Imitating the Saints: Christian Philosophy and Superhero Mythology

by Dr Adam Barkman

Something really 'higher' is occasionally glimpsed in Divinity, the right to power, the due of worship; in fact 'religion.'" Inspired by these and other words of J. R. R. Tolkien and his great contemporary, C.S.Lewis, IMITATING THE SAINTS explores our greatest modern mythology-superheroes-from a rigorously philosophical, Christian perspective. Moving effortlessly through the pantheons of the DC and Marvel universes, this book has chapters on the major superheroes-from Superman to Spider-Man-and explores these mythical figures in ways that highlight their deep, lasting, and ever-growing appeal. "Drawing on both classical philosophy and biblical traditions, Barkman shows how stories about superheroes provide us mere mortals with models to emulate, warnings to heed, and arguments worth examining, offering not only counsel regarding right conduct and living well, but also supplying guidance in our ascent toward an understanding of the divine. Astonishing!Incredible! Amazing!" Travis D. Smith, Associate Professor of Political Science, Concordia University "Barkman wakes for us the deep religious rhythms long dormant in our icons, comics, and superheroes. In a time of supposed secularity, of crisis, and of emergency, this book brings us face to face with the sacred saints of society. It denies that sacred myth has ever been absent in western culture, and begs our saints for resurrection and inspiration again." Robert Joustra, Senior Editor Comment magazine "Once you're finished with this book, like Robin, you'll be saying, 'Holy Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Batman! What a great read!'" Rob Arp, author of What's Good on Understanding Ethics through Television Adam Barkman is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Redeemer University College, and the author and editor of half a dozen books, most recently The Culture and Philosophy of Ridley Scott.

Genres: Philosophy

148 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2013

Reviews

[Richard]

Adam Barkman is both a philosophy professor and a connoisseur of the Marvel and DC universes. He blends both interests expertly in this slim volume. I bought this book because Adam is a friend of mine. But even had this not been the case, I might have been tempted to buy it for the spectacular cover art alone!

Adam Barkman demonstrates an amazingly thorough knowledge of superhero mythology and draws interesting links between this and Christianity, especially Christian philosophy. To give just a few examples, Superman was originally a villain created as an answer to Nietzsche's Ubermensch. But he was then reinvented as a hero and given a biography which has striking parallels to the life of Christ. And Spiderman, a.k.a. Peter Parker, is forced to face his own responsibility after a tragedy occurs which he could have prevented but did not. Issues such as gender and disability are explored. And even the inclusion of characters from pagan mythologies (such as Thor) does not seem to limit the expression of Christian values.

This was a quick enjoyable read, which had quite a lot more depth than one might bargain for. It contains a lot of interesting facts, some fascinating history of comic book culture. and some good analysis of philosophical issues.

[Erik Smith]

Rating this book was difficult for me. It is well written and interesting, but I disagree with many of the ideas presented within. Chapter 2, "Gender, Disability and Superheroes" is particularly problematic (Women, while equal to men, are meant to be subservient. Homosexuality is a disability, like cancer.)

So, when I rate this book 3 stars ("I Liked It"), this is based on the "nature" of the book, as opposed to it's content. That is to say, I enjoy reading about philosophy, religion, and, of course, superheroes, but I don't always agree with what is being written about those things.

I hope this makes sense.