How The Checkpoint Connects Nerd Culture and Faith | Book Review

Love Thy Nerd received a free copy of this devotional for review purposes.
This is not a sponsored post.

In the golden age of fandom, where superheroes rule the box office and gaming is a mainstream pastime, many believers are looking for ways to bridge the gap between pop culture and spiritual growth. The Checkpoint: Year One Devotional by Michael Mordenga does just that, offering a creative and surprisingly deep collection of devotionals that tie biblical truths to video games, comics, movies, and television.

Created through Mordenga’s work with Campus One80, a Christian college ministry, this 62-entry devotional is designed primarily for students and young adults. However, anyone who enjoys geek culture and is open to spiritual reflection will find something meaningful within its pages. Each entry focuses on a specific media property, such as Final Fantasy VII, Daredevil, The Simpsons, or Mass Effect, and uses the storyline or characters as a launchpad into Scripture.

What makes this devotional shine is how it respects both the source material and the Bible. Mordenga opens the book by acknowledging a tension between entertainment and faith. He writes, “Movies, games, and comics tell stories about sacrifice, moral dilemmas, character conversions, and beliefs,” and argues that these stories can reflect God’s truth in surprising ways. At the same time, he warns that not every show or comic is worth our attention, adding, “Just because I can draw an illustration from a comic book or movie doesn’t mean I advocate the series as a healthy outlet.”

Each devotion includes a short cultural commentary, a reflection on Scripture, a set of discussion questions, a prayer, and a fun “Geek Moment” trivia bit. This structure makes it ideal for both personal study and group use. Mordenga even recommends using two devotionals per week across the academic year, making it perfect for campus ministries or geeky small groups.

While the themes are presented in accessible language, they are not watered down. Topics like forgiveness, spiritual discipline, mercy, and identity are explored with sincerity and honesty. For example, in a devotion tied to Daredevil, Mordenga writes, “Jesus paints a picture in the Gospels of how to view God versus how to view people.” He reminds the reader that while people may intimidate us, God’s love and authority are what truly matter. Another standout entry on Dragon Ball Z compares spiritual growth to Goku’s relentless training, concluding, “We were made to grow with specific qualities and experiences. Failure to do so voids our mission.”

The references are as wide-ranging as they are thoughtful. Readers will find devotions based on The Princess Mononoke, Oregon Trail, Overwatch, Cobra Kai, and even Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Some of the choices may raise eyebrows in church circles, but Mordenga is clear about his intentions. His goal is not to baptize every piece of media, but to start conversations that can lead to Christ.

There are occasional moments when the humor feels a bit awkward or the pop culture connection feels stretched, but those moments are rare. Overall, the tone strikes a balance between playfulness and reverence. Mordenga also includes his own illustrations, which are clearly hand-drawn and intentionally imperfect. In his words, “Why are you so critical??? I’m still learning.”

While the book may not satisfy readers looking for in-depth theology, it succeeds beautifully in what it sets out to do. It creates a space where faith and fandom can exist side by side without embarrassment or compromise. For the geek who loves Jesus, or the geek who is just starting to explore who Jesus is, The Checkpoint is a welcome companion.

Final Verdict:
The Checkpoint: Year One Devotional is creative, sincere, and culturally aware. It brings biblical truth into conversation with the stories we already love. In a time when many believers are trying to find relevance in their spiritual walk, Mordenga offers a resource that is both relatable and rooted in Scripture. As one devotion puts it, “God is saying, ‘Shut up your noisy world for a few minutes and realize I am standing before you.’” That invitation is what makes this devotional worth reading and sharing.

Pick up your copy on Amazon.