Undertale: The Choice Between Violence and Charity

I have not played this game, but I have watched a let's play of it and I find the concept wonderful. Undertale, an indie game, is a thought-provoking piece of interactive storytelling. One of the core themes of Undertale is the choice players face between two paths: to use violence against the monsters they encounter or to show mercy and kindness, sparing their enemies and offering them charity. This central choice shapes not only the outcome of the game but also the moral journey of the player. By watching Undertale I could not help but to draw parallels to the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Gospel.

Violence vs. Mercy in Undertale

In Undertale, the player is tasked with navigating a world populated by monsters, many of whom are hostile, while others are peaceful. The game offers two primary ways to interact with these creatures: combat or mercy. The combat path involves attacking enemies, leading to their defeat and the progression of the story through violence. The mercy path, on the other hand, encourages the player to spare their opponents, engaging in dialogue, showing kindness, and ultimately choosing not to take a life.

The game makes this choice particularly impactful. Every encounter is a moral decision—while some monsters may beg for mercy, others might initially seem threatening, creating moments where players must decide whether to fight or to show compassion. As the player progresses, the consequences of their choices become clear: if the player chooses violence, the world becomes darker, and the monsters are driven to desperation. However, if the player chooses mercy, the world remains brighter, and characters react with kindness, eventually leading to a more hopeful ending.

Loving Your Neighbor: The Gospel Message

The theme of mercy in Undertale mirrors a fundamental teaching of Jesus Christ: to love thy neighbor as thyself. In the Gospel of Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus declares that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. When asked who our "neighbor" is, Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing that loving our neighbors means showing kindness and compassion, regardless of differences or hostility. The Samaritans were regarded as an enemy to the jews, yet in this parable the Samaritan showed compassion.  

In the same way, Undertale asks the player to confront the question of how we treat those who might be seen as enemies or outsiders. Throughout the game, there are moments when the player could easily choose violence, perhaps out of fear, self-defense, or simply because it's the more immediate solution. However, the game presents an alternative—mercy, a choice to act in love rather than in aggression. Choosing mercy is not always easy, and it often involves patience, understanding, and a willingness to listen, much like the love Christ taught.

In Undertale, characters like Toriel, Papyrus, and even the antagonist Flowey show how mercy can transform relationships and the world itself. When we choose mercy, we build connections rather than destroying them. Similarly, the Gospel teaches that forgiveness and charity are transformative, not only for the person who is shown mercy but also for the person who offers it.

The Impact of Choice

From: ZTLLFV

What makes Undertale so unique is the way it acknowledges that we all have the capacity for both violence and mercy. The game does not moralize the decision—it presents both paths and leaves it up to the player to decide how to proceed. However, it is clear that the path of mercy, while often more difficult, brings greater healing and restoration. Choosing charity over violence requires a shift in mindset: from seeing others as obstacles to be overcome to seeing them as people to be loved.

In a similar way, the Gospel invites us to look beyond the surface and to see others through the lens of God’s love. Christ’s command to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44) challenges us to break cycles of violence and hatred. By loving others, even when they are unkind or hostile, we follow the example set by Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of mercy and love.

Conclusion: A Path to Redemption

n Undertale, players are given the chance to change the narrative—not just of the game, but of themselves. Each choice, whether violent or merciful, shapes the outcome of the world. Similarly, the choices we make in life, especially in how we treat others, shape our spiritual journey and our understanding of God’s love. Undertale subtly calls us to reflect on the power of our actions and the importance of mercy, reminding us of the transformative power of love.

Just as Jesus Christ calls us to "love thy neighbor as thyself" and to show mercy even to our enemies, Undertale offers a digital space where players can practice this radical kindness, making the game not just a story about monsters but also a reflection on human nature and the choice to act in love. Whether in a fictional world or in the real world, the call to show mercy is a path to redemption, one that brings healing not only to others but to ourselves as well.

In the end, Undertale may not only be a game about monsters—but about the very human journey of deciding whether we will respond with violence or choose charity. And in that choice, we can find the power of grace, redemption, and love, much like the message of the Gospel itself.

LDS Geeks Podcast #29: Holidays at Hogwarts

With Halloween in the recent past and the holiday season before us, it's time to start talking about celebrating. So Russell and I had fun discussing how Hogwarts students celebrate muggle holidays. After you take a listen, let us know your thoughts on our Ilvermorny discussion: how do you think they celebrate Thanksgiving?

Listen to Episode 29 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

    Spencer's Recommendation:  Captain America The First Avenger

    Russell's Recommendation: Michael Vey novels

Third Doctor Revisited: "Planet of the Spiders"

It’s time to round off the Third Doctor content, as TJ and I are already on our way into the Fourth Doctor era. We’ve still got three podcast episodes to go about the Third Doctor, but this will be my last blog post dedicated to Jon Pertwee episodes of Classic Doctor Who. So please enjoy some of my random musings from watching the Third Doctor’s final story: “Planet of the Spiders”

Doctor Who did a great job rounding off the Third Doctor with a proper finale, just like they did with the Second Doctor. We had the return of Jo Grant (sort of) and Mike Yates. They even found a wonderful use of Sarah Jane being a reporter. All these pieces came together with an alien plot and the preparation for our formal regeneration-centric story.

“Why spiders?” Ron Weasley would say. There’s something somewhat universal about spiders making for a good villain. These spiders reminded me of “Turn Left” and “Runaway Bride”. What is it with Doctor Who and monster spiders? In addition to Donna’s two encounters with eight-legged aliens, we also had “Arachnids in the UK” with the Thirteenth Doctor. It should go without saying to not watch this story if you have arachnophobia. But that much should be clear from the title.

I had a little chuckle on the inside as our characters seemingly chased the crystal around like a comedy. It reminded me of watching “What’s Up, Doc?” when I was in college. I’ll have to watch it again sometime but I feel like to some extent you could put some Scooby Doo music synced to all the times the crystal changed hands. But in seriousness, I liked that they brought the crystal back with Jo’s letter, bringing the Third Doctor’s tenure full circle.

And of course we had the leading up to the Doctor regenerating, Our first proper regeneration since “The Tenth Planet”. But this time we had a name for the process and context for the change. Demonstrated by the example of the Doctor’s old mentor, known at the time as K'anpo, regeneration became a staple part of the Doctor Who lore. Now we can have regenerations of not only the Doctor, but also the Monk, the Master, the Rani, etc… or just the Master.

Speaking of regeneration, this was also the first of many times the Doctor sacrificed himself for a friend. Just like the Third Doctor sacrificed himself for Sarah Jane, we’d later see him sacrifice himself and trigger regeneration for the sake of Peri, Rose, and Wilf. A tragic ending for the Doctor each time.

Now on our way into the Fourth Doctor era. I wanted to say something about the portrayal of Tommy in this story and his becoming “normal” but I couldn’t articulate it–I’ll save it for another time. Overall I really enjoyed this story and we’ll discuss it more during our Third Doctor podcast series. I would just love to have the Hermit return. Can we please? Please?

"Arsenic and Old Lace": Horror or Comedy?

    During my undergrad, I was blessed with a great group of friends. One year for Halloween, I had the opportunity to dress up for Halloween and go one of these friend’s apartment dressed for Halloween and we proceeded to watch, what was considered for them, to be a classic Halloween film, “Arsenic and Old Lace.” It was memorable and enjoyable. I have watched the film only once since then, but I still recall with fondness some of the things I enjoyed from that movie. Here are some of the key elements that I enjoyed from what has become a classic Halloween movie.

First of all, the basis of the movie is about murder, but the murder is occurring by two elderly women who genuinely believe they are doing a favor for the elderly men then are killing! It is so asinine that it becomes humorous. They host gentlemen who are widowed or lonely or otherwise in what they consider a bad state of being and then proceed to kill them with arsenic in their tea! Think about that! How is this not a horror movie!? Well, I guess it’s all in the presentation. These old women are not malicious in their actions, they believe they are being benevolent and therefore they do not come across as being the antagonists for the plot.

Of course, upon finding out about what his aunts are doing, main character, Mortimer Brewster, played by Cary Grant, is mortified (see what I did there?)! And of course this happens on the same day that he, a newspaper columnist and self proclaimed bachelor for life, has gotten married. He is frantically trying to get ready to leave for his honeymoon when he finds out that his elderly aunts are in fact murderers. This frantic nature contributes to the hilarious nature of the film.

This film is adapted from a play of the same name and in the original casting of the play, Boris Karloff portrays Jonthan, Mortimer’s brother with a penchant for law breaking and ill-doing. Boris Karloff is well known for his portrayal as the original monster in Frankenstein. His appearance in the play is such that he is often told that he looks a lot like “Boris Karloff” which is a very clever means of allowing the actors to have fun during their performance. Karloff was not able to be in the film, but the resemblance of Jonathan in the film to Frankenstein’s monster is unmistakable. 

Lastly, there is Uncle Teddy. Teddy is convinced that he is actually Teddy Roosevelt. This leads to hilarious interactions between him and other members of the cast. Every time he goes up the stairs, he yells, “Charge!” as if he is Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juaquin hill. He is also employed by his well meaning, but murderous sisters to “dig the panama canal” every time they have “saved” another poor, lonely, elderly man from his mortal state through a tonic with such serious consequences.

Again, as I write this down, this sounds like a horror film and in the hands of another film director, it certainly could have been but the conglomeration of so many factors leads to what I found to be a fun and enjoyable comedy that was an enjoyable Halloween treat.

Brandon Sanderson's Dark One and Dark One: Forgotten

Image taken from Brandon Sanderson YouTube Channel

For fans of fantasy and horror alike, Brandon Sanderson's Dark One series is an unexpected and thrilling dive into the dark, blurring the lines between villainy and heroism, reality and myth. Released as both a graphic novel and an audio drama, Dark One and Dark One: Forgotten explore the shadows within us, making them perfect for the Halloween season.

Dark One: A Hero-Villain Origin Story

The Dark One graphic novel, a creative collaboration between Sanderson, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly, introduces us to Paul Tanasin, a young man from our world who has long been plagued by visions of another realm. In this parallel world, known as Mirandus, he’s not a savior or chosen hero but rather destined to be the dreaded Dark One—a villain foretold to bring chaos and destruction. However, this destiny is far from straightforward. As he grapples with his identity and inner darkness, Paul is pulled into Mirandus and forced to confront the horrific prophecy that others believe him destined to fulfill.

Dark One challenges our perceptions of what it means to be "good" or "evil," revealing that morality is often shaped by those who wield power and by the expectations that society places on us. Paul’s journey is complex and multidimensional, and the graphic novel format beautifully captures this darkness and internal struggle. With gorgeously rendered, often foreboding artwork that vividly illustrates the terrifying world of Mirandus, the story explores themes of destiny, identity, and power, immersing readers in a high-stakes battle between light and dark. The artwork and storytelling style make it an ideal read for Halloween, offering dark, atmospheric visuals and a brooding tale that asks how much of our fate is truly in our control.

Dark One: Forgotten: A Mystery Wrapped in Fantasy

Taking the world of Dark One a step further, Sanderson with the help of Dan Wells expands his storytelling with the audio drama Dark One: Forgotten. This story veers away from Paul’s main arc, instead delving into the experiences of a young investigative journalist named Lin Yang, who is drawn to an unsolved murder. She begins to piece together the mystery surrounding an enigmatic and terrifying figure from the otherworldly realm of Mirandus, tying her findings to events that defy rational explanation.

As Lin uncovers more details, she is confronted with the dark truth about Mirandus and its link to our own world, discovering just how deeply these two worlds intertwine. While Dark One: Forgotten functions as a standalone piece, it’s also the perfect companion to the graphic novel, adding layers to the world-building of Mirandus while drawing readers into an eerie Halloween-worthy mystery that escalates into the supernatural. The audio format plays with soundscapes and voice acting to create an immersive experience that feels unsettlingly real, enhancing the suspense and sense of dread.

Dark One is Perfect for Halloween

Both Dark One and Dark One: Forgotten lean into the haunting and mysterious, making them ideal Halloween reads for several reasons:

1. Dark Exploration of Identity: Paul’s journey into his potential role as a villain and Lin’s deep dive into a sinister mystery compel us to face our own fears about identity, destiny, and the parts of ourselves we’d rather not acknowledge. Halloween is, after all, a time for exploring both the supernatural and the shadowy corners of human nature.

2. Atmosphere and Mood: The artwork in Dark One and the sound design in Dark One: Forgotten create an immersive atmosphere that draws readers into worlds filled with danger and despair. These elements make both the graphic novel and the audio drama perfect for a late-night, Halloween binge.

3. Themes of Fate and Horror: Halloween stories often center around inevitable fate, haunted pasts, and the struggle between good and evil. Sanderson plays with these tropes in unexpected ways, offering a unique spin on the “chosen one” narrative. He weaves horror into the storyline through the suspenseful pacing and psychological depth that make readers question their own alignment in the dichotomy of light and dark.

Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One and Dark One: Forgotte are more than just horror-fantasy stories; they’re reflections on destiny and the duality of human nature. Whether you're a graphic novel aficionado or an audio drama enthusiast, both are perfect picks to usher in a season of thrills, mystery, and just a touch of the sinister. So, as the nights grow longer, prepare yourself to explore the shadowed realms of Mirandus, where nothing is as simple as it seems, and even heroes might be villains in disguise.

Pokemon Nicknames: Bluey (Gen I)

It's been over a year and a half since I last did a Pokemon nickname post. In that time, I restarted playing Yellow (a couple times, because I keep having excessive breaks between plays) and I got obsessed with Bluey. Inspired by many parents who've made Bluey their whole personality (there's a whole Facebook group of us dads trying to be more like Bandit), I've returned to Pokemon nicknames with some Bluey-inspired nicknames. Funny how many of these come from random obscure parts of the show.

Squirtle as Turtle Boy

Pikachu as Bob Bilby

Growlithe as Rusty

Shiny Arcanine as Pat

Golem as Raiders

Shiny Rapidash as Unicorse

Doduo as Shaun

Krabby as Tickle Crab

Disney Halloween Movies for a Spooky Fun Family Night

Every Friday night we have movie night and since Halloween just around the corner, it was time to choose a spooky fun movie. But I didn't want my kids to be scared so I was looking for a fright that's more fun than frightening. While I was browsing Disney's lineup of Halloween movies, I found it perfect for the occasion. From magical adventures to eerie theater mishaps, here are three fantastic Disney Halloween movies that will get everyone in the spirit without giving anyone nightmares.

Halloweentown

When you think of Disney Halloween movies, Halloweentown is often the first to come to mind. This timeless classic transports viewers to a whimsical world where witches, goblins, and all manner of magical creatures live together in harmony. The movie follows Marnie Piper, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers that she’s actually from a long line of witches. As she embarks on an adventure in the magical Halloweentown, she must help her family protect their world from a dark force.

Halloweentown is a delightful blend of mystery, magic, and humor. The film’s quirky characters and colorful setting make it the perfect introduction to Halloween for younger viewers. At the same time, the movie offers valuable lessons about family, bravery, and embracing your unique identity—whether you’re a witch or just a regular human!

The mix of fantasy and light-hearted scares ensures that Halloweentown is a film that can be enjoyed by both children and nostalgic adults alike.

Phantom of the Megaplex

If your kids love mysteries, Phantom of the Megaplex will be a hit. This Disney Channel Original Movie takes place at a local movie theater, where strange things start happening on the night of a big premiere. A film-obsessed teenager, Pete Riley, works at the theater and begins to suspect that someone—or something—is sabotaging the event. The blame falls on a legendary “phantom” said to haunt the megaplex, but is it just a myth, or is there something more sinister at play?

Phantom of the Megaplex is full of fun twists, making it perfect for young mystery lovers. The movie captures the excitement of being at the movies, while blending in just enough spooky moments to keep viewers on their toes without scaring them away. It's also packed with plenty of humor, thanks to the eccentric staff and patrons of the theater.

What makes this film stand out is its ability to provide a fun and engaging mystery with a spooky twist, while still maintaining the light-hearted Disney vibe. It’s perfect for an October movie night without venturing into overly scary territory.

Twitches

For those looking for a magical adventure, Twitches delivers a dose of sisterly love with a side of witchcraft. Starring twin sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry, this film follows two girls who were separated at birth but reunite on their 21st birthday—only to discover they are actually powerful witches destined to save their home dimension of Coventry. With their newfound powers, the sisters must learn to work together to fight the forces of darkness and save their world.

Twitches is packed with magical moments, sibling bonding, and just the right amount of suspense. The movie’s message of sisterhood and the importance of working together in the face of danger is heartwarming and empowering, especially for younger viewers. The mystical elements, like magical spells and parallel dimensions, create an enchanting world for viewers to dive into, all while keeping the scares mild and the adventure fun.

With a good balance of humor and magic, Twitches offers a slightly more mature storyline compared to Halloweentown, making it a great pick for families with older kids or tweens who enjoy fantasy with a spooky twist.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood for witchy adventures, a spooky mystery, or a tale of magical sisters, these three Disney Halloween movies are perfect for a night of family-friendly frights. Halloweentown delivers the whimsical magic of an alternate world full of mystical creatures, while Phantom of the Megaplex offers an exciting yet lighthearted mystery. Finally, Twitches provides a thrilling ride with twin witches learning to harness their powers and save their realm.

So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Halloween spirit take over with these spooky, yet charming, Disney classics!

LDS Geeks Podcast #28: Third Doctor Villains

In honor of Halloween and spooky season, we're going out of order again with our Doctor Who podcast series so that we could talk about the Third Doctor's most notable villains. We've got some good ones who've kept recurring through the last fifty years since the Third Doctor's era.

--Spencer

PS: I know I've apologized for technical issues in the past, but I felt like it was particularly bad this time. Please give us your feedback on how this episode went and thank you for being patient with us being amateur podcasters.

Good Movie Additions: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Book-to-movie adaptations get a bad reputation from years and years of Hodge podge work (see fans of Percy Jackson and their movies) but I still stand behind the apple pie metaphor from a blog post TJ did years ago. It’s an adaptation, after all, not a direct translation. So some artistic liberties are taken. Some adaptations cause fans to die a little inside (see the Burrow burning in Half-Blood Prince) because they’re unnecessary, but some enhance the feeling and theme of the story (see Stephen’s post about Dawn Treader). I guess my point is that not all creative additions to book-to-movie adaptations are bad. That’s what I want to delve into with some of these blog posts. Today’s example: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Edmund and Lucy’s Insecurities

The opening scenes of the movie beautifully (and awkwardly) set up the youthful angst of King Edmund and Queen Lucy in England. Always being second-best to Peter, it’s understandable that Edmund would feel slighted. And when Lucy’s grown up hearing how beautiful her older sister is, it’s easy to start the comparisons. These insecurities weren’t front and center in the book, but they’re the natural progression of these two, especially having to experience puberty for a second time. 

Reepicheep’s Expressions of Faith

I love Reepicheep, especially the movie version. Instead of the blind courage he tends to display in the book, movie Reepicheep shows more faith in Aslan and his mission. Maybe it’s how he’s voiced and animated in the movie compared to how he’s narrated in the audiobooks, but Reepicheep’s thirst for adventure appears more centered in finding Aslan when I watch the movie.

The Lone Islands

Discussions that are engaging and exciting in written form don’t always translate to film. So while book Caspian avoided sharing his royal lineage at first and plotted the takeover of the Lone Islands, the market scene in the movie quickly gives more action and excitement for your viewing pleasure. Plus, I love the score from that scene–It’s perfect for a workout playlist.

The Seven Swords and the Green Mist

I’ve heard plenty of fans complain about the obvious addition of the seven swords in the movie. While the swords never appeared in the book and the mist only appeared briefly, they gave continuity to the story. While I love the Narnia books, the individual plots on each island and vaguely looking for the lords don’t exactly translate well to the big screen. So despite gripes I’ve heard, I like the additional plot points to tie the movie together, even if it also meant rearranging the order of the islands too.

Rhince and Gale

Instead of first-mate Rhince being simply another crew member on the Dawn Treader, the movie gave a simple backstory to the sailor. While he may have just been a civilian sailor in the movie, he was a family man and rescuing his wife gave me a greater reason to invest in him. In addition, his stowaway daughter Gale gave a nice foil to Lucy’s insecurities. So once Lucy had fought her fears, she was able to positively affirm Gale moving forward.

Didn't even get into things here with Caspian's insecurities or Eustace's time as a dragon (maybe those'll be future blog posts, but we'll see). But I know I've been controversial here to some extent, so I want to hear where you agree/disagree with Dawn Treader.

For Narnia and for Aslan!

Salt Lake City FanX: A Solo Experience

Last month, I went to Salt Lake City FanX after not attending for the last five years. I went with a coworker on Thursday and again on Saturday by myself. Going on Saturday was my first time ever solo, and I wondered what it would be like. I ended up enjoying myself. I discovered three reasons why I liked it, but also one reason why I didn’t.

Likes: 

1. Prioritizing What I Wanted

At every FanX I’ve gone to, there are certain celebrities that I want to meet and souvenirs to purchase to commemorate my experience, and this one was no different. I planned to meet the actresses, Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) from the 1970s and 80s television show, Little House on the Prairie, and to attend their panel. I also wanted to meet the host of a tv series I watched as a boy, Reading Rainbow’s Levar Burton. In addition, I anticipated purchasing a Disney lapel pin, Funko Pops (a FanX favorite), and possibly a piece of artwork for my souvenirs. Prioritizing whom I wanted to meet and what souvenirs to get helped me know how to spend my time at FanX.

2. Setting my Own Pace

Once I had secured the registration band to my wrist, I entered the main floor of the Salt Palace where FanX was being held and set a casual pace. Usually, I grow frustrated with how slow or fast and the directions the masses of people take, but this time I tried to remain calm and relaxed. As I did, I found myself smiling as I leisurely followed the flow, soaking in the atmosphere. I walked the aisles of vendors’ stalls, enjoying taking time to explore what interested me. I went early to celebrities’ booths, so I had time to meet and briefly chat with each of them. In an effort not to feel rushed, I decided when I wanted to leave the convention, and then gave myself plenty of time to look for souvenirs. 

3. Interacting with Fellow FanXers

In the past, I went to FanX with friends. We would talk about the actors and actresses we’d met, panels attended, and the merchandise and cosplayers that we had seen. When I was nervous before meeting a celebrity, they gave me needed encouragement. With them present, I wasn’t inclined to step out of my comfort zone and speak to other attendees beyond complimenting their costumes. This time however, in addition to praising some on their cosplays, I engaged in conversations with others. As I waited in line at “Celebrity Row” to meet Levar Burton, I spoke with one person about the shows in which he appeared. We also talked about other famous guests we met and our interactions with them. While exploring “Artist Alley,” I spoke with Zack Smith about the works he was selling as I perused his portfolios. Curious, I asked him about the process of getting a spot at FanX, if business was going well, and praised his clever artwork. I ended up purchasing two of his pieces; they were too irresistible to pass up. Whether waiting in line with another attendee or speaking with a seller, interacting with them reminded me that others were just as enthusiastic as I was to be at FanX.

Check out more of Zack Smith's art on Instagram and Facebook

Dislike: 

Being Unable to Share the Experience In-Person

As much as I enjoyed attending FanX solo, it was still different from the other times I’d gone. I was unable to share my experiences with friends or family in-person. Happy over meeting the stars of Little House on the Prairie and Reading Rainbow, I texted the selfies that I took and brief descriptions of my interactions with them to my family. They were delighted for me and asked what it was like meeting the celebrities. I also periodically texted a friend with whom I’ve attended FanX in past years. I told him about the cosplays I saw and my observations of the event after being absent from it for five years. Yes, I was sharing my experiences in real time with loved ones, but an iPhone can only communicate their words, not their tone, facial expressions, and body language.

I had a great time going to FanX by myself. I plan to go again next year. Now that I know what it’s like to attend solo, I will prioritize my time to meet whom I want and to shop. I will pace myself so that I can take in as much of the experience as I can. I will step out of my comfort zone by talking with other attendees. And I’ll remember that there is a drawback of not being able to share the event with others in-person.