Superman's "Savior" Myth: Its Origins and Shortcomings

In a scene from the recent Superman Returns movie, viewers witness Superman try to restore Lois Lane's faith in him after his long absence from Earth. Lois tells Superman, "The world doesn't need a savior, and neither do I." Superman responds by taking her on yet another one of their flying adventures, high above the city of Metropolis. He asks her what she can hear. Her answer is the same as ours is from the audience: nothing. Yet Superman reveals that he hears everything. He goes on to tell her, "You say the world doesn't need a savior. But every day, I hear them crying out for one." One might say Superman has something of a messiah complex. But the truth is, Superman didn't create this image of himself: we did.

Superman = Messiah: Where'd That Come From?

The image of Superman as Earth's savior is nothing new. Throughout the story of Superman, who is widely viewed as America's chief legend in the nation's pantheon of folklore and mythology, we find images and ideas that closely link him to the Judeo-Christian Messiah tradition. The very crux of his story is that of a hero who descends from the heavens to save humanity by repeatedly sacrificing himself for them, in service to them and out of love for them. In the film Superman Returns, which seems to place more emphasis than ever on Superman's "messiah" representation, Lois Lane tells us he's only good and "never lies." He sacrifices everything for humanity, loses his life to prevent a coming apocalypse at the hands of Lex Luthor, and is miraculously resurrected. If that doesn't kindle some thoughts of a messiah, I don't know what will.

Superman's true name is Kal-El, a name that appears rich in Hebrew origins. El in Hebrew serves as both a suffix and affix; as a suffix, it serves as the masculine singular word for God, while as an affix, its most common translation is "of God. Interestingly, the word's use as a suffix is often found in the name of angels (i.e., Gabriel, Rafael), who in Judeo-Christianity are often pictured as humanoid forms with the ability to fly-among other super-human abilities-who serve as agents of God's will. The word "kal" in Hebrew has origins meaning both "lightness" (or "swiftness"; perhaps the ability to fly?), and "everything". The latter meaning suggests the literal meaning of Kal-El as "all that is God," or "the everything of God." Some have interpreted the second meaning as suggesting Kal-El as the "son" of God, thus propagating Superman's representation as a Christ figure and savior.

The Superman-Messiah's "Kryptonite": Where Superman Fails as the Messiah-Image

There is always something nice and comforting about having a relatable image to connect to a theological idea that seems so far above our heads. Superman is not the only case of such imagery. Throughout the history of Judeo-Christian theology, many images have been attributed to Christ to make him more "relatable" to us as humans. We have represented him as a Shepherd, a Teacher, a brother and friend. Unfortunately, no manmade image of the theological and spiritual Messiah can ever be perfect. Superman is no exception to the rule.

In an early Christian sect known as Docetism, the validity of the claim that Christ Jesus was fully-God and fully-man came into question. In their belief, Jesus only appeared human, but in reality was only God. He lived among us as a fully-God pseudo-man. This ideology is, quite accurately, perpetuated through the Superman myth. In Superman's mythology, Kal-El serves as a god among men; he is powerful, seemingly impervious to any weapons of man. Clark Kent, his alter ego, serves as a pseudo-man, Kal-El's representation of humanity that makes humanity comfortable with his presence. He lives among the people of Earth as a man, but we all know that in truth he is alien, much more than man, and not really one of us at all.

Unfortunately for both the Docetists and Superman, Docetism was officially condemned as heresy in 451, at the fourth ecumenical council in Chalcedon. The Council officially confirmed the Christian theology that Jesus had one nature, fully divine and fully human, that was inseparable within him. This decision, and that tenant of the Christian faith, deals a crippling-one might say, a kryptonite-blow to Superman's image as "Christ"-figure.

This is not the only kryptonite to Superman's messiah complex. In Judeo-Christianity, Jesus neither married nor engaged in sexual-romantic activity; in Superman's myth, there is Lois Lane, and several allusions to his and her sexual relationship (in some series, the two even get married). In Judeo-Christianity, Jesus was tempted to sin, but never gave in to that temptation. Superman, on the other hand, has bent the rules, and even broke the law; though Lois Lane claims he never lies, we know his Clark Kent persona has often been, shall we say, less than honest about himself, his origins, et cetera.

Salvation: Superman 1,000,000 - Jesus Eternity

Perhaps the final death-blow to Superman's "Christ" image is seen through the lens of the Christian theology of salvation. Superman tells Lois that the world cries out for a savior, and we assume he's insinuating that he is that savior. But look at how many times Superman has to save the world: bombings, terrorist attacks, nuclear strikes, petty crime, theft, murder . . . the list goes on and on. Superman is a perpetual savior. His acts of salvation are short lived and must be carried out again and again; every time he pays the bill for humanity, humanity wracks up new charges and he has to start all over again. Not so with Jesus. Jesus is an eternal savior. His act of salvation influences not only the here and now, but all people for all eternity; he paid a one time price that pays the bill forever. Sorry, Superman, but not even you can beat that!

The image of Superman as a savior is flawed, but comforting. It is relatable, but has its weak spots. It is satisfying to a point, but not as satisfying as the real thing. Lest we forget, the critical failing of Superman is that he isn't real: he is drawn, acted, voiced, and represented, but ultimately not here. While his image paints a pretty picture on the scene of American mythology, it falters in the light of actual theology. Yet despite all its failings, the image of Superman as a savior continues to endure, and likely will for a long, long time.