Superman attended Smallville Methodist but isn’t active any more

Superman grew up as a Methodist. But he isn’t active any more.
I learned that piece of trivia in December from a blog entry by David Crumm. A religion writer for the Detroit Free Press, he presents a wide range of information about faith in the news each day at www.readthespirit.com.
Crumm asked 10 trivia questions Dec. 11 about religious affiliations of comic book super heroes. He based the answers—including Superman’s church background—on the massive collection of facts about religion at www.adherents.com.
Preston Hunter of Dallas has been collecting data about faith groups on that site—including information on the religious affiliations of notable people, both real and fictional—since at least 1996.
Hunter’s Web site reports that Jonathan and Martha Kent, Superman’s adoptive parents, were both churchgoing Methodists. Martha was more active in the church than Jonathan. But both characters taught Clark Kent (Superman) solid Midwestern Protestant beliefs.
Clark grew up attending Smallville (Kan.) Methodist Church, the Web site says.
Writers at DC Comics, publisher of the various titles featuring Superman, reportedly acknowledged the Kents’ Methodist ties for years in unpublished back stories about the characters. The association became official in Action Comics No. 849 (July 2007) and 850 (December 2007).
Superman addressed questions of religious belief in those issues and specifically mentioned growing up as a Methodist. But after his super powers developed, Clark felt uncomfortable attending services. He thought he knew too much about people in the congregation.
As I considered Superman’s story, I was struck by how consistent it is with current Methodist stereotypes. For example, Superman didn’t want people to know his true identify. We often aren’t quick to proclaim our denominational affiliation, either.
But when people needed justice, Superman was there. When people are oppressed, The United Methodist Church—through such agencies as the General Board of Church and Society and General Board of Global Ministries—is one of the first groups to take up the cause.
When people need help, Superman responds. So does our denomination through such agencies as the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
People around the world associate Superman’s “S” emblem with his quest for “truth, justice and the American way.”
Let’s hope that just as many people associate our cross-and-flame logo with our witness to the love and power of God to transform the world through Christ.