Shawn Moore

Theology

10/11/06

Superman and Philosophical Theology

This article helped point out some of the similarities between Superman and Philosophical Theology. One of them is how Superman was brought into the world by a ship from krypton and landed in Kansas where he was found in a wheat field. Jesus just like Superman came into the world in a strange way as he was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a Virgin Woman. Another comparison is the Kingdom Come comic. In this comic the Earth appears to have the same illusion as in Revelation. Superman, just like Jesus, comes back to Earth and defeats the enemy.

Superman has his Fortress of Solitude where he begins to think of why does he fight crime when there will be no end to it. Why does he fight crime when not many people care about having peace in the world? This question is similar to one of the greatest philosophical question asked by many. Many people wonder “Why am I living if I will eventually die?” Superman has Wonder Woman to tell him that he just has to face it, just as British Philosopher Bertrand Russell. That if we try to avoid the problem it won’t go away.

Naturalism is a major element of why Superman fights crime. If there was no evil then there would be no need for Superman. The fight between good and evil is what makes him so important in his comics. From naturalism comes the question of the distinction between good and evil, which is a topic that is searched by many philosophers and is a key part in philosophy.

The idea of morality in the world of Superheroes is the same as in theology. The distinction between what is good and what is evil and the system of reward and punishment is shown in many of the teachings in theology.

Superman and many other superheroes brings hope to people that things will turn out right. Jesus, in the same way, provides hope for others that their problems will start to get better.