Kal-El Among Other gods

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22)

With the much-anticipated Man of Steel hurtling towards us, there’s much to reflect upon regarding the value of Superman in our culture.  For example, as a Christ metaphor, Superman exhibits the characteristics of the Savior that our world needs.  His purity offers us something to aspire for.  His otherworldly strength and compassion demonstrates himself as one who will keep us safe from supernatural evil.  Though, despite the truth of all of these statements, there is still another important element that is less discussed.

The human race isn’t the only group that needs Superman.

I’m speaking, of course, of the Justice League.

Although the primary emphasis for Superman remains as a salvific force for the human race, he also remains a key figure in DC’s alliance of superheroes.  (In fact, Warner Bros. has gone on record by saying that the fate of the long-awaited Justice League film hinders on the success of Man of Steel.) Interestingly, however, exactly how central a role that may be is a subject of much debate. For years, despite being one of the founding members of the Justice League  (and, arguably, the most powerful), his worthiness as leader of this team of DC’s finest has been questioned openly amongst fans.  Having been accused of being a ‘boy scout’, Superman’s ‘small-town morals’ and relentless pursuit of truth often fly in opposition of other, more ‘progressive’ members of the team.

While Superman may be only one member of this very diverse group of heroes, the truth is that Justice League would be a very different team without him at the helm.  Could the team truly function properly if centered around Batman’s vigilante nature and moral ambiguity? Would the team remain as grounded if led by Green Lantern and his cockiness? The Flash’s immaturity and impulsiveness? (In some ways, a sound case can be made for Wonder Woman yet she seems to lack the charisma necessary.) Despite their many positives, all of these superhero legends contain very visible character flaws that hinder their leadership abilities.

Superman, however, exudes a character that creates an element of stability to a team that, if weak in leadership, could become volatile. For instance, his commitment to serving others and sacrificing himself to protect humanity reveals a God-like humility that allows him to recognize the value of others, despite their differences. As a result, he inspires the best in his fellow heroes, encouraging them to work together for the good of humanity instead of themselves. Similarly, his lack of compromise and unwavering moral centre helps call the Justice League to a higher ethical standard (one that, say, Batman has little interest in serving). In other words, by centering itself on Superman, the Justice League automatically develops a sense of moral accountability that it needs to lead benevolently. In fact, other than simply being unpopular in today’s ethically ambiguous cultural climate, one would be hard pressed to find any particularly glaring character flaw within the Son of Krypton.

And, it’s for this reason that Superman is the very cornerstone of the Justice League.

Historically, the ‘cornerstone’ refers to the first brick laid in the construction of a building’s foundation. The importance of this stone increases due to the fact that all other pieces are placed in reference to this one piece. In essence, this brick quickly becomes the basis of the entire foundation. Theologically, this principle has also been used in Scripture in reference to the household of God that was “built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Eph. 2:20; NIV) In Biblical examples like this, the author seeks to draw attention to the fact that Jesus is the foundation of our faith and the reference point that we build our lives upon. Without Jesus, the faith collapses.

In the realm of DC superheroes, however, there is little question that this mantle falls on Superman. Although fictitious, his role in the Justice League reveals the need for Christ-like influences that offer a foretaste of the Kingdom to those around us. In the same way that Superman sets the standard for all members of the Justice League that follow, so too does Christ becomes the very foundation of our faith, offering the example of Godly living.

And that is something everyone must build upon.