Matthew Brake (M.Div., Regent University; M.A. in philosophy and interdisciplinary studies, George Mason University) is the series editor for the Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture series from Lexington Books and Fortress Academic. He also serves as the co-editor (with A. David Lewis) for the Religion and Comics series from Claremont Press. C.K. Robertson, Ph.D., is an Episcopal priest and professor, editor of the academic book series Studies in Episcopal and Anglican Theology, and a former board member and frequent guest editor of the Anglican Theological Review.

• Introduction: Batman as a Focus of Theological InquiryC.K. Robertson, Ph.D., and Matthew BrakeSection One: Theodicy and Evil1. The Karmic Tragedy of Bruce Wayne: Batman as Anti-BuddhaWesley D. Cray2. Suffering and Evil in the Book of Job and Batman: The Killing Joke Francesco Del Bianco3. Evil After Christianity: Joker (2019) as Post-Christian TheodicyKatherine Kelaidis4. Beginning with Wickedness, or the Long Dark Knight of the Polis’ SoulJohn C. McDowell5. Batman Encounters Judaism and the HolocaustRafael MedoffSection Two: Ethics and Morality6. “Fear of Faith” and Faith over Fear: Scarecrow as Emblem of a Purgatorial GothamChristina M. Knopf7. Pride Goeth Before the Knightfall: Sabbath as Heroic PracticeDrew McIntyre8. Batman Forever: Morality and Narrative in Grant Morrison’s Batman: The Return of Bruce WayneAndrew Kuzma9. The Bat-Bodhisattva: A Buddhist reading of our favorite (Anti)HeroJohn Thompson10. Batman’s Cardinal Virtues in Dark Knig

To have a book focus on the most famous superhero of recent decades is always a delight, but to have one that addresses that hero through the lens of theology is truly a gem. This study of the Batman will feed the mind and soul of students, scholars, theologians, and superhero aficionados alike. It is a fascinating read that dives deeply into the character of the Batman and his colorful nemeses to uncover latent theological, spiritual, and ethical truths behind their stories. This book will be a valuable asset to courses on theology or popular culture; indeed it will be a great addition to anyone’s library.

Matthew Brake (M.Div., Regent University; M.A. in philosophy and interdisciplinary studies, George Mason University) is the series editor for the Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture series from Lexington Books and Fortress Academic. He also serves as the co-editor (with A. David Lewis) for the Religion and Comics series from Claremont Press. C.K. Robertson, Ph.D., is an Episcopal priest and professor, editor of the academic book series Studies in Episcopal and Anglican Theology, and a former board member and frequent guest editor of the Anglican Theological Review.

• Introduction: Batman as a Focus of Theological InquiryC.K. Robertson, Ph.D., and Matthew BrakeSection One: Theodicy and Evil1. The Karmic Tragedy of Bruce Wayne: Batman as Anti-BuddhaWesley D. Cray2. Suffering and Evil in the Book of Job and Batman: The Killing Joke Francesco Del Bianco3. Evil After Christianity: Joker (2019) as Post-Christian TheodicyKatherine Kelaidis4. Beginning with Wickedness, or the Long Dark Knight of the Polis’ SoulJohn C. McDowell5. Batman Encounters Judaism and the HolocaustRafael MedoffSection Two: Ethics and Morality6. “Fear of Faith” and Faith over Fear: Scarecrow as Emblem of a Purgatorial GothamChristina M. Knopf7. Pride Goeth Before the Knightfall: Sabbath as Heroic PracticeDrew McIntyre8. Batman Forever: Morality and Narrative in Grant Morrison’s Batman: The Return of Bruce WayneAndrew Kuzma9. The Bat-Bodhisattva: A Buddhist reading of our favorite (Anti)HeroJohn Thompson10. Batman’s Cardinal Virtues in Dark Knig

To have a book focus on the most famous superhero of recent decades is always a delight, but to have one that addresses that hero through the lens of theology is truly a gem. This study of the Batman will feed the mind and soul of students, scholars, theologians, and superhero aficionados alike. It is a fascinating read that dives deeply into the character of the Batman and his colorful nemeses to uncover latent theological, spiritual, and ethical truths behind their stories. This book will be a valuable asset to courses on theology or popular culture; indeed it will be a great addition to anyone’s library.

Matthew Brake (M.Div., Regent University; M.A. in philosophy and interdisciplinary studies, George Mason University) is the series editor for the Theology, Religion, and Pop Culture series from Lexington Books and Fortress Academic. He also serves as the co-editor (with A. David Lewis) for the Religion and Comics series from Claremont Press. C.K. Robertson, Ph.D., is an Episcopal priest and professor, editor of the academic book series Studies in Episcopal and Anglican Theology, and a former board member and frequent guest editor of the Anglican Theological Review.

• Introduction: Batman as a Focus of Theological InquiryC.K. Robertson, Ph.D., and Matthew BrakeSection One: Theodicy and Evil1. The Karmic Tragedy of Bruce Wayne: Batman as Anti-BuddhaWesley D. Cray2. Suffering and Evil in the Book of Job and Batman: The Killing Joke Francesco Del Bianco3. Evil After Christianity: Joker (2019) as Post-Christian TheodicyKatherine Kelaidis4. Beginning with Wickedness, or the Long Dark Knight of the Polis’ SoulJohn C. McDowell5. Batman Encounters Judaism and the HolocaustRafael MedoffSection Two: Ethics and Morality6. “Fear of Faith” and Faith over Fear: Scarecrow as Emblem of a Purgatorial GothamChristina M. Knopf7. Pride Goeth Before the Knightfall: Sabbath as Heroic PracticeDrew McIntyre8. Batman Forever: Morality and Narrative in Grant Morrison’s Batman: The Return of Bruce WayneAndrew Kuzma9. The Bat-Bodhisattva: A Buddhist reading of our favorite (Anti)HeroJohn Thompson10. Batman’s Cardinal Virtues in Dark Knig

To have a book focus on the most famous superhero of recent decades is always a delight, but to have one that addresses that hero through the lens of theology is truly a gem. This study of the Batman will feed the mind and soul of students, scholars, theologians, and superhero aficionados alike. It is a fascinating read that dives deeply into the character of the Batman and his colorful nemeses to uncover latent theological, spiritual, and ethical truths behind their stories. This book will be a valuable asset to courses on theology or popular culture; indeed it will be a great addition to anyone’s library.