Warner Bros, the studio behind the movie, provided sermon outlines for churches that draw parallels between Superman and Jesus. In both stories, the “superheroes” are sent from their father from another world and live a modest life until extraordinary times require their supernatural response. Both are wrongly accused and have to sacrifice themselves to save the world from death and destruction.
Not surprisingly, this sparked a debate whether it would be appropriate to use these materials in church. A funny, quick summary of the “Man of Steel” plot was given by Mark Driscoll earlier this year – you can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6pVRv_SnPc.
I recently however came across an interesting Superbook/Man of Steel mash-up trailer.
It’s using the original soundtrack of the Man of Steel movie trailer but shows visuals and scenes from the new Superbook series by CBN. It works surprisingly well!
Whilst I don’t think churches should use their pulpit as a Marketing platform for the latest Warner Bros movie, I can thoroughly recommend the Superbook series for any Christian children’s worker or ministry. We’ve been using the new series for over a year now in Sunday school at our church and the kids absolutely love the animations and Bible stories.
When Superbook’s original series was launched in the 1970s in Japan, it managed to draw a weekly audience of nearly 4 million each week and helped the Bible to be catapulted to the number 1 spot of the bestseller lists.
My childhood, too, was quite impacted by the old Superbook series so I’m excited about it now being able in a re-imagined version for a new generation.
For more information and to get your copies of the DVDs please visit http://superbookdvdclub.com/ or http://www.cbn.com/superbook/index.aspx.
Wow, that is neat that they would provide resources for Christians. Gosh i still haven’t even seen Man of Steel .. might be worth a watch. I do love the Superbook series though — both the old and new ones.
I’ve purchased and enjoyed several of Hope Animation’s products. But I have to give you my true opinion of this sad idea. There is no comparison to our Savior, the God of the universe. To attempt to make one is to compare the potter to the clay. It takes away from His glory. An added note: any time Hollywood is not only coming up with their ideas of God vs anyone, but even providing church pulpits with their twisted reasoning, be very sure the prince of this world is behind it and cheering it on.
Thanks for your comment, Kathy. This post isn’t as much about the Superman movie than about the new Superbook series. It’s a fantastic tool to tell a new generation about Jesus and the Bible. Have you watched the video?
Superman can save the persons body from psychal harm… But Jesus save their souls… I wonder if there will be an superhero who will spread the word of god? (Besides bibleman)