Vol. 5 No. 16 June 25, 2006

The Gospel According to Clark Kent

Written By Christopher Mentzer

This week marks the return of Superman to the Silver Screen. The movie, aptly titled, Superman Returns picks up where the second film left off. However, this movie is a little different in that it is filled with religious undertones and there is a comparison of The Man of Steel to Jesus Christ. Here are a few of those comparisons from a book entitled The Gospel According to The World’s Greatest Superhero:

• Both Superman and Christ possess superhuman strength: Superman physically and Christ spiritually. We want a Savior powerful enough to overcome all opposition.
• Superman has X-ray vision; nothing is hidden from God's sight. We long to be transparent and have nothing to hide.
• Superman has heat vision; the resurrected Christ has eyes like blazing fire (Revelation 1:14). We are desperate for a purifying fire—one that can burn away the evil desires we have struggled against.
• Superman has super hearing; God hears people's prayers even before they are said (Isaiah 65:24). We need our Savior to hear us whenever we call. Superman is "faster than a speeding bullet"; Christ is an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). We want a Savior who reacts immediately and doesn't leave us alone in our difficulties.
• Superman flies up, up and away, just as Christ ascended into heaven. We yearn to be free of the troubles of Earth to join God in heaven (Revelation 21:4).

Although I haven’t read the book, this excerpt and articles like it focus on the superhero and not the mild-mannered Clark Kent side of the character. I suppose the comparison of Clark Kent to Jesus would be from Phil. 2: 7-8, “7. but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8. and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient `even' unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” While I agree with this, the problem is in the fact that Superman hid his identity behind the persona of Clark Kent while Jesus never hid who he really was. Look at these verses:

“All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth who the Son is, save the Father; and who the Father is, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal `him'.” (Lk. 10: 22)

“They said therefore unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye know neither me, nor my Father: if ye knew me, ye would know my Father also.” (Jn. 8: 19)

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” (Jn. 15:10)

Basically the combination of Clark Kent and Superman reminds me of the Closet Christian; one who wears his Christianity like a costume. He puts it on Sunday morning and then takes it off when he comes home. This should not be the pattern we follow. We should live like a Christian 24/7 and should not hide it. Jesus said, “14. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do `men' light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5: 14-16)

Finally in regards to looking for another Christ, Jesus said, “23. Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ, or, Here; believe `it' not. 24. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25. Behold, I have told you beforehand.” (Matt. 24: 23-25) Savior or not, Superman cannot lead you to heaven (John 14:6).