Yesterday, in our library, we had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr. Brian Chan on the topic “The Theology of Heroes and Villains.”
How does a story come into being? What is its importance, what is its structure, and what is the connection between ancient myths and modern films with action heroes like those from Marvel or The Lord of the Rings? And why do all stories follow three main acts? Every hero has a calling, but the path to the goal is never easy. He faces numerous challenges that lead to his transformation or symbolic death, and only then does he achieve “the greater good” that brings salvation — this is just one of the reasons we love watching these kinds of films.
Another reason is that we find similar story patterns in the most fascinating book in the world: the Bible. In it, Jesus is an extraordinary hero who, despite temptation, fulfilled His calling and carried out the will of the Father to save us from sin. His death on the cross is the beginning of the greatest victory in the “third act” of the greatest story ever told — when the Risen One is not only the victor, but also our Savior.
Do you want to be that kind of hero in the story of your own life?
