Was Superman a Jesus Figure?

August 18, 2009 by Beth Davies-Stofka

Continued from Page 1

In this direct recall of Jesus' crucifixion, we see the key difference between Superman and Jesus. The crucifixion was the resignation of a divine being, Christ, to a sacrificial redemptive fate. For Superman, this same cruciform pose is not a sign of sacrificial resignation, but a final effort to survive the brutal descent to earth by a weakened superhuman, one who is not divine. In start contrast to Christ's sacrifice, after saving the planet, Superman saves himself.

The divine Father gave humanity original sin, and then gave his son, Jesus, to redeem humanity from it. Jor-El sent advanced alien technology to earth. Then his son, Superman, had to save humanity from it. Superman Returns has primed the pump for a sequel with great story potential. What catastrophe will Superman cause, and how will his son clean it up?

Discussion Questions:
• Why did God put the tree of knowledge in Eden? Didn't he know what would happen?
• Do you believe in original sin?

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8/18/2009 4:00:00 AM

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About Beth Davies-Stofka

Beth Davies-Stofka teaches courses on comparative religion and the philosophy of religion. Her teaching and research focus in two areas: the challenges that violence and human suffering present to theological ethics, and explorations of philosophy and...

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