Even at the Face of Probable Defeat, Don't Be Afraid But Just Give It Your Best Shot: A Spider-Man Lesson

One of the greatest things about Spider-Man is the rich amount of inspiration and moral you can gain from him (which is nowadays absent, with the whole SpOck-thing happening now).   And Amazing Spider-Man #475 (published back in 2001) is one of the most powerful Spidey inspirational moments ever. 

It’s pretty moving.

Spidey finds himself at the ropes.  He knows that winning and surviving this battle is unlikely.  Nonetheless, he doesn’t back down.  Even with probable death looming, Spidey makes his stand with unwavering courage.  For that is the right thing to do – conforming to his “With great power comes great responsibility” motto.   Even if the odds are greatly against him, even if he loses, what is important to him is he tried and did his best.  The outcome – victory or defeat – doesn’t bother him.

That simply illustrates why Spidey is a true hero and role model.

From this, we learn a very valuable Spider-Man lesson:

Life is not all wins.  There will surely be losses as well.  But what is important is how we will conduct ourselves when facing our upcoming battles, especially when there is a very slim chance of victory; defeat almost a guarantee. Should we allow ourselves to be affected and scared, compelling us to fold, or be depressed, embracing defeat even when the battle is not even starting yet?  No, we should definitely not!  Rather, from start to finish, we should be courageous and give it our all.  And even if we lose, we should go down fighting. 

Especially if we are fighting for what is right.

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A Brief Tribute to C.S. Lewis

This month (November 22 to be exact) marks a half century since C.S. Lewis’ death.  Now I would like to talk about him a bit, for he is one of my most favorite writers of all time.   

I have most of Lewis’ fiction books in my literature collection; The Chronicles of Narnia books, the “Space Trilogy” (or “Cosmic Trilogy”) novels, The Great Divorce, and The Screwtape Letters (the volume I have includes Screwtape Proposes a Toast, an essay sequel) – I have all of these.  But for his rich non-fiction works, I only have Mere Christianity, but I have read plenty of excerpts of his most important non-fiction books from articles and books.  Still, I plan of acquiring most of C.S. Lewis books someday (as soon as I can find and afford them) – it’s gonna be worth it.

Lewis is a wonderfully talented writer.  He wastes no words; it’s as if he always nails the best words to use to perfectly strike his points home.  He provides thoughtful and clever illustrations to make his ideas more empathic and engaging.  His writings are always meaty, insightful, thought-provoking, appealing, and delightful.  Reading Lewis’ works is very rewarding and refreshing. 

My first encounter with Lewis was with, arguably his most famous work, the children’s book series, The Chronicles of Narnia, which remains as popular now as ever (a large thanks to its movie adaptations).  His creative and amazing integration of Christian themes and allegories blew me away.  It was sheer genius writing.   Later on, after encountering more of his writings, I found that Lewis had utilized this technique deeper, more compelling, and more creatively on his other works of fiction – especially with The Screwtape Letters. 

Lewis writes as much mind-stimulating non-fiction as he writes enjoyable fiction.  The Christian apologetics (particularly Mere Christianity) and theses he tackles are generally delivered through well-reasoned and interesting writing.  In fact, he is one of the reasons why I value the substance and beauty of logic. Many of his arguments are solid and intelligent, but, of course, I find some occasional points of his that I don’t agree with. Lewis has no proper theological training that he errs on some of his views.  Nonetheless, Lewis has perfect understanding on the most important truths, especially on the immense importance of pursuing ultimate joy in God, and he presents them with clarity and fresh, interesting perspective.    

In fact, it was due to his realization and longing for joy that led him to Christ, for he was an atheist as a young man but would become a theist and a Christian in his thirties.  Lewis is a thinker, and he had thoroughly searched for answers to his deep questions of life.  He understood that the arguments for the non-existence of God don’t make sense and that the evidences of the existence of God were screaming everywhere around him.  Moreover, he also understood that there is an infinite desire in his heart that can’t be fully satisfied by anything of this world.  Therefore, he concluded that since this satisfaction can’t be found in this world, then the satisfaction he seeks must be from out of this world – and that can be only found in an infinite God alone.

Lewis would then argue that the problem with human beings is that “we are far too easily pleased” by worldly pleasures that we don’t pursue a greater, eternal pleasure that is found in God.  He compared it to “an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”  Lewis concluded that the problem with us is not because our desire for pleasure is too strong, but it was actually because our desire for pleasure is too weak.  “We are far too easily pleased.”  C.S. Lewis has shared plenty of great thoughts to us, but this was, I think, his most important sharing.

Truly, Lewis has greatly influenced and touched plenty of lives (including mine) even up to the present period. His writings have been great blessings. And I thank God for his life.

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The Guardians of the Galaxy Enrich Their Roster With Captain Marvel and Venom!

In an obvious strategy to promote/tie-in with the upcoming movie, Marvel’s “Free Comic Book Day” (May 3, 2014) special issue will feature the Guardians of the Galaxy.  And two new members shall be joining the team: Captain Marvel and Venom!

* * *

Are Iron Man and Angela being dropped from the team?  They are no longer in the teaser art.  Well, whether they will still be in the team or not, I have currently no great interest in them being on GotG.  But I do have some tinge of curiosity on any development on Angela.  What is the purpose of her introduction to the Marvel Universe post-Age of Ultron?  Does Marvel actually have a brilliant plan behind this?  

* * *

Captain Marvel and Venom joining the Guardians of the Galaxy is indeed a thrilling development.   But, honestly, I prefer the return of the old members – Bug, Major Victory, Astro, and Mantis – of the team.

* * *

The implication of Captain Marvel’s GotG membership is what I like better.  But let me talk of Venom’s recruitment first.    

When he was still being teased as a “new mystery member” silhouette a few days back, the three major speculations were the Punisher, Cable, and Venom.  

My money has always been on it turning out to be Venom.

Venom has always been one of my favorite comic book characters, but it was when he became “Agent Venom”, with Flash Thompson as host, that I like the character best.   It’s pretty cool and surprising that he’s joining the GotG, but I still can’t figure how he would fit in on the team.  He seems out of place.  Sure, I understand that the Venom symbiote is from space and all that. But, in my opinion, the Agent Venom character works best on down-to-earth, covert-style adventures on earthly settings.  He has been fantastic as a Secret Avenger (he should have been retained in the current Secret Avengers line-up), and is just perfect as part of the current Thunderbolts (so, will he leave this team once he became part of the GotG?).  It escapes me how Venom would thrive in the GotG.  Just have to wait and see.        

* * *

When it was revealed that Iron Man was going to join the new GotG team this year, only one reasonable explanation came to mind why it was done: Robert Downey, Jr.’s Iron Man was going to be part of the GotG film!   It makes perfect sense.  Iron Man is the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and that would be the most brilliant approach of connecting the GotG film with the rest of the MCU.  However, this theory has not materialized.  The movie is in production now, and there has never been a mention of Tony Stark being in it.  Thus, it’s highly unlikely (unless, Marvel is actually doing it under extreme secrecy).  It was clearly a missed opportunity to do something pretty epic.    

But with Captain Marvel joining the roster in the GotG comics, could it be that she is meant to be introduced in the GotG film?  The potential makes me pretty excited.  This would open up a lot of possibilities.  Would love to see her in an Avengers movie and her own solo movie.  Think of this: a Captain Marvel movie happening (in Phase 3) before a Wonder Woman movie is ever made?!  Pretty mindblowing if it becomes a reality.

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Thoughts on Christian Doctrinal Disagreements

In a past chapter of my irregular “Analysis of Christianity” series, I have already enumerated and analyzed the core beliefs of Christianity.  These – which are summarized in the Apostle’s Creed – are generally accepted truths by Christians.  And though believing in them is not the way to get saved (Jesus is the only Way!), the sincere confession of someone that he or she believes these truths is a big confirmation that he or she is a Christian.

However, outside of these core beliefs, Christians are divided on other “minor” doctrines.  I say “minor” because erring on these won’t necessarily disqualify someone from being identified as a Christian.  The doctrinal differences are on things such as practices, traditions, spiritual mechanics, spiritual nature, and the like.  And despite these “minor” divisions, Christians remain one in Christ.  

These different beliefs exist because of the imperfectness of the human-made religious structure or organization which Christianity had to – unfortunately – function in; as well as Christians, being human beings, have flawed human natures, and these flaws comes to play – consciously or unconsciously brought about – in causing different theological views: natural human hardheadedness, pride, bias, personal prejudices, arrogance on relying on self-wisdom, and tendency to cater personal preferences and self-conveniences.  Moreover, the devil actively working to cause divisions – both in major and minor details – among Christians is also a significant factor.    

Indeed, the foundation for Christian beliefs should be the Bible – God’s Word itself.  However, biblical misinterpretations do happen.  And different interpretations lead to different doctrines. 

Aside from misinterpretation, there are also manipulation and misuse of the Scriptures.  Unfortunately, not only cults misuse and manipulate the Bible, but some Christians as well.  They create a doctrine or belief that is convenient to them – something that makes them feel good to believe in (e.g. “God wants me to have [material] prosperity in life!”, “Everybody will go to heaven!”, “Obama is the Beast!”, etc.) – then picks Bible passages that can “support” the doctrine; these biblical bases that they claim to support their doctrines are either from Scriptures that were taken out of context or misinterpreted from vague passages (usually, the metaphoric, prophetic parts of the Bible).  The right way to establish doctrines is to examine the Scriptures first and then derived the doctrines from it (with the guidance of the Holy Spirit) – not the other way around.  And even if the process leads to a conclusion that is something that doesn’t give a “feel good” feeling, it shouldn’t be denied but should be accepted because it’s a truth!  Also, it is a fact that the Bible can never contradict itself.  Thus, if your interpretation regarding a vague biblical passage is conflicting with a detail that is explicitly comprehensible from another clear, objective biblical passage, then it is an obvious indication that your interpretation for that vague passage is wrong.        

But let me emphasize that a Christian should be a lover of truth!  It is wrong for him to stubbornly hold on an incorrect belief because it is something convenient or beneficial for him to believe in.  There are Christians who have this attitude unfortunately.  However, in general, a Christian’s desire at foremost is to give glory to God.  When a Christian believes in something, he sincerely believes that this certain doctrine, teaching, or practice glorifies God.  Presbyterians practice infant baptism because they believe it will glorify God.  Baptists don’t practice infant baptism because they don’t believe it will glorify God.  They have different doctrinal opinions about the matter but their desire is the same: to do things that will glorify God (and not do things that won’t).  They only have different opinions on what or what does not give glory to God, or what is the best way to glorify God (e.g., loud prayer vs. silent prayer, modern band worship music vs. solemn organ worship music, etc.).  So a sincere, faithful Christian may err on the doctrinal aspect because this certain false belief he has is what he thinks is the best way to glorify God.  The practice or belief could be incorrect, but at least the right heart is there.  That is actually greatly preferable than believing in something out of personal pride or convenience.  Moreover, once a sincere Christian, who puts God’s glory at top of everything and set asides his or her personal wisdom and conveniences, sees the truth and is convinced, he would toss away the false doctrine or practice he holds on to and embrace the correct one.  Healthy and Spirit-led doctrinal debates among Christians – as what debate is actually designed for – should aim to find truth, for truth glorifies God.     

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Daniel Acuña Almost Made the Perfect Avengers Poster

To commemorate the Avengers’ 50^thAnniversary this 2013, Daniel Acuña created this amazing artwork that features past and present Avengers members through the team’s 50 year history.  This artwork was divided and featured as alternate covers for the Avengers comicbook series.  It will culminate in Avengers #24.NOW as a fantastic six-foot poster.    

CLICK HERE to view its full size glory. (Do not forget to maximize.  If the link leads you to its Photobucket page, click the magnify button at the image’s right bottom corner.  And then click the “view original” magnify button at its right bottom corner once again.)

By itself, this poster is awesome.  It was nearly perfect.  And that’s why, at the same time, it’s a disappointment.  For it was only nearly perfect and NOT perfect.  Acuna and Marvel had the opportunity to truly create the perfect Avengers poster and they blew it.

My nitpicking:

• It is incomplete; not all Avengers are featured.  This is the main reason why this poster failed to be perfect. 
• El Nihilo, Abyss, Nightmask, and Starbrand of the main Avengers team; Victor Mancha, Doombot, and Alexis of the Avengers A.I. roster; Blue Marvel, the new Ronin (currently being “Spider-Hero”; I think he’s just Iron Fist in disguise, though), White Tiger, and Power Man of the new Mighty Avengers – these guys are not in it.    I understand that Acuna could have done this artwork in early 2013 or late 2012, in which he had no knowledge of the new additions for this year.  Still, it would have been cooler if these new Avengers are in it as well.  Acuña and/or Marvel should have had the forethought back in 2012 (or the date of its creation) to determine all members of the Avengers by 2013, that when the poster was finally released on its release date (December 2013, I think), it would have all the Avengers in it. 
• If this poster has been finalized in early 2013 or late 2012, then there is no excuse why Black Bolt is not in it. He was already part of the New Avengers book then.  His absence in the poster now gives the implication that this current New Avengers team is not a true Avengers team, which is just bad if so. 
• All former Avengers are accounted for, except for one – the Living Lightning.  It would actually have been slightly better if a couple of them have been missed.  But just one?!  An absence of one provokes excruciating annoyance in any collection or ensemble. [EDIT: an anonymous commenter pointed out that the Living Lightning is actually there between Wonder Woman and Daredevil.  I did not see him properly for he is in electric form.  My apologies.]     
• If some honorary members are included, then it would have been best if ALL honorary members have been included.  And if Jarvis is in it, Rick Jones should be in, too.    
• Why is Nick Fury, Jr. included but Phil Coulson is not?   The two share the same status.   Both are S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and members of the current Secret Avengers, which is actually under S.H.I.E.L.D. and not the Avengers’ black ops as it was originally, hence, its status as a bona fide Avengers team is unclear and questionable.  And because of that, I would have easily understood if neither of them was included.  But that was not the case.  Fury, Jr. is in, but Coulson is out; it doesn’t make sense.  Either include both of them, or completely exclude them.  Heck, if Nick Fury, Jr. is in it, Taskmaster should be in it also.        

So, Dan, you did great… but close, but no cigar.  The perfect Avengers poster – that assembles every Avengers in history – is still non-existent at this point.  

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Chain of Thoughts Before Yolanda Hits

At this point, based on current meteorological trajectory data, super-typhoon Yolanda (the international name is Haiyan) is on its way here.  Tentative arrival is on Friday.  If it’s anything like 2006’s Reming, then it’s going to be terrifying.   Of course, if the cold front thickens to blanket the Philippines, forcing the typhoon downwards, away from us, then that would be great.  It’s unlikely, but all things are possible with God.  Praying for a miracle. 

Anyway, some thoughts before Ms. Yolanda makes her entrance:

• I dread the death and destruction that it could leave.  One Reming is enough for a lifetime.  
• Back in 2006, I have never been well acquainted to anybody living on impoverished communities.  But now, ever since becoming a member of Joy Church and part of its ministries, I know lots.  I have friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and Sunday School students that are in poor housing conditions.  I worry about them.  I pray for them greatly.  May they be safe and never waver in their faith in God. 
• The list of people I pray for in this super-typhoon is longer now compared to the time during 2006’s Reming.  Yolanda, which has a massive 900-kilometer diameter, will also affect some good friends of mine in the Visayas area.  I pray for them as well. 
• My primary superficial concern: This typhoon will surely bring a power outage.  Back in 2006, in the aftermath of Reming, we had no electricity for more than a month.  I pray that if there will be a power outage, it will only for a few days at most.  Having no electricity always sucks, and it’ll suck big time if it will also last a month this time around.
• The silver lining when there’s no electricity is there is only one pastime left for me to do: reading.  I got tons of unread books.  With no netbook (it’s 4 years old already and its battery is so battered that it can’t last for more than fifteen minutes) and Internet – no Facebook, no blogs, no games, no downloading and streaming of movies and TV shows – to distract me, I can focus solely to reading.  Bought two huge candles for this. 
• Aside from candles, I have also stocked myself with Piattos.  To enhance those reading sessions.
• Good thing is, we are being more prepared this time around.  Pre-emptive measures are done.  Expecting that the tenacious spirit of the “uragon” Bicolanos will make us ride through this storm.

    

• This cat of mine is as badass as Batman.  He survived Reming outside of our house.  He was actually in a lengthy hiatus back then; had never showed himself for months.  Then, after Reming, he just appeared out of nowhere. We have no idea where he found sanctuary amidst all those deadly winds, powerful rains, and widespread flood.  But there he was, alive.  He stared down Reming and kicked its butt.  This guy is a survivor. (Really, he’s a true badass.  Back in late 2011, he was badly hurt.  I don’t know what happened but he had a nasty wound on his head – it was as if he was halfway scalped by an Apache Indian – and his ear was shredded and dangling down.  I even contemplated on conducting euthanasia on him.  However, he recovered from that.  A majority of his right ear was cut, for it was rotting already.  But the terrible “scalping” healed well.  Aside from losing an ear, overall, he’s fine).  I now joke about letting him out when Yolanda hits to see if he’ll repeat the feat.  Deep inside, I believe he can.      
• There is indeed power in prayer, but a lot of people misunderstand what it means.  It annoys me greatly that some people believe that whenever they are spared from calamities in the past it is because of their repeated chanting of a specific special prayer for the deliverance of calamities.  That is completely fallacious and is pure arrogance.  If we have been spared from a calamity, then that is because of God’s grace.  And please don’t say that those two are the same thing.  No, they aren’t.  We do not put our faith, hope, and reliance on a drafted prayer; we should put our faith, hope, and reliance on God and God alone.  We are saved from destruction because of His grace, not because of the act of praying a particular prayer.  Since if we claim that it was because of the repetition of a “specialized prayer” that led or compelled God to save us from calamity, we are undermining and dishonoring God – reducing him to a mere “genie” that grants our wishes if we recite a specific script enough times.  Moreover, by this practice, prayer is transformed into as if it’s a magic charm that is being cast by repeated chanting.  The credit and cause of protection start and end with God.  He does answer prayers but He is not a subject to our prayers.  He answers prayers that are already in accordance to His will. 

• Just look at the size of that.  Lord, have mercy on us.  

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RE: Kuroko No Basuke 236

This year, the basketball-themed Kuroko No Basket could be the manga and anime that I am excited about the most.  Compared to Slam Dunk – which is more realistic – Kuroko No Basket is more ludicrous and fantastic.  It is not yet as insanely over-the-top as Eyeshield 21, but it’s still as unbelievable and absurd as Prince of Tennis.  It’s awesome. 

The recent Chapter 236 of the manga could be the most pivotal point of the series.  The potential for awesomeness is near-bursting that it compels me to write about it.  It made me really excited on what would come next after this development.             

So the titular character, Tetsuya Kuroko, is not really a very skillful player.  In fact, he’s so unexceptional that people always fail to notice him.  But he uses his lack of presence to his advantage – the skill of misdirection.  Once opponents fail to take notice of his presence on the court, Kuroko is free to properly position himself to set imperceptible passes to his teammates or make steals.  Hence, he changes or dictates the flow of the game to the advantage of his team.   He’s a very interesting character (I even used him as a metaphor for a worship leader).

Therefore, the key for Kuroko’s success is for him to be ignored and be invisible.  However, as the story progressed, Kuroko has evolved his game to be a better player.  Before, he would merely deflect the ball towards teammates, since touching the ball for a long time would negate his misdirection techniques (for players pay the most attention towards the ball).  But then, he developed a Vanishing Drive, allowing him to maintain his misdirection even with the ball on his hands.  Before, he never does any scoring.  But then, he developed a Phantom Shot, allowing him to shoot a shot that is as “invisible” (hence, unblockable) as his passes. 

Because of his successes and his fancy techniques, he had eventually drawn the attention of people – players and audience alike – on him, making him lose what makes him special – his skill of misdirection.   Without it, lacking other basketball skills, he would be incapable of helping his team.  This was unbeknownst to him until it was too late.             

What is the next step for Kuroko?  What will he do now?

I like to think that it is now impossible for him to regain his “misdirection” technique.  It defeats the purpose of the events of chapter 236 if he still does eventually.  He is now a celebrity.  Everybody knows he has significantly helped his team to reach the finals.    

I think the better outcome is this: this stressful development will force Kuroko to access an untapped basketball brilliance in his subconscious.  Having the Generation of Miracles as teammates for years could have had an unconscious effect on him.  He could have unconsciously developed a Generation of Miracles-level of basketball genius.  He enters the “zone”.  That would be great. 

Everything about the story is leading to this.  This championship match they are having has been declared as the “final battle”, so this could be the last story arc.  Hence, this should be where Kuroko as a basketball player culminates.  Up to this point, Kuroko’s basketball position has been undefined.  This game can finally dictate and determine his true position.   He can emerge as a brilliant playmaking point guard or point forward, staying true to his “pass-first” personality. 

Or he can have a “reverse Rukawa” moment.  In the “final battle” in Slam Dunk, Rukawa – who has always been focused on scoring – realizing he can’t beat the Sawakita (the opposing team’s ace) with his usual one-on-one game, decided to do passes instead of scoring.  The opposite think can happen to Kuroko, who has always been making passes; he will evolve into an unstoppable scorer instead.   

Either way (or any other way), I expect whatever the result of Kuroko’s ultimate transformation (which is sure to happen) be is going to be epic!    

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