The new Superman movie trailer is out.
Listen very closely to Jar-El's overdub at the end. You might be surprised... "These people have the desire... they only lack the light to show the way... because they have the capacity for good.... for this reason I send my only son..."
Certainly the "capacity for good" reeks of Pelagianism. Their environment causes them to do wrong and the only need the proper environment (or role model) to correct their actions and behavior. This is blatantly wrong. We are born sinful, unable to do good apart from our faith given first in baptism and preserved by the Holy Spirit through the Word. It reminds me more of existentialism as well where we can be good if only we can think and do outside of ourselves.
Obviously the "send my only son" is Christ typology. I haven't studied much of the pagan mythology but I understand this idea of a deity's only son is present in other cultures as well.
The light concept recalls Luke 11 and the Parable of the Lighted Lamp and perhaps the creed "Light of Light." Some examples I recall from the Old Testament are Isaiah 9,42,49, 60. These reference being a light to the Gentiles. Most obviously would be the numerous references of Christ as the light in John 1, as well the remainder of the Gospel.
I have found the concept of pseudo-Christianity in pop culture and especially film to be an interesting one. Many of these superhero and fantasy Sci-Fi flicks coming out of Hollywood have strong elements, which mimic Christian doctrine. The savior myths these films tell (Star Wars, Matrix films, Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings, etc.) never ring as true as Christ.
I was surprised to hear some heretical teaching (Pelagianism) coming out of the Superman myth. I shouldn't have been as there is "nothing new under the sun." Being able to identify the heresy is more than useful and is essential. Beware of substituting your understanding of Christ with Superman (or other superheroes.)
>Inspired by
Superman as Guiding Light for Mankind by Paul McCain
