Batman 2022 Movie Review & Culture of LIFE
March 2022
Last week, Nick & I went to see the new Batman! It’s so much fun when I decide to take interest into HIS interests (I definitely would never see this one on my own ;) but God uses ALL things for the good - especially in marriage! One of the best marriage tips was to: take interest in his interests. I was laughing as sat down to watch a superhero movie (especially as a mom of FOUR BOYS! God is teaching me to enter into the male psyche even more ;)
Surprisingly, I LOVED this movie. I definitely wouldn’t show my kids until at least high school with the intense psychological madness of the villains and adult themes and visuals. But, for older kids and adults I found it EXTREMELY PRO-LIFE & rich with symbolism.
My biggest takeaway was examining the death penalty. Batman’s goal is to protect the city from criminals, but when given the chance to KILL - he CHOOSES LIFE! I was sitting in the theatre, SHOCKED, when the Batman character actually seeks to prevent the opportunity to shot the criminal, he goes so far as to tell the others, we must not kill him. In recent conversations I’ve had on my pro-life stance, witnessing this movie reinforced our pro-life views against the death penalty.
Similar to the stance on those who argue abortion in the case of rape, I would argue that, “Another crime is not the answer to another crime.” Death or destruction will not solve another sin. Hurt will never solve hurt.
Yes, JUSTICE must occur and is part of a thriving society - but the DIGNITY OF A HUMAN PERSON must always be upheld. God is the only judge of a man’s LIFE. It is NEVER up to us as humans to end other man’s life - as innocent or guilty as he may be.
Throughout the movie, Batman is driven by seeking “vengence.” The climax of his character is tested when faced with a reality of his past and family, but by the end of the movie, when faced with the rebellion character who claims to be “vengeance,” you witness a mindset shift in Batman. He realizes vengeance is NOT the answer! He relays a powerful quote:
“Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us the power to endure, and the strength to fight.”
Our scars, wounds, and pain from an injustice must never result in DEATH. This is the ultimate pro-life stance, Christian stance.
There can be meaning in suffering. Our suffering can be united to Christ and transformed to helping others and living out our mission for the kingdom.
When I was a new nurse, I wanted to understand medical ethics. One of the best courses I took was a pro-life ethics class from NCBC. I’d want everyone to know there are resources out there to help you understand the Christian, Catholic views on these cases.
When it comes to defending your stance against the death penalty - remember that vengeance is NEVER the answer. EVERY human life has dignity.
Here are some quotes from USCCB:
No matter how heinous the crime, if society can protect itself without ending a human life, it should do so.
—USCCB, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death
While the Old Testament includes some passages about taking the life of one who kills, the Old Testament and the teaching of Christ in the New Testament call us to protect life, practice mercy, and reject vengeance.
—USCCB, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death
The new evangelization calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life: who will proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. . . . I renew the appeal I made . . . for a consensus to end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary.
—Pope John Paul II
Each of us is called to respect the life and dignity of every human being. Even when people deny the dignity of others, we must still recognize that their dignity is a gift from God and is not something that is earned or lost through their behavior. Respect for life applies to all, even the perpetrators of terrible acts. Punishment should be consistent with the demands of justice and with respect for human life and dignity.
—USCCB, A Culture of Life and the Penalty of Death
May we continue to fight for LIFE and build a culture of LIFE in EVERY case - from abortion to criminal justice. May we allow ALL things, including movies, to work for the good and encourage TRUTH.
ALL LIFE IS PRECIOUS. Never stop protecting life and speaking out in any chance or conversation you get.
With Love,
Alex
