Batman Vs. Superman

[@spiritualwatermelon7172]

While you were listing all the Marvel heroes I was just sitting here thinking, "But... Captain America... He's a paladin and my favorite..." And then you mentioned him and I was happy again.

[@cloverfield911]

Priests are superheroes too! ;)

[@Sharona542]

cloverfield911 Not all superheroes where capes. :D

[@DefenestrateYourself]

cloverfield911 Just the good priests.

[@DefenestrateYourself]

Jake V Lol! Exactly.

[@steveb0503]

cloverfield911 No - more like "Typhoid Mary" for indiscriminately spreading the mind-virus of religion. Besides, does lying to people for a living actually qualify someone as a "hero" ("super" or otherwise)? P.S. - For the purpose of qualifying my assessment that priests lie for a living, I would like to point out that it is dishonest to assert as fact that which is not evidently true. They DO NOT *know* that God exists, they *believe* that he does - yet they tell others that he DOES exist. This makes them LIARS.

[@Sharona542]

***** It's obvious you don't agree with our way of living. You're dismissed.

[@opencurtin]

I've just discovered Fr Mike and I am very impressed by his way of preaching the Gospel through modern culture , I'm also impressed by his calling and the way he gets his message of the gospel through youtube , God bless you Fr on your vocation and your obvious calling from the lord ..

[@auraxfire]

This is the coolest priest on the planet.

[@alexissalinas9267]

I agree

[@angelrauldume]

@@alexissalinas9267 same

[@MiiaVita]

This is truly a wonderful message for all aspiring writers. Create real heroes.

[@feykabah]

What a great video! Finally someone made a video about all the positivity that the great characters of DC Comics have to offer. I'm so happy I found this gem. Thank you so much for taking some of your time to make it. It really puts a little more faith that people will stop criticizing these beloved characters, that are so important to some of us.

[@lupewalkerx]

I loved the film and the deconstruction of the Messianic archetype hero. It's a very philosophically challenging film with thought provoking themes. One of the profound themes as it relates to your message is that the villain tries to "bring down the heroes" but Superman prevails and though Batman loses his way, he's inspired by Superman's sacrifice and turn his life around.

[@kalelinkirk3234]

I completely agree with Fr. Mike's assessment that we as a culture and a civilization need stories - and characters - that bring us up, that remind us of our own capacity for goodness. While the film was disappointing in many respects, I was immensely relieved (I had been quite anxious about it, as a huge fan of both characters - who really should be friends and not fighting each other) that there were some glimmers of the hope that is engendered by heroes, and that the titular heroes did end up acting heroically and compassionately by the film's conclusion (Superman in particular, with his Christ-figure-like sacrifice). Thank you , Father, for posting this.

[@manuelignaciocaceres2369]

That ending was perfect

[@saxophonexsb1407]

Father, I am glad you are addressing these topics of entertainment. It is really interesting the point of view you share. I hope you keep making these kind of videos. Blessings

[@joemurphy4970]

I always preferred Batman over Superman because Batman was human and used his God given talents and wealth and success to fight for good. Batman trained hard, honed his skills, sacrificed huge amounts of his personal wealth to equip himself, and his personal life, so that he could fight the forces of evil. Superman although still a great character, was just reacting to a situation thrust upon him. His skills were in his nature and did not have to be acquired and minimal effort needed to hone them. Anyway great video Father.

[@neosoontoretro]

Joe Murphy Keep in mind that Superman is more virtuous than Batman, he could have easily used his powers for evil but instead used it for good.

[@joemurphy4970]

neosoontoretro Ye Superman could have, but so could`ve Batman, so I don`t see why Superman is more virtuous. Although granted, Superman would have created a vastly greater problem if he had done so, because of his superior powers, but the moral strength used to avoid that temptation is the same.

[@neosoontoretro]

Joe Murphy Batman is vengeful and morally ambiguous while Superman has more moral clarity. Superman is driven by compassion and generosity rather than anger and obsession like Batman.

[@joemurphy4970]

neosoontoretro I disagree that Batman is morally ambiguous. He is clearly fighting for justice, to protect the weak and vulnerable, and for the good of society. I agree that Superman behaves in a more ethical manner, but then again, he didn`t have his parents murdered, which maybe explains Batman's "anger and obsession". I think Batman's character and attitude have much more in common with humanity than Superman. I think that`s why I prefer him. He`s more real.

[@neosoontoretro]

Joe Murphy How is Batman not morally ambiguous? Batman believe that ends justifies the means so how is that not morally ambiguous. Just because his fighting justice doesn't justify his actions. Even if it's protection of the weak and vulnerable you can't deny that his action are ethically questionable.

[@berrell51]

Amazing! You should preach at my school, my friends will ABSOLUTELY loved this.

[@shannonabeywardena7323]

God bless you, Father Mike! You are a real life superhero that any person can aspire to be like!

[@datcheekyboi]

Wow now that's truly a gift because with just what he had to say I felt for a brief moment that my life transcended beyond this world and wanted to mold the very nature of my own character into something more... Spread the video

[@donbasta2475]

That was a great presentation on heroes. Thanks Father.

[@opencurtin]

With great power comes great responsibility I remember that line from the first Spider man movie ...

[@abbushidokan1446]

You're the best super hero out there Fr.Mike!! You show people Jesus!!!

[@Thorfan85]

Hi Father Mike, Thanks for the video, I'm not a Christian but I am a long time comic book fan. I really appreciate these videos, I may not be religious but I try to have a strong moral compass. I agree that our heroes help shape our culture, and not every fictional hero needs to be dark and gritty. I will always be a Captain America fan because he is good for the sake of being good. He didn't need tragedy to make him want to help others, his parents didn't get shot in crime alley and his uncle Ben didn't die. He is at his core a good person who wants to help others. I feel sad that we don't have more heroes like this, and I hear the reason why is because there not relatable. Superman can't be the true blue Boy Scout of the 1930's because it's not relatable and not realistic. I'm happy to see others that feel the same way when it comes to pop culture ethics and morals. This also makes me feel a little better about the Christian belief, I haven't had the best experience with organized religion but I think I'll keep watching your videos and go from there. Thank you again and have a great day -Matt

[@Jesusdiaz-uh6zn]

This is awesome Thank you for this Father Mike God bless

[@Nitro1013]

I always enjoy father Schmitz videos...

[@acandela1294]

Awesome video, you make great points on today's culture! Just want to defend Marvel a little bit as I don't think you give them enough credit with what they portray. Marvel uses Iron Man to show the newness of technology, the aura of being a billionaire, the idea of utilitarianism, that what's best for all is what should be done even if it impedes on freedom or needs the death of others for the "greater good." But Marvel also shows that this man is not happy with himself unless he follows virtues such as self sacrifice. Captain America is the greatest example of virtue. His only problem is that he is from an age past. He sees all that humans have done since then, yet he knows they have lost something more important. He refuses to submit to ideas that would impede human freedom, any "solution" that may involve innocents dying to save others is never a solution to the Cap. He defends the idea of a God even when he meets a norse god. And in the end, he's always right and everything works out for him while Stark's visions or ideas backfire. Captain America shows that you can think with the use of your conscience too.

[@Waynent]

You rock man!! Love your videos 👍🏼👍🏼🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mariannamycroft2611]

After the Endgame my favourite superhero is Black Widow. What she did was absoultely incredible. She was ready to sacrifice herself and die quietly (even though Clint wanted to) with just one friend with her just to help reunite people and bring the normal world back. And the whole plan of getting the stones back wasn't even guaranteed to work! She was willing to risk it all.

[@laurathompson4458]

Wow! He comes alive when he talks about his cartoon superhero’s. I think it’s cute!!!!

[@LucianFromEarth]

When it comes to virtuous there's no superhero better than Shazam. He was literally chosen to be a superhero because of his pure heart.

[@JRLeeman]

I'm not sure Batman can be considered entirely virtuous. The main draw for many fans of Batman is that he's able to turn his overwhelmingly negative emotions, anger, bitterness, fear and even hatred of those criminals who murdered his parents, into something socially useful, instead of joining a vicious cycle of crime that would have been the fate of many other (poorer) people in his situation. While he tries to be an altruist, it could even be argued that Bruce is simply selfishly indulging his emotions - using his crime fighting as a means to cope with his survivors guilt - especially since his wealth could be used to save and reform many of the criminals, victims of tragedy themselves, who he mercilessly beats to within inches of their lives. The reason I find Batman so compelling and nuanced, is that the case can be made for him representing the best and worst of humanity.

[@PR_1775]

What a great video! This is exactly why, despite the cool moments, I was so disappointed in the Beowulf movie. Beowulf (as originally written if I'm not mistaken) was a virtuous Christian epic hero and the movie (based on a comic I believe) made him arrogant, a liar, and a slave to his appetites. What I did like is the same thing I like about Tony Stark. These men found redemption in self sacrifice. But there was no need to ruin Beowulf. Sometimes, it's okay to have a hero with few flaws. Sometimes it's what we need.

[@Daoismdrunkard]

Without question, Father Schmitz brings a point that has often been overlooked where superheroes are concerned. I also agree that he does do the Marvel Universe a slight injustice, though I understand why he makes Batman and Superman the focus, here. I would like to respectfully disagree with his assessment of what makes Superman heroic. As I once explained to my nephews: what makes Superman heroic is not his strength or his powers and his willingness to use them to help others -- it's his willingness to unhesitatingly go out and to face enemies who are actually capable of damaging and hurting him time and again. This is much like Hollingsworth quote about courage not being "the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than one's fear."

[@jflores85]

Superheroes were my moral compass until got older and followed Jesus. I'm still a huge comic nerd though. spider-man was my favorite because he did everything for his Aunt out of love and always did the right thing no matter what it cost him in his personal life. Plus guilt was his engine like some of us, "With Great Power..." was about about seeing how your selfish actions can affect your loved ones.

[@joaquinmejia4717]

I really liked this video. I honestly think that we are so obsessed with moral ambiguity. Books and movies need more REAL heroes. People need to be inspired.

[@lay-hannowway8943]

Superman is my favourite, the guy could bend the world to his will with the power he has, yet he chooses to help others.

[@betaHaze]

I love this message and I understand what it's saying, but I have to ask..... What about Spider-Man? XD

[@bombuchu]

*applaud* this is awesome

[@ibachmike3]

Batman > Superman

[@neosoontoretro]

I get what Father Mike is saying, however I don't think there is anything wrong with making superheroes more identifiable. Isn't that the reason Jesus resonates with both Christians and non-Christians alike, his willingness to identify with normal human beings? Heroes likes Superman and Batman are cultural icons because they're both human and divine much like Jesus. Unlike Superman, Batman has no powers but it's his superhuman-like discipline that almost makes him God-like. However, let's not pretend that Batman doesn't have any serious flaws or short-comings. Batman is deeply flawed, vengeful, secretive, morally ambiguous hero which explains why his more popular than Superman. But despite this, the Batman has redeeming virtue which makes him heroic and it's not his training or detective skills but his willingness to sacrifice his life for the city that he loves. It's these kind of heroes that people respond to the most because they represent a kind of duality and paradox that is at the heart of Christianity.

[@RoseBaggins]

Fr. Mike, you forgot another one for Marvel, and the main one on par with Batman, and that's Spiderman. Just thought I'd put that out there because he's acts more like Cap than Tony, the good kid who tries his best to do the right thing and learns from his mistakes.

[@prairiete]

I always loved hagiography, since I was little kid and some saints were my heroes. I still have "hero Saints", nowadays. Recently, I finally found "the Golden Legend" by Jacobus de Voragine (I didn't know the name when I was younger). I think I'm gonna tell my godson those stories, in addition to the traditional fairy tales. Besides all that, I like Batman and Spiderman. And Storm too.

[@eddiejuarez2427]

I want him to talk about the new Joker movie now

[@Blade-Thing]

Comics are my vice. Superman comics fan here since 80s.

[@CarloCastillo]

Hi Father! Now I'm wondering what you actually think of Daredevil :)

[@DenzilFernandes007]

Can you make a video on spiderman too.

[@aaronguerrero4753]

I really enjoyed listing to your teachings , although I'm not catholic I still see you as a man of God trying to do good to the world . How does some one has a better direct contact with you >? where can I post questions regarding other topics not related to this one .? Aaron

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Aw man, you gotta do a Halloween video with a 🦇 man and Superman 🤓get up. 🤣

[@1697511981012332]

HI Father,I think Marvel's message is simply that even flawed beings like most of their heroes you've mentioned can strive for heroism as well. Though,yes the black widow is certainly out of bounds regardless of how much good she's portrayed to be doing.

[@willm2799]

there great because also in the movie the trailer shows that instead of those heroes creating a potential destroyed planet they help to disrupt a potential destroyed universe or in simplest terms Batman Superman don't fight wonder woman and Batman n Superman fight doomsday

[@PSNZAC315]

What about spider-man? He has the best sense of right and wrong over any super hero ever.

[@anas.8565]

I so want to know what Fr Mike thinks about Wonder Woman

[@DoroteeaZorici]

#askfrmike Hy, are you still analyzing superheroes/ productions? I would have this kind of questions/doubts about some of my favourites or less favourites like the follow: "lotr", "Harry potter", the "fallen" trilogy - How much "chtistian" are these? And How much "anti-christian" is 'x men appocalypse"? And a serious one - what is the Christian perspective about ( the subject of ) the movie " philadelphia " ( the one from 993 with tom Hanks beeing the lawyer fired for having aids) - was he enrighted to do all that action or he should accept the fatality as a "karmic" consequence for his mistake?

[@ipso-kk3ft]

Batman or Superman? Power or Character? One or Two? False God or True Hero?

[@Blade-Thing]

Actually, Father, you couldve mentioned the Justice Society of America. They're still around and represent the classic virtues of traditional comic book Superheroes.

[@av7163]

The Fellowship of the Ring are my favorite Christian fictional heroes!

[@Penfold8]

I one the to interject here. I find it disgusting that Superman's disguise is nothing more than glasses. If anything Superman seems to be under the impression that we normal everyday, run of the mill, people won't be able to put two and two together and realize that Clark Kent is actually Superman. It's actually insulting if you think about it to realize that Superman thinks so little of us as far as our mental capacity.

[@achalasamapriya2701]

My kind of father ...

[@illynkimura1015]

Father Mike which is which Batman or Superman?????

[@INIII1995]

First, i think you are awesome! i'm a catholic pearson but i'm not in a place were i understand everything and sometimes i feel conflicted with myself about my realigion, even though i try to trust in god. But i love the way you explained some things that i did'nt understand. well i also love super heros but the super hero i love the most is not marvel our dc... it's doctor who! if you have some time i would like to know your opinion about it... and anouther really cool subject for you to talk about its tolkien's books compering to the bible, theres nothing to do with super heros but still it would be awesome..

[@tomsantangelo2907]

What about Spider-Man? I think he has a good heart, and like Captain America, he was given his powers and uses them for good! :)

[@JDvorak2009]

A whole series of videos on super heroes? I can’t believe I watched only one of them! Why super heroes?

[@paulquizo1]

Yes they're the faithful's superheroes dispensing super powers via the sacraments specially the Eucharist

[@Nitrocoldbrew11]

I thought it was honest Abe I could not tell a lie......and what about Spider-Man

[@jeffstike3195]

Hey what about Spiderman.

[@thesavoyard]

Father Mike is a DC fan

[@Blade-Thing]

BvS Batman's motivation to kill Supes felt off to me tho.

[@DistributistHound]

Disney: we don't like you fr. Mike Fr. Mike: ok Capitan America Disney: :) all right father we like you

[@hdis0wksispnsns8eiwb9skwnw5]

You remind me of Father Roderick

[@judyhoppsie6521]

Cam you talk abolir Captain America: Civil War?

[@SilverTune]

I wonder if this is an another (very small) contributing reason to why our current society is so depressed and anxious. Because our fictional characters are.

[@samxlovegod]

very true these characters have shaped my life in some ways being a Christian the World is hard Jesus did say in this world we will have troubles the world is all mixed up so much sadness all the time but if men and women stand up and be heroes we can bring hope and Light to the helpless and shine a helping light in the Darkness I believe some of us are meant to be heroes not in the sense of wearing a cape but everyday Heroes leaning down and giving a hand to someone give them hope love and in some cases desperately needed help let's be a hero all of us Jesus said not just pray for someone but give a hand to someone don't walk a mile with someone walk 2 miles and treat people as you wish to be treated and above all love God with all your heart your soul spirit and by doing so you have a loving heart for all so let's fight for truth and justice in our Lord's way.

[@M31416]

Goku is better that both of them! (Considering reasoning and values put in that video.)

[@damiengamez1909]

You forgot Spiderman

[@generalj216]

Spider-man? He’s pretty virtuous

[@25prompts]

My only hero is Jesus christ and unlike Batman and Superman he was real.

[@caribkidful]

Exactly this is a bunch of nonsense!!

[@algol291]

We put our stars up in the sky just to pull them back down to earth... isn't that somewhere in Revelation?

[@karasaunty9823]

Spiderman and The Flash are also virtuous. Not as virtuous as Jesus, it's true; but we can't all be perfect...

[@paulgibbons2320]

Technically the whole super hero genre is idolitory. TV is an idol or even an alter. Whatever is on that alter is taking you away from God. (Hey I don't make these rules.) Your looking at other marvel characters for virtue other than god or Jesus. Batman is essentially a revenge story. Largely uses violence to subdue people. An uses a dark demonic persona. He's not beyond anger an rage. I'd say he is not on the virtuous side. 'God despiseth the violent man' - psalms. We all know it right. But when a new avengers flick comes out. Us lads are all taking a sin right? Sure would like your thoughts on Dare Devil though... The most Catholic hero/antihero.

[@CATboss001]

Plot twist: they found fr Mike in the hospital

[@FiveFansTube]

But you do look like Superman 😍

[@ROYALCHEETAHBOYD]

Word. no spider-man love tho lol

[@renansilva3879]

Nan nan nan BATMAN!

[@algol291]

can a 'god' be arrogant? Can God be considered arrogant? He says things which would be arrogant for a man to say, and God is the/His word. Rather murky territory to step into.

[@jaylim1094]

Santa Claus vs Harry Potter

[@sabrinapisa5324]

Wonder woman

[@jasonhutson8584]

Spider-Man

[@cadegranier8438]

3:35- because DC is better than Marvel.....

[@metal87power]

Over-virtueous heroes are not very believable.

[@adamhovey407]

Did you know Batman is a lapsed Catholic?

[@MrHogame]

Can u do a Video about Homosexuality, pls . Gbu

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

🤣🤣🤣