An amazing take on Theism (Christianity in particular) rarely seen in comics. The cannon of Bruce losing his parents takes a slight twist as this version has the killing as intentional not a random act. Growing up in the church he dedicated he's life to his faith. When Bruce finds out the leaders of the church he's dedicated his life to were responsible for his parents death, the rage and anger bubbles up to the surface revealing the Vigilante we know and love.
But this time, even more torn because his faith has a standard of non-violence that he must further reconcile.
A wonderful Elseworlds tale

In one of the first Elseworlds titles, Alan Brennert takes an opportunity to explore the very core of Batman by pitting him against a theocratic state descended from Oliver Cromwell’s Protectorate. Its astonishing and complex ideas will change the way you see the Dark Knight, even over in our continuity. Brilliant.

What if Batman was a religious anti-hero in a future America that never seperated church and state?

The story was very interesting. Art was good. Many other DC characters are referenced which is cool. Very short arc, but, like I said, really neat.

Another fine story and you got to love Norm Breyfogle's art

This volume was part of DC Comics Elseworlds Line. Basically they took established characters and put them into different situations. In this case Batman's world is one where a sort of Fundamentalist world, one where Oliver Cromwell had survived his illness and gone on to lead the church in England, though this story is set in the USA. It starts off with the familiar scene of Bruce having survived the supposed murder and robbery of his parents. James Gordon is present, but only as the investigator of the crime. There are also appearances or mentions of a number of characters we would be familiar with, but they are not the same as in the comics we are more familiar with. None of them have heroic identities, although there opposition to the Church might make them heroes. I should mention here is that the Church is never referred to as a specific denomination, although it seems to more catholic than evangelical in its services. It is safe to say though that it's theology is very conservative. As well those who go against it are likely to be executed if caught, which suggests that the Church has become the government as well.
All in all this was an interesting take on Batman (yes Bruce Wayne does become Batman, but with a different mission). For the Batman fan this is a welcome exercise, as we see what might have happened if things had been different in the life of Bruce Wayne. Admittedly I am not sure this one would have been sustainable as a series, but a sequel or two would have been nice. The writing was good and the art also. One interesting thing was the description of Oliver Cromwell as a caring person who would have been appalled at how the Church had developed. I am not sure that is accurate, but who knows. In conclusion, recommended.

Weak entry in the 'Elseworld' series. In this one young Bruce Wayne has joined the Priesthood.
On this alternate Earth the Church is running the dictatorship that runs the USA and has hunted down and killed most of the world's super heroes.
Too much jammed into this one shot and the fascist church run government is pretty cliche and badly done.

This was published in the early 1990's and it seems that it was ahead of its time. Currently this seems so relevant as I could relate to a few of the events happening right now in our world.

Great read and has fantastic art as well.