There is no obvious religious reference in Superman comics. But for eighty years he was seen as a divine entity, a character of the Savior – his sacrifice was like Christ. He led the will to be as strong as Moses’s separation of the Red Sea. His compassion is similar to that of a Bodhisattva, an enlightened man who guides Buddhists on the spiritual path.
While scholars, comic artists and fans are all shocked by the religious hues in Superman comics, they say that distinguishing Superman from the growing group of superheroes is his unique ability to bring hope into a desperate world.
As fans celebrate Superman Day on Friday, marking the 87th anniversary of the birth of the original superhero in DC Comics, they are also eagerly anticipating James Gunn’s film ‘Superman’ set for release on July 11. This version starring David Corenswet-the first Jewish actor to play Superman in a major film-promises a return to a version of a vulnerable Man of Steel who is rooted in values espoused by most faiths – goodness, compassion and hope.
The film sparked conversations about Superman’s place in the world and his personal code of ethics, which had previously described superheroes as anti-heroes. Corenswet said in a recent interview with Fandango that his attraction to Superman is the way he chooses to see the good in people rather than indulge in the negative. “Why consider all the horrible things when we can focus on the good things today?”
In the interview, Gunn said his Superman will strengthen the character’s purpose of keeping life at all costs. “He believes that the sanctity of life is crucial,” he said, pointing out that in stark contrast to Superman’s Magna Carta, Lex Luthor, which values scientific progress over life.Hope and positive masculinity
It was this kind, hopeful Superman who inspired Robert Revington, who taught at the Vancouver School of Theology at the University of British Columbia and skydiving in Superman’s outfit for his 28th birthday. However, Christian Revington’s portrayal of Christ’s favorite superhero is manifested. “I like Superman, I like Jesus,” he said. “I don’t necessarily want to confuse the two. For me, the best portrayal of Superman is a symbol of hope.”
Revington also sees the meaning of superhuman as “an example of positive masculinity.” He added: “He is the version of this powerful but compassionate masculinity that several famous figures may not necessarily reflect.”
The “most popular iteration of Superman” by Revington’s and many others is “All-Star Superman,” a 12-year series published between 2005 and 2008. The superhero saves a young man who is about to take his life away with a cute message: “You are stronger than you think you are.”
Grant Morrison, who wrote those comics, said his view on Superman was shaped by Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola’s “A Speech on Human Dignity,” which argued that humans should be kinder than angels.
Call for unaffiliated people
Despite its religious qualities, Superman is still very attractive to people who grow up, said Dan Clanton, a professor of religious studies at the University of Dorn, Nebraska.
He said it was because Superman’s story “really encapsulates American folk religion.” “The idea is that regardless of religious identity, there are some practices and beliefs that provide everyone’s ideas and a part of something bigger than oneself,” he said.
Neal Bailey, a contributor to Superman’s homepage for more than a decade, considers Superman to be his best “philosophical pragmatist”, solving the most complex problems with the least damage.
