Apparently a number of ministers are using superheroes in their sermons. I know that I certainly would have been more attentive and into going to church on Sundays as a kid if I’d had a massive mural of Batman to stare at.

After he read the book, Combs said, the church spent six months teaching lessons themed on Batman.

The children’s room was painted with murals of Gotham City, and Combs was fitted with a $1,000 Batman costume.

Faith Baptist brings in 1,000 to 1,500 kids each week, and during the series, which began in January, more than 200 accepted Jesus, Combs said.

“A lot of times, in churches, we stay away from the experimental,” he said. “Instead of fearing popular culture, we just snagged it and claimed it. There’s so much material from Batman.”

The Caped Crusader, burdened by guilt that leads him to try to save the world by himself, helped teach the need to rely on God rather than ourselves.

The Joker made an appearance during a lesson in which students were taught that “sin is no joke,” Combs said.

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