It might not seem like it, but numerous signs point to America being in the midst of a Christian revival. Elected officials are defending religious liberty and the U.S. Supreme Court has delivered a string of decisions reversing the primacy of secular and atheist rights over those of Christians. But people of faith may find themselves in another stratosphere because DC Comics has announced that Christianity is so culturally cool that its next superhero will be Jesus.
The anticipated DC Vertigo comic series is reportedly being called the “Second Coming,” and the plan is to introduce Christ and pair Him with Sun-Man.
“Witness the return of Jesus Christ, as He is sent on a most holy mission by God to learn what it takes to be the true messiah of mankind by becoming roommates with the world’s favorite savior: the all-powerful super hero Sun-Man, the Last Son of Krispex!” the plot summary from DC Vertigo reportedly states. “But when Christ returns to Earth, he’s shocked to discover what has become of his gospel — and now, he aims to set the record straight.”
The series has been created by Mark Russell, the author of the controversial “God is Disappointed in You,” who reportedly believes that Jesus has been inaccurately represented in today’s churches.
“The Christian religion doesn’t really base itself on what he taught, particularly in the modern Evangelical megachurches,” he reportedly said.
“They have him more as a mascot on T-shirts to prove they’re on the winning team. (Second Coming) is about Jesus coming down and being appalled by what he sees has been done in his name by Christianity in the last two thousand years. He goes by a megachurch and they have a billboard of this Tom Brady-looking Jesus Christ throwing a football and he doesn’t even recognize himself which is a metaphor for him not recognizing what’s been done with the religion that bears his name.”
Although Russell has a history of disparaging Evangelicals and misinterpreting the Christian faith, the fact that DC Comics is releasing a Christian series lends credence to the fact that believing in God is culturally cool again. That idea is also supported by leading celebrities lending their voices to the Gospel.
Brittany Spears Comes To Jesus
When everyday people think of pop star Brittany Spears, devoted Christian is not necessarily the next thought that enters your mind. But the Grammy Award-winning international sensation recently used her Instagram account to preach the Gospel to her 21.6 million followers.
While many remember Spears for her racy and provocative stage performances during more than 20 years in the spotlight, she was actually raised in the Southern Baptist tradition. Although she reportedly had brief encounters with religions such as Hinduism and Kabbalah, she has apparently come home to Jesus and posted the following on her Instagram account.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
According to reports, Spears has not been inclined to speak publicly about her faith. However, the recent post speaks volumes.
College Football Champions Thank God
In what many in the sports world are likening to a miracle, Clemson routed powerhouse Alabama for the National Championship 44-16 and credit was given where credit was due.
“All the credit – all the glory – goes to the good Lord,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said after the game on national television.
Under Swinney’s leadership, the Clemson program has climbed the ranks since 2009 and has won four consecutive conference titles and earned its third national title this year. Before coaching at Clemson, Swinney worked in real estate.
“You can’t write a Hollywood script like this. Only God can do this. … Only God can orchestrate this,” Swinney reportedly said. “For me, personally, joy comes from focusing on Jesus, others and yourself.”
The head coach’s players echoed his Christian faith after the upset win as well.
“Football is important to me, obviously, but it is not my life,” outspoken Christian quarterback Trevor Lawrence reportedly said. “It is not like the biggest thing in my life. My faith is.”
