Comments on: Superman Jesus

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:09:42 +0000

The Rebbi along with several others did good in explaining the historic start of Superman. The writer and artist were both Jewish, thus the influence was from Hebrew Torah, Psalms and Proverbs. The Jews have been waiting for the Return of Messiah(or Hebrew Moshiach = Greek Christos) – or “Annointed” Ruler since before Yeshua-Christ, or Jesus Christ.
For those curious enough to find out more about Hebrew influences and words, check out links:
For Kal-El or Voice of G_d…
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6963&t=KJV
For Jor-El – Yare-El or Fear/Awe of God.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3372&t=KJV
In these two names exist two undeniable truths taught by the Old Testament, that first, the fear/awe of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom and that by his Word/Voice you shall live.
Psalm 33 is an interesting reading for Jor-El, verse 8.
Genesis 3 Shama Kal-El Yehovah Elohiym, verse 8. which I’m sure is interesting to Rabbi about Adam and Eve, marriage and life in this world.
But there is one other bit of information that all missed. The name Clark or Clarke is a derivation of Clerk, from Greek Klericos, or clercs, clergy, assistants and/or priest which is tied back to Levites. Klericos – meaning inheritance, legacy or possibly a share of, or portion in Hebrew – Khalek.
See Genesis 31:14 for reference at above links.

By: Will

Will — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:05:34 +0000

Hi,
Check out this trailer on Jesus Christ Returns.
Regards
Will

By: Tony O'Rourke

Tony O'Rourke — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:59:34 +0000

Oh, and it’s sort of hard to be separating out Old Testament references from New Testament ones, since the writers of the New Testament were VERY VERY familiar with the Old Testament stories, and parallels were deliberatey drawn, references made constantly.

By: Tony O'Rourke

Tony O'Rourke — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 10:55:27 +0000

Well, glad we have things clear. The connections and parallels between J.C. and Supes have been there right from the start, whether deliberately or not.
Remember, he was created to give hope to Depression era America (and Cleveland, specifically), and directly following that, to provide propaganda against the Nazi’s, to some degree.
Brian Singer did think about getting Hopkins, ironically mentioned above, to play Jor-El, and he would have been ideal out of actors still living, but did eventually decide to go with archival footage of Brando, whose voice resembles Hopkins when feining anglo speech patterns.
But I think to get upset with these parallels is as ridiculous as to get upset by the parellels between Dracula, King Kong, and other stories of fear by white men of ethnic men taking their women.
It’s just a freakin’ story, people!! No one is praying to Superman and no one thinks that the latin phrases in Harry Potter work as spells, and anyone who does (pray to Superman or practice latin spells) belongs in an institution.

By: Earl Medley

Earl Medley — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:32:40 +0000

i know this is an old blog but for someone who might find it like I did. i think if you look more into it or if you are a comic buff and know the plot. Not the one in the movies. Superman is actually more of a Moses. Sent in a small vessel by his parents to sve him. raised in his new land as if he was from there. Discovers late in life he is different. There are more points but the search is what makes it fun. Do a search.

By: Anthony Neal

Anthony Neal — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 05:54:01 +0000

I would like to correct some misinterpretations of the Superman mythology and the films ideals. Superman was sent to earth by Jor-El. it is clear that he was a passionate conservationist that had realised (as so many cultures do) that a line has been crossed and a tragedy is impending. He save the best part of himself and sent it along with his son to act as a subtle warning to a planet that he could see going the same way. the ship, the crystals even Jor-El speech in the fortress clearly shows that Earth and Human kind was well known to the kryptonians for many years. lets face it if Kal-El was educated by picking up radio and media signals he wouldnt have been much of a saviour now would he. He isnt a christ figure except to those that beleive in Christ. religion was not mentioned on Krypton and Superman is for a united beleif in ourselves not a specific beleive in a deity that even he cant prove or disprove. faith is a wonderful thing and the object of that faith is a very personal feeling. parralels in religion can befound in many forms of litrature and media. But often superficial similarities are no more than coincidental occurences lumped together in a familiar formatte. the story goes child arrives in an unfamiliar setting grows up and learns from peers, has an feeling inside that he is different and is destined to do something, learns about himself via relationships and adventures and ultimatly leanrs to accept who he is and do what he must to make things right. i have just described
Jesus, Superman, frankensteins monster, mowgli, tarzan, prot by Gene Barry (good book please read) and lets face countless other individuals. live life try not to anylize it too much 🙂

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 20:07:48 +0000

Just saw the new Superman and totally see a parallel to Jesus (and did in the last one too…) Yes it would make sense that the original writers made it parallel. I saw things beyond the father/son savior parallel. glad to see I’m not the only one … like what about Parker Posey’s character (Kitty?), the “hooker”? She is like Mary Magdalene, changed by and ending up true to Superman. I won’t give it away…) Superman is always weakened and made to suffer (put on the cross so to speak…) He just about comes back from the dead in every movie…Then there’s the discourse in the new one:”Why the world doesn’t need Superman/Why the world does need Superman”!! Wow. Deep! ; )

By: Curtis

Curtis — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 12:33:24 +0000

Everyone is aware that the creators of Superman were both Jewish right? It is supposed to parallel Jesus. And if you really look into the Jesus/Osirus parallel they aren’t even as similar as Superman/Jesus. Either Discovery or the History Channel did a really good special about Jewish and Christian parallels to other Religions.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 16:08:18 +0000

Rabbi Shevack -- Thanks for the great comment. I never knew about those etymological derrivations, fascinating to see that stuff built in, even to the earlier story where the narrative follows the Christ story so much more loosely. You might be interested to note that this post, and your comment, got picked up by MSNBC as "Some view new Superman as Christ figure: Both are heroes sent to earth by fathers to serve mankind".

By: Rabbi Michael Shevack

Rabbi Michael Shevack — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 12:47:25 +0000

It’s pretty obvious that Superman is a Jesus figure. His kryptonian name is Kal-el, which in Hebrew means “voice of God”. His father’s name is Jor-el, which in Hebrew means “fear/awe of God”.
Thus, we have the classic Christian paradigm of the supposed Wrathful God of the “Old” Testament sending the human-word to earth, with, of course,
powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men.
The paralells are much deeper, in fact, than most of the other observers have noticed.