'How Gay Is Superman?'
Or Jewish. Or Christ-Like. The Battle to Claim Superman as an Icon
Some see Superman, though, as not only Christian -- but Christ-like.
In the trailer for "Superman Returns," Superman's father, Jor-El, says, "Even though you're being raised as a human being, you are not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason, above all -- their capacity for growth -- I have sent them you: my only son."
A 2002 issue of the Journal of Religion and Film alleges 20 Superman-Jesus parallels.
"Both Superman and Jesus had earthly family ties. Both had heavenly origins. Both heroes were raised incognito on Earth. Both were of 'royal' blood, both righted wrongs, both acted as [saviors], both displayed incredible powers, and both performed miracles," the author wrote.
A new book, "The Gospel According to the World's Greatest Superhero," elaborates on the argument that Jesus and Superman are one and the same.
Of course, it should surprise no one that various groups are tangling over whether Superman is one of their own -- while no one claims, say, Superman's arch nemesis, Lex Luthor.
