God and Comics

Luke Cage is the latest Marvel show to hit Netflix, portraying life, death, and heroism in Harlem. The crew discusses the show’s message, its music, and its many references to Holy Scripture. We also learn that Fr. Kyle knows enough karate to take down pretty much all of us in a single blow. All this, plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.

There comes a moment in the lives of many people when they experience something that changes them forever. On this first episode of season three, the God and Comics crew discusses these moments in the lives of our favorite comic book characters. Also, Fr. Matt celebrates his new job by handing out indulgences. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

Since the beginning, superheroes have had secret identities, but in an era when everyone has a camera on their phone that is becoming less and less plausible. On this final episode of Season 2 of God and Comics, the crew talks about the function of secret identities in superhero stories, why they are less popular today than they once were, and what they tell us about who we really are. Some technical difficulties cut short “This or That” in this episode, but we make up for it with a brief outtake at the end. Plus our recommendation and a whole lot more!

Forgiveness is an enduring theme in many types of storytelling and comic books are no exception. David Zahl of Mockingbird joins us to talk about the role of forgiveness in comics and why it matters. Also, Fr. Kyle tells us a tale about back when he used to be a hobo. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

It’s the end of the world as we know it, but the God and Comics crew feels fine as they take a look at the new film “X-Men: Apocalypse.” It’s a heavy discussion that begins with references to religious mythology and the Bible but ends with Fr. Matt telling us a little too much info about his bathroom habits. All that plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more.

It’s a very civil conversation this week as the crew is joined by special guest Alexi Sargeant to talk about “Captain America: Civil War” and all the fascinating social and ethical questions it raises. Best of all, they manage to do it spoiler free! Also, Fr. Kyle introduces us to one of the most disgusting snacks ever invented. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

C.S. Lewis pointed out in his classic book that there are many kinds of love - romantic love, familial love, friendship, and the selfless love of God. On this week's show, the crew discusses all of these different types of love and how they show up in some truly great comic book stories. Also, Fr. Matt discusses a brush with the law during his brief career as a venture capitalist. Plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

The story of every great hero is a story of sacrifice. In today’s episode, the crew talks about how the theme of sacrifice works itself out in superhero comics and how that relates back to the ultimate heroism of the cross. Then Fr. Kyle talks about a filthy habit he’s decided to pick up for Lent. And we hear an amazing prayer for the birthday of Chuck Norris. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

What does it mean to be a man in our culture today? A lot of people aren’t sure. From the earliest days, comic books have painted a picture of masculinity that has been absorbed by readers. In this episode, the crew talks about how that depiction has changed over the years and how it fairs against a Christian understanding of manhood. Also, Fr. Jonathan makes a bold and controversial claim about snowmen. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!

Since the golden age of comics, sidekicks like Robin the Boy Wonder, Speedy, and Bucky Barnes have been helping young readers to feel like they are part of the action. On today’s show, the crew discusses the origins of sidekicks, why they have fallen out of fashion, and how their efforts at striving to be like the heroes they follow reminds us of the calling to follow Christ. Also, Fr. Jonathan confesses his hankering for groundhog meat. All this plus our recommendation, This or That, and a whole lot more!