From Another World

He came to earth from another place; he humbled Himself so that humanity might be saved. Sound like a line from a movie trailer? Well, it's actually the essence of what has been called "the greatest story ever told." And, His story can impact our lives every single day. Philippians chapter 2 states that Jesus Christ...
...(6) being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

There is a movie in theaters about a man from another world who came to earth and went about doing good.  And, despite some early comments that the movie might suffer at the box office due to some woke comments from the director, Box Office Mojo reports that Superman is now north of $150 million at the American box office and over $250 worldwide. 

A Movieguide article, commenting on the pre-release buzz, noted:

“How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?” former Superman Dean Cain asked. “Why are they going to change these characters [to] exist for the times?”

Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro released a video titled: “Superman is Going WOKE – You Know What That Means…”

To be fair, many of these comments feel justified given that SUPERMAN Director James Gunn said, “I mean, Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”

Gunn clarrifies, though, “On another level it’s about morality. Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”

Movieguide goes on to say:

“Ironically, the scenes with Superman’s father contradict the movie’s politically correct pro-immigration theme, which has been touted by Gunn and his movie’s star, David Corenswet, who plays Superman, in recent press interviews,” according to the Movieguide® review.

But the review also states: “In the movie, however, a twist reveals that Superman’s parents had some ulterior, negative motives for sending their son to Earth. Not only that, but it turns out that Superman’s positive values and compassionate instincts to help other people come not from his biological parents from a foreign planet but actually come from the American parents who adopted him! Thus, the movie actually reveals there are good reasons for people to be concerned about the impact that immigrants can have on their homeland. It also reveals that the American heartland has a culture that fosters good values in the people who live there and in the children who are raised there.”

That is a theme that is explored by Paul Batura over at The Daily Citizen, the news website of Focus on the Family. 

It wasn’t merely Superman’s geographic location that made him who he was – it was his parents, who instilled in him a moral compass. That foundation allowed him to utilize his powers for good.

That’s the beauty and gift of adoption. Only in real life, boys and girls don’t grow up to become superheroes, but everything else. Children otherwise destined to suffer and struggle in a broken and unsafe environment hit the proverbial jackpot when they’re welcomed into loving forever homes.

Mothers and fathers may not possess otherworldly powers or “leap tall buildings in a single bound” – but they still might be viewed as superheroes of a sort by children they might foster or adopt.

Superman might well come from another planet, but thanks to his mother and father, that planet became home to him. Rather than politicizing the Superman franchise, its director would be wise to highlight how adoption made Kal-El – and how it can also save and make children’s and parents’ dreams comes true.

Kal-El is the Kryptonite name of Superman.  Batura does point out:

Over the years, some have suggested that the Old and New Testaments helped inspire the Superman franchise, specifically likening Kent to either Moses or Jesus. It’s sometimes pointed out that the suffix “El” in “Kal-El” means “of God” or “voice of God.”

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the strip’s original creators, were Jewish and were said to pull from some Old Testament heroes, but they didn’t have any spiritual agenda in doing so. Stephen Skelton, author of “The Gospel According to the World’s Greatest Superhero,” says Siegel’s main inspiration stemmed from the murder of his own father in the depths of the Great Depression and the world bracing for war.

Skelton noted, “They were looking for a savior figure they could relate to, they could envision, something to give them hope, inspire them..."

Movieguide also noted: "Despite what SUPERMAN’s crew may say the movie promotes, the message that shines through is one that celebrates a 'Strong moral pro-life worldview with a light redemptive tone promotes doing the right thing, compassion, justice, fighting and overcoming tyrannical evil, setting the captives free, and protecting and saving lives.'” Commentator Samuel Sey wrote, "Since it’s faithful to the Superman story, it’s subtly pro-life, pro-adoption, pro-fathers, pro-family."

When considering the Superman story, and specifically the new movie, it does seem as if these reviewers agree that there are positive messages consistent with Scripture.  And, these are messages that should be reinforced in our culture. 

These are messages that parents can teach to their children - these include, as Scripture teaches, putting the needs of others above our own and seeking to, as Movieguide relates, do the "right thing."  Even though we can become discouraged by actions and messages in our country today that contradict our Judeo-Christian heritage as Americans, there is still an innate search going on for home and meaning in life.  A relationship with Jesus Christ can provide the hope they're looking for. 

We can place our trust in the One who is not of this world, but came to earth to seek and save the lost - that's you and me - and to instill His hope in our hearts.