Superman and Jesus / April 18, 2014
Superman and Jesus
What got my attention last week?
Superman and Jesus in particular. I know I risk offending nearly everybody by looking at these two figures but they have been inescapable this week and sadly the theme has been around disempowerment.
A truly super boy called Noah was the first to draw my attention to Superman, but he has passed the baton to Tom my son (another truly super being) who has come home from university for a week to complete his dissertation. The subject of Tom's work is how technology has liberated script-writers in the making of Superman movies, comparing Superman (1977) to Man of Steel (2013).
The niceties of cinematography are lost on me and, rather cynically, all I could see was the repeated theme that the Human Race is not enough and needs saving by something greater than itself.
Where have we heard that story before, particularly around Easter?
This continual need for a Saviour is a distraction. Looking for someone or something to come and make everything alright is a cop out. Admittedly, Superman is entertaining and Jesus would have been the last person to suggest we were anything other than divine, but as ever the message has been manipulated.
The New Age (or new cage) movement adds to the story by attacking the masculine impulse to act when action is precisely what is needed at this time. Not reactive aggressive action but conscious considered action. Our inaction, our lack of attention has created a world in need of saving, and, like it or not, we are the Saviours.
There is a poster that keeps showing up which states "If you are not outraged you are not paying attention". I agree. It is no longer OK look the other way, it is not the same as turning the other cheek. Take a look at what's going on and in so doing cast your light on it.
That evil exists in the world does not make you evil (I bought that New Age line for a too long). Ignoring the evil makes you complicit.
Time to dig out your Superman pants and be the light you are!
Love
Bill