You shouldn't but that's ur choice. This is the only life you got so if I were u I wouldn't be so closed off and start reading the Bible you'll realize how fake it is and all this time you've been limiting your knowledge. Just like every other religious followers...
joshua gordon to you, limiting ourselves is believing and to us (Christians) not believing is missing out and limiting ourselves but I appreciate your respectful tone! (:
It's so interesting to see the Church speaking the 21st century language. This priest is doing a great job! It's very hard to translate massive philosophy and doctrine to young minds! God bless you and greetings from Brazil!
Oi Johannes... Sou brasileiro mas aqui por 50 anos nos EUA. A Biblia so ensina duas coisas, o caminho bom e o mau. Mas Deus nao manda ningeum para qualquer lugar ate o juizo final. Veja esse video qu epostei ali encima. Essa e a verdade biblica.
The written word of God not PHILOSOPHY which Jesus called vain. Collosions 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ
Yeah also while having so much delusion. God's number one achievement is not his ability to abandon and since when is abandonment a quality of a good dad?
The Real Gospel of Christ amen to that brother. Catholics are always peddling a false Image of God and Christ’s sacrifice ( hint: he died for the sins of ALL) (:
All I commented on was the way he said "dad"... it must have struck me as sweet and endearing. I don't get why people have come here complaining about God and abandonment or something when that had nothing to do with what I was saying. Please, if you wish to complain about this video and Catholicism, make your own comment; don't leave anything here that I have to read. It's got nothing to do with me.
I put my faith in Jesus Christ in the fall of 1992. I've never regretted that decision! In all my years as a christian, I have never heard such simple and true explanations of life's hardest questions!!! Thank you so much for making these videos!!!
@@caroleevandyk5544 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV- I take zero credit unless you count the decision to say "yes" and accept His gift as my own. That doesn't really count in my book though because who would say "No" to a free gift of salvation if they really understood it clearly? I will check back another time for more questions.
@@tebafanthroughnthrough6089 my question to you is what does it mean when Ephesians 2:9-11 says that we are God's masterpiece created to do good works and that the works of flesh is Circumcision?
@@caroleevandyk5544 I like to believe God judges in a way we never can and on totally different merits at least I hope so or it isn't fair at all, is it ?
I'm a 12 stepper. Clean & sober a long time now. This made so much sense to me today. A friend sent it to me. I experienced so much pain and trauma and contributed to more more more of it thru my free will. Today I choose God. If I hadn't experienced my experiences then I might not feel I need God and I might have waited until my dying to have a relationship with Him. I want to go for coffee with Fr. Mike...haha
It is absolutely true, not because I say it, but because it is real, period. But our mission as brothers in Jesus Christ is to help each other, to reach Heaven. You are helping us when we grow in our faith also by reason. Not even de Pope can "help" every single children of God to be saved, but at least we must pray for each other. You give me hope and inspiration. Thank you so much Fr. Mike.
Man, I can only imagine how many souls father Mike might have saved from swaying so far off course if his excellent sermons were available during my youthful years growing up. Thanks Father Mike, you're great !
father Mike saved No one, only Jesus saves. 'No man is to be called father', Mike has Zero authority to forgive sins against God, nor trespasses from one person to another. Only you can forgive when someone trespasses against you and only God can forgive those who sin against Him.
@Jeff Neub Dude, Priests devote their entire lives to God , Jesus Christ and the church. Good priest preach the Bible and help build healthy families and people in general. If it were not for Priests and the church spreading Jesus's life, sacrifice and teachings, he would be forgotten.
@@jeffneub3578 It is true that Father Mike hasn't directly saved anyone himself, but he has led people to God, which led them to salvation, that is the obvious meaning of the commenter's words, it is very unchristian of you, to be so uncharitable in your interpretation. Also "call no man father" you forget that Jesus also said "call no man teacher" yet he himself referred to others as teachers, and reffered to people as having earthly fathers, has Jesus sinned? I would much rather believe that was one of his many hyperboles in respect to the devotion one MUST attribute to Our Lord. Jesus himself gave authority to his apostles to forgive sins, and to Peter to build a church and pass on authority, in His name, to deny apostolic authority is to spit in the face of Jesus.
@@lothara.schmal5092 So you confess your Sins to someone who has no authority to forgive them. What did Jesus die for? And don't give me that 'There are two types of Sins', I can debunk that in a second. So why does the Pope need money for Indulgences? I mean, if he really loves everyone, and he has this imaginary power to over ride God's will, why doesn't he do it freely?
@@jeffneub3578 Jesus himself gave the authorty to forgive sins to His disciples John 20:23 , in his name, and ofc the authority to pass down priesthood to Peter and found one undivided church Matthew 16:13-20
Your typical preacher tells people what they want to hear. Godly preachers, on the other hand, tell people what God wants them to hear. The second kind rarely, if ever, gets 324K views on TH-cam.
Preach on Father mike Schmidt’s. You are preaching the reality of the choices we face. People need to hear this. God bless you and please pray for my family.
Makes you think. Very powerful and profound message. I never thought of this before. Very humbling. Thank you, Fr Mike. My friend is an RE teacher at a Catholic school in Johannesburg, South Africa, and plays your videos for her students. She says they are very good for the kids and she appreciates them very much. Happy Easter, Fr Mike and everyone else too
Thank you Father, I just attended a class at our Regional Congress here in Los Angeles. I came out of that class shaking my head how a priest could be teaching the contrary. This video reaffirms what I already knew. It’s sad to know that a priest could be leading his flock astray. Thank you for being faithful to your vocation and speaking the truth about God’s revelation.
Excellent. Thank you. I went to confession today, feel good and clean and I will sleep like a baby tonight. I also asked for forgiveness from the Church...
Confessing to another man does ZERO good. Only God can forgive sins against Him, only you can forgive others who trespass against you. Confessionals are worthless. Works is dead. RCC has completely damnable doctrines.
@@jeffneub3578works dont save. Faith does. This is a doctrine of the Catholic Church and Peotestants literally have to agree with it to be Protestants. Not trying to argue but sin needs to be confessed. Read John 20:21-23 and tell me if the Apostles didnt have authority WHICH IS PASSED ON to be an instrument of God's forgiveness. The priest doesnt forgive you, but God forgives you THROUGH the priest if you do your part.
It’s so cool to see pastors preaching the truth. I know we as humans don’t want to hear the truth, but it is needed. Pastor Mike keep preaching the truth, keep telling everyone the best news ever. May god bless you and your parish.
Hey, Fr. Mike! Just so you know, I pray for you by name every day. You, along with my parish priests, get the fourth decade of my Rosary every single day.
oh, wow - this EXACT question I had been turning over in my head ALL day! in fact, I had googled it only a few hours ago and spent forever searching for answers... thank you, Fr. Mike. I don't think it's a coincidence! ;)
I love this. Took me a long time to understand free will, and that we need free will to be the best version of ourselves. To make good choices in life. Believe me, I did not make good choices throughout my life. I lost God for many years. Blamed him for my abusive mom, my assault as a young girl. Losing my mom when I was 11. This is a hard concept. But it makes sense.Thank you for sharing.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: The Church prays that no one shall be lost: “Lord, let me never be parted from you.” If it is true that no one can save himself, it is also true that God “desires all men to be saved” (1Tim 2:4), and that for him “all things are possible” (Mt 19:26).
Would you say that people who choose God out of fear instead of love are virtuous? How can you truly love someone knowing there's great punishment if you don't?
It is more virtuous to repent and come to God out of love for him rather than fear of punishment, but fear is good and valid as well and there may be a mixture of the two.
Monster if he doesn’t have everyone go to heaven, but not a monster for having people be burned and suffer nonstop for all eternity because they struggled with believing in him? What an awful explanation.
I really enjoy how you explain this in such plain English. You use the devices that the devil, the ruler of this world, has developed to extinguish and confuse who God really is. Your words help to sanctify who God is to me, which is one and the same to all of us. Today's culture has broad strokes that even protestants have a hard time overcoming. I really appreciate your ability to untangle the confusion, as I have struggled with explaining this to many non-catholics and catholics that have left the church. God is Good!!!
I'm getting stuck on a part here, that it would be impossible for us to deny God in facing His goodness. I'm not sure if it is meant as a literal "impossible", or if it's meant as a "being informed about the truth, why would anyone ever choose anything other." If it literally means "impossible" then I only have one objection, because yes, that would remove our free will (not up until that point, so sins still matter, but from that point on). My one objective on that is that I will by any means stop my son from doing something that is certain or high risk of death, so it will essentially become impossible for him to do this action, and I stop him because he simply does not understand the seriousness of the situation. Then no one would argue that I'm taking away my sons free will as a whole. However if I let my son do whatever that could cause death or severe harm, and said "only way he was gonna learn", people would rightly call me a monster. Now I'm one who thinks that we can't apply human sensibility on God, but only reason I'm doing it is because I see people of faith using human sensibilities to explain Gods will all the time. Anyway, my main objection is related to if it doesn't mean literally impossible, but rather "how could anyone choose differently when being shown the truth." Just for the sake of debate I think this interpretation is more fruitful, but also in accordance with the concept of Gods gift of free will, and a good representation of where theists and atheists disagree. I'm betting many theists would argue that it's impossible for them not to believe (I've met some theists saying they know God exists and other theists saying they believe, I got less objections towards the latter). Now, it's easy for atheists not to believe, because there will be no consequences, but if the christian God exists, and people of faith knows the consequences of not accepting Jesus, how could that be called free will? Sticking with using human sensibilities, if I tell you you are free to not give me your wallet, but if you don't I'm going to kill you, then you still have free will to not give me your wallet, but no one in their right mind would argue that you weren't cohersed to do so under great fear of the consequences. You'd most likely not give me your wallet out of love, it was only out of fear you ended up giving me your wallet. So for true free will to really mean anything, it must be in context of being informed about the consequences of accepting or denying God, and then being free to choose. If one choice involves eternal suffering and torture, I don't really call that a choice.
I like how you put it; "we sometimes want a good tyrant, rather than a good Dad". I agree wholeheartedly. Tyrants may sometimes deal in absolutes, that may be more comforting to us, in the moment, in our flesh.
I am in the grips of death, where things will go after death is obvious, Hell. Few will go to heaven because hardly anyone takes sin seriously, so nearly all refuse to repent and stay in love with sin and cannot see the spiritual life with God. I will be passed on soon and I know this Man has sin, but He also has Good. Bless him and forgive me Jesus. I will see you face to face soon. Amen.
I am a protestant and I applaud you for saying this. So many churches, protestant and Catholic, are afraid to say these truths. If we don't want God, then He will honor our choice.
Research online Scientifically Proven as Our Lord Jesus blood type discovered in the Holy Eucharist as part of the Catholic Faith it's so amazing plus many more great Miracles in the Catholic Faith God Bless Take Care 😌👏☘
It's pretty clear when Jesus was being crucified and the two thieves on either side of him only one accepted him as Christ and that was the one who Jesus said would be with him in Paradise that day not the other guy oh Jesus apparently believed in heaven that's good enough for me. You also give a very good argument father Mike I enjoy your videos very much
What you say is so good! I thank you so much for making these videos. I am a devoted Catholic but I recently questioned some our beliefs. Ever since I watched your videos, I start to understand them better.
For years when I was younger, I chose "not God". It felt good for a while, but then I ended up a drug addict. Even when I recovered and got clean, I continued to choose "not God", and I ended up very depressed and lonely. Recently, I've been rediscovering my faith, and it feels as though I'm feeling a warm embrace, and that Christ has his hand on my shoulder. I feel like a prodigal son. I've been a wretch, and here he is.
Father, I knew you recently, and loved your videos! You speaks in a good mood that is gentle, quiet and powerfull mode to know the Truth. Thank's God to present me the Father Mike! Hope I could meet you someday.
6:01 🤣🤣🤣lol what. After following a link to a video on Exodus 90, TH-cam adding you to my feed is one of the best things it's done for me. I really appreciate you.
Thanks for posting your videos, Fr Mike. Came across them the other day and subbed after viewing the first one. Young people need priests like you that explain the Church’s position in a friendly, relaxed, and easy to understand manner. That’s how the Church will reach the youth. Praying for continued blessings on you and your YT channel.
Through all of my many many many failings and the lessons I never seem to learn from, I choose God. Worthy though I am not I would gladly accept death before I deny God.
Did God tell Adam about this place of eternal torture? Did He tell him he had an immortal soul? No man ever lived who had more of a right to know. I would really like to see that verse.
He's married to the church , I was just making the point that this man gave up a lot to preach the gospel a great lesson to other young men who may wish to forsake the world for Christ and his Holy Catholic Church ...
Thank you Father Mike. I’ve recently came across your video while watching other videos and have since been watching most of your videos. You make the topics interesting and very easy to understand 😇 Thank God
Regarding Spiritual teacher or anyone with a church authority: Matthew 23:9 “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
It would be good for Fr. Mike Schmitz to have a video discussion with David Bentley Hart about this topic. Ascension Presents should host it and post it no matter what resulted.
Why did God give us free will when he knew very well that some of us will make the wrong choice and then suffer eternal torture? Its all just a very cruel set up.I would rather have no free will if that's the case! (I don't think I'm gonna make it into the good place!)
@@blu4875 where in the Bible does it say that we should another man father? God is the only father that we can Him that. In the catholic church people call the reverends father that's not right. So basically all the reverends in the world are you father. People think that the reverends can intercede for you when they pray and not Jesus, even though He is the only connection to the Father. Be careful with them.
Great video, as always! If Lucifer could reject God along with 1/3 of the angels who did see God fully revealed in his glory, we have the ability to do so, too.
Exactly. Just as the pharisees later spat upon Jesus and called him a blasphemer even after witnessing His Miracles and forgiveness of sin. They had all the proof in the world yet still chose to harden their hearts and attribute His Good Work to powers of darkness. Surely if they couldn't repent at the feet of the Messiah, what hope do they have?
Your so silly. Love you. Great teacher. You are NOT a loser. I've been learning a lot about my faith through your videos. I'm only 4 yrs Catholic never being raised without any religion. Bye the way I didn't get to the church until I was 51. Keep up the good work. 😀🌷🐒
Let's say that when I die I go to heaven. My daughter and wife don't. I would spend eternity knowing that the love of my life and my little girl were being tortured and tormented. How is that heaven?
So many have been saying, yes. But pardon me - why exactly DID Satan retain any powers, after his exile, and how did he come to have any access to this world? Also, did he re-enter heaven, or not, to be in God's presence, during the story of Job?
Father Mike thank you so much for these videos. You really present these ideas in way I can relate to. My husband and I watch together. can you do a video for parents who raised their children Catholic, but those children have left the church. thank you and God bless!
@sue she Yes the children do have free will. That is why Robin isn’t forcing them to return to the Church. Free will doesn’t mean that everything is ok no matter what you do.
That makes so much sense. Thanks for the clear reasoning and explanation. It made me think about my job and responsibilities as a father to my children
I am scared...So scared to die, for the next big step. You father Mike are really helping me not only believe in god but.....That death is not the end, it is simpely a new beginning. Thank you and god bless you
"Religion has actually convinced people that there's an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever 'til the end of time! But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money!" George Carlin
I feel that you have suffered alot, that people you trust betray you and that out of all that pain, you blame God for it. Remember we all make choices, we choose our friends, we apply for our work, we choose our partner even if they are not the right one. Don't discourage others but work on being a better version of yourself, move on, and forgive and wish the best, because the ones that hurt us the most, almost all the time they don't even remember us. I hope you take the time to find yourself and what you need to fix inside, look for Jesus and read about him. He suffered too, he was torture, he was an outcast in his own town, he was mistreat and many people said awful things about his Mom. Even though, all of that he kept going and He heals, listens, helps and loves to the point to let his own friend betray him, he let them judge him without replaying back, he let them whip him, torture him, he walked patiently with a cross quite heavy and he by his own will went on the cross and let them nailed him just because He loves us. So take the time to find him and he will help you to find your mission and meaning. God bless, huge hugs.
@@markhamilton6427 I see some issues in childhood and with your relationship with women. Mainly your own mother. Your actions and words talk about you and your wellbeing. Choose your words wisely.
Fr. Please pray for me and whole of my family and our well wishers. Good God protect me and my family from all our ,evil, wicked, bad, hells wisher and all our enemies. And I pray non of us should become people and non people of hells.God bless us all.
I am an atheist but I do enjoy your videos. They allow me to creep in a bit to the christian point of view. I would really love a video on dress codes. Do you think there is something as inappropriate dressing? Or is it one's personal choice and sexualizing other people is a problem from the other side?
Hey Lucie - glad you are enjoying! Think you will enjoy the other vids we have to offer on Ascension Presents like this one on fashion: th-cam.com/video/SQ84oSJcrFE/w-d-xo.html
Josh Jayaprakash only if you believe Catholic Church history. What the Catholic church teaches about church history has been debunked by archeologists, historians and scripture itself. The traditions of Rome's church developed over time. The Apostle Paul wasn't saying the rosary, he wasn't praying to Mary, he didn't run a confessional booth...use some common sense.
>What the Catholic church teaches about church history has been debunked by archeologists, historians and scripture itself. Debunk it with scripture, since archaeology and history will be impossible. >The traditions of Rome's church developed over time. True. The liturgical changes from Greek to Latin to the vernacular and the confessional booth (not the act of confession itself) were all changes. >The Apostle Paul wasn't saying the rosary, he wasn't praying to Mary, The rosary was a later Marian devotion. However, Marian devotions existed before Constantine, who you Protestants say ruined the Church. See Rylands Papyrus P 470. It is a hymm to the Theotokos, or God-bearer. >he didn't run a confessional booth This was because sins were confessed in public to priests and not in private. John 20:23 states that If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. The Didache, a catechism book the Apostles authored, states that in Didache 4:14 that In the congregation thou shalt confess thy transgressions, and thou shalt not betake thyself to prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. For the Apostolic Authority, in Matthew 18:18, Christ states that: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” ...use some common sense.
If a burning hell is real, that raises some very important questions that must be addressed: 1. Why did God, at Genesis 2:17, warn Adam that he would die for disobedience, which he did (Genesis 5:5), and "into dust _thou shalt return_" after the punishment would come to pass? (Genesis 3:19) 2. If a burning hell had been part of God's arrangement for punishing wickedness, why did He never mention it at any time to Adam as the punishment for his treason and his descendants' inherited sinful nature? 3. How can a soul burn? If it can burn, logic would dictate that it can freeze or drown; however, Ezechiel 18:4 says "the soul that sinneth, the same shall _die_." 4. Why does the Ecclesiastes 9:5 say: "For the living know that they shall die, but _the dead know nothing more_, neither have they a reward any more: for the memory of them is forgotten." 5. Why does Psalm 145:4 (Douay-Rheims) read: "His spirit [or "breath"] shall go forth, and he shall _return to the earth_: in that day all their thoughts shall _perish_." 6. Why does Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20 speak of both humans and animals as "equal" in death, and that "all things go to one place: of earth they were made, and _into earth they return together_"? 7. Why did Job, when suffering terribly because of a severe illness and the agonizing loss of all his children, beg God: “Protect me in hell” (Job 14:13)? What meaning would his request have had if hell was a place of eternal torment? 8. Lastly, why did the inspired Paul write to the Romans, at Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is _death_" and not a burning hell? The Bible is very clear that death is the opposite of life, and that those who die are nonexistent. "Hell," in the Biblical sense, is simply the common grave of mankind, where all activity has ceased. The word "hell" is an English word that means the same thing as the Biblical Hebrew word "Sheol" and the Biblical Greek word "Hades": "the pit" or "the Grave". The teaching of a burning hell comes from Platonism and was never adopted by the ancient Jews or the First Century Christians, but it was adopted by the Catholic Church centuries after the Bible was completed. Hellfire contradicts the Bible's teaching of a God who personifies love, cannot lie, exemplifies justice, and who sent His only Son to die for mankind's deliverance from sin and death. The teaching of hellfire contorts God into a lying, merciless monster, worse than any genocidal dictator or demented serial killer. In other words, hellfire is a lie.
Your definition of hell isn't so bad. Separation from God isn't as terrible as burning in a place of torture for all eternity. It may be a plus not to spend eternity in perpetual adoration of God since I would have a lot of free time for myself.
All that is good comes from God. The goodness of beauty, pleasure, friendship, etc. are all from God. Eternal separation from God, it would seem to me, entails the loss of all the good things God has provided to us. Plus, I personally doubt all of eternity is simply adoring God in the sense that we never do anything else. On the contrary, all that brings life and joy to us will still exist but in a perfected manner.
We are given a choice. Life or death. And death is not life somewhere really awful. Malachi 4.1 tells us what ultimately happens to the unsaved. "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
What many Christians fear the most is that someone just might get to heaven by going out to the fields at the end of the day and receiving the same wage that they hope to receive
Interesting argument. One I've heard, and at one time subscribed too as well. Then I learned definitions to words. If you can speak on the three words that turned into the word "hell" and their respective original definitions, then we could have a legitimate discussion on this topic. Here are the words: Hebrew- Sheol, Hebrew- Gehenna, Greek- Hades. Knowing those original words and their definitions, then know the word hell and its etymology, you get a far different understanding and outlook. Make no mistake, i do believe that a form of "hell" if you chose to call it that exists, but in our modern understanding of the definition, absolutely not. It simply does not match the original definitions that the word is derived from in scripture, and respective languages. It is not enough, it is not even close to enough to simply rely on the prescribed ideologies of Catholic or Christian understanding. If you believe that English translation is correct on every word, you are sadly mistaken as I've come to learn. If you believe that definitions of words carried over to the English language, again you are sadly mistaken. I urge everyone to do your own study of original word and definitions of the scriptures. I also highly suggest learning language function in the three primary languages scripture is written in; Hebrew, Greek and English. As a secondary, Aramaic wouldn't hurt as some text is written in that as well. Please don't misunderstand my goal. I am by no means an atheist, agnostic, a troll or out to start a cult or some craziness. I firmly believe in and trust the Lord. I firmly believe and trust the words our Lord spoke. I do however have my reservations on Bible commentary (in the Bible), and have serious reservations on main stream ideologies, rules and regulations that some churches place on people. There is no name calling here. I have zero interest in telling people how and what to believe. It's obviously your choice on that. I just believe people should be as informed as possible before making that choice. Churches tend to be biased.The old i'm right and you're wrong kind of thinking. What is not biased is language and definitions. They are what they are. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant when it comes to that, ya know? So anyway, that's all I have to say. Those of you who read all this, my apologies for it being so long. The Lord is a strong passion of mine, and proper understanding of His word and only His word is of paramount importance to me. Be well everyone. ***Edit*** On a personal note, I'd like to thank Mr. Mike Schmitz for taking the time to teach folks about the Lord. While we disagree on some topics, I am happy to see people like you on social media, spreading the Word. Thank you so much. Be well.
Look at the famous picture of William Holman Hunt of Christ knocking at the door (of our heart)The handle is on the inside...He never closes the door but we have to choose to open it..
Life is judgement. God judges the choices we make. How we treat the impoverished, disabled. Do we follow adore the rich or fiber help others give hope to the hopeless. Kindness to the shunned? He looks , watches. Then decided who enters his kingdom, who stands waiting at a locked gate. Our choices are free will. How we use them also is. Choose wisely ppl🤔😊
@@travisrassel9978 oh surely, they are horrific. but eternal torment? no. those cannot even come close to deserving of infinite suffering. nothing we do on this earth can.
If heaven is the greatest thing ever then why wouldn't just the absence of heaven be enough? Why create a place of constant torment and torture? Can't wrap my head around that especially when coming from a perfect, all knowing and loving God. Being unable to not experience heaven would seem to be bad enough if all you had in the afterlife was nothingness.
Good reasoning, the Bible does in fact teach that the wicked are destroyed forever. Not tortured, just gone (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Think about what God told Adam "for dust you are and to dust you will return" Genesis 3:19 Nothing about an afterlife of any kind, let alone infinite burning.
Fr. Mike, I truly agree that God gives us complete freedom to live our lives the way we want it because God cannot live that life for us. By giving us free will, God purposely know that we will experience pain because of that freedom. Surely, a person who is in great pain and suffering would be tempted to trade his freedom in order to be safe. Is freedom so great a gift that God is willing to take risk allowing man to experience evil, and get hurt, or even die because of it? Is evil a necessity in order to practice our free will?
Fr. Mike, I love the videos. Question. You say God would be a monster if he created everyone without the possibility of anyone going to help since it would make our suffering pointless. Agreed. Wouldn't it also make God a monster if he created mankind knowing that some would certainly be eternally punished? Knowing that definite outcome shouldn't a good God just skip the whole creation of man thing altogether.? Seems to me we are stuck with a monster either way. I hope not. But I'm confused.
Dear James Owens, God knows the future but that doesn't make him a monster but a Just God : nobody will say you did not give me a chance, I didnt have a fair crack of the whip, you didnt let me live my life, you know nothing god I could have done things differently! God lets us live our lives and when we stand before him after death, we will have to account for OUR actions.
This is a great question. First we must have a proper understanding of God. Let's take Thomas Aquinas' argument for the existence of God. The argument goes as follows. In the world, we recognize that things happen not due to their own ability but by the cause of another. Namely, we recognize contingency. Like that of an arrow placed in motion by a bowstring and the bowstring pulled by the hand and the hand moved by the arm and so on. You can trace contingency as far back to existence itself. Why does the arrow and the bowstring and the human person exist? Now this question deserves our attention, especially if we seek to keep the principle of sufficient reason. There's no use in reaching this question and wavering with "that's just the way it is" or "there isn't a reason." Things that do not exist necessarily - like me, the arrow, the bowstring - must derive their existence from something else. The only way this is possible is if there is something that exists necessarily. Now how can we reconcile this idea that there must be something that exists necessarily? First we need some tools: definitions for 'being' and 'essence'. Being: that a thing is, it exists, it's "thatness." Essence: what a thing is, it's description, it's "whatness." Let's cover these definitions with some examples: Jose - that's me. I have being because I exist and essence because I have qualities and characteristics that make me an individual. Another example: a unicorn. It is not a being because it does not exist but it has an essence because we can describe it. Now take me again for example. When I tell you my essence - I am human, I have black hair, I'm 5'9 - I'm am also telling you what I am not. In other words, my essence limits my being. I am, only to the degree that I am not something else and thus I am contingent: reliant on other things to identify who I am. Now, the only way something can exist necessarily is if it's existence is identical to it's essence - the only way something can exist necessarily is if it's very nature is to be. In other words, this thing's essence must be to be. This we call God. Here we come to understand that we must derive our existence from God. Existence is given to us as a gift because we did not have to exist necessarily. Now, we have an intuition for good and evil but we seldom realize were this derives from. Also, I think it's safe to say that our understanding of good and evil has been perverted. We can see this in ourselves and in others. Now for the sake of brevity - because this can get super profound - I'm just gonna leap to the catholic understanding of evil as a deprivation of good. We say that a rotten apple is not good for us in the sense that it is taken away from what an apple should be like: good for health, tasty, etc. Equally, we can also say that we are all a bit rotten because we are not what we should be. Yet, there remains in the apple - even if it's rotten - some good. It may yet decay and give nourishment to the soil. We carry this notion that good is a measure of how much we participate in life. We acknowledge God as perfectly good because he is the summit of what it means to be life giving, i.e. giving us existence. If God is the perfect good and he is that which exists by nature, we can also say that pure evil does not exist. Everything in it's own measure, even by it's own existence is good because it participates in God. Thus it would have been pure evil -contrary to God's essence - for him to not create a man he knew would certainly reject him. Truly, the fact that we even exist is one of the greatest gifts we have received from God and we are not worthy. I hope this is a good starting off point. If you are interested to learn more, I'd suggest looking into Thomas Aquinas. You can learn more from several sources like Peter Kreeft and Edward Feser. I also like listening to podcasts like Pints with Aquinas and Dr. Taylor Marshall. God bless!
@@jamesparson , you don't force someone to love you. God loved you first because He created you. You can Love Him back, Adore Him or ignore Him. Either way your Eternal Life will be entirely based on your Love for God now and in the afterlife
this was a very powerful argument for hell. I fully agreed with the statements
mikekoz68
Are you describing yourself? It sounds like it.
Subu K
Who's words? Clearly not yours
You shouldn't but that's ur choice. This is the only life you got so if I were u I wouldn't be so closed off and start reading the Bible you'll realize how fake it is and all this time you've been limiting your knowledge. Just like every other religious followers...
joshua gordon to you, limiting ourselves is believing and to us (Christians) not believing is missing out and limiting ourselves but I appreciate your respectful tone! (:
How is this an argument for Hell?
He provides no evidence that Hell is a real place except for "I believe in a God and I think God would have a hell"
I'm going through a rough time in life, and fear for my Soul. My Eternity. Please pray for this suffering Catholic. Thanks guys.
There is no need to suffer and be concerned. All you need to do is confess, and repent to God, and believe in him.
@@MathewSimonGospel I am sorry, but judgement day has yet to come. Read the book of Revelation.
I'll be praying for you to leave the catholic church... Before it's too late
Check out kevin zadais testimony
Just trust in God's mercy ❤ I went through the same
I choose God. I need Him in my life everyday.
Wise choice!
Not really. Why?
Barb Zylema amen
@Thomas Annulis Yes, sorry - and just for clarification - why COULD Satan reach this world, at all, or retain any powers, post exile?
Choose Jesus Christ our lord
It's so interesting to see the Church speaking the 21st century language. This priest is doing a great job! It's very hard to translate massive philosophy and doctrine to young minds! God bless you and greetings from Brazil!
Thanks for the kind feedback, Johnannes!
Bless you for trying - at least.
It's hard because the evidence isn't compelling.
Oi Johannes... Sou brasileiro mas aqui por 50 anos nos EUA. A Biblia so ensina duas coisas, o caminho bom e o mau. Mas Deus nao manda ningeum para qualquer lugar ate o juizo final. Veja esse video qu epostei ali encima. Essa e a verdade biblica.
The written word of God not PHILOSOPHY which Jesus called vain. Collosions 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ
I love the way you say "dad". There's just so much love in the way you say it.
Yeah also while having so much delusion. God's number one achievement is not his ability to abandon and since when is abandonment a quality of a good dad?
@@therealgospelofchrist6823 It is we that abandon Him never will He forsake us.
@@christinagusman1644 A true parents doors are always open...
The Real Gospel of Christ amen to that brother. Catholics are always peddling a false Image of God and Christ’s sacrifice ( hint: he died for the sins of ALL) (:
All I commented on was the way he said "dad"... it must have struck me as sweet and endearing.
I don't get why people have come here complaining about God and abandonment or something when that had nothing to do with what I was saying.
Please, if you wish to complain about this video and Catholicism, make your own comment; don't leave anything here that I have to read. It's got nothing to do with me.
Sin is sweet in the beginning, but bitter in the end. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
oh yes
Since sin is so terrible, seems like it would be better if God never created us at all.
He didn’t
I put my faith in Jesus Christ in the fall of 1992. I've never regretted that decision! In all my years as a christian, I have never heard such simple and true explanations of life's hardest questions!!! Thank you so much for making these videos!!!
I have some questions for you. How much of your salvation can you take credit for? Is what Jesus did on the cross sufficient to save a person?
@@caroleevandyk5544 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV- I take zero credit unless you count the decision to say "yes" and accept His gift as my own. That doesn't really count in my book though because who would say "No" to a free gift of salvation if they really understood it clearly? I will check back another time for more questions.
@@tebafanthroughnthrough6089 my question to you is what does it mean when Ephesians 2:9-11 says that we are God's masterpiece created to do good works and that the works of flesh is Circumcision?
@@caroleevandyk5544 I like to believe God judges in a way we never can and on totally different merits at least I hope so or it isn't fair at all, is it ?
Abhilash Paul does being created to do good works mean we are saved through good works? Yeah exactly. No. Next question
I'm a 12 stepper. Clean & sober a long time now. This made so much sense to me today. A friend sent it to me. I experienced so much pain and trauma and contributed to more more more of it thru my free will. Today I choose God. If I hadn't experienced my experiences then I might not feel I need God and I might have waited until my dying to have a relationship with Him. I want to go for coffee with Fr. Mike...haha
I'm a 12 stepper aswell and I think this nonsense.
I ❤ you my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I THANK YOU for giving me Your Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist.
Amen
Darth Vader why are you in the darkside/evil🤣🤣🤣🤣
Amen
I am sorry that is not biblical. Jesus does not give us his life and his blood in ucharist.
@@alexntahiraja2974 John 6
It is absolutely true, not because I say it, but because it is real, period. But our mission as brothers in Jesus Christ is to help each other, to reach Heaven. You are helping us when we grow in our faith also by reason. Not even de Pope can "help" every single children of God to be saved, but at least we must pray for each other. You give me hope and inspiration. Thank you so much Fr. Mike.
This Man's personality his uplifting knowledge and his positive charged soul on fire for Jesus is Amazing!
Man, I can only imagine how many souls father Mike might have saved from swaying so far off course if his excellent sermons were available during my youthful years growing up. Thanks Father Mike, you're great !
father Mike saved No one, only Jesus saves. 'No man is to be called father', Mike has Zero authority to forgive sins against God, nor trespasses from one person to another. Only you can forgive when someone trespasses against you and only God can forgive those who sin against Him.
@Jeff Neub Dude, Priests devote their entire lives to God , Jesus Christ and the church. Good priest preach the Bible and help build healthy families and people in general. If it were not for Priests and the church spreading Jesus's life, sacrifice and teachings, he would be forgotten.
@@jeffneub3578 It is true that Father Mike hasn't directly saved anyone himself, but he has led people to God, which led them to salvation, that is the obvious meaning of the commenter's words, it is very unchristian of you, to be so uncharitable in your interpretation. Also "call no man father" you forget that Jesus also said "call no man teacher" yet he himself referred to others as teachers, and reffered to people as having earthly fathers, has Jesus sinned? I would much rather believe that was one of his many hyperboles in respect to the devotion one MUST attribute to Our Lord. Jesus himself gave authority to his apostles to forgive sins, and to Peter to build a church and pass on authority, in His name, to deny apostolic authority is to spit in the face of Jesus.
@@lothara.schmal5092 So you confess your Sins to someone who has no authority to forgive them. What did Jesus die for? And don't give me that 'There are two types of Sins', I can debunk that in a second.
So why does the Pope need money for Indulgences? I mean, if he really loves everyone, and he has this imaginary power to over ride God's will, why doesn't he do it freely?
@@jeffneub3578 Jesus himself gave the authorty to forgive sins to His disciples John 20:23 , in his name, and ofc the authority to pass down priesthood to Peter and found one undivided church Matthew 16:13-20
“If we do not learn to enjoy God now we never will,” Dorothy Day.
Thank you Fr. Mike.
I always hear what I need to hear from Father Mike. I pray for him every day
Your typical preacher tells people what they want to hear. Godly preachers, on the other hand, tell people what God wants them to hear. The second kind rarely, if ever, gets 324K views on TH-cam.
Father Mike, I’m not Catholic, but I don’t think I’ve heard you ever say anything I disagree with. Thank you for what you’re doing!
Preach on Father mike Schmidt’s. You are preaching the reality of the choices we face. People need to hear this. God bless you and please pray for my family.
Makes you think. Very powerful and profound message. I never thought of this before. Very humbling. Thank you, Fr Mike. My friend is an RE teacher at a Catholic school in Johannesburg, South Africa, and plays your videos for her students. She says they are very good for the kids and she appreciates them very much. Happy Easter, Fr Mike and everyone else too
Praise God for your knowledge and wisdom...A Divine INSPIRATION. Thank you FATHER FOR TESTIMONY!!
Thank you Father, I just attended a class at our Regional Congress here in Los Angeles. I came out of that class shaking my head how a priest could be teaching the contrary. This video reaffirms what I already knew. It’s sad to know that a priest could be leading his flock astray. Thank you for being faithful to your vocation and speaking the truth about God’s revelation.
Excellent. Thank you. I went to confession today, feel good and clean and I will sleep like a baby tonight. I also asked for forgiveness from the Church...
Confessing to another man does ZERO good. Only God can forgive sins against Him, only you can forgive others who trespass against you. Confessionals are worthless. Works is dead. RCC has completely damnable doctrines.
@@jeffneub3578works dont save. Faith does. This is a doctrine of the Catholic Church and Peotestants literally have to agree with it to be Protestants. Not trying to argue but sin needs to be confessed. Read John 20:21-23 and tell me if the Apostles didnt have authority WHICH IS PASSED ON to be an instrument of God's forgiveness. The priest doesnt forgive you, but God forgives you THROUGH the priest if you do your part.
It’s so cool to see pastors preaching the truth. I know we as humans don’t want to hear the truth, but it is needed. Pastor Mike keep preaching the truth, keep telling everyone the best news ever. May god bless you and your parish.
Agreed! Father Mike is a Priest tho.
The truth can be harsh and brutal. Not for the feint of heart. Courage.
Hey, Fr. Mike! Just so you know, I pray for you by name every day. You, along with my parish priests, get the fourth decade of my Rosary every single day.
Thank you!!!!
w00t
oh, wow - this EXACT question I had been turning over in my head ALL day! in fact, I had googled it only a few hours ago and spent forever searching for answers... thank you, Fr. Mike. I don't think it's a coincidence! ;)
Wow!
The video wasn't posted when Eve K was searching for answers and then it popped up in her subscription feed.
I love this. Took me a long time to understand free will, and that we need free will to be the best version of ourselves. To make good choices in life. Believe me, I did not make good choices throughout my life. I lost God for many years. Blamed him for my abusive mom, my assault as a young girl. Losing my mom when I was 11. This is a hard concept. But it makes sense.Thank you for sharing.
Im litterally in tears. Thanks bud. God bless or wtv
Thanks Fr. Mike, that was awesome.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: The Church prays that no one shall be lost: “Lord, let me never be parted from you.” If it is true that no one can save himself, it is also true that God “desires all men to be saved” (1Tim 2:4), and that for him “all things are possible” (Mt 19:26).
Would you say that people who choose God out of fear instead of love are virtuous? How can you truly love someone knowing there's great punishment if you don't?
It is more virtuous to repent and come to God out of love for him rather than fear of punishment, but fear is good and valid as well and there may be a mixture of the two.
Father Mike you dah best!
Monster if he doesn’t have everyone go to heaven, but not a monster for having people be burned and suffer nonstop for all eternity because they struggled with believing in him?
What an awful explanation.
I really enjoy how you explain this in such plain English. You use the devices that the devil, the ruler of this world, has developed to extinguish and confuse who God really is. Your words help to sanctify who God is to me, which is one and the same to all of us. Today's culture has broad strokes that even protestants have a hard time overcoming. I really appreciate your ability to untangle the confusion, as I have struggled with explaining this to many non-catholics and catholics that have left the church. God is Good!!!
I'm getting stuck on a part here, that it would be impossible for us to deny God in facing His goodness. I'm not sure if it is meant as a literal "impossible", or if it's meant as a "being informed about the truth, why would anyone ever choose anything other."
If it literally means "impossible" then I only have one objection, because yes, that would remove our free will (not up until that point, so sins still matter, but from that point on). My one objective on that is that I will by any means stop my son from doing something that is certain or high risk of death, so it will essentially become impossible for him to do this action, and I stop him because he simply does not understand the seriousness of the situation. Then no one would argue that I'm taking away my sons free will as a whole. However if I let my son do whatever that could cause death or severe harm, and said "only way he was gonna learn", people would rightly call me a monster.
Now I'm one who thinks that we can't apply human sensibility on God, but only reason I'm doing it is because I see people of faith using human sensibilities to explain Gods will all the time.
Anyway, my main objection is related to if it doesn't mean literally impossible, but rather "how could anyone choose differently when being shown the truth." Just for the sake of debate I think this interpretation is more fruitful, but also in accordance with the concept of Gods gift of free will, and a good representation of where theists and atheists disagree.
I'm betting many theists would argue that it's impossible for them not to believe (I've met some theists saying they know God exists and other theists saying they believe, I got less objections towards the latter). Now, it's easy for atheists not to believe, because there will be no consequences, but if the christian God exists, and people of faith knows the consequences of not accepting Jesus, how could that be called free will? Sticking with using human sensibilities, if I tell you you are free to not give me your wallet, but if you don't I'm going to kill you, then you still have free will to not give me your wallet, but no one in their right mind would argue that you weren't cohersed to do so under great fear of the consequences. You'd most likely not give me your wallet out of love, it was only out of fear you ended up giving me your wallet.
So for true free will to really mean anything, it must be in context of being informed about the consequences of accepting or denying God, and then being free to choose. If one choice involves eternal suffering and torture, I don't really call that a choice.
I like how you put it; "we sometimes want a good tyrant, rather than a good Dad". I agree wholeheartedly. Tyrants may sometimes deal in absolutes, that may be more comforting to us, in the moment, in our flesh.
I am in the grips of death, where things will go after death is obvious, Hell. Few will go to heaven because hardly anyone takes sin seriously, so nearly all refuse to repent and stay in love with sin and cannot see the spiritual life with God. I will be passed on soon and I know this Man has sin, but He also has Good. Bless him and forgive me Jesus. I will see you face to face soon. Amen.
Travel well, brother.
Joshua Johnson! Get some rest and enjoy peace!
What happened to you? Can I pray for you!?
Exactly how do you know few people will go to heaven? It’s not your place to judge just like it’s nobody else’s.
@@brandonshaw836 Jesus siad that in the Bible
I am a protestant and I applaud you for saying this. So many churches, protestant and Catholic, are afraid to say these truths. If we don't want God, then He will honor our choice.
I’m Lutheran but I really enjoy your videos God Bless brother in Christ
mike y what is Lutheran ?
Come on over the waters fine here.
Research online Scientifically Proven as Our Lord Jesus blood type discovered in the Holy Eucharist as part of the Catholic Faith it's so amazing plus many more great Miracles in the Catholic Faith God Bless Take Care 😌👏☘
All Praise To God My Lord and Saviour yeah!
@@allpraisetogodmylordandsav5255 lol no
Thank you Fr. Mike and may Almighty God bless you.Amen 🙏🙏🙏
It's pretty clear when Jesus was being crucified and the two thieves on either side of him only one accepted him as Christ and that was the one who Jesus said would be with him in Paradise that day not the other guy oh Jesus apparently believed in heaven that's good enough for me. You also give a very good argument father Mike I enjoy your videos very much
What you say is so good! I thank you so much for making these videos. I am a devoted Catholic but I recently questioned some our beliefs. Ever since I watched your videos, I start to understand them better.
For years when I was younger, I chose "not God". It felt good for a while, but then I ended up a drug addict. Even when I recovered and got clean, I continued to choose "not God", and I ended up very depressed and lonely. Recently, I've been rediscovering my faith, and it feels as though I'm feeling a warm embrace, and that Christ has his hand on my shoulder. I feel like a prodigal son. I've been a wretch, and here he is.
Michael Pryor.. Welcome back! Keep it up man! 🙏🏼🙏🏼
They talked about this your saying in church today that without god your more depressed
Father, I knew you recently, and loved your videos! You speaks in a good mood that is gentle, quiet and powerfull mode to know the Truth. Thank's God to present me the Father Mike! Hope I could meet you someday.
God blessed this Priest.
6:01 🤣🤣🤣lol what. After following a link to a video on Exodus 90, TH-cam adding you to my feed is one of the best things it's done for me. I really appreciate you.
Thanks for posting your videos, Fr Mike. Came across them the other day and subbed after viewing the first one. Young people need priests like you that explain the Church’s position in a friendly, relaxed, and easy to understand manner. That’s how the Church will reach the youth. Praying for continued blessings on you and your YT channel.
I hate religion but this guy gives me a lot of peace when he speaks.
"If I make my bed in hell...
behold, Thou art there"
Through all of my many many many failings and the lessons I never seem to learn from, I choose God.
Worthy though I am not I would gladly accept death before I deny God.
Did God tell Adam about this place of eternal torture? Did He tell him he had an immortal soul? No man ever lived who had more of a right to know.
I would really like to see that verse.
You're thinking much too clearly to be heard here. :)
Adam and eve was a story about Iraq King and Queen everything is in the middle east
Thank you father, you are guiding me towards the light
Amazing how such a handsome man was drawn to God and give his whole life , well done Fr for overcoming the world to dedicate your life to Christ ...
MOrtimer what is the dael with handsome?? he is marrşed..hasring__???
He's married to the church , I was just making the point that this man gave up a lot to preach the gospel a great lesson to other young men who may wish to forsake the world for Christ and his Holy Catholic Church ...
Thank you Father Mike. I’ve recently came across your video while watching other videos and have since been watching most of your videos. You make the topics interesting and very easy to understand 😇 Thank God
Regarding Spiritual teacher or anyone with a church authority:
Matthew 23:9
“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
Lol, you are SO good! Thank you for making these sensitive topics approachable and fun for teens and adults alike! :)
Lady, start reading and studying the word of God.
So we gotta have that 50% eternal burning pain, to have that 50% eternal joy?
Even though pain is 1000,000,000 worse than joy!
Loved your sense of humour at the end of this 🤣😂
It would be good for Fr. Mike Schmitz to have a video discussion with David Bentley Hart about this topic. Ascension Presents should host it and post it no matter what resulted.
You are such a wise man. Thank you for the truth you share. Praise be to God. 🙏😊
I’m not a religious person at all but this man makes sense I remember hearing a quote that free will is both a blessing and a curse
Why did God give us free will when he knew very well that some of us will make the wrong choice and then suffer eternal torture? Its all just a very cruel set up.I would rather have no free will if that's the case! (I don't think I'm gonna make it into the good place!)
I agree but there are those that wont repent for whatever reason. Is never-ending torture a just thing for them??
It takes a devoutly religious mind to "get" torture, and call it "justice", holiness, and righteous. When it's actually psychopathy.
This channel is a blessing and every video of it that I see opens my eyes and heart wider to the Truth
I love how much of a goober this guy is. Like I want him as my pastor.
Worst decision ever, think twice before saying stuff like that
The Bible says you not call any other man father in earth, God is our only father.
big foot lol what
@@blu4875 where in the Bible does it say that we should another man father? God is the only father that we can Him that. In the catholic church people call the reverends father that's not right. So basically all the reverends in the world are you father. People think that the reverends can intercede for you when they pray and not Jesus, even though He is the only connection to the Father. Be careful with them.
What I think you mean is that he keeps it real. He's an approachable guy. No offense there. IMO
Father your work is fantastic, I'll pray for you
Great video, as always! If Lucifer could reject God along with 1/3 of the angels who did see God fully revealed in his glory, we have the ability to do so, too.
yes, we all have free will.. both angels and humans
Exactly. Just as the pharisees later spat upon Jesus and called him a blasphemer even after witnessing His Miracles and forgiveness of sin. They had all the proof in the world yet still chose to harden their hearts and attribute His Good Work to powers of darkness. Surely if they couldn't repent at the feet of the Messiah, what hope do they have?
Wrong...
Your so silly. Love you. Great teacher. You are NOT a loser. I've been learning a lot about my faith through your videos. I'm only 4 yrs Catholic never being raised without any religion. Bye the way I didn't get to the church until I was 51. Keep up the good work. 😀🌷🐒
Thank you father..
God bless you
Like always Fr speaks the truth. Thank you for being courageous
Let's say that when I die I go to heaven. My daughter and wife don't. I would spend eternity knowing that the love of my life and my little girl were being tortured and tormented. How is that heaven?
Lord God, please give me grace to accept all that is Your Will, and Your will be done, not mine!
Yes, it is and people need to wake up. He is coming really soon. 🇬🇧❤️
So many have been saying, yes. But pardon me - why exactly DID Satan retain any powers, after his exile, and how did he come to have any access to this world? Also, did he re-enter heaven, or not, to be in God's presence, during the story of Job?
GOD Bless, thank you for teaching GODS Grace🙏
That ending was amazing 😂
wow - I never thought of it like that before F.Mike --- "If he didn't intervene in life now, why would he then?"
thank you brother
Father Mike thank you so much for these videos. You really present these ideas in way I can relate to. My husband and I watch together.
can you do a video for parents who raised their children Catholic, but those children have left the church.
thank you and God bless!
Robin Jennings yes this is a great video idea!!
Robin Jennings ...Please don' t worry pray the Rasary for them if you can.
Robin Jennings 🙏
@sue she
Yes the children do have free will. That is why Robin isn’t forcing them to return to the Church. Free will doesn’t mean that everything is ok no matter what you do.
@Robin
I hope this isn’t your case. If it is may God bless you and your family.
That makes so much sense. Thanks for the clear reasoning and explanation. It made me think about my job and responsibilities as a father to my children
That ending thoooo hahahaha
Delcy Mansour i'll agree with that. God bless :)
Lol
It's nice when logic and Scripture both seem to line up. Makes both arguments all the stronger.
It's always worth staying to the very end for these little gems! He's so funny!
@@maryanne8395 I had to go back and watch the rest of it. Thanks.
I am scared...So scared to die, for the next big step. You father Mike are really helping me not only believe in god but.....That death is not the end, it is simpely a new beginning. Thank you and god bless you
Rutger Friso
Why are you scared? You were dead once befor.
Billions of years until you were born.
What makes you think your "new beginning" will be a good one?
"Religion has actually convinced people that there's an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever 'til the end of time!
But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money!"
George Carlin
I feel that you have suffered alot, that people you trust betray you and that out of all that pain, you blame God for it. Remember we all make choices, we choose our friends, we apply for our work, we choose our partner even if they are not the right one. Don't discourage others but work on being a better version of yourself, move on, and forgive and wish the best, because the ones that hurt us the most, almost all the time they don't even remember us. I hope you take the time to find yourself and what you need to fix inside, look for Jesus and read about him. He suffered too, he was torture, he was an outcast in his own town, he was mistreat and many people said awful things about his Mom. Even though, all of that he kept going and He heals, listens, helps and loves to the point to let his own friend betray him, he let them judge him without replaying back, he let them whip him, torture him, he walked patiently with a cross quite heavy and he by his own will went on the cross and let them nailed him just because He loves us. So take the time to find him and he will help you to find your mission and meaning. God bless, huge hugs.
@@DP-ez1ow you don't choose anything
@@DP-ez1ow. More patronising garbage from some woman who thinks she can freely dispense moral advice to people. Awful!!
@@markhamilton6427 I see some issues in childhood and with your relationship with women. Mainly your own mother. Your actions and words talk about you and your wellbeing. Choose your words wisely.
@@DP-ez1ow I feel that you have psychological problems and should seek psychiatric help. They can treat brain problems like yours.
Fr. Please pray for me and whole of my family and our well wishers. Good God protect me and my family from all our ,evil, wicked, bad, hells wisher and all our enemies. And I pray non of us should become people and non people of hells.God bless us all.
I am an atheist but I do enjoy your videos. They allow me to creep in a bit to the christian point of view. I would really love a video on dress codes. Do you think there is something as inappropriate dressing? Or is it one's personal choice and sexualizing other people is a problem from the other side?
Hey Lucie - glad you are enjoying! Think you will enjoy the other vids we have to offer on Ascension Presents like this one on fashion: th-cam.com/video/SQ84oSJcrFE/w-d-xo.html
This is not really Christian. Catholicism is much different.
>not real christian
>can trace itself and its teachings back to the apostles
>denomination of the apostles
ok
Josh Jayaprakash only if you believe Catholic Church history. What the Catholic church teaches about church history has been debunked by archeologists, historians and scripture itself. The traditions of Rome's church developed over time. The Apostle Paul wasn't saying the rosary, he wasn't praying to Mary, he didn't run a confessional booth...use some common sense.
>What the Catholic church teaches about church history has been debunked by archeologists, historians and scripture itself.
Debunk it with scripture, since archaeology and history will be impossible.
>The traditions of Rome's church developed over time.
True. The liturgical changes from Greek to Latin to the vernacular and the confessional booth (not the act of confession itself) were all changes.
>The Apostle Paul wasn't saying the rosary, he wasn't praying to Mary,
The rosary was a later Marian devotion. However, Marian devotions existed before Constantine, who you Protestants say ruined the Church. See Rylands Papyrus P 470. It is a hymm to the Theotokos, or God-bearer.
>he didn't run a confessional booth
This was because sins were confessed in public to priests and not in private. John 20:23 states that If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. The Didache, a catechism book the Apostles authored, states that in Didache 4:14 that In the congregation thou shalt confess thy transgressions, and thou shalt not betake thyself to prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life. For the Apostolic Authority, in Matthew 18:18, Christ states that: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
...use some common sense.
Your such a good Dad Father mike. Takes a good Dad to make one just like you teach.
If a burning hell is real, that raises some very important questions that must be addressed:
1. Why did God, at Genesis 2:17, warn Adam that he would die for disobedience, which he did (Genesis 5:5), and "into dust _thou shalt return_" after the punishment would come to pass? (Genesis 3:19)
2. If a burning hell had been part of God's arrangement for punishing wickedness, why did He never mention it at any time to Adam as the punishment for his treason and his descendants' inherited sinful nature?
3. How can a soul burn? If it can burn, logic would dictate that it can freeze or drown; however, Ezechiel 18:4 says "the soul that sinneth, the same shall _die_."
4. Why does the Ecclesiastes 9:5 say: "For the living know that they shall die, but _the dead know nothing more_, neither have they a reward any more: for the memory of them is forgotten."
5. Why does Psalm 145:4 (Douay-Rheims) read: "His spirit [or "breath"] shall go forth, and he shall _return to the earth_: in that day all their thoughts shall _perish_."
6. Why does Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20 speak of both humans and animals as "equal" in death, and that "all things go to one place: of earth they were made, and _into earth they return together_"?
7. Why did Job, when suffering terribly because of a severe illness and the agonizing loss of all his children, beg God: “Protect me in hell” (Job 14:13)? What meaning would his request have had if hell was a place of eternal torment?
8. Lastly, why did the inspired Paul write to the Romans, at Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is _death_" and not a burning hell?
The Bible is very clear that death is the opposite of life, and that those who die are nonexistent. "Hell," in the Biblical sense, is simply the common grave of mankind, where all activity has ceased. The word "hell" is an English word that means the same thing as the Biblical Hebrew word "Sheol" and the Biblical Greek word "Hades": "the pit" or "the Grave". The teaching of a burning hell comes from Platonism and was never adopted by the ancient Jews or the First Century Christians, but it was adopted by the Catholic Church centuries after the Bible was completed. Hellfire contradicts the Bible's teaching of a God who personifies love, cannot lie, exemplifies justice, and who sent His only Son to die for mankind's deliverance from sin and death. The teaching of hellfire contorts God into a lying, merciless monster, worse than any genocidal dictator or demented serial killer. In other words, hellfire is a lie.
David Bentley Hart- That All Shall Be Saved
Thomas Talbott- The Inescapable Love of God
Brad Jersak- Her Gates Will Never Be Shut
¡Viva Cristo Rey!
Wow! This video is even more relevant today than it was 3 years ago!
God bless you Father
This guy almost makes me want to be catholic. I really appreciate this.
@Jackson
No, but it surely wouldn’t be a bad thing would it?
Your definition of hell isn't so bad. Separation from God isn't as terrible as burning in a place of torture for all eternity. It may be a plus not to spend eternity in perpetual adoration of God since I would have a lot of free time for myself.
All that is good comes from God. The goodness of beauty, pleasure, friendship, etc. are all from God. Eternal separation from God, it would seem to me, entails the loss of all the good things God has provided to us. Plus, I personally doubt all of eternity is simply adoring God in the sense that we never do anything else. On the contrary, all that brings life and joy to us will still exist but in a perfected manner.
@@robsmith961 yeah. Heaven is paradise. Remember. So, it’s inconceivably better than the best day on earth
We are given a choice. Life or death. And death is not life somewhere really awful. Malachi 4.1 tells us what ultimately happens to the unsaved. "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch."
Why would an all loving god want us to suffer for eternity in hell? I dont believe in hell
Human beings make their fellow humans suffer. It has nothing to do with a good God.
What many Christians fear the most is that someone just might get to heaven by going out to the fields at the end of the day and receiving the same wage that they hope to receive
It seems like that.
Interesting argument. One I've heard, and at one time subscribed too as well. Then I learned definitions to words. If you can speak on the three words that turned into the word "hell" and their respective original definitions, then we could have a legitimate discussion on this topic. Here are the words: Hebrew- Sheol, Hebrew- Gehenna, Greek- Hades. Knowing those original words and their definitions, then know the word hell and its etymology, you get a far different understanding and outlook. Make no mistake, i do believe that a form of "hell" if you chose to call it that exists, but in our modern understanding of the definition, absolutely not. It simply does not match the original definitions that the word is derived from in scripture, and respective languages. It is not enough, it is not even close to enough to simply rely on the prescribed ideologies of Catholic or Christian understanding. If you believe that English translation is correct on every word, you are sadly mistaken as I've come to learn. If you believe that definitions of words carried over to the English language, again you are sadly mistaken. I urge everyone to do your own study of original word and definitions of the scriptures. I also highly suggest learning language function in the three primary languages scripture is written in; Hebrew, Greek and English. As a secondary, Aramaic wouldn't hurt as some text is written in that as well. Please don't misunderstand my goal. I am by no means an atheist, agnostic, a troll or out to start a cult or some craziness. I firmly believe in and trust the Lord. I firmly believe and trust the words our Lord spoke. I do however have my reservations on Bible commentary (in the Bible), and have serious reservations on main stream ideologies, rules and regulations that some churches place on people. There is no name calling here. I have zero interest in telling people how and what to believe. It's obviously your choice on that. I just believe people should be as informed as possible before making that choice. Churches tend to be biased.The old i'm right and you're wrong kind of thinking. What is not biased is language and definitions. They are what they are. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant when it comes to that, ya know? So anyway, that's all I have to say. Those of you who read all this, my apologies for it being so long. The Lord is a strong passion of mine, and proper understanding of His word and only His word is of paramount importance to me. Be well everyone. ***Edit*** On a personal note, I'd like to thank Mr. Mike Schmitz for taking the time to teach folks about the Lord. While we disagree on some topics, I am happy to see people like you on social media, spreading the Word. Thank you so much. Be well.
A good dad would never permanently close the door on their children.
Look at the famous picture of William Holman Hunt of Christ knocking at the door (of our heart)The handle is on the inside...He never closes the door but we have to choose to open it..
ONLY GOD IS THE RIGHTFUL JUDGE! HELL IS REAL AND SO IS HEAVEN! ONLY GOD KNOWS WHATS IN A PERSON'S HEART!
Life is judgement. God judges the choices we make. How we treat the impoverished, disabled. Do we follow adore the rich or fiber help others give hope to the hopeless. Kindness to the shunned? He looks , watches. Then decided who enters his kingdom, who stands waiting at a locked gate. Our choices are free will. How we use them also is. Choose wisely ppl🤔😊
What sin could be worthy of horrific eternal punishment? Nobody deserves such a fate.
eating babies, drinking blood, eating human flesh, killing good people for satan. These seem like horrific crimes to me.
@@travisrassel9978 oh surely, they are horrific. but eternal torment? no. those cannot even come close to deserving of infinite suffering. nothing we do on this earth can.
It was made up to scare and control people
If heaven is the greatest thing ever then why wouldn't just the absence of heaven be enough? Why create a place of constant torment and torture? Can't wrap my head around that especially when coming from a perfect, all knowing and loving God. Being unable to not experience heaven would seem to be bad enough if all you had in the afterlife was nothingness.
Good reasoning, the Bible does in fact teach that the wicked are destroyed forever. Not tortured, just gone (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Think about what God told Adam "for dust you are and to dust you will return" Genesis 3:19
Nothing about an afterlife of any kind, let alone infinite burning.
You can tell when a man has gone crooked from the smile of his face
That´s why we need to watch. Thanks Father
But i dont want to go to hell. pray for me
I'll pray for you.
Fr. Mike, I truly agree that God gives us complete freedom to live our lives the way we want it because God cannot live that life for us. By giving us free will, God purposely know that we will experience pain because of that freedom. Surely, a person who is in great pain and suffering would be tempted to trade his freedom in order to be safe. Is freedom so great a gift that God is willing to take risk allowing man to experience evil, and get hurt, or even die because of it? Is evil a necessity in order to practice our free will?
Fr. Mike, I love the videos. Question. You say God would be a monster if he created everyone without the possibility of anyone going to help since it would make our suffering pointless. Agreed. Wouldn't it also make God a monster if he created mankind knowing that some would certainly be eternally punished? Knowing that definite outcome shouldn't a good God just skip the whole creation of man thing altogether.? Seems to me we are stuck with a monster either way. I hope not. But I'm confused.
Dear James Owens, God knows the future but that doesn't make him a monster but a Just God : nobody will say you did not give me a chance, I didnt have a fair crack of the whip, you didnt let me live my life, you know nothing god I could have done things differently! God lets us live our lives and when we stand before him after death, we will have to account for OUR actions.
No - that's still not particularly comprehensive of all the culture and mystery people go through. Try harder.
@@bedar6961 Think a little deeper.
This is a great question. First we must have a proper understanding of God. Let's take Thomas Aquinas' argument for the existence of God. The argument goes as follows. In the world, we recognize that things happen not due to their own ability but by the cause of another. Namely, we recognize contingency. Like that of an arrow placed in motion by a bowstring and the bowstring pulled by the hand and the hand moved by the arm and so on. You can trace contingency as far back to existence itself. Why does the arrow and the bowstring and the human person exist? Now this question deserves our attention, especially if we seek to keep the principle of sufficient reason. There's no use in reaching this question and wavering with "that's just the way it is" or "there isn't a reason." Things that do not exist necessarily - like me, the arrow, the bowstring - must derive their existence from something else. The only way this is possible is if there is something that exists necessarily. Now how can we reconcile this idea that there must be something that exists necessarily? First we need some tools: definitions for 'being' and 'essence'. Being: that a thing is, it exists, it's "thatness." Essence: what a thing is, it's description, it's "whatness." Let's cover these definitions with some examples: Jose - that's me. I have being because I exist and essence because I have qualities and characteristics that make me an individual. Another example: a unicorn. It is not a being because it does not exist but it has an essence because we can describe it. Now take me again for example. When I tell you my essence - I am human, I have black hair, I'm 5'9 - I'm am also telling you what I am not. In other words, my essence limits my being. I am, only to the degree that I am not something else and thus I am contingent: reliant on other things to identify who I am. Now, the only way something can exist necessarily is if it's existence is identical to it's essence - the only way something can exist necessarily is if it's very nature is to be. In other words, this thing's essence must be to be. This we call God. Here we come to understand that we must derive our existence from God. Existence is given to us as a gift because we did not have to exist necessarily. Now, we have an intuition for good and evil but we seldom realize were this derives from. Also, I think it's safe to say that our understanding of good and evil has been perverted. We can see this in ourselves and in others. Now for the sake of brevity - because this can get super profound - I'm just gonna leap to the catholic understanding of evil as a deprivation of good. We say that a rotten apple is not good for us in the sense that it is taken away from what an apple should be like: good for health, tasty, etc. Equally, we can also say that we are all a bit rotten because we are not what we should be. Yet, there remains in the apple - even if it's rotten - some good. It may yet decay and give nourishment to the soil. We carry this notion that good is a measure of how much we participate in life. We acknowledge God as perfectly good because he is the summit of what it means to be life giving, i.e. giving us existence. If God is the perfect good and he is that which exists by nature, we can also say that pure evil does not exist. Everything in it's own measure, even by it's own existence is good because it participates in God. Thus it would have been pure evil -contrary to God's essence - for him to not create a man he knew would certainly reject him. Truly, the fact that we even exist is one of the greatest gifts we have received from God and we are not worthy.
I hope this is a good starting off point. If you are interested to learn more, I'd suggest looking into Thomas Aquinas. You can learn more from several sources like Peter Kreeft and Edward Feser. I also like listening to podcasts like Pints with Aquinas and Dr. Taylor Marshall. God bless!
@@jamesparson , you don't force someone to love you. God loved you first because He created you. You can Love Him back, Adore Him or ignore Him. Either way your Eternal Life will be entirely based on your Love for God now and in the afterlife