Judaism and Super Powers

[nightrose83]

Yes, I know the premise is a bit odd, but please bear with me. I have an MC who gets certain questions posed to him because he was raised in a religious community, but Google doesn't have too much to offer in the way of answers I can use. Background (and a bit of possible amusement) under the cut:

Comments

[frenchpony]

Not a whole lot to offer (I'm dedicatedly Reform), but maybe you might want to look up the Jewish Hero Corps? There's two comic books out, and they seem pretty frum (one of them is called Shabbos Queen!), and they might give you some ideas to work with.

[beadattitude]

I find it deeply, deeply awesome that Bea Arthur and Carl Bernstein are listed as Jewish superheros.

[azarsuerte]

I haven't read it so I can't say for sure, but this book looks like it could be helpful to you. :-)

[offcenterfold]

One thing I can tell you is that there's a tenet in Judaism that clearly says, "choose life". Above all else, the life and health of a human being is of greatest priority; there are EXTREMELY few exceptions

[reconditarmonia]

Dude, I want to read a story where a Jewish superhero is conflicted about using lightning powers on Shabbat. Although yes, you can break Shabbat to save a life.

[offcenterfold]

Now I totally want to write one... It may take some time...

[marycatelli]

OTOH, if one thing not to do even to save a life is commit idolatry, so the pagan source may come to bear.

Personally, I suspect that there may be a difference between powers that are made inherent to the character -- aome being changes the character so he can throw lightning -- and powers that continue to draw on the source, Thor the God of Lightning.

Usual disclaimer: two Jews = three opinions, and I am not a rabbi or a scholar

[stakebait]

If the source was not known, was Jewishly religious or was secular in a literal sense (Peter Parker) I can't see why they'd be asked not to use their powers at all. They would just be subject to the usual restrictions that any Jew is subject to. They would have some fascinating questions for the rabbi depending on the powers as to what counts as breaking the Sabbath if you have heat vision sort of thing, but that's all I can think of

Re: Usual disclaimer: two Jews = three opinions, and I am not a rabbi or a scholar

[hagar_972]

^ That's basically what I was going to say: it's only flat-out a problem if a person actively solicited the involvement of extra-Judaism powers, and otherwise it depends on which rabbi you caught at which of a mood.

Also, I am amused by the deep Jewishness of the following comment:

Indeed one could argue that you have something of a religious obligation to use them to help other Jews -- and any non-Jews who failure to help could get out and hurt the reputation of the Jews.

And:

Observant Jews tend to have a higher value on communal action than individual grandstanding [...] I think you'd find a lot of people who didn't want you marrying their daughter, but you wouldn't be turfed out of the shuul.

That. I can almost see that. (Add the comment above above rabbis putting out piskey halacha over which powers may be used on shabbat in which ways, and... well, that's Jewish attitude, all right.)

I'd also recommend to browse some literature on actual Qabala (e.g. Gershom Shalom's work); Judiasm does have its miracle-workers and mages,

Re: Usual disclaimer: two Jews = three opinions, and I am not a rabbi or a scholar

[stakebait]

*grin* Glad to see it's not just me.

Though I should have added that I'm presuming this is a world without other known superheroes. If this is a world full of goyish superheroes, I could see one Jewish one becoming sort of a Sandy Koufax figure.

Re: Usual disclaimer: two Jews = three opinions, and I am not a rabbi or a scholar

[marycatelli]

One wonders if Zeus would be considered a god except when questions of worshipping him arise. There are superhero atheists in both the DC and the Marvel universes who quite logically argue that Thor, etc. are no more powerful than other beings who don't call themselves gods.