Batman vs. Jesus

 

Convenient chart of bat-convenience

Some time back I created a quick comparison, for satirical purposes, between Autobot Leader Optimus Prime and Christian Leader Jesus Christ (there is even a useful pictorial chart for convenience). This comparison showed that if you wish to live by the example of a particular character than you would indeed be much better off going with the Peter Cullen voiced bearer of the Matrix of Leadership. If nothing else, he can give you a lift down-town whilst his opponent could do nothing of the sort.

This time we take a look at the Dark Knight Crusader vs. Jesus Christ. Which possesses the better philosophy? Which has the better track record and achievements? Who has the cooler car? And, most importantly, who serves as a better role model and example for humanity?

I am fairly sure that certain people will jump up and down and most likely get offended in some manner. My reaction to such is two-fold; firstly they’re missing the point. Secondly, tough.

The point is that if you wish to have an example to live your life by then choosing Jesus is probably not the best cut of meat in the market. This has already been shown by the previously mentioned Optimus Prime piece but is merely reinforced by this one. How does this comparison do so?

The character of Batman presents many fine moral and ethical examples. As a child he was faced with incredible tragedy with the murder of his parents and, despite his age of eight, he vowed that he would do whatever it took to make sure that no other person experienced that tragedy again. This is very important and shows incredible dedication. He did not bemoan his new orphan status. He did not pray or hope for some supernatural forces to rectify the situation. He took responsibility for his own life and made something incredible out of it; he decided that he would sacrifice any chance of a normal life (and of real happiness and contentment) to do whatever he could for everyone else.  He did not die for others, he lived for them instead. Or as the old adage goes; Dying for a cause is noble but living for one is far better. (Yes, I am paraphrasing but you get the point).

Batman serves as an excellent example that you should not externalise blame and grief. You should not pray (or hope) that some other entity/person/forces should fix matters for you. You need to roll up your sleeves and make yourself a better person. If help should happen to come along later, that is fantastic but do not fold under the pressure of adversity and tragedy. Use it as a springboard to make yourself a better person and, more importantly, make the world a better place for everyone else around you. It would have been the easy path for a young Bruce Wayne to fall back on his incredible wealth and spend years in therapy, blaming society for the loss of his parents whilst partying it up and generally being a socialite douchebag. Instead he took self-responsibility and sacrificed of himself to do what needed to be done; fully knowing that he would never grow old and happy with a loved one. He did not get to ascend to paradise after three days. He get no reward from his efforts apart from the satisfaction in breaking the jaw of people who seek to hurt others.

That is a much better method of thinking than what the character of Jesus offers. Prayer solves nothing. Hoping someone/thing else aids you because you hope for it is not practical and will not happen. Nothing changes unless you work to make it change. And that is the point of this comparison.

About these ads