Aesthetic of the Anti-Hero: How to be Biblically Masculine

In this blog, we will be deep diving into the foundational principles of the anti-hero, what we can implement into our own life from these characters, and how to become biblically masculine through these characteristics.

Preface

Achiiles from the movie “Troy,” Thanos from the movie “Infinity War,” Joker from the movie “The Dark Knight,” Darth Vader from the movie “Star Wars,” Snape from the movies “Harry Potter.” All of these characters have one thing in common: a self-purpose that the watcher beloves.

They are heroic in their own right, with an arguably immoral objective that ultimately fights for a bigger cause. Achilles fought for glory and honor, was feared by all, but fell in love and sacrificed his life. Thanos wanted to painlessly eliminate half of the population in a sense of mercy. Darth Vader was the chosen one that could not overcome trials and tribulations. The Joker was an outcast who wanted to morally test the philosophy of the so called good. Snape was a ruthless teacher who was hated for not expressing his plan of redemption.

All of these characters fought for their own belief of righteousness and were relatedly beloved by the watcher.

Characteristics of the Anti-Hero

There are a few characteristics that come to my mind when it comes to the anti-hero.

When you watch these movies, like “troy” for example, every part of your being wants to be like Achilles. Feared by all, fights for the love of the game, and is not controlled by anyone.

The ultimate masculine freedom.

What makes Achilles so adored is that he fought for his own virtues and purpose. The ultimate decision he made was what he wanted, as he did not answer to anybody. Achilles was in control of all situations, as he spoke what he believed and had a free soul. A lot of us do not have free souls, as our time may be tied down at our job, our tongues tied through H.R., and our soul tied by the world.

Every person’s dream is to fulfill their identity through ambition and drive.

He also sacrificed his virtues for another being and changed his driving purpose due to the love of another. This is the ultimate heroic act, as he was shot in the “Achilles’ heel” protecting somebody that he loved. He forgoes his original purpose for the love of another being.

When we can turn our will into God’s will, then are we truly masculine.

It’s the ability to act on what we say, be a man of our word, sacrifice our power for another, fight for the ones who need it most, give all glory to God, and be spiritually deep in the process.

Biblical Example

“Jacob wrestled with God.“

Jacob was not a likeable person in the Bible, as he strong armed his older brother into his birthright, tricked his blind father into blessing him, and literally was grabbing the heel of his brother during birth.

Jacob was then tricked into working for seven years to marry the daughter of a farmer, was given the other daughter, and then forced to work another seven years. Also, his brother was actively hunting him with a militia.

In the wilderness, he met an “angel,” or God himself, and wrestled with him throughout the night. He then asked the being for a blessing, and was then called “Israel,” (the man who struggles with God.)

After all his manipulation, unlikability, and conning, he was then changed. Jacob, the anti-hero, was guaranteed a blessed offspring through his trials and tribulations.

True MAsculinity

Jacob is a factual example of the fictional anti-heroes, as they all villainously fought against a higher power and ended up becoming beloved. Thanos fought against the Avengers, and his spiritual depth could be sensed by the audience of immoral righteousness. Snape was supposed to “kill” Dumbledore for the greater plan. Joker tested Batman on his philosophical thought of the normal citizen, creating tests to prove that Batman was not fighting for true good. Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader was a broken man who was avenging his loved ones.

As King Baldwin says in “The Kingdom of Heaven,” that:

“A King may move a man, a father may claim a son but remember that even when those who move you be Kings, or men of power, your soul is in your keeping alone. When you stand before God, you cannot say, ‘But I was told by others to do thus,’ or that ‘Virtue was not convenient at the time.’ This will not suffice.”

Become the person that always stands up for what you believe in no matter the circumstance, whether it is for the poor, or for Jesus himself. Become the person that fights for a higher purpose and does not care to be hated. Become the person that sacrifices their image for a greater good. Become the person that is misunderstood through depth. Become the person that owns his soul and cannot have his tongue tied.

Become biblically masculine.