Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write in the SCIENCE FICTION genre (05/10/07)
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TITLE: What is a Super Hero? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Traci HAyes
05/15/07 -
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The first trait that I read about was extraordinary powers and abilities. I remember that Spiderman could use his web to travel quickly and that Superman could fly. The second trait is a strong moral code, including a willingness to risk one’s own safety without expectation of reward. Superman has stopped trains and bullets to save ordinary people. The third common trait is that of motivation, not steered by reward, but by a strong belief in justice and humanitarian service. Batman and Robin used the Batmobile to speed to crime scenes and stop the culprit in the act.
There are other traits listed in that definition, including having a number of enemies and having a supporting cast of recurring characters. Batman and Robin’s enemies included the Penguin and the Joker. Superman had Lex Luther and Spiderman had the Green Goblin. I was surprised to read the final trait listed. It was listed as “an origin that explains the circumstances by which the character acquired his abilities.” At this trait, I was stumped as I have only encountered one hero in my life with extraordinary beginnings. Jesus Christ was born to a virgin mother at God’s word.
Knowing this story, I begin to examine the other traits of a super hero. In the case of extraordinary powers and abilities, I find none greater than the multiple healings that Jesus performed. Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law after leaving the synagogue. He healed ten lepers on the road between Samaria and Galilee. The Bible tells us of many healings performed by Jesus. He also had the ability to provide. At the Sea of Tiberias, five thousand men had come to witness the miraculous healings. The crowd had nothing to eat except five loaves of bread and two small fish. Jesus blessed the food and fed the multitudes.
Jesus had a strong sense of humanitarian justice. At the Mount of Olives, Jesus encountered the Pharisees bringing in a woman who been charged with adultery. They made her stand before the crowds ready to be stoned. Jesus said to the crowds, “Let you is without sin cast the first stone.” The crowds then left and Jesus told her to go and leave her life of sin. She was given a second chance. Jesus had his supporting cast as well. He had His twelve disciples. He had enemies in the Pharisees and in his archenemy, Satan.
The most extraordinary trait that Jesus had is that he was beaten and died on a cross so that we could live eternally. As a Christian, I can walk through this world knowing that I have a Savior who hears and answers my prayers. He has proven Himself true for thousands of years.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you today for my super hero, your Son Jesus Christ. He did give his life for us and walks with us always in our conscience reminding us of right and wrong. He healed lepers on the road to Galilee in order to prove His love for all people- not perfect people. Without Jesus, the adulteress would have died without a second chance. This story proves our ability for second chances. Father, you created us all. You gave us the knowledge and creativity to create our own super heroes like Spiderman and Batman, but please remind us that long before they were drawn, your son was born to a virgin mother to bring peace, love, and grace to an undeserving world. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Amen
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