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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Top 20 Fictional Swordsmen

Among blade weapons, the sword is what I find the most impressive.  And I think it’s not only me; the universal sentiment on the matter is the same, for in fiction, swords are given more emphasis than any other blade weapons and swordsmen are fondly portrayed as the coolest, most badass, and most important among weapon-wielding warriors.  And for that reason, there are plenty of notable swordsman-type characters in fiction.  That is why this list deserves 20 slots.       

As I’ve observed, the most awesome depiction of swordsmanship in fiction are those done with the Japanese katana.  Hence, in making my list, I excluded the characters that are in my lists for top ten samurais and ninjas in fiction for there are a lot of katana-wielders there (to give chance to other characters).  But katana-wielding characters that weren’t contenders on those lists for ninjas and samurais (for they were not explicit samurai-type or ninja-type characters) are still considered for this list.  Also, characters that merely have a sword as one of the weapons in their repertoire, even if they are fantastic in wielding it, are excluded as well (so, no Deadpool).  Only those that have swords as their primary weapon are considered. 

20.) SWORDSMAN

I admit that the Swordsman, a former Avenger (currently dead), despite being a proficient, er, swordsman (he should be, considering his choice for a code name) is not really a very interesting character.  Superheroes of archery concept, silly as it is on paper, like Green Arrow and Hawkeye, worked magnificently.   But a swordsman concept superhero like the Swordsman?  Not so.  However, though the attempt to duplicate the success of the archer superhero by doing it this time around with a swordsman character failed, I still think he deserves a slot here for he’s the most popular (if not only) of such kind.      

19.) VALKYRIE

Possessing all the strengths and powers of an Asgardian, Valkyrie is more than a mere sword wielder.  Prior her Avenger membership, I never found her as a remarkable character.  But when she became part of the Secret Avengers, that’s only when I’ve learned that she is one of the most badass female swordsman in fiction.  Though she is not as powerful as Thor, she however possesses the same kind of formidability, hardiness, and battle-hunger as Thor’s.      

18.) HE-MAN

Whenever Prince Adam raises his Power Sword and uttered, “By the power of Grayskull,” he transforms into He-Man, “the most powerful man in the universe.” 

Since he was conceptualized in a different era (80’s), his depiction was forbidden to actually use his sword in combat (though that would change in future portrayals).  He-Man would usually just use his intellect to outsmart his opponents, and any use of violence is mostly limited to body throws.   The only times he was portrayed using his sword to attack was on inanimate objects or robots.  Despite of this, He-Man and his Power Sword are just too iconic (at least, for me and those belonging to the past two generations) to be ignored.

At the present, He-Man’s appearance is extremely corny and even borderline gay, but during his time, He-Man could be considered as the epitome of badass manliness.

17.) GROO THE WANDERER

Sure, Groo is extremely stupid.  However, as far as being a warrior is concerned, he’s a fearsome swordsman that enjoys combat and is capable of singlehandedly routing entire mobs of adversaries in battle.

 

16.) CONAN THE BARBARIAN

As a barbarian, Conan is a toughened and gritty warrior.  However, he also possesses brilliant intellect. Thus, he succeeds in battle by the use of both brain and brawn.  He is versatile in various types of combat – both armed and unarmed – but he is most formidable with a sword, which is the weapon he is usually armed with.    

15.) HARU GLORY

Haru is the central character of Rave Master.  Despite being a mere teenager, Haru is already good in swordsmanship, a skill that he continually improves through everyday training.  Haru, being the new Rave Master, wields the kickass sword, Ten Commandments, which is empowered by his Rave (or Holy Bring).  It is called Ten Commandments for the sword has ten forms with ten respective special abilities.       

14.) CHARLES DE BATZ-CASTELMORE D’ ARTAGNAN

D’Artagnan is actually a real historical figure, but he’s more famous as a fictional character as depicted in Alexandre Dumas’ “d’Artagnan Romances”, with The Three Musketeers being its most popular title.    Initially, D’Artagnan was a talented but hotheaded youth that he even challenged and engaged the Three Musketeers  in swordfight all at the same time.  He impressed the legendary Three Musketeers – Athos, Porthos, and Aramis – so much that they adopted him into their elite ranks (making him the “4^th Musketeer”) and established a great lifelong friendship with him.  With his skills and intelligence, D’Artagnan would rise among the ranks and would become the Lieutenant of the Musketeers.   

13.) ICHIGO KUROSAKI

 

Ichigo is the main protagonist of Bleach (but he’s only my third most favorite character in it).  The manga/anime revolves around the Shinigami or soul reaper.  Their weapons are called Zanpakutō, which are “soul” weapons that take the form of a katana when “unrealeased.”  But once they are “released” – as shikai or bankai – each Zanpakutō takes a different form of weaponry or energy.  Few Shinigami has their Zanpakutō in sword form even after release (thus, not many Bleach characters are considered for this list).  Ichigo, however, is one of those that have their Zanpakutō constantly in sword form even when in “released” status.  Even as a bankai, his Zanpakutō solely and strictly stays in a sword form.  As a swordsman, Ichigo has shown excellent natural aptitude even though he only has been a Shinigamifor a short time, as he was able to overcome opponents that are more experienced and initially stronger than him.

12.) BEATRIX KIDDO

“The Bride” is arguably the most badass female katana-wielder I have seen in movies.  Kiddo is as deadly in (open hand) kung-fu as she is with a katana.  But it was with a katana where she shone most on her path of revenge against Bill and his minions of assassins; her most epic moment being her clash with the Crazy 88 gang, Gogo Yubari, and O-Ren Ishii.        

11.) MACE WINDU

With the awesomeness of lightsabers, there should be at least one Jedi in this list. And I choose Mace Windu to have that spot because I’ve always been under the impression that Mace Windu was the greatest lightsaber wielder among the Jedi (while Yoda was the best one in terms of projecting the Force).  He mastered all seven forms of lightsaber combat.  He has admitted that his greatest character flaw was his enjoyment of fighting, which is a characteristic that can lead a Jedi to the dark side.  Thus, he created Vaapad – the seventh and deadliest form of lightsaber combat – to channel this inner darkness of his into something positive.        

10.) ERZA SCARLET

As an S-class mage, Erza is one of the most powerful magi of Fairy Tail.  Erza’s magical ability is to summon, equip, and arm herself with various forms of armor and weapons at will.  Her weapons are mostly swords, but sometimes she also summons axes, hammers, lances, and staffs.  She can swiftly swap her armors and weapons even in mid-battle, allowing her to choose to perfect combination on a given situation.  She can do magical attack, which heavily rely on her swordsmanship and choice of swords.    

9.) KENPACHI ZARAKI

Here’s another Bleachcharacter, and one of the greatest badass in fiction.  Despite of having no bankai at all, Kenpachi rose to the rank of captain and is considered as Gotei 13’s most dangerous Shinigami.  Since his Zanpakutō has no formal release, it completely stays in katana form.  He overwhelms his opponents with his raw but excellent swordsmanship, immense spiritual energy, battle lust, and sheer badassery.          

8.) TAKESHI YAMAMOTO

Yamamoto is the Rain Guardian of the 10^thVongola, Tsuna Sawada.  Yamamoto possesses a friendly and cheerful personality.  Though not really stupid, he was initially naive enough to be convinced by Reborn that the mafia adventures he was having with Tsuna and the others were mere role-playing.  He is a big baseball nut that he values it only second to his friends.  In fact, since he’s mind is fully occupied with baseball, he was not really interested in being a swordsman. It was only for the sake of fighting for and protecting his friends that he willingly took up swordsmanship.  As Hitman Reborn! progressed, Yamamoto would continue to develop into a formidable swordsman.             

7.) TOKIYA MIKAGAMI

Tokiya Mikagami is one of my most favorite anime characters of all time.  He is a tactical combatant, and can be ruthlessly cold-hearted in battle.  But what makes him a remarkable swordsman is his sword, Ensui, which is preliminary a sword handle, and then when put in contact with water, it adopts it as its blade.

6.) ZORRO

 

Zorro could be the most well-known name in this list for he is a pop culture icon that has been depicted in many forms.  He dons a mask to hide his real identity, Don Diego Vega, for as Zorro, he aims to right the injustices done by the powerful and corrupt politicians against the poor and helpless.  Zorro is a master fencer, capable of engaging several opponents at once.  His great skill as a swordsman is enhanced by his sly tactical mind, athleticism, coolness, and quick-thinking.  He is also an incredible acrobat – fluid, dexterous, and graceful; there is no waste in his movements.  He also succeeds in combat because he makes use of psychological mockery on his enemies – provoking them to become angry, hence, making them inept and unstable to fight – to his advantage.  He is also masterful in using the whip and in horsemanship. 

5.) HIEI

Hiei was one of my earliest anime favorites.  One of the main reasons I grew fond of him was of his awesomely lightning fast and skillful swordsmanship; it captivated me for it was the first time I had encountered such style (since then, I’ve witnessed it countless times in other animes, which I find out  was a common trope for anime swordsmen). 

4.) ARAGORN

Aragorn stands out as the greatest warrior in Lord of the Rings.  With kingship as his birthright, Aragorn is a natural leader and commander.  He is capable of wielding other weapons (he also carried a bow) but his main identity is that of a swordsman.  He is so skillful with the sword that he can hold his ground against a mob of opponents and kill them all.  Just like with the case of Legolas, whose archery prowess was only heavily demonstrated on the movies, so was it was with Aragorn, whose swordsmanship was unparalleled and outstandingly beautiful to watch in the LOTR movies.   

3.) & 2.) CONNOR MacLEOD & DUNCAN MacLEOD

Despite having a mess of a continuity and a bunch of horrible movies to its name, Highlanderhas an awesome premise.  Immortals roam the earth for centuries, incapable of dying unless their heads are cut off.  Immortals duel each other in a fight to the death called “the Gathering.”  Once an Immortal won after beheading his opponent, the “Quickening” happens, wherein he gains all the power and knowledge obtained by his opponent during his lifetime, with a lightning storm commencing around the victor.  So it means that an Immortal gets stronger with each kill he does (it is also implied that in a “Quickening”, an Immortal receives pleasure that is comparable to a massive orgasm).  The purpose of this is for the Immortals to battle each other until one is left to receive “the Prize” (the tagline of Highlander is “There can only be one.”)

The two and three spots go to the two lead protagonists of the Highlanderfranchise.  Connor was the star of most of the movies, while Duncan was the star of the TV series.  Both of them are awesome swordsmen. 

1.) ROROANA ZORO

He is easily the most badass member of the Straw Hat Pirates.  In a world in which most of the powerful warriors gained power through devil-fruits (including the main protagonist, Luffy), Zoro’s strength and power were not products of these.  Though he is not at all the greatest swordsman in the One Piece universe (that would be Mihawk or Shanks), he is easily the most impressive nonetheless.  He is not only proficient in wielding one sword, nor just two swords, but he is completely capable in wielding three swords at once!  So outside of Himura Kenshin (for he is the best samurai in fiction, and, thus, exempted from contention for this list), Zoro is the most awesome swordsman there is.  

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Chain of Thoughts: Marvel NOW!'s Anniversary

Marvel NOW!, for me, has been more successful than DC’s New 52which, though succeeded in rejuvenating sales, proved to be unnecessary and poorly thought out in the end.  In contrary, Marvel NOW! took what worked with the New 52 – new status quos and issue number ones – but kept the history of its continuity intact (which the New 52 didn’t , causing many problems in so many levels).

In has been a year since I wrote about my thoughts on its debut.  Now, in its anniversary, here are my thoughts about its year-long implementation: 

→ I still follow X-Men books but they don’t really get me excited about them much.  I still love the pre-X-Men Schism/Avengers vs. X-Men status quo of the X-Men, wherein all X people are united under Cyclops, over the present one.   And the time-travelling of the original X-Men to the present isn’t that thrilling as I originally thought to be.  Still, the X-Men still have their moments, but not as awesome as the Avengers’.    

→ Avengers is my most favorite Marvel NOW! title.  Jonathan Hickman has made his reputation as a talented “big-picture” kind of writer, and Avengers was a perfect avenue for his kind of writing.  He assembled the most powerful, largest, and most diverse Avengers roster ever, and put them into massive crises that are deserving of Avengers attention.  And you know what’s the best thing is?  It’s implied that they will continue to become bigger! Hickman’s expansion of the Avengers is not at all finished. 

→ With this ongoing Infinity story, Hickman transformed Marvel’s standard “superheroing” into an epic space opera (reminded me of the Thanos Imperative).  And it’s just magnificent.  Infinity’s clearly one of the best major events Marvel ever put together in the 21^st Century (I still can’t get over the fact Marvel missed the opportunity to create something overwhelmingly awesome from such amazing premises as Civil War and last year’s Avengers vs. X-Men, which I had hoped would be pure greatness).  Infinity has the looks of a bona fide classic.         

→ Infinity makes up for the absolute pile of horrid crap that is Age of Ultron.  I followed AoU closely, and what a waste of my time. 

→ Hickman’s other book, New Avengers, has been great as well.  I like the previous New Avengers – the Luke Cage-led team – better, but this Illuminati/Avengers roster has been very intriguing.  However, it has never been addressed if this is an official Avengers team.  Sure, it’s made up of the Illuminati, who, with the exception of Black Bolt, have Avengers membership at some point in the past.  Still, nobody addressed them as being an “Avengers” team yet.  In fact, their secrecy and methods of manipulating and operating in the shadows makes them a team that is more of Illuminati than actual Avengers; other Avengers are not aware of their existence (after they kicked out Captain America from the team and Dr. Strange erased his mind) – they are more secret than the already clandestine Secret Avengers. 

→ But maybe, just like with the main Avengers title, Hickman is not yet done establishing this book’s foundation.  Maybe the New Avengers will only be given an official Avengers status once the Infinity event is finished (that makes sense, right?).  Man, I’m itching greatly for Black Bolt’s Avenger status to be made official already.              

→ Just like this new New Avengers, the new Secret Avengers is not an official Avengers team yet.  In fact, it’s as if they are not really an Avengers team at all, since they are under S.H.I.E.L.D. command.  Hoping this concern of establishing its official “Avengers” status is addressed soon.

→ Nick Fury, Jr. is featured in one of the Avengers’ 50^th-anniversary alternate covers series being done by Daniel Acuna, so he and Phil Coulson could be “official” after all.  By the way, these Daniel Acuna covers are pretty awesome.  They are far from finished, there are still a lot of Avengers to cover (pun intended).  I can’t wait till it’s done; could become the most epic poster ever.

→ At least, both Uncanny Avengers and Avengers A.I. rosters have been given official “Avengers” status right from the start.  So no confusions there.    

→ Uncanny Avengers is okay, but it’s the Avengers book I enjoy the least.  I read it, but I’m not particularly enthusiastic about its premise, theme, and current story arc.

→ Avengers A.I. has the potential for awesomeness.  Issue 1 was so fantastic, that it hooked me easily (though it seemed it got weaker since then).  Its line-up consisting of android heroes, with Henry Pym as leader, is exciting.  The Vision could be at his most awesome yet in this book.  His “brother” Victor Mancha’s recruitment was a delightful surprise. But the most entertaining character among them, hands down, is Doombot (a Doombot reprogrammed by Pym).  As a Doombot, he basically has Dr. Doom’s personality, thus, he’s a perfect answer to the question, “What if Dr. Doom is an Avenger?”  If there is something good that came out of AoU, then that would be Avengers A.I.

 → My greatest puzzlement though is why Machine Man, who was an Avenger in the past already, is not on this Avengers A.I. team?  His absence really leaves a hole in the team that just begs the question why he is not in it.

→ Luke Cage is back into leading an independent Avengers team with this new Mighty Avengers book.  The roster, too, looks pretty cool.  And the mystery of the new Ronin’s identity (who is currently wearing a bad bootlegged Spidey Halloween costume) really adds an additional layer of excitement.  (Would love to have Daredevil back, too).      

→ I also like reading the new Young Avengers because of Kid Loki and… hmmm… Yeah.  Just because of Kid Loki.  I am also fond of Emma Bishop, but I enjoy her character more in Hawkeye.

→ Just like last year, Hawkeye remains a fantastic book. 

→ A+X is a delight.  An Avenger and an X-Man team up in a bite-size adventure that usually concludes in a few pages.  With comic storylines dragging on for several issues, this kind of story format is very much welcome.  And most of the stories and team-ups so far in this book are very entertaining, magnificently tackling the chemistry and interaction between the two featured characters.  Oftentimes, though, the X-Man half of the team-up is someone that also has Avengers membership (e.g. Wolverine, Beast, Rogue, etc.), which is kind of cheating.

→ I am so glad that there’s a new ongoing Guardians of the Galaxyseries.  It’s one (the original team was okay, but it was the second incarnation, founded by Star-Lord, of the GotG that I really love) of the most dynamic and entertaining super-teams in Marvel.  The current line-up has the core team of Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Drax, Gamora, and – new member – Iron Man.  However, with the revival of the team come three critical mysteries that haven’t been answered yet: a) How come Drax the Destroyer is alive when he was killed during the Thanos Imperative event?  How was he resurrected?; b) How did Star-Lord and Thanos escape Cancerverse?  And if those two escaped, what happened to Nova, who had been trapped with them during the end of the Thanos Imperative?; and c) What happened to the other members?  Why aren’t they on this team anymore?  There is a need to address these questions, and it should be done soon.  Also, I hope former members – especially Astro, Bug, Mantis, and Major Victory – will return to the team in the future.       

→ Now, that we are on the topic of the cosmic aspect of the Marvel U, I would also like to raise the question why the Guardians of the Galaxy aren’t part of the Avengers’ Infinity event?  It’s the kind of galactic threat that compels them to nose around the front lines.  And what happened to the Annihilators?  Sure, Gladiator and Ronan the Accuser are in Infinity, but where are the rest of the Annihilators?  Isn’t this the whole premise of the team?  To be the “big guns” that Star-Lord’s GotG had been not?   Why are they absent?

→ Moreover, what is the purpose of Iron Man’s inclusion to the GotG?  The most logical reason is, for the sake of the GotG film’s benefit, they intend to put Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man into the movie line-up.  If so, that would have been pure genius.  It would not only relevantly connect the GotG film to the rest of Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it would also provide the movie a familiar face for the movie goers (since not all are familiar of the Guardians of the Galaxy, which is generally unpopular among non-comic book fans, while Iron Man is now an iconic movie icon).  But there were no such happening during the movie’s production.  What then is the purpose of this Iron Man’s membership?!  It’s a clear missed opportunity.

→ Obviously, the part of Marvel NOW! I hated the most is Superior Spider-Man.  It affected me so much that it compelled me to write several times about it.  This SpOck (Spider-Ock) concept utterly crapped on everything Spider-Man represents.  The worse thing is, I still follow the book since it’s very entertaining.  And the worst thing is SpOck will probably go on for a very long time since the book enjoys solid sales.  Ugh.  I rather have a regular Scarlet Spiderbook (which is going to be cancelled, which is just sad) than SpOck.

→ Spider-Man 2099 (Miguel O’Hara) is now stranded in the present time.  Then, the Ultimate Spider-Man (Miles Morales) is crossing over to Earth-616 (the main Marvel continuity).  It seems that Earth-1610 (the Ultimate Universe) is coming to an end in the hands of Earth-616’s Galactus and Miles will be the only survivor.  So, with those two joining SpOck and Scarlet Spider, the Marvel U is getting crowded with Spider-Men, but with the only Spider-Man that matters missing: Peter Parker the Amazing Spider-Man.

→ At least, Marvel has some flashback mini-series featuring Peter for this year, like Marvel Knights, and those Amazing Spider-Man700-point-somethings.  But it’s not the same thing as having him alive for real.        

→ The new status-quo for the Hulk could be the best ever done for the character so far.  Hulk serves as a WMD for S.H.I.E.L.D., and in return, his alter ego, Bruce Banner, gets funding, a lab, and assistants to pursue his scientific interests.  Good deal.  Smart concept.

→ The new Thunderbolts team, made up of Red Hulk, Venom, the Punisher, Elektra, and Deadpool (with Red Leader and Mercy tagging along) is a lot of fun.  Honestly, I enjoy reading the Thunderbolts more than the X-Men these days.  The T-Bolts are just second to the Avengers on teams to watch out for.  Third is GotG.  (Yep, that’s how far the X-Men fell from my favor, considering that I hold the belief that they are the greatest superhero team ever).  

→ Marvel NOW! is not quite over.  Now, Marvel has an All-New Marvel NOW! set for its second year run.  But there’s no particular announcement of its details that compels me enough to rant about. 

→  It seems that Marvel is trying to forcibly shove the Inhumans down our throats.   

→ To summarize: best thing about Marvel NOW!? Avengers!  The worst thing? SpOck (and, maybe, Avengers Arena as close second).

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The Superhero of Superheroes (A Sunday School Sermon)

Sunday, October 6, 2013, was the first time I ever delivered a Sunday School sermon for all children belonging in the intermediate department.   Below is my sermon’s rough draft.  Of course, it was not the actual words I used during actual delivery; I was mostly speaking in Tagalog (so that the children can understand it better).  Also, I didn’t use this as guide at all during my actual sermon (forgot to bring it), but the flow and content of the sermon has been parallel to this rough draft below.  Additional note: in the draft, I put the expected responses of the children on my questions (these are the italized words in parentheses).  And, essentially, during the actual, the expected responses have been spot on).    

Can you name who is this?

(Wolveriiiiiiiiine!)

Right.  That’s Wolverine.  How about this next one, can you name him?

 

(Huuuuulk!)

Right again!  That’s the Hulk.  Next…

(Captain America!)

Yes.  Captain America.  And the last one…

(Spider-Man!!!)

Correct! Spider-Man. 

Now, what is the common thing about Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, and Spider-Man? 

(They are superheroes!)

Yes.  They are all superheroes.  They have superpowers, and they use them to save other people’s lives and fight evil.  Pretty cool of them, right?   

However, these superheroes – Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, and Spider-Man – are fictional.  They do not exist in real life. 

Moreover, even IF they are real, they are only merely Men.  And though they have used their superpowers to save lives, those same superpowers can’t save them from the greatest danger that all of humanity faces: the curse of sin and death.  They will need a Superhero themselves to save them from this.

In real life, there is only one true Superhero.  Do you know who he is?

(JESUS!)

You are right, the ONLY real-life Superhero is Jesus!  And unlike Spider-Man and Captain America, Jesus actually exists in real life.  And best of all?  He can save us from sin and death!  Wow.  Hulk, incredibly super-strong as he may be, can’t do that.  Only Jesus can.   

 JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR

According to 1 John 4:14: “…the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.”     

Superheroes have saved the world, but only in fiction.  Moreover, the extent of their “saving of the world” is so miniscule compared to the magnitude of Jesus’ “saving the world.” Jesus is the only one who has literally saved the world from Hell.

Jesus is the only Savior of the world. Salvation from death and sin can be found in no one else but in him alone (John 14:6).     

THE LORD PROTECTS ME ALWAYS

In fiction, superheroes use their superpowers to protect people and fight evil.  In real life, only the Lord has true superpowers and the only one that can protect us from evil.  Once you make Jesus your personal Superhero and Savior, he promises to protect you from the evils and dangers that surround you.   He promises to fight for you.  It is said in Exodus 14:14: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 

Moreover, Romans 8:31b states, “If God is with us, who can be against us.”  Jesus is the only real-life Superhero.  He is more powerful than Superman.  He is bigger than all of the “supervillains” – fear, temptation, bullies, tests, etc. – you face in your life.  And if he’s your Superhero, then you have nothing to fear.      

THE LORD IS MY AVENGER

Who here knows of the superhero team, Avengers?  Who here have seen the movie? 

Now, do you know what is the meaning of “avenger”?   It means someone who takes vengeance or the one committing revenge.  Take note of this: the Lord said in Deuteronomy 32:35: “Vengeance is Mine.”  What does that mean?  It means only the Lord has the right to take vengeance on someone!  Remember that the Lord will fight for you.  Thus, He will surely be the one who will avenge you from those who have done evil to you. 

If we take vengeance on our own, instead of letting God, then it means we do not trust Him.  Not only that, but we insult Him.  It means we don’t think of him as a just and powerful Superhero, that he is incapable of giving us justice.  So if we truly trust Him as our Superhero, we will not be vengeful – doing revenge on our own – but will rather surrender to God the offense on us and let him be our Avenger. 

Jesus will surely be happy if we let him be our Avenger. 

So always remember:

1.) JESUS IS THE ONLY SAVIOR

2.) THE LORD PROTECTS ME ALWAYS

3.) THE LORD IS MY AVENGER

   

Let us be thankful for these truths.  And let us be thankful that Jesus is our Superhero!

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