I’ve been looking forward to the new Superman movie because I love the mythic power of comic book movies. As I’ve scanned the various reviews, I’ve noted multiple writers suggesting a link between this new Superman and Jesus Christ. MSNBC calls Superman the “inspiring story of a savior.” NY Times suggests that Superman has come to save mankind from its sins. And in one sense, superheros do reveal some savior characteristics.
But as much as I want to see the film, it is hard for me to see Superman as Christ. I was actually joking to someone yesterday that Superman is just like Jesus except that Superman is strong and Jesus is weak. The mystery and offense of Jesus is the cross. He comes in weakness. He is mocked, rejected and eventually killed. Yes he does demonstrate feats of strength through miracles but his miracles are clearly not the focus of his ministry. The cross is the defining event of his life. Von Balthasar says that Jesus falls so low that all future human falling and failing is falling into him.
In his weakness, we find one who can cover our weakness and failures. And despite our bravado, most realize our frailty and falleness. I hope.
As I was thinking about this, I found an interesting perspective from Acton Institute. Jordan Bailor writes:
Superman, the secular savior-figure, manifests the superlative qualities that the world worships: power, strength, immortality. Jesus Christ embodies mercy, weakness, and suffering. But as Paul also writes, “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”
I think is interesting that the film is titled “Superman Returns.” Sort of like the return of Christ. And this makes me think of how someitimes Christians like to emphasize Jesus Christ returning in POWER. Sometimes I wonder if we are embarassed of the weakly Jesus and can’t wait to serve a Jesus that busts a few heads.
I guess the message of the cross offends just about everyone.
6 responses so far ↓
Jeremy Floyd // July 1, 2006 at 10:29 am
You and all your talk of weakness. If you don’t get some powerposts on this blog we’re going to have a throw-down in k-town.
April // July 10, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Yes Christ came in weakness, but he had more power at his disposal than Superman ever will! His weakness was only a putting off of His true royalty and position and power for our benefit. I think the similarities between Christ and Superman are striking. But when it comes to true power, Christ has so much more power than Superman. Superman can only help a few people in one location and is limited to some degree by time, space and his weakness with Kryptonite. But Christ is the creator and He has the capacity to save people, not once so that they need to be saved again and again, but permanently, and as God, He is in all places at once. He holds the power of physics, biology, the universe, death and the course of human history. Superman does possess many of the beautiful qualities of Christ and I believe he points to the character of Christ, but certainly not in all ways. Still, Superman has such compassion, kindness, unselfishness, love for others, and wisdom. He has so much power, but like Christ, he doesn’t force himself on Lois but waits patiently and is a gentleman towards her, much like Christ waits on us to come to Him and doesn’t force Himself on us. Of course, everything about Superman is not a direct parallel to Christ, but I think the movie will stimulate Christians to think more about what Christ acted like and how much greater a Savior Jesus is than Superman could ever be.
inforwars // July 25, 2006 at 12:39 am
Superman returns is new world order propeganda greasing the way for the comming of the anti-christ. Anyone studied in end time prophesy / revelation would see how painfully obvious this is…… more than that… it’s totally “in your face”! …Check out …
http://www.infowars.com
Time to wake up people……….time to wake up.
Zachariah // December 1, 2006 at 9:34 am
Yo anyone see superman returns? I loved that movie and i cant wait to pick up the dvd and game for xbox 360….i heard theres a code in the dvd that lets you play as bizzaro in the game, that should be pretty tight. Im lookin forward to gettin it at the end of the month.
Ben // March 6, 2007 at 7:22 am
is it no clear that the weakness of Superman, being kryptonite, is just a representation of christs weakness which is mortality.
Kryptonite takes Supermans powers, therefore making him mortal, whereas jesus was permanenty mortal.
mohammed // June 5, 2007 at 2:39 pm
i want to vote between Christ and Superman
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