The Replacement Gods: Post-modern rant, or potential eye opener?

Hmm... now I guess it’s time for something a little “controversial.”

As a fair number of you are already aware, there’s been an ongoing (and in some cases heated) debate on the documentary “The Replacement Gods” among Christians and comic/ superhero/hero archetype enthusiasts alike.

And even larger debates among those who are Christians but still like their sci-fi and comic-related forms of entertainments, much like me. Yes, we are a rather interesting group - some consider us odd; others would even going as far as calling us hypocritical or even blasphemous for taking an interest in some forms of “geek culture,” whether in the forms of video games, reading material, or types of films or TV shows we enjoy.



Mind you, considering how large the crowds can be for events like Comic-Con, or Fan Expo, you would have to wonder if any Christian-themed conventions of a similar nature (if possible) would draw similar numbers of people. Well, before we get into what is considered proper forms of entertainment, or what is best for us to occupy our free time, we should address first some of the concerns of this documentary. I mean, after all, some of the earlier blog posts that were done here had already addressed three of the four mentioned forms of “geek culture”, but again that (among other things) can be discussed in the comments that I’m sure will follow when this blog entry is posted. I’m going to approach this one like I do with most of my previous posts, under the notion that you have seen this film in its entirety. If not, I suggest you do so beforehand, because this one is, well, an interesting one.

In fact, go ahead and watch it right here!

Now, when I was approached about this documentary (by a friend of mine) I at first wasn’t sure what the implication of this film was supposed to be. Even with my friend’s detailed description of it, it still sounded a bit iffy to me. I mean, comparing comic characters to events in the Bible? Well that, to some degree, I already knew has been done. In fact some comic characters that were created in the past couple of decades were created from a biblical standpoint one way or another (i.e. Spawn, Redeemer, Crimson, Hellboy, The Revelations comic series, etc.) And typically I’ve noticed that many of them that exist do tend to follow aspects of the book of Revelations, via an upcoming or ongoing variation of the last days, the Day of Judgment and/or the inevitable Armageddon.


To me, this is nothing new. Nonetheless, I decided to get a copy from my friend, and see this one for myself. At the beginning, it gave the usual history of the comic book, how it became the ideal form of entertainment during as after the Great Depression, and especially during WWII. There was mention of the change of comics during the late 80s and 90s, transitioning from the typical golden and silver age comics to more “unique” approach to comic storytelling. What wasn’t really mentioned in any detail however, during that time, was the dis-association of those comic under the ‘comic code authority’ and the rise of the independently-owned comic books. Why that wasn’t address in this film, I wasn’t sure….yet.

Another interesting (and slightly disturbing) area they address was the final episodes of the TV show, Smallville. Yes, I have seen the show, and actually liked it, but after a while it got a bit tiresome for me and I stopped following it. So when they announced the final season of the series, I didn’t bother to keep up with it since I was at least a couple of seasons behind. Yet at same time I was compelled to at least see how this series would eventually end. I did not see what led up to the final episode but the show itself seemed interesting at the time. But after reviewing what the documentary suggested, I started thinking, perhaps I overlooked a great deal.

The concept of that reversal of the mark of God (of sorts) being removed by Superman, though a little farfetched to me in some parts, did have some eerie counter-POV to what you read in the book of Daniel, and the book of Revelations.
Basically, the concept of the 2nd coming is redone as a negative apocalyptic event, and the person or being representing Christ in this jaded coming is the character Darkseid, one of the most powerful super villains in the DC universe, and arch-enemy of Superman. Meanwhile Superman (playing the role of the devil or Antichrist by biblical standards but reversed), is the hero preventing this villainized version of the 2nd coming from happening, and succeeding. 

Like I said before, it seems I missed a great deal with this series. Then again there were always those Nietzsche references in season one. And as many of you know, Nietzsche’s existentialist philosophy was very anti-religion. So I guess the signs were there. The rest of the documentary, I did find interesting. Some areas mentioned did give me more information on areas of the origins of the superhero archetype I’ve long suspected - origins such as from ancient mythologies, and storytelling, (Greek especially, Norse, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, etc) which would account in the compelling nature to make a story larger than life, which is where the actual storytelling with heroic figures originated…well that and from biblical sources as well. Probably the most intriguing thing I found about this documentary was on the alleged background of known comic writer and author Grant Morrison, specifically his supposed connection with various occult beliefs, which ‘may’ influence writing career within the DC (Detective Comic) graphic novel division. 

Assuming that this connection the documentary is implying is true, then even I would have to greatly reassess some of the past novels I currently have read, and the few I own. 

Now to the areas of this documentary that I had…concerns with. As a Christian, I can understand, and even emphasize to a degree, on what points this documentary is trying to get across. My issue however is what areas of theory they have in some places, and more importantly the areas they could have used to better their initial points, but never do. 

There are a lot of areas I had a problem with, but for the sake of conversation and debate (which I hope will occur after this is posted) I’ll just make note of one or two areas I had a problem with. Any more you all want to add to this…feel free to do so.
One big concern I had with was the comparison of Superman as Jesus (which is pretty obvious) and, more specifically, Superman’s comparison to nemesis Lex Luthor. Now in the film they do mention that the name “Lex” is Latin for law. And since Superman is against Lex, he is against law…much like the anti-Christ. To me I think this is just a tad bit at grasping for straws or better still putting together a puzzle by redoing the original pieces in order to show a full and distorted picture of the original design in order to make that point. 

Yeah I said that. And I know I might be blasted for saying it, but let’s face it, this isn’t the first time “some” Christians have conveniently taken certain select verses of the Bible (in some cases not even the whole verse) in order to prove a point...and conveniently overlook other parts of those same verses that change the dynamic of what they are thing to initially state or prove. I’ve always been uncomfortable with people that think and act this way, and not show the whole. It’s almost like a half-truth at times. And note, nowadays in today’s Information Age, it is a lot harder to pull stunts like this since now more than ever people have access and the capability to really do the research for themselves. 

So when those that do come with a generalized statement (aka their own opinion) on what’s acceptable and what is not for Christians to see or not see in this post-modern era, they better come with the FULL proof to back it up! Which in the case of the Replacement Gods, some areas like the Superman/Lex/Anti-Christ scenario, though feasible, is still a little suspect, but that’s just my opinion. I just have one question about that. If Superman is in fact a depiction of the Anti-Christ, then what does Lex Luthor represent? Hmm…something to ponder. 

Another area which also to me seems a bit suspect and really hard to swallow, is the comparison of duality of Christ during his time on earth in comparison to Harvey (Two-Face) Dent. I mean, come on, seriously?? The Superman comparison is far more feasible and much more believable than this, and that’s saying a lot! I mean yeah Batman does dress up as the traditional “villain”, that automatically means he’s a bad guy? Are they trying to imply very subtlety that how you look on the outside, determines how people see you as a person? Is that really the best way to approach this to Christians? It’s not like we haven’t been accused of that very notion by the secular crowds before, so we might as well stick along with that tired ol’ uppity Christian stereotype, *SMH*.

Oh and don’t even get me started on the Christ comparison to the Joker. I think I will leave that up to D.A. or someone else to address. That one…well a little too much for me. If they really wanted to do a good comparison to Christianity references in a comic series in a controversial way, they would look no further than the DC Graphic Novel Kingdom Come, which did come out a while ago (1996), sooner than many of the related comics mentioned in this documentary, but still recent enough to be a very valid graphic novel in the DC genre of comics.
Despite that, there’s no mention of it anywhere in it. Really make we wonder where they got their research on these comic titles. Picking on some and blatantly ignoring more obvious choices, some of which would have made more sense to use in their favor. It really makes one think.



Now like I said before, I do understand where the people that created this documentary are coming from. I can see the inherent dangers of certain aspects of comic books, and yes it did give me a lot to think about, and re-assess, especially about Grant Morrison’s work. That said, how is this different from anything else we see or hear of in the world? 

I absolutely understand that we need to be careful of what we expose ourselves to at all times, there’s no question about that. Yet at the same time, we should not limit ourselves to just what we are told, what we should or shouldn’t view or listen to.

There are so many possibilities and sources that can be used to approach or see from a unique perspective on Christianity. I mean there are several articles already here on this blog to prove that very same subject. Besides, just like a friend of mine told me (one I hope will add her two cents to this) “In the end I watch these because I simply want to be entertained”, and yes she’s a Christian as well. 

At any rate, time for some feedback - let’s have at it!

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