The Myth of Epic Stories
Reflective Reading: Philippians 4
Have you ever heard of a story that was coined “epic”? To call a story epic initially meant that it was a written story. Generally, an epic story was an extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. Over the course of time, the word epic evolved to mean anything outstanding or fabulous.
Today we have both written and visual epic stories. The two approaches have a significant, diametrically-opposed effect upon the moral imagination of the participant.
Epic stories that are visual capture the attention of the mind by bypassing reflective analysis. In other words, the visual element actually prevents you from thinking. “Spectacular” movies such as Lord of the Rings, not only evoke the idea of spectacle (spectator), but transition the viewer from a thinking participant to an entertained spectator. The viewing of the spectacular actually nullifies the imagination (for what is seen is not imagined). Thus, the reason that so many young people today have little to no imagination for their future.
Visual stories engage the mind and emotions by their immediacy. Kevin Bauder writes,
“Reading a text always involves a significant element of analysis and distancing. Theater (Visual images) involves a constant stream of direct perceptions. These perceptions are given so rapidly that analysis is replaced by absorption. The immediacy of theatre implies that it operates on a “gut” (Gk: appetites and passions) reaction level; A competent director does not want his audience to think. Any element of thinking will come afterwards, after the appetites have been excited and the passions have been captured. Theatre trades in flushes of fear, lust, pity, revulsion, vengeance, pride, and other appetites that can be evoked rapidly and move so strongly as to overwhelm or circumvent the reason.”[1]
It doesn’t take a lot of discernment to see the effect of powerful digital images upon all ages. For example, I was holding one of my grandchildren in my arms recently, trying to calm her crying. As I held her, I couldn’t help but notice an interesting phenomenon—whenever my phone lit up with a text message, she would stop crying and turn to the digital light. Digital images possess powerful addictive properties that overwhelm the senses. There is a real and tangible battle for our children’s souls.
In the book of I Peter we read that Lot’s righteous soul was vexed (torn apart, tortured, terrorized) from day to day by the things he saw and heard. What can be done?
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
When one reads, he is a reflective participant in the story, full of imagination. As one reads the Word of God (and epic written stories full of biblical, character-building truth), the work of renewing one’s mind takes place.
As Paul begged the Roman Christians, I plead with Christian parents everywhere—hide God’s Word in your heart and help your children to do the same. It will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Put away the images so that our children can begin to imagine once again. (However, before you throw the tv and video games out, I encourage you to first replace them with godly inspiring alternatives!) Fill your children’s lives with epic written stories that inspire them through godly role models that will teach them to know God intimately, proclaim Him passionately, and enjoy Him infinitely.
I will include some recommendations below to help you get started!
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
Best for Ages 6+
Best for Ages 9+
Best for Ages 12+
The Making of a Hero (if you’re single and wanting to be married)
Ned Franks: The One Armed Sailor (for men…first book in the trilogy)
[1] Kevin T. Bauder, “Fundamentalists and Theater: Act Three, Say What?” January 2, 2007
