Should You Use the Superman Movie in Your Children's Ministry?

Many of the children and families in your ministry will see the new Superman movie.

Some are saying it's a great tool to connect people to Jesus.

Even the producer, Warner Brothers, is hoping the "Man of Steel" crosses over into churches.  In fact, they are aggressively marketing the movie to pastors, having invited them to early screenings, created Father’s Day discussion guides and produced special film trailers that focus on the faith-friendly angles of the movie.

The movie studio even asked a theologian to provide sermon notes for pastors who want to preach about Superman on Sunday.   Titled “Jesus: The Original Superhero,” the notes run nine pages and ask the question, "How can the story of Superman awaken our passion for the greatest hero who ever lived and died and rose again?”

There are definite parallels between the life of Superman and Jesus.
  • The movie focuses on the origins of Superman, who was sent from the planet Krypton as an infant to save his species.
  • He is raised by surrogate parents who help him grapple with his special powers, even though they don’t fully understand the source of his extraordinary abilities.
  • As a boy, he is shown wrestling with his superpowers, and asks his earthly dad, Jonathan Kent, “Did God do this to me?”  His father answers, “Somewhere out there you have another father and he sent you here for a reason."
  • When he turns 33, Superman must willingly sacrifice himself to save the human race.
  • During a fight with his archenemy, General Zod, Superman plunges down to Earth, his arms outstretched as if he were being crucified and then he rises again.
What do you think?

Are you going to use this movie to connect kids and families in your ministry to Jesus?

What are the pros and cons of using the movie in this way?  

Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.