“Captain Marvel” has made box office magic in the weeks since it has come out. “Avengers: Endgame” has been anxiously awaited by MCU fans long before “Infinity Wars” hit the big screen. Are there any spiritual lessons that can be learned through the movies that have captivated millions of Americans? Use these ideas to open a dialogue with your children or friends about religion to learn more about your own philosophies.
Cain and Abel
The story of Cain and Abel is told in Genesis. These two brothers brought offerings to the Lord. Abel’s offering of his flock was pleasing to God while Cain’s offering of the ground was not. Cain killed Abel and was exiled. Sound familiar? Loki and Thor are brothers fighting over the love of their father, among other things. This fight affects their own planet, Asgard, and the earth. Gamora and Nebula from “Guardians of the Galaxy” are the female versions of Cain and Abel.
Working Together
The theme of teamwork is pronounced throughout the MCU. “The Avengers Initiative” is all about bringing a group of misfits together to do something profound. Biblically, this theme is found in Ephesians 4:11, which says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” As one person, you can only do so much. You don’t have to be the entire team.
The original Avengers team was made up of different people from different backgrounds. Captain America didn’t have a science background and barely understood the technology that Ironman and Doctor Banner were perfecting. Thor was a prince on his world and misunderstood on earth. Hawkeye and Black Widow were mortals who weren’t trained to work with others and yet were valuable members of the team. Not everyone needs to have a degree in theology to minister in the church.
Dealing With Friction
The Avengers might be the ultimate team, but they certainly have their issues and disagreements. Although conflict is simply part of any good narrative, the differences are set up early in the MCU. Ironman is a loner who doesn’t answer to anyone. Captain America is the soldier who follows orders. In “Captain America: Civil War,” the two come head to head over the Sokovia Accords, in which the UN will establish a panel to oversee the Avengers. Not only are Captain America and Ironman at odds, the entire cast takes a stand for or against and it splits the team. A few movies later, they have to put aside their differences for a unified fight against Thanos. Their problems haven’t been resolved, but they still come together to help each other.
Things Aren’t Always What They Seem
In the newest MCU feature film, Captain Marvel comes to realize that what’s she been told about her enemy isn’t true. Don’t judge a person by his or her appearance. Don’t listen to gossip about others. Sometimes, it’s hard to know the enemy. Pay attention to their actions, not just their words.
People Do Change
In the first Captain America movie, Bucky is Cap’s friend and colleague. In the next CA movie, Bucky is the villain without a memory of his past. He tries to kill the heroes. And yet, Captain America sticks by his principles by believing that his friend is still there. In “Avengers: Infinity Wars,” Bucky fights on Cap’s side. It might seem easy in the movies, but people can and do make positive changes when they have support.
Use Pop Culture to Help Your Kids Grow
Captain Marvel is one of the best role models for girls to come to the big screen in the past few years. She isn’t sexualized, even though she has a form-fitting suit. The movie isn’t about her having a romance. Many of the Avengers are good role models, even with their faults. Enjoy movies, and use them to open a dialogue with your family about your own philosophies.
