Faith, Fandom, and Finding God in Unexpected Places

What if your love for superheroes, fantasy worlds, and epic tales is more than just entertainment? Could it actually be a pathway to spiritual growth? Join me on the Faithful Geek Podcast as I share my personal journey of discovering how beloved stories like My Hero Academia and The Lord of the Rings have intertwined with my faith. Explore how the bravery, sacrifice, and community celebrated in these narratives echo profound biblical teachings. Whether it's the inspiring courage of Wonder Woman or the redemptive arc of Darth Vader, we uncover how these iconic characters can inspire us to live a life of faith and purpose.

In this episode, we journey through the fascinating interplay between pop culture and Christian teachings, reflecting on powerful themes of grace, redemption, and selflessness. As we discuss Tony Stark's sacrificial love and Harry Potter's selflessness, these stories serve as mirrors to the divine love and strength found in scripture. Together, we'll challenge the notion of separating the sacred from the secular, embracing our unique passions as divine gifts meant to connect us with our faith and inspire others. Whether you're a fan of Doctor Who, Harry Potter, or just love a great story, I promise this episode will encourage you to see your passions as tools for bridging the gap between the spiritual and the worldly.

Chapters

• 0:00 Finding Faith Through Pop Culture
• 11:49 Embracing Faith Through Popular Culture

Transcript

Speaker 0: 0:35

Hey there and welcome to the Faithful Geek Podcast. I'm Jam Collectibles and thank you for joining us on the first episode of 2025. I want to thank everyone who has supported and reached out to us in 2024. I truly thank God for all of you and pray this podcast helps you grow in your faith. Starting this podcast has been on my heart for a while now.

Speaker 0: 0:50

Have you ever had something so important to share that it just wouldn't leave you alone? That's exactly how I felt about this. I've always been that guy who's completely in love with comic books, anime, movies. Basically, if it's a great story, I'm all in. These stories have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, but honestly, it's never just been about the entertainment for me. Before we dive in, let's take a moment to pray together. Dear God, thank you for bringing us into this space right now. Thank you for the creativity and the amazing stories you've given us closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen, can I ask you something and be real with me here?

Speaker 0: 1:23

Have you ever felt like the things you're passionate about whether it's anime, movies, books or even your favorite video game don't quite fit with your faith? Maybe you've wondered if God even cares about those parts of your life. Trust me, I've been there. I think, okay, I realized something huge. God doesn't just put up with our passions, he delights in them. He can use them to bring us closer to him and even to reach others in ways we never thought possible. And let me tell you that realization. It changed everything for me. Let me get a little personal here. Growing up I was that shy, awkward kid who found refuge in comic books. Those stories about heroes who wrestled with real life struggles made me feel seen like I wasn't so alone in the world. But here's the thing back then I didn't realize those stories were shaping me spiritually. It wasn't until I came across Colossians, chapter 3, verse 23. Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men. That verse opened my eyes. The things we love, the passions we have. They aren't just random, they're gifts and just like Spider-Man's whole mantra about responsibility that come with a calling to use them for something greater. Anime has been such a big part of this journey for me. Watching my hero academia.

Speaker 0: 2:25

There have been moments that hit me so deeply. Watching Deku push himself beyond his limits, giving absolutely everything for the sake of others, it's impossible not to get emotional. And when I think about Romans, chapter 12, verse 1, present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. It's hard not to draw a parallel. Deku's relentless drive to give his all, even when he feels like he's got nothing left, reminds me of what it looks like to live a life of faith. It's that kind of sacrificial love that reflects the heart of Christ.

Speaker 0: 2:46

But here's the thing, aren't we all a little like Deku? We're all trying to figure out how to use the gifts we've been given for something meaningful. And let's be real for a second. Sometimes we just don't feel like doubting myself, wondering if I have what it takes to actually make a difference. But then I come back to 2 Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 9. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. That verse hits home every time. It reminds me that it's not about me being enough on my own. It's about leaning into God's strength, trusting him to fill in the gaps and believing that he can use us even in our weakest moments.

Speaker 0: 3:13

And speaking of moments that stick with you, let's talk about the Lord of the Rings. Frodo's journey is such a beautiful reflection of what it means to carry a burden. Think about the one ring, that unbearable weight. It's such a vivid symbol of the weight of sin Frodo's struggle to bear. It reminds me so much of what Jesus did for us when I read Matthew, chapter 11, verse 28,. Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. I see Jesus stepping in and taking on the heaviest burdens for us out of this indescribable love. But you know what gets me every single time? Frodo didn't carry that burden alone, he had Sam. Sam didn't just walk beside him, he literally carried Frodo when the weight became too much. And that right. There is such a picture of what community is supposed to look like. Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verse 9, puts it perfectly Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. We're called to walk alongside each other, to lift each other up when life feels like too much.

Speaker 0: 3:56

Now let me pause for a second because I know this might feel like a lot to take in, but I need you to really hear this. You don't have to separate your passions from your faith. You don't have to feel guilty for loving the things you love. In fact, I'm willing to bet that those passions, the things that make you light up inside, might just be the very way God wants to work through you. Think about it. Paul wrote in Colossians, chapter 4, verse 6, no-transcript. Then that's exactly where we need to be too, and here's the best part. It's not about pretending to be something you're not. It's about showing up as your true self. That means your faith, your struggles, your fandoms, and reflecting it all back to him. Let me share something that's been weighing on my heart lately.

Speaker 0: 4:44

As Christians, we often feel this pressure to draw hard lines between what's sacred and what's secular. Maybe you felt it too the little voice that whispers. If I love these things, can I really love God? But here's something I've come to realize God created us with our unique interests and passions, not to separate us from him, but to bring us closer. Think about those things we love their gifts, their ways. He's wired us to connect with the world and with him.

Speaker 0: 5:03

When you look at how Jesus taught, it's clear he understood this perfectly. He didn't stand there giving dry theological lectures. No, he told stories and parables that spoke directly to the lives of the people listening. When he talked to fishermen, he used fishing. When he spoke to farmers, he talked about planting seeds. He met people exactly where they were and used what they already knew to reveal eternal truths about the kingdom of God. That's what we're called to do too.

Speaker 0: 5:21

Whether it's diving into themes of redemption in my favorite anime, bleach, or exploring hope and justice in a superhero movie. We can take what we love and use it to point people to something eternal. Take Superman, for example. He's the ultimate hero, one who always strives to do what's right, seeks guidance in the church. The imagery in that moment is so powerful. Clark stands before his faint glass window of Jesus. It's as if the scene is saying even the greatest heroes need something greater than themselves to lean on. That moment hit me hard, vividly reminding me that true strength lies not in invincibility but in humility and surrender, echoing Matthew, chapter 23, verse 12. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. This verse is a call to embrace humility, just as Clark Kent does in that pivotal scene. It's a powerful reminder that strength often comes from acknowledging our limitations and leaning on something greater than ourselves.

Speaker 0: 6:08

Superman's story is more than just a tale of heroics. It's an echo of the ultimate sacrifice that one Jesus made for us. And that's why these stories matter. They aren't just entertainment. They're glimpses of a much greater story, one that's been written on our hearts since the beginning of time.

Speaker 0: 6:19

But here's the thing it's not enough just to recognize those echoes. We have to take it a step further. We need to ask ourselves how can I use what I love to share what I believe? Because, let's be honest, there are people out there who might never open a bible or step foot inside a church, but they'll absolutely sit down to talk anime or debate whether Marvel or DC is better. Bridge that gap. What if your love for pop culture became the doorway to someone discovering faith? You don't have to have all the answers and you don't need to be perfect.

Speaker 0: 6:41

All it takes is being willing to start the conversation, to plant a seed and to trust that God will do the rest. I understand it can feel intimidating. Believe me, I've been there. I've wrestled with the same doubts, worrying about saying the wrong thing or not knowing enough. But then I think about Jesus' words in Matthew, chapter 28, verses 19 through20. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. That promise, I am with you always. It changes everything. It reminds us that we're never doing this alone. God is right there with us, guiding us, giving us the words when we don't know what to say, and opening doors we didn't even realize were there.

Speaker 0: 7:22

Or maybe it's posting on social media about how a particular story inspired you and connected with your faith. Whatever it is, just take that first step. You never know how God might use it. You never know whose heart might be softened or whose faith might be sparked, just because you were brave enough to share yours. And, honestly, that's what excites me the most about this journey. We're on the idea that something as simple as a shared love for a character or a story could become the starting point for something eternal. It's incredible, isn't it? Take a moment and think about the stories you love most. Maybe it's the unshakable hope in one piece as Luffy fights for his dream no matter the odds. Or maybe it's the way attack on Titan forces us to wrestle with tough questions about sacrifice and what it truly means to fight for others. Whatever those stories are, for you, they resonate because they're filled with glimpses of the gospel.

Speaker 0: 7:58

Whether we realize it or not, luffy's determination reminds me so much of Romans, chapter 5, verses 3 through 5. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. That kind of unrelenting, never give up hope is exactly what we call to as followers of Christ. It's a hope that says, even when the odds are stacked against us, we trust that God is working for our good.

Speaker 0: 8:23

And then there's Attack on Titan. If you've seen it, you know it's heavy. It's a story about unimaginable loss, the weight of choices and the sacrifices that shape the future. But as heavy as it is, it pushes us to confront the reality of love through sacrifice. Jesus said in John, chapter 15, verse 13, greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. When you see characters in Attack on Titan laying everything on the line, it's impossible not to see echoes of that kind of love. It's a reflection, a small glimpse of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us.

Speaker 0: 8:48

And here's the thing those glimpses they're not just coincidences. They're opportunities. They open doorways to conversations about faith and the bigger story we're all a part of. But let's be real. It takes courage, it takes boldness to step out and say, hey, can I share something with you? Trust me, I understand Starting those conversations. It's not easy. I've had moments where I've hesitated, afraid of how people might see me, what if they don't understand? What if they reject me? But here's something I've learned along the way People are often more open than we give them credit for. Deep down, everyone is searching for hope, for purpose, for something real. When we connect with them through the things they already love, it creates this beautiful space for conversations that go deeper.

Speaker 0: 9:21

Think about Jesus. He didn't wait around for people to come to him. He went to them. He met them right where they were, in their struggles, in their everyday lives, and he didn't show up with complicated theology or lofty speeches. No, he told story, stories about seeds, shepherds and treasures hidden in fields, things people could relate to. That's what makes it so incredible. It's not about being perfect or knowing everything. It's about being willing. It's about starting favorite story, the one that stuck with you, inspired you, maybe even shaped who you are Now.

Speaker 0: 9:49

Ask yourself, how does this story reflect the gospel? Is it a character sacrifice, their relentless fight for justice, their compassion or mercy, or maybe it's their victory against impossible odds? Once you've got that connection in mind, here's another question who in your life could you share that with? It doesn't have to be a big dramatic thing. It could be as simple as saying hey, this scene reminded me of something from my faith. Can I share it with you? Because here's the truth God can take even the smallest seed and grow it into something extraordinary. Matthew, chapter 13, verses 31 through 32, paints the picture perfectly. The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. We might feel like our efforts are small, like they don't really matter, but in God's hands, small things become mighty. A simple conversation, a shared story, even a podcast episode these can be the seeds that change lives in ways we can't even imagine. So here's my invitation to you let's do this together. No-transcript.

Speaker 0: 10:53

Bruce Wayne as Batman chooses to take the blame for Harvey Dent's crimes. He knows the truth, but he also knows Gotham needs hope, even if it means sacrificing his own reputation. That moment gets me every single time. It's such a powerful reminder of what Jesus did for us. 2 Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 21, puts it this way for our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus, completely blameless and perfect, took on all our guilt, all our sin, so that we could be free. And when I see Batman in that moment willingly bearing a burden that wasn't his, I can't help but see a reflection of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. But what makes Batman's sacrifice even more powerful is that he didn't do it for recognition. He didn't need applause or approval. He did it because it was the right thing to do. He believed in something greater than himself. And isn't that exactly what we're called to as followers of Christ To live not for our own glory but for God's? Matthew, chapter 5, verse 16, says Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, who is in heaven. That's what it's all about letting our light shine, using the gifts and opportunities we've been given and pointing everything back to him. Let's shift gears for a moment.

Speaker 0: 11:50

Have you ever watched Wonder Woman? There's something so deeply moving about Diana's unwavering compassion and her commitment to justice. She steps into a broken, dark world, but she never loses sight of her mission to bring peace and protect the innocent. One of my favorite moments in Wonder Woman is when Diana steps onto the battlefield at no man's land. Everyone tells her it's impossible, that no one can cross it. But Diana doesn't let fear or doubt stop her. She steps out, shield in hand, and faces the impossible. Doesn't that feel like such a vivid picture of what we're called to do as Christians?

Speaker 0: 12:14

In Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10-17, paul urges us to put on the armor of God and stand firm in the face of evil. Verse 16 says In all circumstances, take circumstances. Take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Diana's shield may be physical, but our shield of faith is just as powerful. It's what allows us to face the impossible and stand firm in a world that often feels like no man's land. And you know what else I love about Diana Her compassion. There's this moment where someone tells her that saving one village won't matter in the grand scheme of things. But Diana doesn't accept that. She looks at them and says it's not about what they deserve, it's about what you believe. That line hits so hard because it reminds me of Romans, chapter 5, verse 8. When God chose his love for us and that, while we were still sinners, christ died for us. It's not about what we deserve because, let's face it, none of us truly deserves God's grace, but he gave it to us anyway out of his overwhelming love. Diana's journey reflects that same truth that every life has value or belief that mirrors the heart of God.

Speaker 0: 13:03

Let's talk about Star Wars, the battle between light and dark, the redemption stories, the themes of hope and sacrifice. It's all there. One of the most powerful moments in the saga is when Darth Vader, the very embodiment of darkness, chooses to save his son and destroy the Emperor. That moment always reminds me of the parable of the prodigal son in Luke, chapter 15, verses 11 through 24. The son expects judgment when he returns home? No-transcript. Isn't that exactly what we see in Vader's final act? Despite everything he's done, all the darkness in his past, he makes the choice to save Luke. He steps into the light. It's such a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption. Romans, chapter 8, 8, verse 1, says it so beautifully there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If God can redeem Saul, a man who persecuted Christians and transformed him into Paul, one of the greatest apostles, then he can redeem anyone. That's the power of grace. It's not about what we've done. It's about what God can do in us. And of course, we have to talk about the Avengers.

Speaker 0: 13:59

One scene that always stays with me is, in Endgame, when Tony Stark makes the ultimate sacrifice to defeat Thanos. When he says I am Iron man, it's not just a declaration of who he is. It's a statement of what he's willing to give. How can you not think of John, chapter 15, verse 13? Greater love has no one than this, that someone laid down his life for his friends. Tony's sacrifice, so imperfect, reflects the love Jesus showed us on the cross, a love that gives everything, expecting nothing in return. But here's the thing Most of us probably won't be called to lay down our lives in such dramatic ways. Yet we are called to lay down our lives daily. Luke, chapter 9, verse 23, reminds us If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Being a follower of Christ isn't always easy. It means choosing to love when it's hard, standing firm in faith when the world tells us to give up, and putting others first, even when it costs us something. But here's the beautiful part we don't have to do it alone. Just like Diana, just like Tony, just like Frodo and Sam, we have a strength that doesn't come from ourselves. We have God's strength within us, guiding us, empowering us to fight the good fight and reminding us that the battle is already won.

Speaker 0: 14:53

Have you ever thought about Doctor who? The Doctor is this quirky, flawed, yet deeply compassionate character who travels through time and space, always trying to save the day. What strikes me the most about the doctor is their unwavering belief in the value of every single life. There's a line from the 10th doctor that always stays with me there's no such thing as an unimportant person. That line instantly makes me think of Psalm 139, verses 13 through 14. For you form my inward parts. You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works. My soul knows it. The doctor's compassion is such a beautiful reflection of how God sees us, not as insignificant specks in a vast universe, but as his beloved children, each fearfully and wonderfully made. And just like the doctor, we're called to reflect that love and compassion to the people around us.

Speaker 0: 15:32

And then there's Harry Potter. There's this unforgettable moment in the Deathly Hallows where Harry willingly sacrifices himself to defeat Voldemort. He walks into the forest fully aware of what will cost him, but knowing it's the only way to save the people he loves. That scene always brings me back to John, chapter 10, verse 11, where Jesus says I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Harry's selflessness points us to the ultimate act of love and sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. But what's even more powerful is what happens after Harry's sacrifice. His willingness to lay down his life leads to victory, not just for himself but for everyone he was fighting for. And isn't that the beauty of the gospel? Jesus' sacrifice didn't just defeat sin and death. It gave us new life, a life filled with victory and purpose.

Speaker 0: 16:07

When I think about identity and responsibility, I'm reminded of Neo in the Matrix. There's this pivotal moment where Neo finally accepts that he is the one. Up until that point, he's consumed by self-doubt and uncertainty, questioning whether he's capable of fulfilling the destiny others see in him. But in that moment, when he stops running and steps into his purpose, everything changes. He realizes that the power to make a difference was always within him. He just needed to trust and take that leap of faith. That moment speaks so deeply to what it means to embrace our calling as followers of Christ. How often do we feel like Neo, doubting ourselves, asking who am I to do this? How can I possibly make a difference? But then I'm reminded of Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Speaker 0: 16:48

Neo's journey is such a powerful picture of accepting not just who we are, but who we're called to be. It's not about having all the answers or feeling completely ready. It's about taking that step of faith, trusting that God has already equipped us with everything we need to fulfill the purpose he's laid out for us. And here's the thing Neo's story doesn't end with him realizing he's the one. The real power in his journey comes when he uses his identity to fight for others, to stand up against the darkness threatening to consume everything. That's the kind of courage we're Paul believers to have. It's not just about knowing who we are in Christ. It's about stepping into that identity and using it to bring light to a world that desperately needs it.

Speaker 0: 17:13

John, chapter 1, verse 5, says the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Just like Neo steps into the fight armed with the knowledge of who he is and the power he's been given, we're called to do the same. It's not about being fearless or having all the answers. It's about trusting that the light of Christ within us is stronger than any darkness we face. This reminds me of how our faith journey mirrors stories like the fictional character Rocky Balboa who, in the Rocky III movie, fights Clubber Lang, a fight he knew was a tough one, maybe unwinnable. But we're called to step into battles we're not sure we can win. Life will throw punches, painful, relentless, sometimes seemingly unbearable ones. But here's the difference for us, as followers of Christ, we don't stand in the ring alone.

Speaker 0: 17:46

2 Corinthians, chapter 4, verses 8 through 9, says we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed. Rocky's journey is such a vivid picture of what it means to persevere. Our fight isn't about never falling, it's about getting back up. It's about pushing forward, leaning into the strength that God provides, even when everything inside us says to give up. And Philippians, chapter 4, verse 13, reminds us I can do all things through him who strengthens me. But here's something that stands out to me about Rocky's story he doesn't fight just for himself. He fights for Adrian, for Mickey, for the people in his corner and for something far bigger than himself. Isn't that the same calling we have as believers? Our faith isn't meant to be kept to ourselves. It's meant to pour out into the lives of those around us, encouraging, uplifting and pointing them to Christ. That brings me to another story that never fails to move me the pursuit of happiness. It's one of the most powerful examples of resilience I've ever seen.

Speaker 0: 18:33

Chris Gardner faces challenge after challenge, homelessness, rejection and moments that seem completely hopeless. Yet through it all, he refuses to give up. There's a moment in the movie where he tells his son don't ever let somebody tell you you can't do something, not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. That line isn't just about dreams, it's about hope, the kind of hope that keeps you moving forward even when the odds seem impossible. Romans, chapter 5, verses 3 through 5, captures it perfectly. We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Chris Gardner's story is a testament to that kind of hope, the kind that grows stronger through every trial and challenge. And as believers, we hold on to an even greater hope. It's not rooted in what we can accomplish, but in what God has already done through Christ. It's a hope that carries us through the hardest moments, reminding us of his promises and his presence in our lives.

Speaker 0: 19:20

Each of these stories, whether it's Neil discovering his identity in the Matrix, rocky's relentless fight in the ring or Chris Gardner's unwavering determination in the pursuit of happiness, they all reflect deeper truths about our faith. Their glimpses of the greater story were a part of a story of redemption, purpose and ultimate victory, and that's what gives us the strength to keep going. It's not about being fearless his purpose. It's about trusting him, even when the road ahead seems impossible. Thank you so much for spending this time with me today. As we wrap up, I want you to hold on to one unshakable truth you are deeply loved. God's love for you is constant, unbreakable and always present, no matter where you've been, what you've done or how far you might feel from him. His arms are your journey.

Speaker 0: 20:00

If you ever feel like you need someone to talk to about your faith, your struggles or just life in general, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can message me or send me an email at jm at thecrossroadscollectiveorg. I'd love to hear from you and walk alongside you, no matter what season you're in. If you're searching for connection, I encourage you to reach out to your local church, and if you're in a place where you need immediate help, please call or text 988-THE-SUICIDE-AND-CRISIS-LIFELINE. They're there to listen, care for you and connect you with the support you need. Before we go, let me remind you of one more thing Jesus isn't here to condemn you. He's here to love you, to listen to you and to give you hope. No-transcript God's love Until next time. Take care of yourself, be kind to those around you and remember you are never, ever alone. God bless.