A New Found Old Way of Conveying Goodness!

In chapter 14, Thomas J. Carmody discusses how comic books are a great way to reach the masses and draw them into thinking theologically without feeling threatened by it. A book of cool graphics and a way to be entertained doesn’t sound nearly as daunting and serious as say a bible tract. Comic books and graphics have, in a way, been present for the last thousand years to convey biblical messages and stories in a way that is easy to understand and more attractive to potential viewers.

One reason that comics are a good way to evangelize, according to Carmody, is that they have a universal appeal across ages, culture, and even religions. Not only do they have an appeal, but they are also low cost, long lasting, and easy to spread around (especially if the comic books are digitally online).

Comics are also familiar to most people around the world, which is why they don’t feel threatened by this form of media. It is also easier to blur the lines between Christian and secular comics since many of the mainstream comics even have religious underlying messages or themes (for example, the classic good wins over evil theme). The more familiar and “friendly” it looks, the less intimidating or threatening it would be.

Comic books are also usually light hearted. They have serious messages, but they are portrayed in a light and fun way. Since language is such a barrier, I think it’s great that Christians have discovered the idea to make graphic books for them in their own indigenous languages. Pictures can be seen by anyone. No one has to be taught how to look at an image, therefore being a great way to spread the message of the gospel.

I especially liked a part of the chapter where Doug TenNapel is quoted as saying, “Christians are going to have to learn that art isn’t automatically good if it’s made by Christians. And Hollywood will have to learn that art isn’t automatically bad if it’s made by Christians.”

Carmody also says that evangelical fans are convinced that comics can contribute to the church and be relevant to the human condition by presenting evangelistic messages at home and overseas, teaching biblical precepts through storylines taken from the Bible or adapted from the lives of Christian missionaries, saints and leaders, reaching an audience that is predisposed to respond to vivid visual images, helping members of a specific tribe to become more humble by poking fun at themselves, and by aiding illiterate people to learn to read. I would have to agree with him on these points. I think it’s important to reach people in the most effective ways, and I for one would much rather look at visuals to entertain and educate me casually than read something that is boring or hard to follow.

With the POWer of comics, we can FIGHT the powers of EVIIIL. Jesus, is the real hero! Spread the word!