Old Testament God vs. New Testament God

Many people say God acted much differently in the Old Testament than he did in the New Testament. They say the God of the New Testament is merciful and compassionate, but in the Old Testament he is often harsh and unforgiving. A thorough look at Scripture reveals that this is not the case. God is in fact merciful and just throughout the Bible. Fr. Mike clears up a great deal of confusion between the Old and New Testaments, and shows how God has stayed quite the same since before the beginning of time until now.
Fr. Mike addressed a similar topic a few years ago in his video, “Did God Change”.
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[@Mrbadassovrhere]

Hi father Mike can you do a history of why you became a priest?

[@incubuseraph]

He talks about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4XaZqudaJyEfJI

[@inkaliciousable]

@@denisgrant5316 I am always so happy to see the anti-Catholics watching Father Mike or listening to Patrick Madrid on Catholic radio. Keep seeking the truth, brother! ;)

[@douglashumbo]

Catholics are in for destruction. Terrible religion. So many people fallen.

[@Sean-lv6fx]

@@denisgrant5316 - 1Corinthians4:15 For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. John20:22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Go read your bibles Denis.

[@thuyngannguyentran449]

@@denisgrant5316 I hear this argument all the time. Hope this helps explaining our Catholic use of "Father". It is soundly based on the Bible, in case you're wondering before reading :) www.catholic.com/tract/call-no-man-father

[@brown3261]

I talked to my mom four hours yesterday about how frustrated I was with “Old Testament God” and why I thought we should just get rid of it, as that part of the Bible ruins the image of God as merciful and loving. Instead, Father Mike comes through less than 24 hours later and teaches me without me even asking. Praise God.

[@altheasherieel3724]

Hi I haven't watched the vid yet. But your statement is what my life has been for the past 10 yrs. I don't do church because of The God of the Old Testament. So from what you said maybe the Father has a great answer. I will see thanks for sharing your comment. Peace & Love

[@alvinford6522]

Who's the God of the so called old testament?guess who Yeshua.

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

You just need to reject everything written by the den of vipers

[@jakegoldberg6767]

Im glad it helped you, all this video did was try and establish more similarities between the father and Jesus. But it didnt at all answer the atrocities commanded by God in the old testament unfortunately. Instead, listen to greg boyds info on crucifixion of the warrior God, must more beneficial 👏

[@chrismullarkey1859]

Y’all need to listen to bill donahue talk about the Old Testament god

[@anitapoly9102]

I love how you put it in a way so understanding. How you explained about knowing your parents as you grow in relation with the Lord. I LOVE IT. Praise the Lord

[@elspethsilverstar6136]

I love how you characterize your parents as "deeply interested in justice". Thanks Father Mike.

[@michaelstainsby7951]

Father Mike you are fast becoming like a best friend as I have a habit now of watching your videos with great interest and growing faith. God bless you truely

[@nancymautz1903]

You have such a special way of explaining things so I can understand the Bible better. Thank you so much. I will continue to pray for you and everyone who are joining me on this BIAY journey.

[@leslysloat4638]

ahh! i got so happy when you mentioned the book of Hosea, one of my favorite books because God truly reveals himself wonderfully through this book (and in every other book in the bible) God never changes. I use to struggle with this misconception that God was a tyrant, but oh no He wasn't. praying that anyone who struggles with this will be bold enough to ask God to give his graces for you to see him as a loving father, redeemer, bridegroom etc

[@whyyouneedmyname2434]

Is God not going to judge people?

[@angrydoggo7160]

Jew during Exodus - "Man... This desert travel sure is hard... I'm so thirsty... Could we please have some cold water?" God - "Did you say poisonous snakes?"

[@Niles-Guy]

There are so many examples of G-D showing forgiveness, being merciful and giving chances in the Old Testament. There is no two different perceptions of God. Thank you for this video

[@Matt-dl2iy]

Yes! I especially enjoy the part where he murdered the entire population except 2 people.

[@Niles-Guy]

@@Matt-dl2iy do you even know or understand what your saying ? The world was totally corrupt and evil.

[@Matt-dl2iy]

@@Niles-Guy lol that's a convenient way to excuse genocide

[@rachelanne1065]

@@Matt-dl2iy It's the truth and it hasn't changed since then : the world is still corrupt and evil.

[@MrVipasana]

What about the murdering of babies? Or the hardening of pharaoh’s heart to make sure he didn’t repent, so god could continue punishing, and kill thousands of people, children, and animals?

[@ayngemac]

THANK YOU!! I'm so tired of hearing how Old Testament God is different than the new. No people!!!

[@James-yi1vk]

Yep. He is just as sick today as he was yesterday. Let us praise the Most High for the loving genocide and slavery in the Bible.

[@FaithinJesusisimportant]

​@@James-yi1vk No. God is full of truth. Jesus says yes to the God of the Old Testament.

[@CH-kw8qw]

​@@FaithinJesusisimportantJesus corrects the Israelites' false views of God, like in Matthew 5.

[@cheshire_skatkat9093]

The big question I get from most is that if god is perfect and his judgement is perfect then why did God change "the rules" so to speak from old to new testament?

[@whyyouneedmyname2434]

Why is God so different in the Old Testament than He is in the New Testament? At the very heart of this question lies a fundamental misunderstanding of what both the Old and New Testaments reveal about the nature of God. Another way of expressing this same basic thought is when people say, "The God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath while the God of the New Testament is a God of love." The fact that the Bible is God's progressive revelation of Himself to us through historical events and through His relationship with people throughout history might contribute to misconceptions about what God is like in the Old Testament as compared to the New Testament. However, when one reads both the Old and the New Testaments, it becomes evident that God is not different from one testament to another and that God's wrath and His love are revealed in both testaments. For example, throughout the Old Testament, God is declared to be a "compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness," (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 4:31; Nehemiah 9:17;Psalm 86:5, 15; 108:4; 145:8; Joel 2:13). Yet in the New Testament, God's loving-kindness and mercy are manifested even more fully through the fact that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Throughout the Old Testament, we also see God dealing with Israel the same way a loving father deals with a child. When they willfully sinned against Him and began to worship idols, God would punish them. Yet, each time He would deliver them once they had repented of their idolatry. This is much the same way God deals with Christians in the New Testament. For example, Hebrews 12:6 tells us that "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." In a similar way, throughout the Old Testament we see God's judgment and wrath poured out on sin. Likewise, in the New Testament we see that the wrath of God is still "being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18). So, clearly, God is no different in the Old Testament than He is in the New Testament. God by His very nature is immutable (unchanging). While we might see one aspect of His nature revealed in certain passages of Scripture more than other aspects, God Himself does not change. As we read and study the Bible, it becomes clear that God is the same in the Old and New Testaments. Even though the Bible is 66 individual books written on two (or possibly three) continents, in three different languages, over a period of approximately 1500 years by more than 40 authors, it remains one unified book from beginning to end without contradiction. In it we see how a loving, merciful, and just God deals with sinful men in all kinds of situations. Truly, the Bible is God's love letter to mankind. God's love for His creation, especially for mankind, is evident all through Scripture. Throughout the Bible we see God lovingly and mercifully calling people into a special relationship with Himself, not because they deserve it, but because He is a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth. Yet we also see a holy and righteous God who is the Judge of all those who disobey His Word and refuse to worship Him, turning instead to worship gods of their own creation (Romans chapter 1). Because of God's righteous and holy character, all sin, past, present, and future, must be judged. Yet God in His infinite love has provided a payment for sin and a way of reconciliation so that sinful man can escape His wrath. We see this wonderful truth in verses like 1 John 4:10: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." In the Old Testament, God provided a sacrificial system whereby atonement could be made for sin. However, this sacrificial system was only temporary and merely looked forward to the coming of Jesus Christ who would die on the cross to make a complete substitutionary atonement for sin. The Savior who was promised in the Old Testament is fully revealed in the New Testament. Only envisioned in the Old Testament, the ultimate expression of God's love, the sending of His Son Jesus Christ, is revealed in all its glory in the New Testament. Both the Old and the New Testaments were given "to make us wise unto salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). When we study the Testaments closely, it is evident that God "does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).

[@cathyb7573]

Why You Need My Name The God of the OT ordered Genocide of entire populations .Men Women Children ..even the Animals .Can you imagine Jesus doing that ? ..l cant ...

[@MrFireman164]

CATHY B boom 💥

[@cathyb7573]

MrFireman164 Jesus didnt go in for BOOM

[@MrFireman164]

CATHY B not so much, probably went in for a hug 🤗

[@rlee6052]

Hello Fr. Mike, I have read the bible almost non-stop since I became a christian, but I am having such a hard time accepting the old testament. The new testament, even the anger of Jesus, is easy for me to accept. The God of the old testament seems to be burning with anger and ready to destroy constantly. Impatient with his people and vengeful. Needing constant sacrifices and jealous. There's lists and lists of nsmes, numbers, sacrificial items, cities, animals and people destroyed. I can't seem to accept it. But the words of JESUS make sense to me and I can accept them. I don't understand how god is the same yesterday, today and forever.

[@binary]

They are different Gods, I and many others have come to that conclusion. The Old Testament is essentially an amalgam of older tribal stories taken from Sumer and other ancient civilizations. The Jews (imo) adopted it and claimed to be the "chosen" people, etc. The God in the OT is egotistical, violent, jealous, and even murderous...Yahweh. When Jesus came, he never mentioned this God, he specifically mentions the Father, over and over and over again. He even rebukes the Jews for how they worship. Think about it, when Jesus was asked about the commandments, he says to follow the last five, not the first five, which revolve around the OT God and a certain level of ego. Trust Jesus is what I've chosen to do for now.

[@robf1801]

Because Jesus was a delusional preacher. You seem too thoughtful to be a Christian or religious.

[@aradhikas]

Fr. Mike, I watch your videos 2-3 times, because they are very deep and meaningful. Thank you.

[@tonyposada1518]

Wow I had a horrible day at work. And this really cheered me up. I’ve been wondering and found this and brought me joy and light I have not seen in awhile. Just someone looking for answers.

[@andrewdrew677]

Thank you Fr Mike lovely message , as you mentioned God does NOT change . Through our Fathers Mercy we are all covered by the blood of his Son Lord Jesus Romans 5:9 “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Hebrews 10 v18 18 Now where remission (cancellation of dept sin )of these is, there is NO MORE OFFERING FOR SIN. The Fathers LOVE can now shine through us all bearing the fruits of Holy Spirit through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Once for all time , and his righteousness remains in us all 1 Corinthians 6v17 . Romans 5 verse 1 1 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness combined with our faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[@euge.sosa.b]

I needed to hear this. My father has strayed from the faith and became Gnostic, believing the old testament God is false.

[@ashley_brown6106]

Well he's right

[@morgansheila5785]

Interesting... I personally always thought the God of the Old Testament was actually more forgiving and full of 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc chances considering how stubborn the Israelites were 🤔

[@73cidalia]

l r Yeah, I always found those passages questionable. Thou shalt not kill doesn’t seem to square up with that. Can’t help but think that there are parts of scripture that had a very human hand. Many who commit genocide convince themselves that it’s what God wants. 🤔

[@paulmiller3469]

@@73cidalia Some of that may be allegorical. The promised land absolutely is allegorical for heaven, and the struggle to get there for a generation in the wilderness, after the baptism of crossing the sea and nourished by manna, is allegorical as well. The intent to have this people live separated from those who worship idols and sacrifice their infants may not be literal wars of conquest. By the way, who led the Israelites into the promised land? Joshua, right? And what would that name be in Greek?

[@siegfried.7649]

@@paulmiller3469 I know you say this with good intentions, but I don't think you can assume so easily that these passages are purely allegorical. There may be some sort of allegorical dimension to what is being said in Scripture, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. The book of Joshua, specifically, was written as a history book, so clearly, the intention of the inspired author was not to describe an allegory but rather historical events. The same goes for the books of Judges, Kings and the Maccabees. All of those are books recounting the history of the people of Israel, and so I'd be very careful of assuming that they are solely speaking in the allegorical or symbolic sense.

[@paulmiller3469]

@@siegfried.7649 I never said 'purely allegorical.' The Catholic Church teaches that Sacred Scripture should be read in four senses, and that any given verse can have multiple meanings, even beyond what the human author intended (even history books). Additionally, the literal and allegorical sense are objective, meaning that there is one right interpretation. (The other two, moral and anagogical, are subjective, meaning they can be applied to different situations in different ways.) But just because it is a history book does not mean everything in those verses literally happened. Look at Judges, for instance. And here's the kicker - if the human author intended the story as an allegory, then the allegory is literal sense and not allegorical sense.

[@paulmiller3469]

@@siegfried.7649 Besides, as you may know, there are literal contradictions and literal mistakes in the history books. Things in Kings that don't correspond to things in Chronicles, for instance, not to mention when names and timelines don't mesh with known history. The Catholic Church doesn't pretend otherwise, and one of the English translations (NAB, which is the translation on the USCCB website) does a pretty good job of pointing out those instances in the notes that are printed alongside the verses.

[@Paola-jf2qf]

Wow I was just thinking about how to share this minutes ago. Thank you. Blessings.

[@mostlytypical3275]

I hear Fr. Mike is in the comments section now so... Hello :)

[@Grainexpress]

Jocelyn Shackelford uh oh, I better behave now... 😉

[@fathermikeschmitz4355]

Hi!!

[@mostlytypical3275]

@@fathermikeschmitz4355 😃

[@SeanMcConeghy]

In at least one (I think several) place in the Bible, Jesus talks about the Final Judgment. "For I was hungry, and you gave me food..." Could you please do a video explaining why, in light of this, the avoidance of sin gets, or at least seems to get, so much attention than the works of mercy?

[@FaithinJesusisimportant]

Both are linked together. God wants us to resist sinful behavior and for us to be merciful. If we neglect resisting sinful behavior we will not be a good example of being merciful.

[@jimmyjames417]

Father Mike thank you, never heard it explained that way: “revealed” Himself progressively

[@workingprogress5129]

Forgive me father if I sound ignorant But I’m trying to understand how a God goes from telling the prophet to wipe out every man ,woman , child and beast to a God that says love your enemy

[@littlechildinbigworld]

Preserving Israel was key to salvation plan unfolding and the nations God called to kill were awful and morally degraded. Please remember He knows the hearts and souls of people the best also, and that He was willing to spare the people from Sodom and Gomorrah if they weren't debauched

[@workingprogress5129]

@@littlechildinbigworld If I may pressure you a little more , the children that grew up with the enemy of Israel, whose hearts were twisted and believing that they were right and fighting against Israel, how are they to be judged?

[@aprilharrington9473]

Hi father Mike, Can you do a video about Yoga. After practicing for 17 years -my priest told me to "Quit it"- it's stems from another religion and I've done extensive research but would like to hear your thoughts on it.

[@roccojzuardo9742]

God bless you Fr. Mike! You speak so clearly to me. I greatly appreciate all that you do. Nothing but love for you my Brother. ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@clq2461]

I know that in my own life, my wounds and false images of God have played into how I viewed the God of the Old Testament verses the God of the New Testament. I know that they were the same God but that did not stop me from struggling to understand why they seemed so different to me.

[@rakelmacc5325]

0:55 I beg your pardon sir. I grew up a JW, now in my 40s and I can assure I have read my Bible many times. We had meeting 3 times a week for most of my life so I read, studied and got tiold all about it and the god of the old and the god of the new do not match up. I think punishing generations for the sins of their forefathers isn’t justice at all.Even imperfect humans don’t do that. And that’s just one example.

[@NiagaraErie]

Agreed. Many Old Testament punishments are far from what any rational person would see as "just" or "fair".

[@ashley_brown6106]

Exactly.

[@ironstrong3431]

U gotta research history better then… Ancient Jews were surrounded by savage pagans… in the New Testament God has compensated basically for mans sake… Take divorce for example, it’s not Gods preferred will but because of mans hardened heart he allows it in certain circumstances

[@rakelmacc5325]

@@ironstrong3431 sounds like a cop out to excuse narcissistic behaviour on the part of the OT god. He allows divorce for man’s sake but where he should have put king David to death for adultery and murder, he also thinks that’s okay. Why? Because David was his favourite boy? And, what about the thousands who died because David conducta census after god told him not to? That was David’s wrongdoing but again, someone else pays his debt. That’s narcissism 101. The entire OT is man made.

[@f1passion384]

The reality here is you are dealing with an entity that created, linear time, quantum mechanics, dark energy and dark matter to name a few things. These things are not easy to do and take a great amount of intelligence to do. We will skip over a "linear time" argument for now and focus on a more simple concept of free will. God knew by giving humans free will sooner or later we would do something he did not approve of (this doesn't have to have a label it is simply God disagreeing with our choice). If Adam and Eve never did anything wrong only they would ever be allowed to have sex because everyone else is blood related as brother or sister and the phrase "go multiply and be fruitful" is going to be limited in the extreme. But anyway by not doing something God approves of God decided he CHOSE to apply a punishment not to just 2 people as he should have done, no, he CHOSE to apply that to 90 billion humans and counting. That's a staggering overreaction from a creature that is this powerful, and then he doubles down and says "I've got to kill someone to put it all right"???? I'm sorry but this is a God that created and understands altruism but shows normal explains why the actions of 2 people has to have a physical manifestation of punishment automatically applied to the entirety of the human race. Sin, which is what doing something that God doesn't like, is an opinion so you need to explain why God chose to take his opinion and instead of focusing on the 2 people who did something wrong why he applied that to 90 billion and counting. The reality is he didn't, Gensis is an allegory tale, it is not a factual account of what happened (if you need to know more you need to understand linear time and it's effects and consequences).

[@aidanlisney5546]

I've said it before and I'll say it again....Father Mike is the man. Don't ever stop being such a joyful human being!

[@Adamcadabra91]

Fr. Mike. Please do a video on scrupulosity. Please! I struggle with it daily and constantly feel in a state of mortal sin. It's terrible.

[@siegfried.7649]

Hi! I'd recommend you take a look at the Catechism on the section of mortal sin. Once you get a clear definition of what a mortal sin is, you'll have a much easier time discerning whether what you did was a mortal sin or not. Generally, basic things like the Ten Commandments are good handy ways of knowing if a certain action is mortally sinful. I know this isn't the best advice in the world when it comes to scrupulosity, but I hope it at least helps in some small way. God bless and may He give wisdom and strength to fight your scrupulosity. Take care.

[@Adamcadabra91]

@@siegfried.7649 I thank you much for your response. I am absolutely going to read that section. I have a good idea what mortal sin is, but my psyche just goes so in depth into little things and nit picks and then boom, I'm constantly bothered all day and feel the need to confess silly things.

[@sarahhui2702]

Hi Fr. Mike, can you do a video on mission trips? I'm going on one to Costa Rica this summer and I'm very excited and grateful to be able to go. I was just wondering how to go about being a high school missionary in the right way, with Jesus front and center and seeing Christ in the people we serve. I don't want it to be *just* an overseas trip, then once I get back everything goes back to the way it is -- hopefully, I would like to be able to evolve on the trip and grow in my faith. What would be the best ways to do that? Do you have other suggestions for mission trips? Thank you for all of your videos!

[@andreawalker6526]

Fr. Mike, thank you for all your wonderful videos! Could you do one on novenas and indulgences?

[@JB-ou6fl]

I like your analogy Fr. Mike! :) It is very helpful in developing a better understanding of why people sometimes have a different perception of God in the Old and New Testaments.

[@lesleyatcofo]

I was raised a Baptist. I have read the Bible through so many times in life. I have attended so many different denominations over the years. I converted to LCMC Lutheran several years ago...moved and then attended a Methodist Church. I gravitate toward Pope Francis and the way he seems to emulate Christ. I've been doing a 1 year Bible reading plan with my sister. I had not fully read through the books of law in a long time. Truth be told, I do see a huge contradiction in the way God is in these books as opposed to Jesus' mercy... I found myself understanding the Pharasises and Sadusises behavior when Christ arrived...really can you blame them...their religionius tradition was one of laws and rules...which followed made you obedient and not subject to the wrath of God. I can see where you get the Old Testament God being a just God who loved his people through the book of Job...he's harsh but loving... But, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers... Is pretty rough... It almost makes God look like a being I wouldn't like very much.... I understand correction....but a lot of these practices were torturous... Drinking bitter water of a woman who had an affair to cause her pain and become barren... Etc... The list goes on. Having multiple wives/ compubines and then casting them aside when the head wife is jealous. Killing full people groups and even tricking them in some cases to eventually kill them. I'm feeling an incongruence. This incongruence has also been felt significantly by me as I watched Christian leaders defend and back Trump the last five years. Then the emergence of QAnon, and it's weird mix with Christianity. It's very unsettling and has me wondering what is Truth.

[@desertlawgaming154]

God is the 1st beast Jesus is the 2ndbeast This is found in the entire chapter 13 of revelation Jesus is the anti-christ (Abomination of desolation) And Zechariah 11:16-17 Jesus and God (The Devil-Lived) Are the alpha and the omega; the accuser and the oppressor Never Once have humans ever SINNED It was God and jesus who sinned (Controlled our thoughts and actions) Free will is an illusion if you have the mark of the beast

[@rachelanne1065]

Do you still believe in God ? If so, ask Him to help you understand His written word.

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

You completely missed the gospels point God is not the villian and we do have free will

[@marvielman2521]

Today after listening to your BIY day 103, this question came to mind. Your video is a blessing. Thank you Fr. Mike.

[@gillianpedersen52]

I need some prayers said for me i have been struggling with depression and getting ready to join the Marine Corps

[@mi-ka-eltheguardian3837]

I was about to finish my Rosary, I will include you as well 😊

[@gillianpedersen52]

@@mi-ka-eltheguardian3837 thank you so much

[@shubhodeeppaul9640]

Also get a prescription for anti-depressents in case you still feel depressed!

[@carolinagonzalez6074]

One thing that is very different for me is that the God of the new testament is going around trying to save everyone, gentiles and Jews both. He teaches to love and forgive others . Love your enemies etc. and old testament seems to only love his people the chosen Jews.

[@morgansheila5785]

Using the parents analogy was perfect by the way, makes so much sense, thank you!! Ps: I’m just by myself in the comments section lol

[@paulmiller3469]

I agree, that was a great analogy.

[@tomandrews1429]

I disagree. The God the old testament believed that the death penalty was an appropriate punishment for non-belief, homosexuality, and being a disobedient child. Using the analogy of the parents, if that kind of punishment was appropriate for the children of the parents, we would have to admit that using that punishment on children of today would also be appropriate. Do you still agree?

[@machlanlonagan5564]

Tom Andrews what verse are you referring to?

[@paulmiller3469]

@@tomandrews1429 I do. You have to understand all the possible meanings of death to even begin to understand.

[@tomandrews1429]

@@paulmiller3469 Are you saying that these punishments from the OT meant something different from physical death?

[@eileenwalter1607]

I've been trying to explain this to my 13 year old. Thank you for the analogy!

[@averyjacobs4398]

Hi Father Mike, I've been bingeing these videos and your formed.org talks super hard lately. I'm starting RCIA this coming August, and I wanted to thank you for your insight and inspiration!

[@jolanemarie]

Hi Avery, I'm so happy to hear that you will be going through RCIA! In addition to Fr. Mike's videos you might want to check out Bishop Robert Barron, Jeff Cavins, and Matt Fradd all on KZbin. Peace!

[@averyjacobs4398]

@@jolanemarie I'll do that, thank you!

[@zwijac]

Fr. Mike has 2 audio CD's available at lighthousecatholicmedia.com that are a must! 1.) "Jesus Is..." 2.) "The Four Last Things" They're so 🔥 I'd give them to you myself if I could.

[@averyjacobs4398]

@@zwijac I actually found those on formed.org! You're right, they're awesome. I've been listening to a lighthouse cd of Brant Pitre's lecture on the Jewish roots of the Eucharist lately, and reading his book.

[@zwijac]

@@averyjacobs4398 oh, that Brant pitre talk is fantastic! Three more, then I'll leave you alone... " Unlocking The Book of Revelation" - Michael Barber " The Fourth Cup" - Scott Hahn "The Mass Explained" - Fr.Larry Richards

[@siegfried.7649]

This video is great! I love it. Fr. Mike, thank you so very much! We need more people, especially young folks like me, to get away from this false notion that there is a conflict between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. Seriously, I didn't expect this video to be so good. God bless!

[@heritagefirst]

How do you explain the God of the Old Testament asking for human and animal sacrifices?

[@truthserum3050]

Recently trying to understand why there are new testaments and old. Hope this video answers more questions than it raises.

[@briankelly85]

my biological family is different. i cant find a better word to describe them. i have always been jealous of people who have a happy family. so i often pretend that the holy family is my family.

[@mi-ka-eltheguardian3837]

My son, you're not pretending, I tell you, the Holy Family is your family too, with Jesus as our Brother, God the Father, Mother Mary. I'm sorry to hear of that kind of brokenness in your family, don't lose hope and now that Christ can turn all things around. Your brother

[@briankelly85]

@@mi-ka-eltheguardian3837 thank you for your kind words. you are right. they are my family.

[@ultramet]

This was the basis of the 2nd century heresy Marcionism that was prevalent in Rome at that time. This heresy was refuted by the early Christian author Tertullian. I wrote a paper on this in college. Now I work in a pharmacy. You never know where obscure knowledge will take you.

[@mattynorrish8565]

I like your humour!

[@marvinmansueto6081]

Thank God that God doesnt change! Actually mayve the only thing that doesnt change. People, friends and family members they treat you according to their moods, likes and dislikes. God remains firm in his Love. Thank you Fr Mike...great analogy. Comic as always. Nice way to teach...very practical.

[@mariaregina8118]

This is so Awesome! 👏 ♥️👏 Thank you so much, Father Mike... For being such a great instrument of God’s Love! And sharing your gift with us!

[@bigdaddydiesel5520]

Hello Fr. Mike! Thanks for tackling this topic. Could you PLEASE talk about the unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? I truly have no idea what that means. God bless you!

[@spacelinx]

Angus McFife: It basically means two things: Rejection of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus and the denial or rejection of God’s power and holiness.

[@ASA_1347]

Leviticus 21:17-21. Can anyone explain to me why this was okay? It does not sound the same way in which Jesus would treat people.

[@rachelanne1065]

This passage is not talking about casting people away from Israel : it's specifically referring to the Aaronic priesthood, who were held to a higher standard both physically and spiritually in order to serve in the Temple. Hope it helps =)

[@sunshowerpainting1]

Read as many Gnostic texts as you can get you hands on. Study the history of the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, first century Christianities and Judaisms. Research everything you can on how the Bible was compiled. Study the ancient religions of world history. Do this for several years and you will be much closer to the truth than anything any religionist can tell you. Stop listening to those who say they know and seek these matters out yourself. If you do this, no one will ever rule over you. You were meant to be free.

[@Jakker271]

They are absolutely the same God. God in Jesus came to Earth to bring back the sinners. Those who didn't need saving, were a blessing but Gods greatest glory was to show the people he was God and to win their hearts and minds so that they can return to the kingdom. There are lots of things that happen that we don't truly understand but you have to have faith through out. Faith in Jesus/Yahweh not in Foundations/Companies/Organisations whatever, that lead people astray.

[@binary]

I don't think they are the same God. Jesus never uses the term Yahweh, he specifically says "Father." Jesus never says to abide by the first five commandments, only the last five. It's not logical for them to be the same. Jesus brought us the true Father...my opinion. Look at some of the Gnostic texts.

[@nabodimma]

Thank you so much for this❤️. This has been a question at the back of my mind for a long while.

[@chwayde2295]

I'm not religious & never may be, but I've been considering getting a Bible for the experience, & maybe reach some sort of enlightenment; having been brought up around Christianity. I just want to be sure I make the right choice. Which testament do all of you recommend? One hand, I'd want the Bible as it was originally written, but on another, maybe those extras are important to learn about.

[@celosmena5608]

New Testament... NABRE or NRSVCE

[@NM-jn6cp]

Welcome back Fr. Mike!!!

[@johnhippisley9106]

In the Old Testament, God is depicted more like an "ordinary man"-- like many of the deities in Greek mythology. He spoke to Moses face-to-face (Exodus 33:11), walked through the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8), and visited Abraham (Genesis 18). However, in the New Testament, God was not omniscient. "No one had seen God at any time" (John 1:18). This leads me to believe that God had changed; once needing scouts to survey Sodom and Gomorrah, to now knowing everything (1 John 3:20). However, God doesn't change (James 1:17)-- how am I to make sense of this?

[@zacharyo.484]

The Old Testament depicts a God that creates everything. He knew all things but chose to use humans to carry out his plan. The God that created the world could've taken Jericho himself without Joshua or taken His people to Canaan in a second and not 40 years wit Moses. He chose to use humans to carry out His will. The same is said for God in the New Testament. He could've built His Church and Compiled Scripture all in an instant. But chose to carry it out through His Apostles and there successors over centuries. God's willingness to use humans and time to carry out His will is not weakness nor is it exclusive to the Old Testament

[@josegonzalez-ph3ht]

Thanks Father. I would love to see a video on the Holy Spirit.

[@jolanemarie]

Jose, I have been thinking the same thing! Use #askfathermike to get his attention.

[@תןלילראות]

Fr. Dave Pivonka has a really good series of videos on the Holy Spirit. They can be found at thewildgooseisloose website under series/segments.

[@kl9518]

Great way of explaining, thanks. Also 2 Timothy 4:3 Sometimes it to do with how people preach the new testament. For example. Many would say John 3:16 but they don't complete the message and cut out vs 17 and 18. Fear that they will offend or lose the audience.

[@spiderok8663]

Man has tried to change the image of god

[@browntie]

spider ok --- NO the Bible is just so unambiguous that MAN can’t agree on what god is. One minute he’s forgiving the next minute he’s sentencing 40 children to be MAULED to death by 2 she bears all because they were bullying the bald kid. (They were children! That’s not how you teach them why bulling is immoral)

[@browntie]

Read the Bible front to back and criticize it like you would any other book or movie and you should see that it’s not a very good book..Yeah there’s some good stuff in there but for the most part it’s full of contradictions and barbarism which is nothing out of the ordinary for the time it was written.

[@bryanramirez4603]

The example I give is in the Old Testament God is far and speaking to people how things should be in THEORY and in the new testament he finally comes up close and personal and sees how it really is to live and walk in our skin. Like a new graduate who thinks he knows it all because he's read a lot of books but it really is different when that student experiences what he studied. Not good vs. bad...just Theory vs. Experience....experience will always win which is why God the son had to die.

[@tedkotas1912]

Never heard this one before. That's very neat. I like this.

[@jamessneddon2429]

Parent analogy extremely helpful, thankyou

[@yogabbacrabba1457]

"Now go and attack the Amalekites and completely destroy everything they have. Do not spare them. Kill men and women, infants and nursing babies, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys." (1 Sam 15:3) And then the rest of that chapter goes on to establish that God was upset with Saul because he did not kill absolutely everything. He saved the best animals to be used as offerings for God thereby causing God to turn his back on Saul as king. Hmmm doesn't sound very understanding, I've read many different justifications from theologians about why God's order was righteous and just but let me ask you, if you were a hebrew soldier and after defeating the men in battle could you then walk up to a swaddled infant and take it by the legs and bash it's head against a wall?? How could that ever possibly be good?? It isn't.

[@babeltower5782]

You need more life experience. You don't know what humans really are. Go and interview cops vigilants and soldiers or even nurses that work nights shift and you shall find ask and you shall receive

[@yogabbacrabba1457]

@@babeltower5782 Lol I'm a professional firefighter and an EMT. I see the dark side of humanity every single day. This isn't a peeing contest about who's been through more trauma but I just wanted to establish that I see the dark side every day and the point of my comment still stands.

[@rachelanne1065]

​@@yogabbacrabba1457 What would you do, if you could travel back in time and had a chance to meet baby Hitler or Stalin ?

[@yogabbacrabba1457]

@@rachelanne1065 That is completely irrelevant to what I posted. Pulling a hypothetical out of thin air like that in no way contributes to the question of whether or not it is just to order the murder of children. One can play the hypothetical game all day (even though it's pointless.)

[@rachelanne1065]

@@yogabbacrabba1457 No, it's completely revelant. Please, answer the question : knowing what you know about them, would you have let them live and do what they've done or stop them before they could do any damage and save the lives of millions of people ?

[@tomandrews1429]

The God of the Old Testament thought that the death penalty was appropriate from the "crimes" of unbelief, homosexuality and being a disobedient child (among other things). Do you think that Jesus would also hold these beliefs?

[@desertlawgaming154]

Jesus came to cause strife and more division....he never once came for peace or true love....only signs , false love (anti-christ) and ‘miracles’ written in revelation 13 Jesus is God( the devil) incarnate who deceived the whole world

[@Vintage_my_retro_life]

Thank you Father for all your wonderful and enlightening videos! May God bless you with many treasures on earth and in heaven for all the service you do. You’re so wise, so gifted, so loved!

[@Anthony-vx6cs]

Hey! I'd love to hear your take (either in a long video or article or somehting) on the major Church reforms of the 20th century and perhaps your justification of them (or critique). They seem to "reinterpret" much of what the Church understood as clear cut dogma for quite awhile prior and put a sort of positive spin on everything.

[@Demonoicgamer666]

Yes but your parent don’t threaten to destroy a city because there kids aren’t behaving.

[@elik.8113]

You would if the entire city was full of them and they all were doing the exact opposite of what you told them to do

[@Damaris972.]

​@@elik.8113 No I won't

[@JohnDoe-iq6ek]

Hello Christians, I came here because I knew you would be here and I have a simple question that’s somewhat related to this topic. What all loving father tortures people eternally? Why would he never show his existence beyond a book, yet eternally torture someone for not believing in his existence. Now let me be clear that I don’t want to offend anyone. I just want a clear, non cryptic answer.

[@rachelanne1065]

"What all loving father tortures people eternally?" The lake of fire is not eternal, as it's commonly thought. A careful study of the Bible shows that. "Why would he never show his existence beyond a book ?" There's evidence of Him all around you : nature and living beings, history and archaeology, daily news, answered prayers and supernatural occurrences. You just need to have eyes to see, which is something that only God can give you : why don't you ask Him ?

[@JohnDoe-iq6ek]

@@rachelanne1065 as I have grown a bit from this post I’m starting to see the flaws in my question, so I have decided to ask another. What is the point of suffering? Why would god create such a reality, where happiness and accomplishment are just mere moments that distract us from the pain all around us?

[@JohnDoe-iq6ek]

@@rachelanne1065 also I don’t ask god due to my lack of belief, to me religion just seems like humanity trying to cope with their ultimately purposeless lives. But you know, maybe I am wrong, maybe I am a fool for closing my eyes to a divinity, perhaps I am the one coping with a disconnect between me and god. No one knows.

[@rachelanne1065]

@@JohnDoe-iq6ek It isn't God who created this reality of suffering, humans were the ones responsible for it when they decided to turn their backs on their Maker : all that you see happening, like sickness, violence and corruption is due to people leaving God and doing things their own way. That's why God promised to create another earth where none of these things will be present and only those who follow Him in this temporary life will live in that utopian world.

[@rachelanne1065]

@@JohnDoe-iq6ek "also I don’t ask god due to my lack of belief, to me religion just seems like humanity trying to cope with their ultimately purposeless lives." I thought the same exact thing not too long ago but, after seeing where this world is headed, I felt that there was more to reality than what I thought : I didn't know what more could there be, but the more I researched, the more I realized that my perception of reality was wrong and that, just as there is undeniable evil covering this world, there also had to exist a source of undeniable goodness : now I don't doubt His existence anymore, because I've personally experienced His hand working in my life. There is only a way to know for sure if God exists : asking Him to reveal Himself to you in humilty and with a sincere desire to know Him. Why don't you ask Him to ?

[@randyjodoin5230]

Father Mike you’ve been a true blessing to me in so many ways. Thank you 🙏

[@karinasandoval1597]

Is it best to start learning/reading the Old Testament and then learn/read the New Testament?

[@rachelanne1065]

Yes, after studying the OT in depth, you can understand the NT a lot better =)

[@VGiacobe]

"And the Word became flash, and dwelt among us".

[@btr2trvl]

This is the subject of my favorite homily of Fr Brett Hoover a Paulist professor of Theology at Loyola Marymount, great choice!

[@davidwigington1729]

Father mike can you do a video about why Lucifer thought he could defeat God

[@giovannipagliari1537]

Great video as always! You’re absolutely right! I always read the Bible and the Old Testament has so many clear examples of our loving God and Father! The intense justice and mercy of our God is evident in both books. People need to read the Bible faithfully!

[@debclark9181]

I enjoy how your videos reach out to young and old alike! May God continue to bless and guide you in your walk for Christ.

[@aprilroberts1579]

Thank you for this video I've been trying to teach somebody that goes to an old church of mine and this is exactly what I've been looking for God bless you

[@Allyourbase1990]

When I was an atheist, I didn't belive in the Bible or anything Christian, . Because it was so hard to understand why God did a complete 180 and was all of a sudden so loving, and calm. Then I went to prison for heroin and could only get 1 book....the Bible. I got saved that night in a cell. Great video thanks for explaining!

[@GnaReffotsirk]

Problem with yahweh is he leaves no room for repentance. And he was so ready to kill, ordered his people to steal, and destroy. It's more than what is in view in the discussion here. Also Jesus contradicts yahweh many times, He even questions what kind of a father gives snakes to children asking for bread. Also Acts 7 says a lot about this issue, and reveals who yahweh is, whom the israelites mistakenly believed to be Elyon or the Most High.

[@rachelanne1065]

No room for repentance ? Please, read carefully the OT and see how long He has waited before executing judgement on people.

[@acarbajal9917]

As always Father Mike awesome video, but I thought you were going to talk about something different. I guess I was a little confused cause of the title of this video. I thought you were going to discuss the Old Testament and New Testament in terms of which is more important. Can you please make a video that address that. I know the whole Bible is important of course. I look at it like this, the Old Testament are good lessons moral stories and prophecies. People then where judged by the Old Covenant. And the New Testament is what we are all bound by now. Jesus changed it for us. We live by Jesus blood. The New and everlasting Covenant. Right? I guess what I'm saying is the New Testament is more important. Kinda ?

[@dinacomics]

Hello Father Mike!!! I wanted to tell you that i am doing the confirmation next September! yaaay! :D Please pray for me thank you for ALL your videos they helped me big time! Love from Spain :)

[@BiornBear]

I know as a Catholic priest you believe in immaculate conception but I must say I’m jealous of you, because I’m going bald and it hurts to see your immaculate hair lol. You hit the genetic lottery Father mike. But I also love your messages. You are truly a man of God. I hope to hear you in person one day. God Bless.

[@michaelreyes7939]

Thank you this makes so much sense. This clicked what I was missing in my head

[@trueoutlaw13]

Except God kills thousands of people without forgiveness in the OT whereas Jesus calls people to repent and dies for us instead of killing us. Like Aaron's sons who sin and get burned alive with no second chance

[@glitchywharf2733]

I like this guy, I’m not religious but it’s cool to learn some stuff lol

[@nightfangs2910]

Farther Mike, here's my question why did Lucifer turn against god, if he was created to be god like, bestowed powers like god why a pride and ego to want to be equal in power to god

[@nightfangs2910]

@Content Corrector so angels we're allowed by God to have freedom of choice ? and the ability to be vane ? I always thought those were human faults not angels, angels we're to be made perfect like god not allowed freedom of choice or any of man's weeknesses

[@LucianFromEarth]

#AskFrMike Are mental illnesses (obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, chronic depression, suicidal thoughts etc.) caused by demonic possession?

[@desertlawgaming154]

No....its caused by God Alone The oppressor and accuser

[@josetteabdilla-cunningham1542]

Thank you Fr. Mike. I recently spoke to a very young priest here in Malta and we chatted about how great your video clips and explanations are. Thank you for your guidance. May God bless and strengthen you, all priests and religious and the Pope, for the good of the Church and for the good of all of mankind. Thanks.

[@chandrapurba7547]

If God of old Testament and God of new testament is the same God then why Christians didn't follow His teachings in Torah? Why Christians didn't follow Torah when Jesus Himself never deviated from His Father Torah?

[@rachelanne1065]

It's because of bad theology that is taught within the church : the Torah is still binding and required to be followed, because it's the Law of the Kingdom. Hope it helps =)

[@robinmarie8213]

I mean this Respectfully. I understand you are teaching what you have been taught. But Usually strict parents don't instruct their children to commit mass murder against their other children.

[@johnlewis451]

Thank you Mike, Very cooL!

[@kim75-q5k]

Thank you Fr Mike! This all make sense now. Beautiful sharing using yr relationship with your parents.

[@SusanM-ez7ky]

I never understood the part in Matthew when Jesus is speaking about causing divide within the family. Would love to hear this explained.

[@Nimbereth]

This is easy. Jesus is saying that not everyone will become a Christian and follow His word, so the believer will have to choose between separating from his family and staying with God than the other way around. Remember that the early Christians were usually pilgrims who walked from city to city spreading the Good News of God.

[@SusanM-ez7ky]

@@Nimbereth That makes sense my brother recently left Catholicism and is a messianic Jew. He won't speak to us anymore, because he disagrees with our faith. It's very sad.

[@rachelanne1065]

@@SusanM-ez7ky Why is it sad ? It's awesome news, because the early believers were messianic jews =) Please, don't let this divide you : talk to him and ask him why he believes what he believes and test his words with the Bible itself.

[@dalagangfilipinayeah785]

Why are called as "Father" ? There's only one Father and thats our Holy Father in Heaven.

[@clarafierro6921]

thanks Father Mike, always explained so well, its really helping me a lot. I love to watch your videos before I got to sleep. God bless you

[@canalingenfelter]

Excellent comparison using your parents (even though that analogy breaks down, like you said) but still, super relatable and helpful. Thanks Fr Mike!

[@skodovkar]

A parent would hopefully never support violence between his children. Yet Jews literally conquested their promised land. Even if you get angry with one of your kids, would you allow the other to kill him/her? Not to mention God took free will of Pharaoh just to show his wrath and might.

[@nicholasricardo8443]

Remember that the Torah was a revelation, not God speaking directly into the text. In an era where you are constantly held captive or fighting for territory, the Chosen of Israel wanted their scribes to characterize God as an Almighty Judge. It was the bronze age, think about how terrible it would have been to live then; it was the true beginning of war. Before then, there were only skirmishes. You have to understand that any text in the Bible might characterize God in a different aspect of His being. The OT focuses more on judgement, because it was a time of war. the NT focuses less on war and judgement because it was a time of *reasonable* peace. Most of the Old Testament is either Allegorical, hyperbole, or a mixture of the two.

[@TheJanet4321]

I had a difficult time making it through the old testament when I took a bible study. I was surprisingly disturbed by it. I was not expecting that - had not read it in the much detail prior to that.

[@J3urkasaur]

“Deeply interested in justice” is an interesting way to characterize the god of the Old Testament. How do you justify the rules for how to keep slaves that appear in exodus?

[@wesleypuckett3861]

First off the "slaves" of the Old Testament are not the same as the cruelly treated slaves of the modern world. The slaves were in the situation to pay off a debt and were to be released on set years. There were OT Laws in place for how slaves are to be treated (fed well and treated humanely). Second the OT Laws were separated into 3 categories Civil, Moral and ceremonial Civil pertaining to the Israelites directly, Moral to all who chose relationship with God and ceremonial to the priests interacting with the Tabernacle and sacraments required for atonement. Slave laws were set in place just to accommodate the Israelites not as a law of judgement but to protect the slaves.

[@seaotter52]

@@wesleypuckett3861 Wrong. That only applied to Israelites. Foreign people were slaves for life and don't forget about daughters being able to be sold. As a father of daughters this is hideous. I hope that you also find it disturbing. If not.....

[@rachelanne1065]

@@wesleypuckett3861 Where was the Torah divided into civil, moral and ceremonial laws ?

[@JopStreamsWoW96]

This helped, thank you I have so many questions

[@dongthurman4954]

Look...I think Mike is a great guy....but how can he read and understand the scriptures so well and still be Roman Catholic? I wish I could talk to him and at least understand what he sees.

[@zwijac]

Its because he follows God, not man.

[@mariab.774]

@Dong Thurman Because we Catholics also believe Scriptures are inspired by God, they are the Word of God

[@dongthurman4954]

@@zwijac He may very well follow God; however, Roman Catholic doctrine places the church above scripture in the sense that the magisterium is the only authority over it. Don't get me wrong, Mike still believes some of the false teachings (since Rome has only infallibly translated like 10 verses)... but he understands it so well where Rome hasn't sunk their talons in.

[@zwijac]

@@dongthurman4954 When Jesus was ascending into heaven, he didn't suddenly stop and look toward Peter and James and scream out "don't forget to read my book!". There was no book. He established a church. And to the people whom he chose to lead that church, he told to go out and make disciples of all people, teaching them all that He had commanded them. Those 12 men then instructed people to "hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by writing". If you and I were living and having the same conversation in the year 250,.... How would we worship God and how would we stand firm in our faith and pass it on to others? Its 250 AD, we are believers in the God of the Bible and we are Christians who believe Jesus was the Messiah. But the Bible does not exist. What do we do? What does our church look like and how do they know what they believe? Also, how is someone born again?

[@heedyreports2577]

god doesnt changed, why its a NEW way?

[@BrennaMaduro]

I love your analogy , totally agree . Love your videos ❤️🙏🏼

[@juliagoodsell342]

@AscensionPresents i've heard the phrase "killing religion and finding relationship" a lot lately, i understand where it came from and WHY but as far as the face-value meaning it seems violently anti-religion, and a lot of freinds are pretty attached to this idea, religion is great, the authority of the catholic church is one of the reasons i love it... how does this relate to our beleifs?

[@ChristianProtossDragoon]

You look like the actor who played Hercules in the old tv series with Hercule. lol

[@jeanswinter679]

God never change. I kinda like the Old Testament era, not the violent and gore part, it's just.. would be nice to have a direct conversation sometimes (like when I say "hi God" He say 'hi' back). Even just once a year you know. That'd be a nice surprise for my dark and gloomy lonely day.... hmm.. that'd be scary too now that I think about it. :/ when you're alone and suddenly you hear "hi". Huh.. I really am weird. But yeah.. I believe in God 100%. He's been good to me and my father since I was a kid, and everything that He did and do, all of His decisions for me, in the end it's all for my future. So that I can have a great future. He's like my Dad, my Boss and my King and I'm His stubborn daughter. His love never change. ❤❤❤