Hercules with Paul McDonald and Corey Stumne
Coming up on the Men at the Movies podcast, I seek the glimpses of the gospel found in the Disney movie Hercules. In his attempt to find a place of belonging, Hercules chases his worth through accomplishments. Doing things. Being famous. But it’s only through the power of self-sacrificial love that he defeats evil and becomes the hero he’s meant to be. Join us as we discover God’s truth in this movie.
Quotes
The reason that stories have the power to move us is they are echoing the power of the story of the Gospel.
He just shows up and God does stuff.
We have two antennas determining two questions: do you like me and do I belong?
The Bible doesn’t talk that much about heroism, but about being a servant.
True heroism happens in closets, not on a stage.
The key to a life of feeling worthy is the realization that we are not.
Following God starts with the recognition that we aren’t worthy.
Hades underestimated the power of divine self-sacrificial love.
Jesus’ death saved us from our sins, his resurrection gives us life.
It’s only through the power of self-sacrificial love that Hercules becomes who he’s meant to be.
Themes
If he chooses to fight, he will defeat Hades.
Attempting to prove our worth is a vain effort
Hercules tries to prove he is worthy of divinity. He’s trying to become like a god. Accomplish it by being a true hero. Does not understand what that means. He’s trying to prove his worth by being famous. Spends his life doing what he think his father wants, but his efforts aren’t enough.
Meg chasing freedom through her own efforts, doesn’t believe she is worthy of love.
Phil pursuing being worthy of recognition, trying to earn the praise through the hero he trained.
What does it mean to be a true hero in God’s eyes? Praying in a closet, serving, giving without recognition. Giving up one’s life for others.
Resources
Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” -C.S. Lewis
“Go the distance”
I have often dreamed of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me
Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying this is where I'm meant to be
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” - Acts 4:13 (NIV)
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
“When things were going great I crowed, “I’ve got it made. I’m God’s favorite. He made me king of the mountain.” Then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces…You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.” -Psalm 30:6-7, 11-12 (MSG)
“For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.” - 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 (NLT)
Wild at Heart Daily Prayer
“The problem with Christianity is not that it has been tried and found wanting, but that it has been found difficult and left untried.” -G.K. Chesterton
Questions
Where do you find belonging?
How do you seek belonging?
What does it mean to be a true hero?
How would God define being a true hero?
Where do we try to be a hero in our own eyes?
Where do you try to prove yourself worthy: work, family, church, sports?
Where do you sacrifice without looking for results or recognition?
What do you assume God is asking you to do?
More info
Check out our YouTube channel (@menatthemovies) for bonus content.
Find us on the socials:
YouTube: @menatthemovies
Facebook: @menatthemovies
Instagram: @menatthemovies
TikTok: @menatthemovies
Twitter: @_menatthemovies
If you would like to support our work (and get some behind-the-scenes perks), visit our Patreon page. Get invites to livestreams, bonus episodes, even free merch. If you’d like to do a one-time contribution (a cameo appearance), visit www.menatthemovies.com/investors.
Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
Links: