Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Spiritual Reflection

[@bplusstudios9031]

"I haven't fired a gun in this game and I don't plan to." (Laughs in second half)

[@RocketSurgn_]

Honestly, I never felt like guns were useful… at all. If it came to that point (on the hardest combat difficulty) I generally had already lost. I used them a few times, but the cost alerting everybody in the area just isn’t worth it.

[@bplusstudios9031]

@RocketSurgn_ Yeah, I'm mainly referring to that one segment with the airplane, and the part of the game where you're moving through corridors against shotgunners. Outside of that you have to use them sparingly and strategically if at all.

[@RocketSurgn_]

@ Fair enough, the flying part would be a problem at least, hah.

[@SteelTwilight]

Just wanted to say I really appreciate your perspective as a Catholic priest for games. Extremely unique views and I'm looking forward to hearing more :)

[@Alex-du3wl]

Wow I'm so glad I stumbled on this channel. As a Catholic and a gamer I never thought I would find something that melded the two.

[@MrCodyWarner]

As a Catechumen who will be Baptized, confirmed, and receive my first communion this Easter, I just keep being amazed by the church. A priest reviewing games!?!? I’m about as shocked as when I learned the Vatican owns and operates observatories and the Big Bang was first proposed by a Catholic priest who was also a physicist. I really feel like I was sold a false bill of goods my whole life about the church. Glad I finally decided to look for myself! Great review Father. Glad you’re enjoying the game!

[@CathDamienn1776]

A fellow catehumen! Hope your journey into the church is wonderful

[@mweb586]

Same here!! Great comment, I agree with you. Easter is going to be awesome! I can’t wait to finally take Communion at a Mass!

[@theonewhogetsshot-v7k]

Same here! I was finally confirmed this past Easter and I’ve never been happier. God has guided me home and given me so much knowledge as well. And you’re right, the world has sold us all lies about the Church since we were kids, and it’s a shame

[@RocketSurgn_]

Not catholic myself (American Episcopal, if not particularly active) so take this as all perspective on an outsider with a lot of respect for the core of the church, but at least American Catholicism has a pretty wide split between parts that you mention and parts that align more so with the stereotypes unfortunately. The Catholic Church definitely has had a very heavy misrepresentation of being anti science in a lot of ways that fundamentally aren’t true, like your mention of the Big Bang (though for what it’s worth, the current most supported version of that theory doesn’t mean what it used to anymore) and some of the earliest studies of genetics/evolution. I grew up in the evangelical stronghold of the American southeast that probably added to the negative bias I saw. But much of Church history, and from my understanding especially Jesuits, tend to be extremely knowledgeable and solidly on board with scientific thinking. That said, there are also a lot of hyper conservative (often converts) that legitimately are anti-reason. Sects of the American Catholic Church have been among the most angry about any move to liberalization of church dogma including anger at much of Pope Francis’s history. It probably doesn’t help that the stereotypes lead to a bit of a feedback loop… when someone decides any other Christian denomination is “too liberal”/too worldly etc, they often see Catholicism as the route to their preferred extremist views and bring that baggage with them. For instance, the Episcopal church has made a few changes that led to it hemmorhaging its most conservative members, who often either chose the Catholic or Orthodox Church and brought their most extreme views with them.

[@mweb586]

@ I’m genuinely curious what you would define as extremism. Christianity is conservative by nature. We have the 10 Commandments and many, many parables from Jesus showing examples of how to live from nearly 2000 years ago. I understand interpretations and technologies change over time, but I think it’s only natural that denominations that follow orthodoxy will always be considered more conservative. I’m curious to how following tradition can make anyone extreme? God bless.

[@lamentable.mp3]

Lots of comments from Christians and Catholics here. I’m an atheist, and this was an impressively balanced and very thoughtful and fascinating discussion from a perspective that has been under-represented in my life. Unfortunately still not a man for church myself, but regardless, you have my utmost thanks for such a rare insightful dialogue in the ladder half of this video, great example of what religious leaders should be right here.

[@JackeyBoyyy]

I agree. Usually religious people come off a certain way (atleast here on youtube) But clearly pixel padre is a intelligent individual. He doesn't seem to be the type of person to blindly follow something.

[@nedks11]

I like your kind comment because it is thoughtful, but it is somewhat funny that an self-proclaimed atheist has a view on what a ‘religious leader should be’

[@bosmeroya]

I was received into the Church this year and I LOVE the idea of this channel! It’s so awesome to see my old gaming hobbies (Dishonored, Thief!!) be mentioned positively by a Catholic priest in a spiritual reflection like this. Thank you!!

[@Lemonidas75]

As a Christian and a follower of the orthodox church myself, it was very interesting to see the opinion of a Catholic priest over how the church is depicted in this game! Thank you father and God bless.

[@raylancarver7347]

Indiana Jones discovering Jewish-Christian relics is the best Indy.

[@nikolaiiscoolguyproduction4807]

I was a Christian as a kid, and legitimately I like a fantasy world where the Bible is right.

[@Jhizzy-j9x]

Jesus loves you guys repent and turn to Him

[@ssilent8202]

@@nikolaiiscoolguyproduction4807”fantasy” 🤣

[@nikolaiiscoolguyproduction4807]

@ssilent8202 I genuinely mean no offense by it, but I think even most Christians wouldn't conceive of the artifacts in the films and this game acting as they do. Anyway, the reality these movies exist in is different from reality in a number of ways.

[@elf-lordsfriarofthemeadowl2039]

Thank you, Father

[@StimmBehr]

I love the topic of the video. I have so many people that tell me about, as you phrased it, their Judas causing them to give up the whole bunch and ultimately that's a denial of obligation and responsibility in the bigger picture of the faith. So when they say, "it shattered my faith" I'm easy to question how strong it was in the first place.

[@realfuzzynono]

Great video Father! Playing an Indiana Jones game with Catholic references has been a dream come true for me. I hope you do a spoiler video about the story and your thoughts on its references to our faith.

[@jflannel1965]

Call no man father except your father in heaven. The vatican is babylon the great

[@realfuzzynono]

@ Better tell that to St. Paul, “Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭NABRE‬‬ Also what do you call that guy married to your mom? I think you better do some more homework and Bible reading before you think about fighting my 2000 year old faith started by Christ. Get behind me Satan

[@Shizzmoney74]

"I haven't fired a gun in this game and I don't plan to." - I think that's the idea; you have the option to USE guns, but it's not optimal 99% of the time (because you'll blow cover). You can't even shoot the dogs. I do like this as a game mechanic and as a message... but only if the stealth and takedown mechanics were more defined

[@maxdelpo5578]

Great insights. I love your different yet extremely competent point of view

[@ForgottenHonor0]

This section of the game reminded me of a historical fiction book about an American Army officer who infiltrated the Vatican prior to the liberation of Rome to investigate a murder. You may find it interesting, it's called _Death's Door_ by James R Benn.

[@ivanstrydom8417]

Great video sir, from a Protestant , you have a new subscriber. May God Three in One Bless you.

[@PedroRDC]

The answer for bad priests are good priests indeed! Thank you Father! Keep going until you've baptized the gaming industry! As always, you're in my daily Rosaries. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas!

[@ethanmcfarland8240]

Praise the lord and pass the bullwhip

[@MarcinSzyniszewski]

Excellent! Fr Antonio was great in this level, always helping Indy.

[@Bugga451]

Big props for the old school Thief mention! Edit: Now I feel like playing System Shock again. That, and is it truly an Indiana Jones game until you shoot a foolish swordsman thinking he can get a swordfight out of you?

[@Pixel_Padre]

That scene did cross my mind :) We'll see how my non-lethal tactics work out in the latter half of the game...

[@JackChurchill101]

As a recommendation, you might find a five year old game "frost punk'" interesting. The 1890s world had ended in a new ice age and survivors must reform around pre-built city steam generators. You are the steward/captain and must decide how your community should survive the great winter. The interesting part is how you must often choose that some of your people must suffer so that the majority can survive. - And are you really serving their needs, or your own? - too much 'discontent', or too little 'hope' means the people banish you to the frozen wasteland, and it's game over. Beyond that, you can choose to follow a spiritual path, but of increasing dogma, or an authoritarian path, but of increasing control. Definitely a thought provoking game, for a "how far would you go, to save the community?" and "how much suffering should people endure, when you're the one calling the shots?"

[@kimberlykatiti6969]

Amazing video! Instant subscribe

[@TheFlakey00179]

Fantastic video and great insights.

[@JackeyBoyyy]

never thought I would come across a religious person I would agree with on so many things.

[@TheNerdWithASuit]

As a mega Indiana Jone fan, throughout the series, my thoughts come to two conclusions: 1. Indiana is a deist. After seeing Judeo, Hindi, Atlantean, alien, and time travel powers all be verified, he's bound to believe not one higher power cannot really claim full monopoly on these supernatural phenomenons he has seen since Temple of Doom. He perhaps believes there is a singular vague source that explains these phenomenons that multiple religions have interprented differently, but he does think there must be some higher power, even if he can only think of it in a very vague way. 2. Indiana believes every religion is correct, and believes that every culture around the world got it right all at the same time and is probably trying to find the religous equivelant of the theory of everything. In Dial of Destiny he admits he doesn't exactly believe in magic, and while one could have eaisly argued that's because he is suffering from depression and self-hatred in 1969, Great Circle establishes that even after the events of Temple and Raiders he still doesn't exactly believe in precise magical powers that are not explainable even back then.

[@tw1tch09]

Father thank you so much for these insightful videos! I wanted to recommend Hellblade 2 and Alan Wake 2. Both are incredibly immersive and touch on the concept of fate, and so I think would really be down your alley.

[@ironyage]

“He’s speaking Latin-he must be from the Vatican!”

[@nikolaiiscoolguyproduction4807]

I am not a Christian anymore, but I'm compelled to watch more of your videos. I've finished the game, I'd love to see what you think of the later game and its big reveal. Hope you don't have the game spoiled at all.

[@Billy.Bacsko]

God bless you 🙏♥️

[@PatrickKniesler]

If it is something you would be interested in, CONTROL may be one to look at. I had a brief interaction with one of the creative directors who let me know his Catholic faith informed some of the choices while making the game.

[@upfrontbuckle04]

I would really like to hear your thoughts on the ending of the game after you beat it. And about Tony Todd's character and his... situation.

[@Hammer1987]

I think the problem with organized religion isn't that it is organized or religious, but rather that the bureaucracy and logistical machinery required to keep a religion consistent across cultures and languages is very powerful and has many alternative uses other than keeping the religion itself consistent. Such power tempts those who are weak of will and it attracts those who would wield it for their own ends. It's like a very big hammer. With a hammer you can build a house, but you can also tear it down. And I don't think there exists any easy solution to this problem. Just like with every other good thing in this world, it can only be maintained by the tireless labor and eternal vigilance of good men.

[@rick2402]

Christ promises His Church would not fall. Men will not uphold this institution, we cannot, we are too weak. Thankfully we have assurance from God Himself

[@negativecharisma7583]

As a Christian myself, I can tell you that you're going to hear a lot of argument between different sects as well. If you even have so much as a shred of desire to learn more about God, my advice from my own personal experience is don't start by going to any church. Get a bible, read the gospels, the first four books of the new testament, even if it's just a chapter a day. Look up resources and discussions about them online if you get confused about anything. The Bible can be an intimidating, complicated book, but once you start to clear that hurdle, you realize it really does speak to you in a personal way.

[@aaronlaughter6471]

If all you got is a holy hammer, everything starts looking like an unholy nail.

[@beeftothetaco]

Would really love to see you do a video on the 2015 game SOMA, which imo features one of the best science fiction stories ever written. I won't say much about it since I don't want to spoil anything (it's very story-focused and has many twists and turns) but it touches on a lot of themes that include the nature of life, humanity, the afterlife etc that you might find interesting

[@christianarnold5799]

Thank you for the commentary about the game from a fellow Christians point of view :) I was a bit concerned when I found out the player is going undercover in the Vatican, especially being Bethesda, I thought that this could get really offensive to Christians. I am surprised that generally I have not found offensive content, apart from Indy speaking the Lords name in vein, although I don't like that, honestly it's so prevalent in many of the movies and games I like of which have generally very honorable directions - well if I let that offend me too much I'd have to stick with pure spiritual movies only practically. And the Catholic church, alike many denominational churches and non denominational churches have all struggled with major problems internally, and of course problems continue to arise to this day. Ultimately, if the overall direction is about living for Christ and imitating Him in any church of Christ, then that is the most important thing, and hopefully the church will survive problems that may come up. God bless :)

[@JustClassicStuff]

0:06 - I'm already lost, I must replay the video

[@JPKloess]

02:10 I've never been a "hard mode" player. But after finishing Kingdom Come: Deliverance on normal mode for the first time this year, everything else's normal mode kind of feels like easy mode in comparison; I might have to start being a hard mode player.

[@mdd4296]

Normal mode is what the devs think would be the most fun for their targeted audience, not the most fun overall. That's why indie games often seems harder even on normal because they target a niche of player who is used to a genre while AAA like Indy is far easier on normal for everyone.

[@Harp2033]

Thank you, padre, for the review. I was on the fence for this game because I wasn't sure how they would depict the church. I'll probably pick it up and play with my Dad.

[@Jigsaw0g]

its a video game dawg its not that deep

[@slayeralmighty]

Learning that you are a fan of the early Thief titles is such a cool thing! Have you played “The Black Parade” mod campaign for Thief Gold? It’s very well done

[@Pixel_Padre]

Oh yeah, The Black Parade was fantastic! I honestly feel it stands toe-to-toe with Looking Glass' own best work.

[@slayeralmighty]

@@Pixel_Padre I agree wholeheartedly. It surprised me at many points, and felt very natural in its references to the trilogy too. God bless

[@rebelliousgrayfox]

I know you've been covering a lot of new releases, but I would absolutely love to hear your take on FAITH The Unholy Trinity. You play as a disavowed priest and you have to exorcise demons while your only weapon is a cross

[@Pixel_Padre]

It does look like my kind of game - hopefully will have a bit more time to cover other stuff in the new year!

[@rebelliousgrayfox]

Looking forward to it, padre. God bless and Godspeed

[@Dimitri9511]

Excuse me father. Since you mentioned the whole aspect of corruption and faith i would like to see some analyzis around priest characters in games. There's one perfect character for this occassion, Reverend Ray McCall from the Call of Juarez series (First game and Bound & Blood) once former confederate soldier turned outlaw and after the amount of sin he comited he turned himself a preacher of god. God be with you.

[@boimemes3462]

Can you do a video on hitman, i heard agent 47 is catholic?

[@parkerd5714]

I want this man to play doom (2016) and doom eternal

[@maxia4584]

Padre you should really play “Faith the un holy trinity”

[@PlasticSorcererTheOriginal]

You should try "Thief the Dark Project". It explores Christianity and paganism

[@dwayneasher6765]

I love the video can you review fire emblem 3 houses it has fascinating themes when it comes to war

[@Tsuna361]

I would really like to hear your thoughts on the indie game Faith. A priest prospecting would be great to hear

[@hubertmitura2587]

Well thats evangelization adjusted to nowadays people. Because people now live more and more in virtual reality, which video games are large part. I recommend try out "Messaiah" game by Shiny entertainment, its biblical-themed game mixed with some cyberpunk vibe. Abeit technically stunnig (game engine far ahead of its time) its also decent stealth game. Stealth more in Hitman style (well, before Hitman), "costume" style- since protagonist is angel in "putto" form, he must "posses" other person to cover his identity. So to go somewhere unnoticed, one must play a role of posesed person (well its suspicius that when as worker, player walks with gun, not to mention he is restricted to some area). Not much hiding in shadow (well one can try but s.i. is very natural- its uncommon that during searhing foes collaborate e.g. in angel form player hides behind medium box- search party splits so that two are aproaching from diffrent sides of box and one jumps on other box to watch from above). Goal is to go from one area to another- at first glance- unaccesible. Player have large dose of freedom- can do it violently or peacefully (by possesing and deposseing certain characters). E.g. player must pass certain door: he may stealthy posses worker, who has acces to this room, posses armed person and deal security guards with gun blazing or...posess nuclear technican with radiaton suit, get radiated substance from experimental chamber, simply go to room secured by guards- they all die due radiation, without single shot. Free to go.

[@JoaoTakada]

love your videos padre! , this game is a pass for me as the game mechanics are to simplified and i love the old movies too much 🙏

[@nospin9831]

Padre what is your take on the the creative director from this game selling demon ritual items online. Is this a sin to play a game by a creative person who is satanic that helped to create this game. See fandom pulse article. I would think that a person that worships the devil would inject satanic symbols and evil into this game. Your thoughts? Should we as good Christians avoid supporting evil people who may have injected woke satanic subliminal messages into the game?

[@Gyuribacsik]

I play very hard, so good game.:)

[@wwesleyblade]

I'd like to know what you thought about Fr Antonio blessing the bottle of wine for Indi to use on puzzles. Felt alittle blasphemous or something. Just using Jesus's blood like that

[@Pixel_Padre]

Yeah, while I'm sure they were going for a joke rather than implying an actual consecration took place, that part felt in poor taste.

[@wwesleyblade]

Yeah, makes sense. Thanks for the reply! Also, curious about your thoughts on the rest of the game! Maybe another video or something

[@josuesilva9409]

@@Pixel_Padrewhat did you think about the confession scene?

[@Scarletpach]

0:20 Why, is it somebody’s birthday soon or something 🙉

[@misonly5496]

Lol

[@rick2402]

Father how do we play video gsmes as a Catholic? We should follow God in all things. How do we grow in holiness in this activity

[@maxdelpo5578]

You can follow God in many ways. Reading books, watching TV or playing video games is good you can spread the word in more forms

[@Pixel_Padre]

There are general moral principles that should guide us whether we're gaming or reading or playing sports, etc, but I just find it more interesting to talk on narrower topics, such as reflections that arise while playing a specific game.

[@rick2402]

@Pixel_Padre Thank you father! What are these moral principles? How does one apply them to gaming where you have to make certain moral decisions? Do they have to line up with those principles or is it safe for our souls to "play the bad guy"? Thank you for your time, - a gamer becoming Catholic

[@joshuam.6027]

im not Catholic but i think punching Pagan Nazi bad guys who are obsessed with pervesing our Judeo-Christian relics as one of their own little Aryan occult seems holy enough lol

[@Jhizzy-j9x]

Jesus loves you guys turn to Him and repent for eternal life

[@amberlyveil8856]

Atheist here, (partly because I read the Bible cover to cover and found it full of endorsements of cruelty in myriad forms)... it's interesting to hear your perspective on games... Though I'd argue that communism is far less of a threat than you might think... after all, like your christ, it asks that we look out for one another and care for each other... even using a familiar phrase wholeheartedly: "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need" Like how your religion has been interpreted in a number of harmful and toxic ways, so too can communism or indeed, most ideologies... fascism being one of the only inherently destructive ones.

[@sxcJOELisNotsexy]

That is why we trust solely in Christ. Because we know that man is fallible. No matter if it's a religious man or a communist man. We all fall short.

[@PatrickKniesler]

Two things First, nowhere in the Bible does Christ quote Marx's 1875 work. At many points, an authority is discussed as presenting responsibilities to subordinates with varying amounts due to their ability, but that is not the same. In Acts there is a description of the fledgling Christian corpus living and working both closely and in common for a time. This, however, is not a proscription for all people to live this way at all times. The second is that I'd like to invite you to "read" (because you can just listen) the Bible again with Father Mike Schmitz in the Bible in a year podcast. The way the readings are laid out and the commentary he provides really provide a structure which helps people understand how the apparent cruelty is justified or an understandable tragedy. As each moment is identified, you are better able to see both how the fallen world came to this point and what it may be pretence for in the NT.

[@brandonruggles1715]

The truth is Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church it's his church Jesus is The Rock the Lord Jesus Christ kids head of the church not your pope

[@cookeecutkk]

Stumbled on this channel (ty YT algorithm :) - very interested in your takes as a Priest. I'm sure you might have heard this from others, but may I suggest you tackle the Shin Megami games (the latest SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI V being the obvious easy pick). Some of the deepest theological dives gaming has to offer (if not, THE deepest). Plus, they're great games to boot. Best wishes for the channel - subscribed and hope it grows fast!