As Christians in the Spirit, sometimes we can find Christ in anything we do. That was no different than when Christians took to the theaters to watch the latest Superman adaptation “Man of Steel” over the weekend.
Realizing the similarities of Christ and Superman, marketing for the new “Man of Steel” movie offered Christian groups free screenings and sermon notes. Is there something wrong with this? Well apparently Whoopi Goldberg thinks it’s ridiculous.
The movie was a first weekend hit doing $116 million in first week sales at the box office. As a Superman purist I enjoyed the movie, and referred a friend to go watch it. After watching it, my friend who is a minister immediately begin to talk about all the Christ-like similarities in the movie as well.
The story follows an otherworldly being that sends his only son to Earth, in the hopes of him saving humanity from the forces of evil. While this could describe the Gospel story, it could also describe the premise for the Superman story.
After making the connection myself, it does seem like writers leaned on the Word of God for motivation.
What many don’t know is that the original writers of Superman were Jewish, and over 75 years of writing for the character has kept many biblical similarities in comic books and movies.
For instance Superman’s Kryptonian name is Kal-El, which is a direct Jewish reference to God.
The original comic pointed out that just as Jesus died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins, defeated the devil, and was resurrected from the dead by God; Superman died fighting the Doomsday while saving mankind from creature’s path of destruction, later Superman was resurrected by his father, Jor-El,”
“‘Man of Steel’ also features examples of the similarities between Christ and Superman, such as Superman being shackled prior to being interrogated just as Jesus was shackled before facing interrogation. Another example in the new film is Superman’s ascent into the heavens just as Jesus ascended following his resurrection.”
So as you watch Whoopi Goldberg laugh her head off at Superman producers in this video; I’m curious if you also see similarities? And is there anything wrong with grabbing motivation from the sacred text of the bible?
The other ladies from the hit show “The View” had a difference of opinion. Sherri Shepard says that producers should be careful in making comparisons. While Elisabeth Hasselbeck said “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying to find Christ in anybody.” Comments made all while Whoopi Goldberg begin to cry from a ridiculous amount hysterical laughter.
What people don’t realize is that writers draw on many life experiences and beliefs when creating movie magic. A film-maker myself, I know a woman who makes movies loaded with buddhist’ reincarnation beliefs. One of the reasons I chose not to work on one of her upcoming films. Movies are powerful, and they can have influence on you. So before you watch your next movie, I encourage you to always ask yourself “What is this movie really saying.”
