Chances are Steve Rogers probably isn't in your top 5 role models for faith, but being the comic book nerd that I am, I can't help but look up to a few fictional characters as well. For as long as I can remember enjoying comics books I can remember being a fan of Captain America and I am still a fan today. Here is why I think Steve Rogers is a great Catholic role model.
1. He always stands up for what's right.
No matter what situation he is in, Cap always seems to stand up for what he believes to be right. This is his most obviously-Catholic trait, but sadly one that seems to be dying out in today's relativistic world. The phrase "you do you" is not in Cap's vocabulary and it shouldn't be in yours either.
2. He is willing to die for complete strangers.
"No greater love has one than this than to lay down one's life for one's friend."-John 15:13 You could argue that this is a trait portrayed by every superhero and I would completely agree with you, but this one applied to Steve long before he was Captain America. Anyone else remember the scrawny kid jumping on the fake grenade? No? Just me? Okay...
3. He misunderstands everything. (Even before his 70-year nap)
This one doesn't make him a role model as much it just makes him relatable to us sheltered cradle-Catholics.
4. He can do this all day.
This recurring theme comes around every time Cap has his back against the wall and that's when we should adopt it. There are plenty of times in college life when temptation backs us into a corner and all we can do is stand there and take the beating without giving in even if it's a friend dealing the blows.
5. He's met two gods and is still a devoted Christian.
Cap has met and fought a man who can fly and control lighting, and a man who can shape-shift and project holograms of himself. With abilities like these, it's no wonder they were worshiped as gods at one point, but Steve just views them as men with abilities and continues to believe in one God. This is should hit home with a lot of us who struggle over and over again with the same sin because it can be easy to let that thing control you or to fear it, but we have to keep pushing past it and view it as just another obstacle to overcome.
That is why Cap is a star-spangled awesome role model for Catholics of all ages.
