Pastor's Pen: The Theology of Superman

A new Superman movie is out, directed by James Gunn. The movie is not high art, but it is fun, which is probably all you can expect from a superhero film. For the last few decades, we have been inundated by caped crusaders, but Superman is a bit different. Maybe he wasn’t technically the first superhero, but “this strange visitor from another planet, who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men” set the standard for all who came after him.

People are fascinated by Superman. I am amazed by the amount of scholarship that has been written. In fact, I have read journal articles about the theology of Superman. Comparisons to Jesus Christ are plenty. Both have amazing powers. Both were sent by their fathers from far away to become saviors for humankind. The comparison is a bit forced. Jesus died on a cross to save us from our sins, and Superman beats up bad guys in red and blue tights.

Others are quick to note that Superman is more Jewish than Christian. Moses’ mother sent the baby down the River Nile in a basket to avoid being killed by Pharaoh. Superman’s father sent the baby in a rocket ship to avoid the destruction of the planet Krypton. The Jewish influence is understandable. After all, the two Clevelanders, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were themselves Jewish. They drew from images in the Scriptures and Jewish folklore, like the golem, a powerful creature that protected the Jewish community from antisemitic attacks.

If there is a theology to Superman, I would go much simpler. In the 1978 eponymous movie, Superman, played by Christoper Reeve, introduces himself to Lois Lane after saving her life, as “a friend.” Superman is a friend. Christopher Reeve himself says that idea is the key to the whole character. In an interview, he said, “That's the value that's so important to me, not Superman as a muscleman but Superman as friend: A really good neighbor.” He noted back in the 1970s that so many felt disconnected from their neighbors. The bonds that held communities together had weakened. For Reeve, our friend Superman had arrived to lend a helping hand.

Jesus tells us that loving our neighbor is the second greatest commandment after loving God. What that love looks like depends on our talents and abilities. Obviously, if we can leap tall buildings in a single bound, our acts of love might look a little different. Even if our abilities are a little more grounded, we can still do amazing things. Martin Luther King, Jr. once noted, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” With all respect, I say, “Everyone can be super, because everyone can be a friend and everyone can love.”

Grace & Peace,

Pastor James