David French & Russell Moore: Superman Isn't Just a Movie, He's a Mirror of America cover art

David French & Russell Moore: Superman Isn't Just a Movie, He's a Mirror of America

David French & Russell Moore: Superman Isn't Just a Movie, He's a Mirror of America

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

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 Donate to Redeeming Babel 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) Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.