Is Superman Woke—or Just Wonderfully Human?

 

Can a superhero cut through the world’s chaos better than a political debate or another sermon? New York Times columnist David French and Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore explore why Superman still strikes a cultural nerve—especially in the age of outrage and “wokeness” debates. From his immigrant origins to the often-overlooked theme of adoption, they unpack how James Gunn’s 2025 reboot revives timeless questions about identity, belonging, moral courage, and kindness. This conversation is more than capes and kryptonite—it’s a surprising, thoughtful, and even fun look at the stories shaping who we are.

 

(00:00) - Exploring the Resonance of Superhero Myths

(07:24) - Fun That Connects To Deeper Needs

(10:10) - A Jewish Immigrant’s Myth

(15:40) - Exploring James Gunn’s Superman 2025

(23:06) - Is Superman Woke? 

(27:04) - Kindness as a Countercultural Value

(34:11) - Parenting With Superheroes and Morals

(51:09) - Credits

 

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Russell Moore’s article Why Superman Matters
• David French’s column Kindness Is MAGA Kryptonite
• J.R.R. Tolkien’s On Fairy Stories
• J.R.R. Tolkien’s eucatastrophe (an essay)
• C.S. Lewis’ “True Myth”: The Myth That Became Fact
• C.S. Lewis’ Reviews of Lord of the Rings (veil of familiarity)
• Grant Morrison’s Super Gods
• Official Trailer: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
• Sonny Bunch’s article How to Decide If You Want to Watch ‘Superman’
• A short interview with Superman’s creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (video)
• Übermensch Explained: the Meaning of Nietzsche’s ‘Superman’
• The Times interview James Gunn: Some people will take offence at my new Superman
• Read Deuteronomy 17:16-17 (NLT)
• Social Commentary in The Office
• Wonder Woman vol. 5 Annual #1 Batman & Superman share their real names (video)
• Relevant Magazine: What the Superman Backlash Says About American Masculinity

 

More From David French:

• David French’s New York Times pieces HERE
• Follow David French on Threads

 

More From Russell Moore:

• Sign up for Russell Moore’s weekly newsletter Moore to the Point
• Listen to The Russell Moore Show (podcast)

 

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