
Recent discussions surrounding *Daredevil: Born Again* have surfaced intriguing sentiments, particularly regarding the character of Matt Murdock. Many viewers seem to express opinions that lack a nuanced understanding of his journey and faith.
Following its premiere last night, *Daredevil: Born Again* garnered significant attention, especially as Disney provided journalists with the entire season for review ahead of time. This lead-up prompted numerous critical observations, including a poignant comment that suggested the series “lacks the original’s religious themes.”In my perspective, this assertion fails to capture the essence of the narrative.
In the original *Daredevil* series, we witnessed Matt Murdock (played by Charlie Cox) grappling with his connection to the Catholic Church. Initially characterized as a devout individual who frequently confessed, his journey is marked by revelations about his past and his mother, leading to a significant evolution in his faith. By the time we reach *Born Again*, Matt embraces the moral teachings instilled by the Church, albeit with a departure from its more dogmatic aspects.
I resonate with Matt’s perspective on faith as seen in *Born Again*.Having been raised by grandparents who attended church each Sunday and occasionally participated in Sunday school, my relationship with Catholicism wasn’t one of coercion, paralleling Matt’s journey toward a more personal interpretation of his beliefs.
The show thoughtfully integrates subtle reminders of Matt’s Catholic roots, which I believe critics have overlooked. To assert that the series lacks a spiritual dimension is to miss these important references to his faith.
Prayer Cards, Pleading with God, and Matt’s Private Prayer

A significant aspect of Matt’s connection to faith is illustrated through a prayer card he carries for his friend Foggy Nelson. This gesture reflects a meaningful Catholic tradition: memorializing the deceased through such tokens. Similarly, I keep framed prayer cards of my grandparents to honor their memory.
Matt’s possession of Foggy’s prayer card symbolizes the impact of his Catholic upbringing. Within the storyline, he finds solace in prayer at home, revealing that while he might not attend church regularly anymore, he still maintains a spiritual bond in a personal way.
It’s vital to recognize that the loss of someone as significant as Foggy could cause anyone, including Matt, to distance themselves from formal religious practices. Given his grief, it seems natural for him to step back from communal worship rather than continue attending services weekly.
Therefore, the claim that *Daredevil: Born Again* diminishes Matt’s spiritual journey is misleading. While this iteration may present Catholicism with less intensity than its predecessor, his connection to faith remains integral to his character development.
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