JESUS and Superman - Superman did not actually sacrifice his life to save the world. Jesus "came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many"

What parallels are there between Jesus and Superman?

By S. Michael Houdmann, 

Several friends had told me how much they loved the new Man of Steel movie and commented about the many Christian themes present in the film.

So I decided to drag my wife to the movie theatre last

night and see the movie. It was definitely very different from the Superman movies I saw as a child. It was darker and had less humor, but contained a lot more action.

Overall, I enjoyed it, and I too noticed some Christian themes in the movie.

But in no sense do I think Superman parallels the biblical portrait of Jesus Christ, who He was, or what

He accomplished.

In "Man of Steel," Superman's father is named "Jor-El" (meaning unknown) and Superman's original name is given as "Kal-El," which is explained to mean "of the house of El." Why is this significant?

In Hebrew, the generic word for "God" is "El." "Kal-El" then essentially means "from God" or "of God."

Jor-El sending the baby Superman away from the dying planet Krypton was very reminiscent of the story of baby Moses in Exodus 2.

Superman's mom was worried that the people of Earth would hate Superman.

Jor-El responded that he would be "like a god" to them and that he would give them "an ideal to strive for."

This fits somewhat with one of the theories on the atonement of Christ, the "Example Theory."

The Example Theory views Christ's life and sacrifice primarily as an example for us to follow.

While setting an ideal to strive for is absolutely part of Christ's mission, it is not a comprehensive description of what He accomplished (see 1 John 2:2).

Superman reveals himself to the world at the age of 33, which is the age many Bible scholars speculate

Jesus was when He died on the cross.
At one point, General Zod (the main villain in the movie) threatens to destroy the planet if Superman does not surrender. Even though he does not trust Zod, Superman agrees.

In a sense, Superman sacrifices himself to save the world. Superman does not actually die, though, and thus there is no true sacrifice.

There is a comment by one of the villains that "evolution always wins," yet in the end, the "less evolved" individuals win the battle.

The villains declare that a sense of morality is a weakness, yet it is his morality that gives Superman

the strength to win in the end.

So, yes, there are definitely some Christian themes in the Man of Steel movie.

Yes, there are some parallels between Jesus and Superman.

But I did not find that the movie presented Superman as a Christ-figure. While he was willing to do so, Superman did not actually sacrifice his life to save the world. 

Jesus "came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

Superman is, in a sense, how a fictional superhero might follow the example Jesus set.

If you go to the movie with that mindset, you just might find it enjoyable. 

Can God change your life?

Why don’t you take time to get to know God in an intimate way?

Your purpose on earth is to shine God’s love to a lost and dying world.

Open your ears and your heart to the Lord and be excited about your new future serving Him in truth and spirit.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life.

Serve Him.

Wait on Him.

And expect … for He is able to do much much more than you can ask or imagine.

Settle that sin issue ...

“Father God, I confess I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You.

I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and live a new life pleasing to You.

Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again.

I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.

I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Thank You that according to Your Word, I am now born again.

Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life.

Use me for Your glory.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.”

Related Posts:

  http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/05/is-this-jesus-your-jesus-puricarefiles.html

  http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/05/jesus-will-provide-wine-you-need-just.html

  http://puricarefiles.blogspot.com/2016/05/choose-better-part-choose-intimacy-with.html

     “Mighty to Save”      Hillsong

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-08YZF87OBQ

lyrics

Mighty to Save

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Refrain:
Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King...Jesus

Got Questions Ministries