Superman and Jesus

There’s a new book[1] out claiming that the creators of the comic book character Superman deliberately modelled the “Man of Steel” on Jesus. This is a book I have no intention of reading (unless someone else wastes their money and makes a gift of it.) However, it has at least some evangelical clergy excited; not because they object to what would seem to be a heretical argument, but they see it as an exciting new way to attract young believers.

It is not a new idea. There are many web sites (such as this one from the Journal of Religion and Film) claiming parallels between Superman and Jesus were present throughout Superman:The Movie (1978).

Still, is it a realistic comparison?

• Superman’s father was a scientist; Jesus’s father was a god
• Superman’s mother was married to his father; Jesus’s mother cuckolded her husband.
• Superman was not born to a virgin; Jesus was.
• Superman’s father died after sending him to Earth; Jesus’s father is immortal
• Superman’s home, Krypton, was destroyed; Jesus’s home, Heaven, is eternal
• Superman was raised by adoptive parents; Jesus was raised by his birth mother
• Superman’s super powers were because he was born on Krypton in an advanced civilization; Jesus’s super powers were supernatural
• Superman’s alter ego is a mild mannered reporter; Jesus’s alter ego is a tyrannical deity (as part of a trinity)
• Superman wears a cape; Jesus wore a robe
• Superman wears tights; Jesus went commando.
• Superman is a fictional character; Jesus is ???

Next up to tap the wallets of Christians — watch for an upcoming book suggesting parallels between Bruce Wayne / Batman and Saul / Paul.

Footnote:

1. The Gospel according to the World’s Greatest Superhero by Stephen Skelton.