The Cultural Impact of Superman and Its Spotlight on Christianity
By Natalie Fertig, Staff Writer
Christianity’s relationship with pop culture did not begin in the 20th century. Since medieval times, characters – both fact and fiction – have emerged to represent a larger saga of Christ’s life and biblical values.
Charlemagne, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in the 9th century, became a larger-than-life, Christ-like icon after his death. Much in the same way that 19th-century Davy Crockett “grinned down” bears, or Chuck Norris became. . . Chuck Norris, medieval culture came to idealize Charlemagne as a defender of the Church and savior of the common people.
The fictional Sir Galahad (see gallery), legendary knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, was seen as the embodiment of Jesus in medieval literature. The son of Sir Lancelot, Galahad was the “purest” of the knights and the only one truly worthy to find the Holy Grail.
According to a 2000 article by Publisher Dr. Ted Baehr in Movieguide®, Christ figures can be anyone from “a martyr figure whose suffering and death witnesses to values and convictions” to “a popular savior such as the legendary knights or contemporary pop-heroes.”
Since 1938, Superman has been the quintessential American superhero, and often considered one of pop culture’s most important Christ figures. In the 1940s, “The Supermen of America” fan club launched with the values of “strength, courage, and justice.” Later, in the 1970s, the controversial musical “Godspell” placed a superman “S” on Jesus’ shirt (pictured in gallery).
While the Man of Tomorrow’s popularity has diminished since its height in the 1950s, this summer’s Superman reboot, MAN OF STEEL, is reinvigorating the conversation about Superman’s biblical messages.
MAN OF STEEL screenwriter David S. Goyer told Tampa Bay News that Superman’s comparisons to Jesus are “baked into the DNA of the character.” Goyer, who also penned the story for the “Dark Knight” trilogy, noted that “the biblical narrative has always been part and parcel with the Superman myth. . . . There’s no way to get around it.”
Is comparing Superman to Jesus blasphemy?
In 2006, SUPERMAN RETURNS stirred quite a bit of media buzz about the connections between Superman and Jesus. An article on BBC.com from July 28, 2006 asks the question, “Is the SUPERMAN RETURNS movie meant to remind us of the Bible? And if so, is it blasphemy?”
This is a common question on mainstream blogs and news articles. Tampa Bay News’ interview with Goyer even prefaces with, “comparisons to Jesus may be sacrilegious but are unavoidable.”
Proposing Superman as a modern Christ figure is a polarizing topic. Obvious differences – Superman’s birth, his ability to do wrong or fail, etc. – prompt many to balk at the idea of Superman’s Christ-likeness. Some may feel that the recent marketing strategy undertaken by Warner Bros to provide pastors with Superman-themed sermon outlines crosses the line between “acceptable” interaction with the secular world and blasphemy.
Will this cause Christians to retreat altogether from one of the most wholesome icons of our day?
The cultural impact of Superman is undeniable. Lunchboxes, pens, action figures, even lighters, cushions, jewelry, and men’s ties are home to Superman and his symbol. Children still jump off roofs, attempting to fly like the man of steel. Generations have grown up mimicking the biblical and moral values of Superman.
In “Good News” magazine, screenwriter Andrea Nasfell makes this point:
“Jesus’ parting words were to go into all the world (Mathew 28:19). That means not only India and China, but also New York and Los Angeles. God is calling ‘pop culture missionaries,’ as well as people committed to praying for those working in arts and entertainment.”
The key is for Christians to help others understand the parallels and the differences, and so to lead others to understand the Great News of Jesus Christ.
Even in America’s “post-Christian” society, each new Superman film brings the biblical narrative back into the spotlight. Personal opinions aside, Superman was, and is, America’s pop modern culture link back to the biblical saga of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. And, maybe that’s okay.
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For more information, go to www.movieguide.org and read THE CULTURE-WISE FAMILY book.
Gallery:
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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