J.R.R. Tolkien, Master Evangelist

The great novelist J.R.R. Tolkien has enchanted generations of readers with his “Hobbit” and ”Lord of the Rings,” and is the subject of a new feature film titled “Tolkien.” But in today's episode, I talk about Tolkien’s Catholic faith, which was mostly absent in the new film but critical to his upbringing and his stories of Middle-earth.
A listener asks what he should if he's unable to find a spiritual director.
NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a patron and get some great perks for helping, like free books, bonus content, and more. Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners…like you! So be part of this mission, and join us today: / bishopbarron
BOOKS MENTIONED
- “The Battle for Middle-earth: Tolkien’s Divine Design in The Lord of the Rings” by Fleming Rutledge
- “Tolkien: Man and Myth” by Joseph Pearce
- “Bilbo’s Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit” by Joseph Pearce
- “Frodo’s Journey: Discover the Hidden Meaning of The Lord of the Rings” by Joseph Pearce

[@FEspinosa78]

Tolkien ruined all fantasy books for me because it was so good.... nothing came close to this magical story.

[@jeremysette3657]

Check out Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series...it will also ruin other fantasy for you it's that good!

[@markcobuzzi826]

For a while, it seemed that George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novel series and HBO’s “Game of Thrones” TV adaptation of Martin’s books almost reached that Lord of the Rings level for me (despite Martin now being an agnostic rather than a still-practicing Catholic as Tolkien was). Martin’s fantasy mythos was similarly rich in its complex lore and world-building, featured lots of characters that were also thought-provoking and resonant to me, and was different enough from Tolkien’s style in a way that helped give ASoIaF/GoT its own identity and ways of delving into certain themes (sort of like how “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” both have superficial similarities and occasionally overlapping themes, but are still very different and mostly do not directly compete with one another). But alas, Martin has been having such a difficult time finishing his last two ASoIaF books, while the pair of showrunners also tried to rush the final two GoT seasons out as quickly as possible, with minimal outlining from Martin and seemingly very little thought put into it. So the story’s ending is either nonexistent or seriously botched, unless a time comes where Martin finishes his books and/or another ASoIaF adaptation is made that finally completes it (in a similar manner as to how Ralph Bakshi’s animated “Lord of the Rings” movie was never given its proper follow-up, but at least gave Peter Jackson the inspiration to make his own movie trilogy Tolkien’s books). So to this very day, “The Lord of the Rings” in form of Tolkien’s books and Peter Jackson’s movies is still easily the top of the fantasy genre for me.

[@davidlabelle361]

I feel your pain. The whole genre is a pale imitation of Tolkien.

[@markcobuzzi826]

@Dave LaBelle Did you happen to hear about this one Nickelodeon cartoon called “Avatar: The Last Airbender”? If you have not heard about it yet, I highly recommend checking it out. While it did not leave the same level of impact on me as LotR did long ago, I managed to finally check out the Avatar tv show in recent years, and I loved it a lot. For a children’s cartoon show, it has a lot of characters that are complex, surprisingly deep, and very fun. The fantasy world of Avatar is creative in its own right, being very different from Tolkien’s Middle Earth. It is pretty well animated and voice-acted, plus it managed to appeal to my inner child in a similar way as something like Star Wars does. So that is one of the few other examples I can think of, where a fantasy franchise gets spawned that is well made, still quite original, and not simply a pale imitation of Tolkien.

[@EspressoMonkey16]

@@markcobuzzi826 i agree, the Avatar TLA series is one of the best stories ive come across!

[@marypinakat8594]

Bishop Barron your service to the Catholics is really praiseworthy. Thank you for being there for us.

[@SpiritualFox]

Mary AND a Katholic??? Dangit, God, you're supposed to work in _mysterious_ ways. This is SUPER obvious! >_>

[@tryhardf844]

@@SpiritualFox I dont get your comment

[@LostArchivist]

@@tryhardf844 Might be random.

[@MikeFreesinger]

Even as an agnostic/atheist I seriously appreciate these insights.

[@Eowyn3Pride]

Thank you, that's wonderful. Great novels like Lord of the Rings, are common ground, great to discuss and enjoy.

[@blackswan8653]

@@Eowyn3Pride Yes, it shows what the power of fiction can do.

[@PrettyPortUK]

Started watching Lord of the Rings on Netflix yesterday. I had seen it years ago but never connected it to the Catholic faith but it is glaringly obvious now. I learn so much from you every time I watch one of your videos. You have helped me a great deal!

[@erikrandan7294]

Love Tolkien. The man was absolutely brilliant and his faith obviously permeated every part of his life and writing. I love his take on the creation story in The Silmarillion, where everything is sung into existence and that even "Melkor's dissonance" causing abberation in the creation of the world, yet Erú (God) informs his Valar and Maiar (the Angels) that this too can work to serve his will. A lesson long forgotten by most i. Our Modern Age. As Gandalf says, "Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. And he is bound up with the fate of the Ring. My heart tells me that he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before the end;"

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

My favourite novel writer of all time, and I'm a Spaniard, I have plenty of examples of fantastic novel writing. But man, Tolkien is just at another level.

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

@@joaquinmejia4717 Lo mismo digo, Joaquín! Hay que hacer las Filipinas grandes, contamos contigo!

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

@@joaquinmejia4717 It's not weird, I knew before I wrote that. The cultural genocide in the Philippines carried out by the Americans was very efficient. Thank God the Philippines are still overwhelmingly Catholic, that's the best Spanish legacy my country has left in its Glory times. And the very fact that you know your native tongue is evidence of the Goodwill of the Spanish nation with the peoples it conquered. God bless you, Joaquín.

[@Angelica-hr2ku]

@@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard as a South-American, it's my duty to correct you in your view of what you call the "Goodwill" of the Spanish towards our people. Genocide is not goodwill. Taking by force peoples' land and property is not goodwill. Slavery, Rape, and violence is not goodwill. Exploitation of our land's riches while making my people work till dead was a welcomed rest is not goodwill. The fact that some of our languages are still around talks of the resilience of our people, not the "Goodwill" of the invadors.

[@Catholic-Redpilled-Spaniard]

@@Angelica-hr2ku Me da mucha pena que estés engañada por la leyenda negra. ¿Cuáles son tus fuentes? ¿Has leído la bibliografía científica de los últimos años?¿Has leído a Charles F. Lummis o a María Elvira Roca Barea? España no comitió ningún genocidio, y estás muy equivocada en todas tus asertaciones. Saludos

[@Merry19ss]

@@Angelica-hr2ku genocidio cometido en los hispano filipinos fue por los estaunidenses. España asimilo a los filipinos nativos hasta les ayudaron contra samurais japoneses asi comenzo la union entre España en Filipinas.

[@marypinakat8594]

Thank you Bishop Barron for the most valuable review. Thank you for your persistent emphasis on the value and necessity of Religion and for highlighting always the beauty of Catholicism.

[@catinthehat906]

Interesting that Lord of the Rings and particularly the Silmarillion is full of Gnostic influences, of course Gnosticism is heretical to Catholicism, there was even a Crusade to exterminate the Cathars in the 13th century. Tolkien skillfully covered himself in his essay On Fairy-Stories by saying that this was 'subcreation'.

[@marypinakat8594]

Your ''Welcome Back'' has an even extra vibrancy, Brandon. Hugely appealing! Confirmations, Confirmations! Font of Grace! God Bless Bishop Barron and all the Bishops of our Church worldwide.

[@stephendecaturjr.7469]

I reread The Lord of the Rings recently and I realized Catholic themes countless times throughout. I have grown up Catholic and have also known the story of the Lord of the Rings since I was a small child. Each time I connected something it was like a grand revelation to me connecting two things that have been present to me all my life.

[@IsaacEstrada12]

where's the talk with Peterson? I haven't found it anywhere. Also, I'm glad you're talking about Tolkien! Phenomenal writer.

[@EmilyDeArdowriting]

Hasn't been released yet. Can't wait for it!

[@IsaacEstrada12]

@@EmilyDeArdowriting Yeah me neither!

[@simasmarcelo10]

Excellent interview, Brandon. Thanks to both.

[@theclapaolini4322]

So good to get the Truth and you always have it Thank youBishop Barron.

[@t.j.armendariz354]

I might note, in LOTR the Ainur (Valar and Maiar, which include Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, Sauron, and in the Silmarillion Morgoth) are more like angels, and the elves are more or less Man but without the effects of original sin (or perhaps we might instead think (unlike Tolkien), man after redemption, as they have power in ways we don’t, unending live unless they are killed, and have the Lembas bread which is painful to Gollum, and in a sort of way, is ordinarily reserved for one of their own members (as is the Eucharist)). Also it tends to get more explicit in it’s religious themes the deeper you go (the Simarillion is rather clear, having one Creator, who creates a group of angelic beings (often referred to by commentators as “gods”, who play a music, which is translated into being, by the Divine command for it to “be”, and Melkor the greatest of the angelic beings falls out of pride, bringing a number of the lesser angelic beings with him, who sow discord and evil in the world).

[@Eowyn3Pride]

That's what I love about Tolkien's work...it can be discussed, surmised, and expanded upon and even lead to biblical parallels and beyond. It's almost prophetic, yet historical, it's another place and time, yet it's a story like any other. It is the human condition and its struggle to be more than what we are, because that's what God's plan is for us!❤❤❤😁

[@trudyrawlins6696]

Just finished the new book. Outstanding. Truly a balm for a suffering Church as well as call to remain faithful because of our "treasures".

[@lilliankopp6415]

Honestly, I wonder if Father Morgan has some parallels to Elrond. He was the person who raised him after his parents were gone (just like Elrond with Aragorn), filling the role of father and provider. He also had a stern stance on his relationship with his future wife, at first arguing against it, but allowing some sort of way for it (as with Aragorn and Arwen). Even though Tolkien is not synonymous with Aragorn, he was synonymous with Beren, and the Beren/Luthien story is compared to the Aragorn/Arwen story all the time. I think, with that in mind, we get an idea of the relationship between Tolkien and Father Morgan, one of respect, wisdom, compassion, but also sternness. Just some thoughts.

[@LostArchivist]

Ah how much has Tolkein done for my pen, my inner life and my soul. May the Lord rest His soul. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, the Word of God. Amen.

[@Steve-ps6qw]

That was so informative, thank you! I love your daily gospel reflections too! A friend of mine receives it as well.

[@angbandart]

Tolkien was my Guardian Angel my whole life, even when I abandoned Jesus Christ from 16-28 yo, reading and loving Tolkien kept my heart from going evil, kept my heart open to a higher truth and beauty that was beyond even life and death, and can be perceived in this creation of the world. Reading the Silmarillion taught me how to read the Bible.

[@normbabbitt4325]

Thank you! So many (not all) films today, because of "political correctness" or just ignorance leave out some of the most important aspects of stories, particularly relating to religion and faith; especially Christian, as well as the religious foundation of the greatness of western civilization. Traditional religion is looked down upon by Hollywood and just left out of its stories, except mainly in critical and cynical fashion. I watch some of the old classic films which are unafraid of displaying and affirming prayer and moral goodness.

[@iris__and_rhizomes]

Great video, as always! Hey Brandon, don’t forget to add the blog links!

[@BishopBarron]

wordonfireshow.com/episode181/

[@tomsaltsman]

Before I was confirmed on Easter Sunday in March of 1986 by the great Bishop Francis of Sacramento, I had the joy of the Lord only intermittently. After confirmation, I received it constantly 25/7; I still have it 33 years later. I strongly recommend it as it does 'complete' the Christian experience.

[@orion848]

Tolkien brought me back to Catholicism. I'm so grateful for his work.

[@Eowyn3Pride]

Thanks Brandon, Bishop, God Bless!😁❤

[@lucmanzoni6265]

One of the most evident signs of the Catholicism in Tolkien's poetic is Melkor/Morgoth, a rebellious angel that decides to abandon the Creator of the Universe because he was jealous and too full of himself, and from that point, he started to hate all the creation and especially men... "homicida erat ab initio". Does it sound familiar? :)

[@pattimccrory9625]

Blessings,prayers…thank you🙌🏾👼🏼👼🏼👼🏼💜

[@MrEd1024]

Great talk , I shared with all my friends.

[@Merry19ss]

🤲J.R.R Tolkien era cristiano catolico romano ademas que le gustaba el folkor europeo antiguo,asi nacieron sus obras. El es un escritor brillante y sus obras dan fe y esperanza las ultimas que se debe perder en los mommtos mas oscuros.

[@Paseosguiados]

Thank you very much for all the information!

[@CatholicBeardReviews]

Amazing writer lord of the rings is the best

[@andrewwtswts]

I am totally agreed with Fr Robert Barron on the mysterious working of God who in his divine providence even though we are not able to see the fruits of our suffering for Christ.

[@jen9774]

Spiritual direction ? We don't even have a priest and when we did he had our church and 4 out stations to serve. But yes, books helped this former protestant to convert to Catholicism. Merton's autobiography had a huge influence but so too that beautiful collection of writings by Brother Lawrence whose simplicity and devout love of God touched my heart more than most of the erudite saints and theologians. Today KZbin videos offer loads of teachings for those on a spiriual path.

[@crystellesaleh4800]

I totally agree about the action scenes in movies. I literally zone out instantly.

[@pepehaydn7039]

Mabel was a martyr and a saint. Tolkien always thought so, and was right. She was hated and abandoned by her relatives (heretical baptipts, I think).

[@lancewalker2595]

"In the midst of this strife, whereat the halls of Iluvatar shook and a tremor ran out into the silences yet unmoved, Iluvatar arose a third time, and his face was terrible to behold. Then he raised up both his hands, and in one chord, deeper than the Abyss, higher than the Firmament, piercing as the light of the eye of Iluvatar, the Music ceased. Then Iluvatar spoke, and he said: 'Mighty are the Ainur, and mightiest among them is Melkor; but that he may know, and all the Ainur, that I am Iluvatar, those things that ye have sung, I will show them forth, that ye may see what ye have done. And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.'" - The Silmarillion, Chapter 1 The cosmogony of Tolkien is more than sufficient to justify crediting him as one of the foremost theologians of the 20th century, far greater even (in my frankly studied opinion) than C.S. Lewis. He was not an evangelist like Lewis, he was an apostle in the same sense as Paul; and most importantly, he was not a philistine, which sets him quite apart from the common theologian like C.S. Lewis. Surely it most be recognized that Tolkien's legacy has brought more people to Christ, if not ideologically than at least in spirit, than Lewis or any other proselytizer ever did; every petty evangelist stand to learn a great deal from Tolkien's example.

[@harvinpetertiu]

Bishop Barron analyzing and the religious themes of "Man of steel" and "Batman vs Superman". 👍

[@towerburkindine]

I love this and Tolkien!! I read recently how another major world religion is attempting to claim his work as prophetic for them. Particularly The Silmarillion...I was dumb struck.. Tolkien was a devout Catholic..now as if by magic or inspire of himself his work belongs to them!!

[@LOOregano]

Spiritual books: any of St Alphonsus' books are top notch in depth yet presented in simple common language. We Are extremely blessed to the cssr fathers who translated most of his works in the late 1800'to early 1900's. They are treasures for understanding sacred Scripture, the spiritual life and Church teachings in general.

[@sedumplant]

For a beautiful talk on Tolkien and CS Lewis, listen to Tim Keller's talk on these two writers from a very Christian perspective, lovingly done! It is on KZbin.

[@JohanHerrenberg]

Wonderful vid.

[@paulbangash4317]

Tolkien had a deep understanding of human frailty , and the seduction of power. His perceptions regarding the magical ( or perilous) in this world are subtle and astute.

[@kokotepeyac]

Bishop Barron, can you do an episode about the motif of gods = angels that is found in the Silmarillian by Tolkein and the Space Trilogy by Lewis ?

[@terencewmcgarveyiii4586]

Holly weird missing his life centered on his Catholic faith. Sad but figures.

[@marypinakat8594]

What are you at?

[@marypinakat8594]

But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'you fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. - JESUS (Mathew 5:22) NRSV

[@marypinakat8594]

@@joaquinmejia4717 Oh I get it. Thanks ever so much. Sincere apologies for my lack of sight.

[@marypinakat8594]

HOLLYWEIRD film. In the Entertainment industry it's fashion to portray Religion in poor if not bad light. That's the scenario worldwide. Now with the advent and even the reign of the Digital platforms, let us pray and look forward for Evangelists like Bishop Barron and Team Word On Fire to give the world the Good News also in various up-to-date mediums and modern day means.

[@mikemallett64]

Hi Bishop Barron. I'm still hoping for a review of the movie "an interview with God". I found it very thought provoking and would love to hear a catholic opinion of it. Thanks! 😃 💜 🙏

[@nereb100]

“O Blessed Trinity, we thank You for having graced the Church with John Ronald Reuel Tolkien and for allowing the poetry of Your Creation, the mystery of the Passion of Your Son, and the symphony of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him and his subcreative imagination. Trusting fully in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Wisdom of God Incarnate, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with You. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to Your will, the graces we implore… hoping that he will soon be numbered among Your saints. Amen.”

[@joetynan2279]

We need to get Mabel Tolkein canonized ASAP! Then build a beautiful basilica in Birmingham and New Zealand dedicated to her. Please Dear Lord, let this happen.

[@donquixotedelamancha58]

Cool!

[@DunadanRanger]

The deep lore of Tolkien's Middle-earth is even more fascinating. The Dúnedain of Gondor and Arnor, the "realms-in-exile", descendants of the seafaring Númenóreans, actually have a kind of proto-Israelite religion. The in-universe reason why there are no temples or explicit mention of God/Eru in the main LOTR books is because anywhere the faithful Númenóreans had influence, they stamped out the practice of idolatry and worshipping things, elements, or even demons like Sauron. To them, there is only the One True God who may be worshipped, and only by their king-priests, rather like the order of Melchizedek. But the reason we don't see them worshipping God in the story is because there was only one place they could do it: the Meneltarma. The mountain in the center of their island home on Númenor was a kind of primitive version of the temple of Jerusalem, without which they could not (or rather, would not) do homage to God. And as we see in the Akallabêth, Númenor was destroyed by God in a past age because the Númenóreans were corrupted by Sauron. They gave themselves over to devil-worship of Morgoth, human sacrifice, and ultimately tried to bring violence to the earthly heaven of the Elves in Aman. This is also why Aragorn is so much so the kingly-Christ-figure of the story because he essentially restores kingship to Gondor and Arnor, both of which have lost their rightful rulers. Only Aragorn and his line (the line of Elros, descended from Beren and Lúthien and thus a meeting of the earthly and the divine) may celebrate the worship of God, and Tolkien speculates that Aragorn would have led a renewed worship of God on Mount Mindolluin in Gondor during his reign. All this is to say that it's so remarkable that there is this level of intricacy and attention to detail, all of which is in the service of depicting a very ancient and Biblical faith, a precursor to the Catholicism which Tolkien loved so much, and it has been a delight to uncover it as both a Catholic and a fiction-reader myself.

[@sedumplant]

I assume the movie is recent? If so, I can understand downplaying Catholicism in the movie in light of the recently (since 2001 at least_) scandals of the Church. Maybe the producer of the movie did not want to turn off so many adults who are appalled at the church's behavior of hiding these sins against children? By downplaying the role of Catholicism in his life,, the beautiful gift that Tolkien gave through his writings was at least shared with the world. Those of us who know of his Catholicism and love the Catholic faith will read between the lines and savor Tolkien's great faith and will appreciate it..

[@jkellyid]

Tolkein was a great loss. His body of fiction is so underdeveloped. Despite that he's still such a monolith in fiction and Christian allegory. What little glimpse we got into his genius.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

I believe Tolkien hated, loathed allegory. At least Lewis says so.

[@kimfleury]

The cheap sentimental allegory of the time was contrived. If I recall correctly, Lewis didn't pop off a one-liner when he said that -- there was a context.

[@ermeo356]

About the new book of bishop Barron... is there a e-book available? I'm in Europe and am very interested.

[@crystellesaleh4800]

ermeo356 I’m interested as well! All the way in the Middle East. Hope there’s a digital version

[@maroxesen1]

There's an ebook version of "A letter to a suffering church" on Amazon. It's available for pre-order, it will be downloadable in June

[@spaceslav8954]

The only thing in todays popular culture that openly shows catholicism is Daredevil.

[@spaceslav8954]

@Tired Idealist I'm going to buy Born Again in the next few weeks so I'm happy you like it. I think season 3 wasn't about vengence. Matt questioned the goodnes of God, a bit like Ivan Karamazov in 'The Brothers Karamazov' from Dostojevskij. Spoiler In the end he chose not to kill Kingpin and he stayed Catholic.

[@andrewwtswts]

Those who read the battle for middle earth by Fleming ..Tolkien wrote the Ring sagas for the hope of giving" nourishment of faith to the fainthearted" in these fantasy stories.

[@marypinakat8594]

That is what indeed should any authentic Evangelist do. 'Go out into the whole world and give the Good News', help one and all out of the created or inherited consequences of evil.

[@baxterandcotton]

The soullessness of Amazon's the Rings of Power put me off significantly- it felt as if they completely inverted the themes of Tolkien's LOTR to such an extent that it offended me, an atheist, into starting to research Catholicism so I could understand precisely what they were perverting. I can't say I'm a believer yet but the search for how one story (LOTR) could be formative for so many yet The Rings of Power totally banal and pointless has led me to a much deeper understanding of western culture and an appreciation for religion for the first time in my life.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool

[@Anna-tz9zk]

I can't get over them constantly calling Birmingham 'Birming-ham'.

[@StNicolausVI]

The Philosophy of Tolkien by Peter Kreeft.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

Somewhat disappointed that Brandon forgot to to link to the article by the man who went from atheism to belief after reading Tolkien. Looks like its time to visit the blog.

[@aragornsargonath6793]

@14:20 Nazgul or Ring Wraiths

[@michaljosealtadelescubaies4118]

I took my kids so they can learn how the secular culture is so anti-religion specially the Catholic faith. It has made me more faithful and driven to pass down what has safe me from suicide and giving me purpose for life.

[@Eowyn3Pride]

Thanks be to God!❤

[@HenryCasillas]

☮️

[@Ubermensch201]

Tolkien drew a lot from pagan mythology and legend as well.. Some of his characters and stories within the story are directly paralleled with Viking Saga's... The Author and Tolkien scholar David Day points out these stricking similarities with pagan tales in his 'Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History & Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World' very well.. I'm wondering, what is your take on this?

[@b.melakail]

It is still monotheistic (Iluvatar). The ainur are not gods like thor but rather angels, even if they have that similarity in the elemental aspect. I think its fair to say that Tolkien uses these angels (pagan elements) to afirm the one above all. I forget the name of the story but there is a dialogue between an immortal elf and a mortal human that gets quite philosophical. Worth checking out online

[@RexKochanski]

In one phrase, Tolkien believed the Catholic principle that "grace builds on nature". St. Justin (c. A.D. 150) talks about "Christians before Christ" (like Socrates) who lived according to the Logos or Reason (insofar as they grasped the Logos through their power of moral reasoning). The Norse culture had a high regard for many moral virtues such as courage and perseverence, even in the face of heavy odds. "Beowulf", as it has come down to us, is an explicitly Christian retelling of such a saga. Tolkien's own "saga" is strongly, but implicitly Christian.

[@kimfleury]

Glad to know this so I can avoid that film! A pet peeve of mine is any work that leaves out crucial details. It's just laziness.

[@villiestephanov984]

In 'the last temptation' Scorsese was overly romantic ?

[@BrotherhoodWorkshop]

Hears about new book I very much want to listen to. Googles. No audiobook exists :( alas, it shall never be read by me, for I am a terrible reader.

[@billywest56]

If she really did die like that then she actually IS a martyr and therefore a saint and should be canonized. Look at what her sacrifice has done for the world through the literary works of her son. I've met people who are now catholic but weren't when they started reading Lord of the rings. And, no matter who you are you can't read that story without it doing something within you. I think they should be researched by the Vatican and canonized

[@flavio0004]

Martyrs are automatically made Saints

[@michaelbergfeld8751]

What puzzles me is that there is a constant devaluating attitude towards christian things, and yet the only thing -even if you bishop blame sometimes- christians, we, find always excuses in stead of counter-arguments. We have to do something about it!

[@danielrenteria1368]

I think theirs more important things to do than critiquing a person like this or watching movies like lord of the rings which is pretty much the occult promoting their beliefs. Anyone interested in preaching to your neighbors to fish for the souls of men women???

[@Basilisk4119]

Occasionally, to catch fish you have to cast your net in places you usually wouldn't.

[@danielrenteria1368]

@@Basilisk4119 I don't like the comparison of Gods things with a movie that we know is meant to culturalize the kids and grown ups to accept witchcraft. This is done by design... the ring you see might be the antichrist who will always declare himself God... you see the ring in our our electronic devices and even movies. Look out for it and you'll see the symbol,,,, and IT'S NOT OF GOD or even resembles him. Heresy wrong teaching and promoting of heresy.

[@Robert4865]

The elves are angels? Have you read the Silmarillion? 😅😅😅 Also I wouldnt say that all his work is implicitly christian, for example the whole idea of death in the legendarium is kind of buddhist; Men have to accept it as a gift, its not a punishment decending from an original sin or something like that.

[@blackswan8653]

J. R. R. Tolkien demonstrates the power of man's imagination. He created an entire world with his mind and yet still couldn't imagine that the bible he believed in so much is also a work of man's imagination. His example is another way to show that man has a great imagination that can influence millions, just like the fictional work of the bible. Does anyone else see the connection? Gods have been written about for thousands of years and there have been many iterations of these fictional characters also seen in the bible. Gods continue to be fictional and yet so many people believe in these magical beings, including Catholics. Why?

[@cyntogia]

Bishop please stop using Stephen Colbert as an example of Catholic faith. He is up front in his stance against church teaching on several key issues.

[@tylerbennett8106]

Jason, you learn the most about someone by learning from them. You can’t shut your eyes and ears. Learn from them, understand them, love them, and talk to them.

[@cyntogia]

I can not and will not support those that advocate for child murder. You can meet them where they are, I expect more both from myself and fellow "Catholics".

[@tylerbennett8106]

Jason J Mitchell who Advocates child murder?! Me? I’m sorry or are you referring to Stephen Colbert?

[@cyntogia]

Colbert is very prochoice amongst other issues.

[@tylerbennett8106]

Jason J Mitchell I didn’t know that, thank you for taking the time to explain it to me.

[@nicoblaytherealflamingo445]

Are people going to gender themselves as dwarfs, hobbit, or tree?

[@lindaholt2235]

Bishop, I think allowing comments to all of your videos may actually be a stumbling block to the compelling evangelizing messages they contain. Many times I would like to share a video with a questioning friend or relative, but upon reading the comments, I decide not to share because of the comments themselves. Your content has spiritual power, the comments tend to negate that power. Please prayerfully consider this feedback.

[@josealvarado9690]

A Gospel without a clear proclamation of Jesus as Christ is not really Gospel.

[@bareit98]

Unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam!

[@SpiritualFox]

I'd go see a movie about Bishop Barron. Someone has to exorcise Brightburn. We still do that, right? I'd love to be an exorcist. "There is only one spirit!" **throws bucket of holy water on someone levitating** No? Okay. I have another movie pitch. How about everyone walks on water and throws gang signs at each other. No, not a remake of romeo and juliet. Unless you wanted a remake of romeo and juliet. Okay, romeo and juliet, they work together to explain age of consent, save the Catholic Church, then God takes em both to heaven before they bang. Or sends romeo to private school in a different state. Whatever you want.

[@thespiritofhegel3487]

God can't create evil? But: 'I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things'. - Isaiah 45:7

[@RexKochanski]

Is the word actually properly translated as "evil"? I have seen it translated as "woe". Woe would be more of an emotional reaction to circumstances, which God of course creates.

[@KatheeDemontforte]

Tolkien's catholicism only proves he loved a great fiction.