SUPERMAN (1978)

Directed by: Richard Donner
Written by: Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, Robert Benton
Studio: Warner Brothers
Starring: Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve
Rated: PG

About the film:
An alien is sent to earth by his parents when it becomes clear that his planet is dying. He is found and adopted by kind farmers and grows up to become The Man of Steel, with superhuman powers which he uses to protect the people of his new home… Earth.

Movie Quote:
“They can be a great people, Kal-El, if they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason, above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you: my only son.”
Jor-El (Marlon Brando) in Superman (1978)

Bible Quote:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)

Commentary:
There are a lot of parallels between the story of Superman and the story of our Lord and Savior. This is not to belittle God’s plan of redemption. We know that nothing compares to the accomplishments of Jesus Christ and the grace extended to us through his works. But, the creators of the Man of Steel clearly borrowed from the Son of God.

He sacrifice of God’s only begotten son was made so that every man, woman and child on this earth would have the opportunity to be saved. This sacrifice can never be understated nor can it be overemphasized for it is this simple act that has literally changed the world and delivered hope where hope did not exist.

We do have the potential to be a great and mighty people… a people not defined by territorial boundaries, skin color, or heritage. That which binds us together is the bond fused by the love of God and made possible by the blood of Christ.

Let us live worthy of the love God has shown us. Let us live in the light which God has illuminated in our hearts, showing us the way we should go. Let us live as Jesus Christ lived, following his steps, doing his works, always doing the Father’s will. Only then shall we be the “supermen” that God knows we can be.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. In what ways does the story of Superman remind you of aspects of the life and earthly ministry of Jesus Christ? It what ways does the analogy fail?
2. Spiritually speaking, was Superman right or wrong to take the action he did at the end of the film? Why or why not?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com