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The Dark Knight is probably one of the best films to be released in quite some time ( Make it a point to see it if you have not already). High profile actors, a compelling storyline, and great special effects all combine to create a great movie, however if you examine the feature a little more in depth you will be able to see how the film is able to illustrate a reflection between the life of Batman and the life of a Christian; here are the similarities I noticed. (WARNING: Spoilers ahead if you have not seen the movie).
A. He kept himself prepared.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.....In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."(Ephesians 6: 10-11, 16-18)
Throughout the film Batman is constantly looking for new ways to fight crime more efficiently. From better weapons to better body armor, he was always trying to prepare himself to do his job better. We as Christians should take on that same attitude when it comes to our Spiritual Walk.
B. He was tested for following his beliefs.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."(1 Peter 4:12-16)
There was a point in the film where everyone in Gotham city wanted Batman to give up his identity and give in to the Joker's demands, knowing it was the wrong thing to do. Batman had to deal with the fact that the Joker was going to kill people if he didn't, but again, he knew that giving in to that was not the right choice.
No one said following God was easy or comfortable, and you have to be prepared to make the right choices, even when is it is not necessarily convenient for you or anyone else.
C. He had a good support system.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."(Galatians 6:2)
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."(Proverbs 27:17)
Throughout the movie, Batman had some people could depend on to help him in his endeavors. He had Lucious for equipment and his butler, Alfred, for overall correction and encouragement. There was a point in the movie where Batman was completely at a lost and did not quite know what to do and here is the response he got:
Batman/Bruce Wayne: People are dying, Alfred. What would you have me do?
Alfred: Endure, Master Wayne. Take it. They'll hate you for it. But thats the point of Batman, he can be the outcast. He can make the choice that no one else can make, the right choice.
That dialogue illustrates two important points: 1) Its always good to have a good circle of people around you to help you when you feel like you cannot bear the load by yourself. Make sure you try to keep yourself surrounded with the right people, so they can give you the right advice
when you need it. 2) The other important point of that dialogue is that it echoes what I covered earlier; the choices made to follow God are not always the easiest to make.
D. He acted on faith
"We live by faith, not by sight."(2 Corinthians 5:7)
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."(Hebrews 11:1)
The final confrontation Batman had with Joker involved him trying to save people in a building as well as 2 ships filled with people. The two ships were armed with detonators to blow up the opposite ship. The people on board were going to be blown up in an hour if they did not chose to blow up the other ship. Batman was only able to attempt to save the people in the building, but was confident in the fact that the people would not destroy one another, even without his assistance. The faith he had in the people trapped on the boats is the faith we should have in God. He acted knowing he couldn't save those trapped on the boats, and still went on without any visible assurance that everything was going to turn out ok. And in the end after all that he endured throughout that film his actions, beliefs, and faith in the people were validated when neither ship decided to destroy the other knowing the consequences.
"And the God of all grace,who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5: 10)
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How do you all feel? Can Batman's life be related to the life of a Christian?
