Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman & Spirituality Podcast Podcast

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 11: Supergirl - Redemption or Revenge?

What happens when a superhero story trades redemption for revenge?

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman & Spirituality, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore one of the most surprising changes in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and ask what it reveals about heroism, justice, mercy, and the moral imagination. Comparing the film to Tom King’s original graphic novel, they wrestle with questions of violence, forgiveness, redemption, and whether we still believe people can truly change. Along the way, they reflect on Superman’s enduring example of hope, the power of storytelling to shape our moral lives, and why the best heroes call us not simply to defeat evil—but to become better people.

In This Episode

* Rick shares the story behind his new single, “Heaven Is Full of Criminals,” featuring Phil Keaggy, and the surprising conversations it has sparked about grace, worthiness, and hope.

* The theological inspiration behind the song includes the Good Thief, the possibility of redemption, and the question of whether God’s welcome extends farther than we imagine.

* A spoiler-filled discussion of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and how its ending differs dramatically from Tom King’s acclaimed graphic novel.

* Why the graphic novel’s ending offers a vision of redemption, while the film chooses an act of lethal justice.

* The idea of redemptive violence and why so many modern stories assume evil can only be defeated through killing.

* Superman’s refusal to kill and why restraint—not power—has always been one of his defining virtues.

* Whether James Gunn may be setting up a larger redemption arc for Supergirl as his new DC Universe unfolds.

* Why stories shape our moral imagination, influencing what we believe is possible for heroes, villains, and ourselves.

* Mark Waid’s famous criticism of Superman killing General Zod in Man of Steel, and why he insists, “That’s not Superman.”

* Comparisons to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Odyssey, Avengers: Infinity War, and the Gospels as examples of stories that wrestle with hope, loss, and redemption.

* Reflections on Pope Francis, Karl Barth, and the Christian hope that no one is beyond the reach of grace.

* Why Superman continues to matter—not because he is the strongest hero, but because he refuses to let violence have the final word.

* A closing reflection inviting listeners to consider how the stories we tell shape the people we become—and whether hope may be the bravest choice of all.

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 10: Superman and War

What does it mean for the world’s most powerful hero to live in a world shaped by war?

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman & Spirituality, Rick Lee James and David Dalt explore Superman’s long relationship with war, patriotism, justice, violence, and peace. From the character’s origins on the eve of World War II to modern stories wrestling with moral injury and the costs of violence, they ask what Superman can teach us about restraint, hope, accountability, and the human soul.

In This Episode

* Superman’s creation in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Jewish sons of immigrants who were deeply aware of the rise of fascism in Europe.

* The famous 1940 Look Magazine story in which Superman brings Hitler and Stalin before the League of Nations—not for annihilation, but for accountability.

* The difference between submitting to the rule of law and submitting to military power.

* Superman’s role in World War II-era comics and his function as a symbol of hope and morale for soldiers and civilians alike.

* Why Superman’s greatest power may not be strength, but restraint.

* The contrast between military conditioning and Superman’s commitment to holding back from violence whenever possible.

* Modern Superman stories, including the Warworld Saga, and how a depowered Superman remains a symbol of hope, redemption, and moral courage.

* Moral injury versus PTSD and the spiritual wounds that can accompany war and violence.

* Superman as a survivor of catastrophe and how different interpretations of the character wrestle with trauma, meaning, and despair.

* The impact of violence on individuals, veterans, caregivers, and society as a whole.

* Loneliness, isolation, compassion fatigue, and the importance of human connection.

* Stories like Hacksaw Ridge and First Blood as lenses for understanding war, healing, and moral formation.

* Whether superhero stories inspire us to become better neighbors—or simply encourage us to look for someone to punch.

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 9: When Ideals Fall Short: Superman, Racism, and the Stories We Tell

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality, we examine the tension between the ideals we claim and the ways we sometimes fail to live them out—both in the world of Superman and in our own lives. Together, we explore how the history of DC Comics reflects both harmful racial stereotypes and meaningful attempts at justice, and how those same contradictions can be found in our faith communities and personal experiences. Rather than pointing fingers, we reflect on the shared human tendency to fall short of our highest values—and the invitation to grow, to name what’s broken, and to move toward something better with humility, courage, and compassion.

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 8: From Parasocial to Personal: Mister Rogers, Superman, and The Accessorized Bible with guest David Dault

Hello, friends, this one is a fun episode for me because it’s a crossover between all three of my shows: Voices in My Head (through Rick Lee James Podcast), Welcome to the Neighborhood: A Mister Rogers Tribute Podcast, and Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality Podcast.

If you listen to any of those, you already know my guest: David Dault. David and I have had ongoing conversations for a long time now about faith, culture, and the stories that shape us, and today we are centering that conversation around his excellent new book, The Accessorized Bible.

We talk about how Scripture gets “accessorized” by our assumptions and our agendas, how interpretation has material consequences, and why reading responsibly means paying attention to the lives of the people most affected by our theology. And yes, because it’s us, we also get into Mister Rogers, Superman, and parasocial relationships.

I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get into it.

Get the book: https://a.co/d/012m4Sff

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 7: Who Owns Superman?

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way, we dive into the fascinating concept of "who owns Superman?" as Rick Lee James and David Dault reflect on parasocial relationships, cultural ownership, and what it means when a character transcends corporate boundaries. Along the way, they tie in reflections on faith, Mr. Rogers, and the legacy of figures like Martin Luther King Jr.—challenging us to consider how stories shape our lives.

As always, we want to hear from you!

Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?

Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?

Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?

Check out David Dault’s Latest Book, Featured In This Episode: https://a.co/d/5W0abte

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 6: The Weaknesses of Superman (Not Kryptonite)

In this episode of Truth, Justice, and the Way, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore the “weakness” of Superman, beyond Kryptonite. Starting with a moving listener story about hope found in a Superman comic, the conversation unfolds through the DC Trinity: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. It’s an examination of compassion, self-limitation, community, and what it really means to be strong.

Drawing on theology, disability studies, pastoral experience, and pop culture, this episode invites listeners to rethink power, embrace difference, and discover how hope is formed—not in isolation, but together.

As always, we want to hear from you!

Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?

Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?

Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Truth, Justice, and the Way - Episode 5: Hope Is Not Naive: A Holiday Invitation to Superman Fans

In this short Thanksgiving episode, Rick invites listeners to help shape next month’s conversation on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality. As the holidays approach—a season often filled with mixed emotions—Rick poses three reflection questions:

* Has a Superman story ever helped you face struggle, grief, or loss?

* Which Superman stories remind you that hope is not naïve, but hard-won?

* Where do you see redemption or the possibility of redemption in Superman’s world?

Listeners are encouraged to write in with thoughts, stories, or reflections through Substack, email ([email protected]), or Twitter (SupermanAlways aka @RickLeeJames4).

Wishing all who celebrate a meaningful and grateful Thanksgiving.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode 4: Forgiveness

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

In the Superman & Lois finale, Clark extends forgiveness to Lex Luthor — even beyond the grave. In this episode, Rick Lee James and David Dault explore Superman’s radical hope that enemies can become friends, and ask what it would take for us, as individuals and as a nation, to live with that same forgiving strength.

Listen now on Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode Three: I Never Lie

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

This podcast explores faith and storytelling through the enduring myth of Superman.

Today we’re asking a tricky question: How can Superman be called “a man who doesn’t lie” while living a life built on disguise? What do we make of Clark Kent’s double identity — and what can spirituality teach us about truth, masks, and the complexity of being human?

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com

Episode TWO: You Are Who You Choose to Be - The Iron Giant as the Greatest Superman Film

Welcome to Truth, Justice, and the Way: Superman and Spirituality.

This podcast explores faith and storytelling through the enduring myth of Superman.

Today we’re talking about The Iron Giant, a 1999 animated film that might be the greatest Superman movie ever made, even though Superman himself only appears in the background—on a comic book page, and in the imaginations of a child and a robot.

What makes The Iron Giant so powerful is that it isn’t just about strength or heroism; it’s about choosing to love in a world full of fear.

Today, we look at what it really means to say, “I am not a gun… I am Superman.

Follow Us on Substack: https://supermanpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Your Hosts:

David Dault - https://www.daviddault.com/about

Rick Lee James - https://www.rickleejames.com/

SupermanAlways on Twitter/X - @RickLeeJames4

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit supermanpodcast.substack.com