Jeff Overstreet posts some insights into the spiritual appeal of Frankenstein, Gollum, Darth Vader, and other cinematic monsters. We don’t want our movie monsters to be entirely villainous—we want to see a spark of conscience and the ever-so-slight possibility of redemption:
God makes it pretty clear in the scriptures: All have sinned and fall short. He might have decided, then, to just write off all of us “bad people.”Instead, his grace allows for the possibility of redemption… even in the hearts of monsters like Saul [in the New Testament].
I think we need stories about monsters… especially those that remind us how sin has made us all monsters, and that our hope must come from grace and forgiveness that can fill our hearts with light and give us daily comfort and strength as we seek to overcome the influence of evil within our own hearts.
Amen to that. Hey, if Darth Vader can find forgiveness, then maybe there’s hope for the rest of us….
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January 8, 2008 at 17:03
I get your point – redemption is possible, even for the worst of us.
My kids loved horror flicks, but I don’t It has to do with growing up around real monsters. I always thought the appeal of Frankenstein, etc. was “controlled” fear. It was a way to scare yourself silly without any real danger. Its a nice theory. I’m sure it works for most movies.
But I grew up with monsters so I don’t watch the scary things. I have things in my head Stephen King would envy, but I’ll never write them in a book and ask anyone else to read them. My idea of bliss is having a normal pulse rate and being described as phlegmatic and unflappable.
This is probably not what you wanted to put up on your discussion, but I just felt like saying it because I spent time today writing an email to someone who doesn’t know Jesus and may never know Jesus because He lived with monsters growing up. In fact I know 3 people (in cyberspace not in person) whole lives are hanging in the balance right now, from childhood monsters and none of them know Jesus. So, if you do get to read this, and I can’t give names – pray for two guys and a girl who need to know our Jesus can kill all the monsters, no matter where they come from.
Thanks for listening. L.
January 8, 2008 at 18:08
Many of those monsters of old are pretty tame compared to some of the slasher/horror movies that are out there today. Honestly I don’t know why people would want to program their minds with those types of images.
The bible teaches us that faith and fear cannot occupy the same space (our minds). In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul writes: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (NKJV)
It would be nice if more people were aware of this and that they can go out boldy and proclaim the Good News without fear of ridicule.
Thanks!
Pete
January 9, 2008 at 13:54
I also get the whole monster – redemption picture. But,Pete, I agree with you. Paul wrote, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” The closer I get to the Lord the less I want to watch TV, Movies or sports. In my life I find much peace in not trying to fit into the world or being entertained by it.
January 10, 2008 at 00:03
In response to Pete and Steve –
There is a world of difference between Frankenstein and Freddy Krueger. I agree with you that horror for horror’s sake and being “entertained” by violence and gore have no place in the life of a Christian (or anyone for that matter). But monster-characters like Gollum, Darth Vader and Frankenstein are extremely valuable and beautiful creations with much to teach. Frankenstein is my absolute favorite novel, it is a masterpiece and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
January 10, 2008 at 16:53
Amy, I hear what you are saying. I believe that the value of the characters and movies you mention, when compared to the most Holy God and His word, appear wanting for value and beauty.
January 13, 2008 at 03:59
Christ used stories to make points. Instead of only relaying a bunch of facts and commandments God, because he is God, was able to make real life stories told in the Old Testament also mean something universal or even present them as “types” of Christ. He did this because we respond to information presented as story on some level that is different from how we respond to information presented as “fact.” We must need to process ideas both ways in order to fully get it.
He also gifted some of us with the ability to tell stories. Because evil exists both inside us and around us, because lots of things we encounter are bigger and more powerful than we are, stories with monsters or evil characters give us perspective that can help us. As others have pointed the possibility of redemption for a monster helps us see how big God’s love is. These stories also can encourage our efforts toward those who may seem like real-life monsters. Finally seeing Luke Skywalker or Frodo struggle with choices can help us catch ourselves when we are “falling into shadow.”