How to Share Your Faith Using Superman Returns
The Man of Steel is back!! After an absence of several years, Superman returns, in Superman Returns. Perhaps you're thinking: 'what a creative name - Superman Returns ?!?' But regardless of the title, Superman is back! Back to fight evil, save the world and face the next chapter in his ongoing love for Lois Lane. For Christian viewers who have the eyes to see it, this Superman movie is loaded with imagery about a Savior, a light for a lost world, a plan for redemption, and a world that is not sure it wants or needs to be saved from the coming cataclysmic destruction.
As a Christian, it's not news to you that Jesus is the ultimate 'superman' - the God-man who came to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14 puts it this way,
"Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world."
The Bible also describes Jesus as the Light of the world. John 8:12 says,
"Jesus said to the people, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'"
If you see this movie with your friends, you will be able to find lots of openings for talking about God and the Christian view of the Savior of the world. Try raising some of these topics when you're hanging out with your friends:
- Speaking of the human race, Superman's 'real' father explains, "They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all - their capacity for good, I have sent them you, my only Son." Ask your friends if they see any similarities between this statement and the Christian beliefs explained in the Bible about God the Father sending His son Jesus. Explain how the Bible describes Jesus as the Savior and the Light of the world.
- Do you agree that humans have a capacity for good? And a capacity of evil? Ask them what they think about why there is good and evil in the world. Share what you believe. If you need help with this check out the 'Our sins separate us from God' part of the GOSPEL Journey.
- Lois Lane confronts Superman at one point in the movie and says, "The world doesn't need a Savior and neither do I." Ask your friends if they think that's true? Share what you believe.
- Superman's "foster" mother tells Superman, "Your father used to say that you were put here for a reason..." Find out what your friends think about whether they were 'put here for a reason'. Do you know the purposes for which God created you? Share what you believe about being created to be in relationship with God - to know Him, love Him, serve Him and spread His light and love in your corner of the world.
Superman is attempting to protect the world from destruction in a cosmic battle between good and evil. Do you realize that you too have a role to play in the cosmic battle? Here's how the Bible puts it:
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
By sharing God's light and love with those around you, you are attempting to protect your corner of the world from the destructive influences of the evil one. The movie Superman Returns can do more than just offer another superhero diversion on the summer movie scene. But you're the one who's been directed to play a role in the script - are you?!
