Episode Details

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'

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