about:

  • The pervasive Christian imagery in Doctor Who
  • Star Trek's predicted "death of God"
  • Free-will: the stumbling block in the first Matrix
  • Why Wonder Woman is an image of a gnostic savior
  • How Superman's life begins as a parallel of Moses.
  • The Star Wars Christ figure: Obi-Wan? Luke? Or even, ultimately, Darth Vader
  • What Heaven is understood to be in the LOST universe

. . . and much more about other science fiction and superhero shows!

Christians who enjoy popular culture will greet this fun book with interest and acclaim.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sophia Institute Press (November 16, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 335 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1622823885
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1622823888
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 39 ratings

About the author

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James L. Papandrea

James L. Papandrea

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To connect with Jim Papandrea, and participate in his ongoing in-depth Bible Study, join The Original Church Community on Locals at TheOriginalChurch.locals.com

Jim Papandrea is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, with a PhD in the history and theology of the early Christian Church, New Testament interpretation, and the history of the Roman Empire. Visit Jim Papandrea's home page: www.JimPapandrea.com. Also check out his YouTube series on The Original Church, at www.WhenTheChurchWasOne.com.

Jim Papandrea is also a published songwriter and professional musician, performing and recording as a solo and with his group, "Remember Rome." He is a teacher of songwriting, has written and arranged music for church choirs, and has written two musicals; "Treasures of the Heart" (A Christmas Musical), and "The Prodigal's Dream" (An Easter Opera). IF YOU LIKE JIM PAPANDREA'S BOOKS, YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN HIS MUSIC - Check out Jim Papandrea's latest CD: Still Quiet Voice, available from Amazon, or for more information, visit his home page, www.JimPapandrea.com.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
39 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Dom
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book for a Religious Sci-Fi Fan
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
As a science fiction fan and, more importantly, a huge Jesus fan, I enjoy reading this book (it's a long book; I'm still reading it). As another reviewer already said, Jesus isn't well depicted by hollywood's unorthodox messianic figures, so you learn a lot about errors and heresies in this book, which is a good educational thing. I go back to reading the Gospels to see Jesus The Real God-Hero going around doing good, healing all those oppressed of the devil, and destroying the works of darkness.

No mention of Dune and Ender's Game, two of my favorites, here. I wonder how Paul Atreides in David Lynch's epic 1984 Dune movie stacks up? Also, Aquaman who commands the sea creatures. Jesus had Peter retrieve a coin from a fish's mouth for funding purposes, and He orchestrated the miraculous net-breaking, boat-sinking catches of fish. Just musing..... to be fair, I don't know if Aquaman shows up in the movies or not, LOL.
3 people found this helpful
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Gabriël Oberholzer
4.0 out of 5 stars Love it
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. I’m a huge Superman fan, and I loved the references to the latest films with Cavill’s portrayal. I wish there was more material on Superman, but I’m happy
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Delafield Doc
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for any sci-fi or superhero fan
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2018
Verified Purchase
A great read for any sci-fi or superhero fan. I was surprised that I enjoyed the sections on movies/shows I have yet to watch as much as the sections on content that I know well. Once read, you'll see Christology in new fiction, such as Stranger Things and Altered Carbon.
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Andrea
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read by lovers of the Superhero films to anyone ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great read by lovers of the Superhero films to anyone interested in church teachings. Would make a good Christmas present, too. I give it a five star rating.
One person found this helpful
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Charger
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
I didn't read this book, but the daughter that I gave it to for Christmas really enjoyed it.
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Stuart Dunn
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book on how Hollywood has tried (but gotten wrong) the Christ-figures in their movies/TV shows
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2017
Within Hollywood, there are so many movies that flood the big screens every year. Most of them are trash if we're being honest, and that's no surprise seeing that most of Hollywood has become a land of filth and sleaze. However, if you look at some movies close enough, you can see Christ symbology in them. Yes, you can re-read that sentence and let it sink in. It's hard to believe, but even some of the most questionable of directors, producers, actors, and actresses have done moves with this type of symbology in them. Whether or not it was intentional is not my place to say, but I do know that every man and woman has a Christ-shaped hole in their soul and only He can fill it. Recently, James Papandrea wrote called From Star Wars to Superman: Christ Figures in Science Fiction and Superhero Films.

The book is divided into the following four sections:

1. Aliens Incarnate
2. Alternate Universes
3. Time Travel as Incarnation
4. Jesus Christ, Superhero

These sections are then divided further into chapters with each chapter devoted to a specific movie or television series. Such movies/TV shows covered are Star Trek, Star Wars, Tron, Lost, The Matrix, Planet of the Apes, and a big chapter devoted to all the DC and Marvel films. The chapter on The Matrix was interesting to me, as I admit I watched the series once and was a bit confused by it. Not only did Papandrea explain that Neo is a gnostic version of Christ and talk about the theme of free will in the movies, he also explains several confusing scenes in the movie. Much appreciated! The chapters I enjoyed reading the most were on Star Wars and The Planet of the Apes. These are two series I thoroughly enjoy, and, as he pointed out, while you can see elements of a "Savior" in these movies, none of them are orthodox representations of Christ.

Overall, I found this to be an interesting book. Some of the chapters didn't speak to me, because they were series I never bothered watching (Tron, Lost, and Pleasantville), but I was enthralled by most of the other chapters. What I found most telling was the brief summary in the end. "Of the 19 characters surveyed in this book, only five (counting Superman and Wonder Woman) come out looking like reasonably orthodox analogies for Christ. The rest look more like heretical versions, with seven leaning toward the adoptionist/Arian and six leaning toward the gnostic." This is to be expected, as it is Hollywood after all, but it is disappointing. I'm glad to have read this book and would recommend it to all Christian fans of these types of movies/shows, so they don't misinterpret them and think that these figures are orthodox representations of Christ.

This book was provided to me for free by Sophia Institute Press in exchange for an honest review.
7 people found this helpful
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Jim T
5.0 out of 5 stars Watching SciFi with a new understanding
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2017
A remarkable analysis of Christology and its effects on science fiction. I am now watching old favorites with a new awareness. A Plus
One person found this helpful
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