Christian Parallels

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Is the new Superman meant to be Jesus? the BBC provocatively asks. In case they're reading this the answer is 'no' but, as they point out, the new film does draw quite a few Superman-Jesus parallels.

  • Stabbed in side with Kryptonite - like Jesus stabbed with spear
  • Empty hospital room - empty tomb of Jesus
  • Falls to Earth, arms outstretched - Crucifixion-like
  • Cradled in mother's arms - like Michelangelo's Pieta
  • Superman says world needs saviour
  • Superman's five years in space echoes the Ascension
  • Shown with weight of world/sin on shoulders1

I think this is good of the BBC to point out, but if they tried harder they'd realise the parallels that exist with the Christian story in every single film ever. I've already pointed this out with the Matrix Trilogy but in case they need some more examples here are three more analogies that can be drawn.

Batman

God is made angry by the injustice and suffering in the world, but he has a plan to sort it all out so that's cool. Batman too is made angry by the injustice and suffering. I'm not sure he really has a plan to sort it all out, but he is cool. So whatever.

Inside Man

God has created an amazing book filled with interesting characters and revealing a fantastic way for the entire world to be saved. However, very few people have read it. Idiots. Similarly Spike Jonze has created an amazing film filled with interesting characters and revealing a fantastic way to rob a bank. However, very few people have seen it. Idiots.

Bruce Almighty

God has the power to do whatever He wants to do anytime He wants to do it. In Bruce Almighty Bruce has the power to do whatever he wants to do anytime he wants to do it. Also, both God and Bruce like dogs.

1 Parallels that were written in after reading early Gnostic works and the Da Vinci code and then subsequently dropped when the author sobered up:

  • Is a regular guy and a hero, but never at the same time
  • Spoiler! hi-light to reveal: Has a secret hidden affair with a woman he gets along with and so has a secret hidden child.

There are 4 expressions of opinion about what was written.
Mark wrote this at 13:13, Fri, 28/07/06, Link
Filed in
It is tagged by with these tags: analogies, bbc, bible, christian, comic, films, footnotes, god, superman

Your Comments

Paul

Well done for pointing out that parallels exist between the Christian story and the Matrix trilogy. I heard it first on Iamsparticus.com

Written by Paul at 16:48, Fri, 28/07/06

Paul

Also, am I the first to notice the Picture of Fortress Portman Road On here?

Written by Paul at 16:15, Sat, 29/07/06

the real Phil Brown

no

Written by the real Phil Brown at 00:11, Sun, 30/07/06

Paul

Also, am I the first to point out in a comment the Picture of Fortress Portman Road On here?

Written by Paul at 00:42, Mon, 31/07/06

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