Batman is one of the most recognized and popular pop culture icons. Appearing on the page of Detective Comics #27 in 1939, the character has inspired numerous characters, franchises, and spin-offs over his 80+ year history. The character has displayed versatility, appearing in stories from multiple genres, including science fiction, noir, and fantasy and mediums far beyond his comic book origins. While there are volumes analyzing Batman through literary, philosophical, and psychological lenses, this volume is one of the first academic monographs to examine Batman through a theological and religious lens. Theology and Batman analyzes Batman and his world, specifically exploring the themes of theodicy and evil, ethics and morality, justice and vengeance, and the Divine Nature. Scholars will appreciate the breadth of material covered while Batman fans will appreciate the love for the character expressed through each chapter. “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.” ―B. J. Oropeza, Azusa Pacific University, and editor of The Gospel According to Superheroes: Religion and Popular Culture “This book is delightfully engaging. I have not come across a volume that offers such a diverse and yet simultaneously cohesive treatment of Batman. The book manages breadth and depth that are truly representative, offering not just deep dives into the popular franchise but practical insights of relevance to our historical moment. While there is no way to cover every possible story from such a long-running franchise to which so many different authorial and directorial visions have contributed, the representative coverage is excellent and will make this book a standard reference for academics as well as clergy and others who want to offer substantive engagement with the theological insights that can be gleaned from popular culture.” ―James F. McGrath, Butler University “Theology and Batman is a must read in these seemingly apocalyptic times in which many now recognize both authentic weakness in the hero/heroine and authentic strength in the villain. Our apocalypses reveal the hero/heroine and villain in a fluidity that can no longer be overlooked. Bravo to the authors and editors of this book!” ―Michael Battle, General Theological Seminary Paul Levitz is a former President and Publisher of DC Comics and has written for many of DC's major comic books series, including Superman and Justice Society . His story Legion: The Great Darkness Saga was voted one of the top 20 best comic stories of the last century by readers of The Buyers' Guide . Vernon W. Cisney is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Gettysburg College, USA. He is the author of Derrida's Voice and Phenomenon: An Edinburgh Philosophical Guide (2014), as well as Deleuze and Derrida: Difference and the Power of the Negative (2017). The Reverend Canon C. K. Robertson is Canon to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, a former professor of communications and ethics at Georgia College & State University and a Fellow of the Episcopal Church Foundation. Dr. Robertson presently serves on several national boards, including the Anglican Theological Review, a member of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars, and author or editor of numerous books and articles.