No More Superheroes?

A few evenings ago, I had an interesting conversation with my 21 year old son, Nathaniel. He was sharing about a discussion he had with some friends about why many of his generation seems so disconnected and uninterested in church or other ministry endeavors.

“Every since we were little,” he said, “we’ve been surrounded by fantastic stories, cartoons, video games, and movies where young heroes take on the challenge of some amazing quest—a quest that ultimately defines their life purpose and inner character. And despite incredible odds, those superheroes are able to vanquish their threat and win the day, usually in 90 minutes or less!” By the time they hit college age, the dividing line in their minds between fact and fantasy has actually become somewhat blurred to the point where they too feel their own lives should be about striving for some great quest. But instead, he explains, when his peers measure real life experience (including church) against these imaginary heroes and situations, the excitement of reality pales in comparison. “It seems they end up with one of two different reactions,” he continued. They either become frustrated, un-enamored, and disengaged adopting a “what’s the use of trying?” attitude. Or else they adopt a radical spirit and charge into some cause or another in order to “fix” as many wrongs of the world as possible. In either case, Nathaniel noted, they are not finding many existing Christian institutions able to satisfy the seeds of “super-heroism” planted for years in their subconscious minds and be meaningfully involved in a quest where they can make a difference in the world—especially one that can be accomplished quickly.

So, what do we say to a generation that has been raised believing that Star Wars, Iron Man or Lord of the Rings are more real than real? Do we simply tell them to “grow up” and put away their childish fantasies? Or is it possible that there is a new type of “hero” we could introduce them to, one involved in equally meaningful quests in our world today?

Here at Partners International, we have the unique privilege of creating partnerships with national ministries led by incredibly visionary men and women. These folks are tackling some of the toughest challenges imaginable right within their own communities. From rescuing young women in Bangalore brothels to caring for the distressed of Darfur to creating sustainable business opportunities on the Tibet plateau, these ministries are demonstrating the Good News of Christ in realistic, practical and sustainable ways. True, their solutions are not always quick and easy, but they are certainly effective in changing their corners of the world.

I’m convinced the more we have a chance to connect my son’s generation to these real-live “superheroes” of today’s mission world, the more Nathaniel and his friends will find plenty of opportunity to find personal fulfillment and life purpose by participating in God’s ultimate quest: proclaiming Real Hope to a lost world.