Batman is the hero of the story. He is the lean-fighting machine. I love the Batman clearly states: “I am the Batman.” It is kind of like the Exodus passage when Yahweh states: I am, who I say I am. Without Batman, Gotham City is living in despair. Batman in DARK KNIGHTS illustrates three theological points.

First, Batman is all about justice. God is the God of justice. We forget that God is just and that Christ paid the penalty for our sins while destroying the evil ways of this world. Because of this we no longer have to earn our way into heaven. Batman bring justice to Gotham by going out of his way to make things right, even when the city thinks he is wrong. The people of Gotham attempt to make Gotham right, but they cannot possibly do the job Batman does. Batman is determine to fight for the greater cause even if he is viewed negatively. I love the scene where Lt. James Gordon states to Batman: “We’ll have to hunt you.” Batman states: “You’ll hunt me. You’ll condemn me, you’ll set the dogs on me. But that’s what has to happen.” YES!! Exactly. The world and their powers will hunt Him or maybe even kill Him, but that is what needs to be done. Batman and Jesus have to fight for what is right to make a justice and fair world!

Batman: Why do you want to kill me?

The Joker: (laughs) Kill you? I don’t want to kill you! What would I do without you? Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No, no, you… you complete me.

Second, Batman is the only hope for Gotham. Having hope in Batman eliminates fear and despair. Batman is dark, but he is a light to Gotham. Think about the implications associated with the Batman spot light that appears in the night time sky. I admire how dedicated Batman is to protecting the people. We as followers of Christ know He is coming back, but we are not sure about the details. We live in view of hope because we know one day we will be rescued from the evil corruptions of this world. The people of Gotham can go to bed at night, feeling a sense of peace that their rescuer will come when chaos comes.

NIV Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope– the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

ESV 1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

Thirdly, no one can be THE BATMAN. No one else can be Jesus, unless you are Mormon. Jesus not only claimed to be the Son of God, but is pursuing each one of us, intensively. There are fakes out there or wanna bes, but nobody can bring the goods like Jesus did. How funny was it to see the fake Batmans?

[Batman has just fought off Scarecrow and a group of Batman wannabes]
Batman: Don’t let me find you out here again.
Brian: We’re trying to help you!
Batman: I don’t need help.
Brian: What gives you the right? What’s the difference between you and me?
[Batman lowers himself into the Batmobile]
Batman: I’m not wearing hockey pads!

© 2008 – 2009, Jeremy Zach. All rights reserved.