It surprised my dad when I told him I loved zombie movies and TV shows.
As a Christian, I can see why people would think zombies and the Bible don’t mix or dismiss them entirely (I don’t blame you). But here’s why I love them.
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I first got hooked on “The Walking Dead.” — the first few seasons, that is. As swarms of the undead seek to wipe out humanity itself, a remnant does all they can to press on. You get to know who characters truly are at their core.
And since then, I’ve been obsessed with shows like “All of Us Are Dead,” a modern-day show of a zombie apocalypse that breaks out in a high school and quickly spreads to the community before the government declares martial law. It is currently one of the top shows on Netflix.
Then there is “Kingdom,” a historical thriller with a fallen king, and the movie “Train to Busan,” which follows a businessman traveling to where an outbreak began. South Korea has brutally perfected the zombie apocalypse genre with the ever-present thrill and enough hope to carry on.
That’s what first got me. The theme of hope in the darkest of circumstances.
In each scenario, individuals go from everyday people to becoming heroes by learning their circumstances. How and why do people turn into zombies? How can you stop them? What does it take?
The Bible talks a lot about hope in a seemingly hopeless world.
Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
In “All of Us Are Dead,” students at an abandoned high school have to remind each other of the hope set before them instead of focusing on the dire situation in front of their eyes. Inevitably, some give up.
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It brings up a lot of moral questions about life. Is it worth saving a pregnant woman who needs more resources and/or a baby who is helpless on their own and will scream and cry — attracting the worst of the worst.
Leaders emerge in each show by making quick decisions and lending a helping hand. Another major theme is sacrifice.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” in the gospel of John.
The sacrifices people have to make in the zombie apocalypse genre is so clear — most characters fail to stand up or help others but a few make the ultimate sacrifice for loved ones — or maybe even a complete stranger.
I believe these shows pull at our heartstrings because they speak to so many virtues that are felt but not seen in our world today — love, faith, and, especially hope.
Caleb Parke is the managing editor for ToddStarnes.com. Follow him on GETTR, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.
