Review: ‘Man of Steel’ Offers Parallels of Christ

It is not hard to see that Superman is a character that resembles Christ. Movieguide has seen many of the past Superman films stress this also, but Man of Steel seems to show this even more. 

Man of Steel portrays Clark Kent’s early years, being raised by two parents who were not his biological parents but who had a great love and understanding of his power and worth. Clark’s father seems to truly believe in Clark “changing the world someday” and continues to tell Clark as a child that he will bring hope and truth. Clark’s mother also tells Clark, “The truth about you is beautiful,” and she says one day he will bring that truth to mankind, which will bring them hope.

In this Superman movie, Clark grows up being bullied, which his father says is a result of people of this world rejecting him, but Clark constantly turns the other cheek. However, at one point he does display righteous judgment.

Even as a boy, in Clark’s core, he seems to know he’s not of this world, but he realizes he is there for a purpose. He cannot restrain himself from helping others and saving lives.

All of these things are clear parallels to the life of Jesus, whose mother too understood she was carrying the savoir of mankind. When Jesus was younger, he was rejected at points, but at the temple he showed righteous judgment when goods were being sold.

When Clark reaches 33, he encounters a computerized simulation of his biological father’s personality. The simulation tells him his purpose is to “lay down [his] life.” It also tells Clark he’s not from this world but is in the world and therefore “embodies both worlds.” This is a parallel to Christ being both man and God at the same time. In this respect, the computer simulation of Clark’s biological father becomes like the Holy Spirit.

Just like Jesus, who was crucified at age 33, Clark realizes he must save the world at this same age. When Lois Lane is hurt, Clark tells her he has the ability to heal her, which he does. Of course, we know Jesus performed many healings of the sick. The simulation of Clark’s father also tells him he is “the bridge between these people to another world.” Similarly, Jesus is the bridge, or mediator, between God and man.

In the movie, General Zod is the villain who’s trying to destroy Earth. As such, he is clearly a metaphor for the devil who wants to bring death and destruction, while Jesus brings life and hope. 

Man of Steel is a great example of a Christian parable in today’s popular culture. It shows a clear Christlike hero. There are some cautionary elements, however, so please take a look at the full review at http://www.movieguide.org/reviews/man-of-steel.html.