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| Fandom, a rising church in today's world? |
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A fandom (fan club or fanbase) is a community of enthusiasts of a particular shared interest, be it a sports team, a work of fiction (and often a certain character or romantic pair), a singer or music band, a celebrity or popular YouTuber or content creator... Anyone and anything with an enthusiastic, loyal following can become the center of a fandom.
The people who engage in said fandom (the fans) may don a creative label to represent their fanhood; for instance, 'Trekkie' for those who love Star Trek, 'Whovian' for Doctor Who fans, 'Brony' (or 'Pegasister') for My Little Pony fans, etc.
Some may perhaps enjoy their interest(s) casually and harmlessly, while others may treat it as a way of life with undying loyalty, expressing their "love" by craving endless merchandise (and anything that reminds them of that interest), and becoming easily offended and hostile when someone disagrees about anything regarding their interest, any "insult" perceived as blasphemy no matter how small.
Others may take their "love" for their interest so extreme that actual riots ensue for whatever reason, be it their favorite sports team lost a game, or McDonalds didn't make enough Szechuan sauce to satisfy those diehard Rick and Morty fans.
The people who engage in said fandom (the fans) may don a creative label to represent their fanhood; for instance, 'Trekkie' for those who love Star Trek, 'Whovian' for Doctor Who fans, 'Brony' (or 'Pegasister') for My Little Pony fans, etc.
Some may perhaps enjoy their interest(s) casually and harmlessly, while others may treat it as a way of life with undying loyalty, expressing their "love" by craving endless merchandise (and anything that reminds them of that interest), and becoming easily offended and hostile when someone disagrees about anything regarding their interest, any "insult" perceived as blasphemy no matter how small.
Others may take their "love" for their interest so extreme that actual riots ensue for whatever reason, be it their favorite sports team lost a game, or McDonalds didn't make enough Szechuan sauce to satisfy those diehard Rick and Morty fans.
Sometimes kids get bullied in school or on the internet over their interest, not necessarily due to any fault of their own, just for simply liking that interest. Unfortunately such frequent harassment can go so far as to result in that kid's suicide.
The originator(s) of said interest may be highly praised to the point of tears of joy in the loyal fans, and harshly criticized when they don't meet fan expectations. And should backlash arise, a number of fans may find their loyalty wavering or outright abandon ship, typically scouting for the next big thing of interest to give their time and money to.
...Does all of this remind you of anything?
The way fandoms are often treated in today's world can eerily mirror that of extreme religion (hence the phrase "cult classic"), yet such religious treatment of such things is often glossed over and not as criticized as what the world refers to as "real world religions", perhaps due to its wide acceptance in society. (Ironic, isn't it?) But no matter how you slice it, idolatry is clearly rampant in the world, not necessarily in the form of gold statues or carved wooden images, but rather overlooked in more subtle ways.
The fact that people are so inclined to praise someone/something in the highest regard is evidence that we were created to worship. But due to the world's corruption, that incline to worship gets directed elsewhere other than the Only One who truly deserves it: our Creator, not the created.
In a way, one could argue that there's really no such thing as a true atheist, just people looking to make someone/something else their god(s).
While it's not necessarily wrong to enjoy a favorite pastime or appreciate someone's work in general, anyone/anything that receives greater love and praise than God becomes an idol, and this misses the mark of our purpose.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Do you think fandoms/fan clubs are "churches" of their own? Could fandoms be considered religion?
In what overlooked ways does idolatry take place in today's world?
Is there a healthy limit to how one engages in fandom? To what extent is it okay? When does it become idolatry?
What idol were you struggling with before you came to Christ?
Have you been struggling with an idol of some sort lately? Is there anything that you think may be getting in the way of your relationship with God?
Do you think fandoms/fan clubs are "churches" of their own? Could fandoms be considered religion?
In what overlooked ways does idolatry take place in today's world?
Is there a healthy limit to how one engages in fandom? To what extent is it okay? When does it become idolatry?
What idol were you struggling with before you came to Christ?
Have you been struggling with an idol of some sort lately? Is there anything that you think may be getting in the way of your relationship with God?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding fandoms. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding fandoms. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Cover image courtesy of thekaleidoscope.
(Written on July 21, 2019.)
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Hey Fleecy, thank you for this good post. I learnt something new. Here are my point wise answers to your questions:
ReplyDeleteA1. Religious acts are usually carried out by a person who believes that such acts are consistent with the truth (or reality). If a fandom exists to claim that it represents such truth or is consistent with reality then it can be considered as a religion.
A2. Idolatry means creating an alternative reality either deliberately or in ignorance. There is hope for the later but not for the former because those who are in former category, they have deliberately chosen to ignore the truth (Romans 1:21).
A3. Fandom consistent with reality with worship of the Truth may be okay. All other fandom may have problem as they would invariably lead to the worship of a false idea or a person. This is true not only for a fandom but for everything in life.
A4. I was born in a Hindu family. So, idolatry was real. Apart from this I was a chain smoker, alcoholic and watched porn to my own detriment.
A5. I am learning how not to be proud and walk in humility. It's challenging but love the discipline of God.
Great post. I have a friend who is a bit well kmokn in the music industry and it's amazing to see the near worship he receives from fans. Whole FB pages dedicated to him and such. So yeah, I see how it can be a problem for some people. Imagine if believers were as zealous for Christ as people were for say the Beatles or Elvis..
ReplyDeleteFandom is just a creation of man, and its unfortunate that many worship people instead of the one true God. It's a sign of the times in which we live. But true Christians continue to worship God.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't someone's religion become an idol, and someone's idol become their religion? I was raised Catholic. For many the Catholic religion has become an idol. And for others the worship of the Saints (idols) has become their religion. I think anything we serve or worship above God could be listed as an idol and or a religion. The threads I find on this blog are soup for the brain.
ReplyDelete