Exploring the faith, beliefs, life, and culture of the Catholic Church for curious non-Catholics, and for Catholics who want to know more and share with others. r.
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg and Ed the Protestant dive into a lively discussion about the fading concept of sin in contemporary Protestant and Evangelical churches. They explore how the gospel's power hinges on the reality of bad news—sin's eternal consequences—before the good news can shine. Ed shares his recent experiences at a modern evangelical church, where sermons focus on self-improvement and "living your best life" rather than confronting sin head-on. Greg argues that this shift turns pastors and even Jesus into life coaches, diluting the urgency of salvation and the church's mission. With their signature blend of humor, insight, and orthodoxy, they unpack why a gospel without sin misses the mark. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the modern church's approach and teases an exciting announcement from Ed about his journey toward Catholicism. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] This episode in the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" dives into the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds as vibrant summaries of the Gospel. Greg shares his journey from a deconstructed Evangelical hipster “fellowship” to embracing the Creeds' role in guarding the apostolic faith against heresies, drawing from the Catechism and early Church fathers like St. Irenaeus and St. Athanasius. He contrasts Catholic creedal unity with evangelical “no creed but Christ” and subjective faith statements, highlighting the Nicene Creed's power in Mass. This episode invites OCIA participants and global listeners to see the Creeds as a living roadmap for conversion. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg delves deeper into the Catholic mystical tradition, defining mysticism as a profound union with God and tracing its history from early Church fathers to modern saints. Highlighting figures like St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, St. Padre Pio, St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, and St. Joan of Arc, he explores visions, ecstasies, and miracles that far surpass contemporary Pentecostal experiences in depth and transformative power. Contrasting these with charismatic gifts, Greg explains how Catholic mysticism—rooted in prayer, sacraments, and Church discernment—offers intimate, lifelong encounters with the divine. Addressing Protestant, Catholic, and secular listeners, this episode emphasizes the Spirit's enduring, profound work in the Church. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this first part of a series on the Holy Spirit's role in extraordinary experiences, host Greg Smith explains charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, words of knowledge, and healing, addressing questions from curious listeners. Drawing from Scripture and the history of Pentecostalism, including the Azusa Street Revival and more extreme manifestations like holy laughter and snake handling, he demystifies these phenomena for Catholics, Protestants, and secular audiences. Greg unpacks the Catholic Church's affirming yet discerning stance, rooted in the Catechism and papal teachings, emphasizing balance and authenticity. Teasing Part 2, he hints at how Catholic mysticism parallels these gifts in even more astonishing ways. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome: The Holy Spirit and the Sacraments:” Discover the Spirit's role as Creator, Inspirer, and Sanctifier, and how sacraments like Baptism and Eucharist use matter—water, bread, oil—to effect divine change, rooted in Scripture and the Catechism. Greg contrasts Catholic efficacious sacraments with evangelical symbolic ordinances, highlighting their incarnational power. This episode enriches your OCIA journey, guiding you to experience God's grace through material signs.
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Building on his episode about Michelangelo's Creation of Adam (#385, "God's Finger"), Greg shifts focus to the nearby Deluge panel on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, where Noah's Ark resembles a Roman basilica, symbolizing the Church as salvation in a perishing world. Contrasting modern views of the Church as a social club or cultural mirror, he unpacks biblical typology from Genesis to Peter's boat miracles and Jonah's fish. This episode emphasizes the Catholic Church as the ark of eternal life, inviting seekers to embrace its saving role. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg continues the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" by exploring the Church as Christ's living Body and instrument of grace. Discover its nature as the Body of Christ, People of God, and Temple of the Holy Spirit, its threefold mission, hierarchical structure, and four marks, drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and Lumen Gentium. Greg contrasts the Catholic view of a visible, apostolic Church with evangelical emphases on an invisible fellowship, offering reflections for unity. This episode guides your OCIA journey, revealing the Church as the home for your faith. Visit consideringcatholicism.com for more insights. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Dive into Michelangelo's iconic Creation of Adam fresco and uncover how it flips the secular view of religion as humanity's quest for the divine. Greg explores the Christian narrative of God reaching down to redeem a fallen world, debunking misconceptions about Catholicism as "works-based" salvation. Using the metaphor of a drowning man grasping a life preserver, he explains grace as God's initiative and our cooperative response. This episode invites curious seekers and rediscovering Catholics to see faith as receiving God's outstretched hand. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Building on the chivalry episode's exploration of masculine ideals, Greg humbly unpacks the complementary feminine genius as by St. John Paul II in four key qualities—receptivity, sensitivity, generosity, and maternity—and integration with bold action through scriptural quotes and teachings. He integrates these concepts with examples of heroic women like Deborah, Judith, Esther, Mary, and saints including Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Joan of Arc, Teresa of Ávila, Frances Xavier Cabrini, Edith Stein, and more, showing how their courage stems from feminine strengths. With disclaimers about his perspective as a man and personal anecdotes, Greg critiques modern challenges to this vision in secular culture and issues calls to action for women to reclaim it through pro-life advocacy, evangelization, and spiritual motherhood. This episode highlights complementarity with masculinity, offering feminine genius as a timeless Catholic alternative for building the Kingdom amid contemporary chaos. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" continues by focusing one the main character in the Gospel story: Jesus Christ. Delve into the Incarnation—Jesus as fully divine and human in hypostatic union—and His redemptive mission through life, death, resurrection, and ascension, with insights from Scripture and the Catechism. Greg contrasts Catholic sacramental Christology with evangelical atonement emphases, offering reflection prompts to bridge perspectives. To go deeper, check out these episodes: Snapshot: Christ the King (#156) What is the "Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe?" (#283) Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg explores the medieval Catholic ideal of chivalry—a powerful blend of manly courage, martial skill, and Christian virtue aimed at defending the vulnerable and imitating Christ. He defines the term's origins and meaning, drawing on etymology and historical context. Featuring quotations from sources like Ramon Llull's "Book of the Order of Chivalry," St. Bernard of Clairvaux's writings on the Templars, and Thomas Aquinas on fortitude, Greg unpacks how this vision integrated faith and action. Through examples of saints like St. George, St. Michael, St. Joseph, St. Martin of Tours, Godfrey of Bouillon, and St. Louis IX, plus chivalric figures in Arthurian legends and Dante's Divine Comedy, he reflects on chivalry's role in a holistic Catholic worldview. He also critiques the modern shift away from robust manly virtues toward emotive expressions in Christianity, including the erosion via standing armies and the longing among Protestants and evangelicals for godly masculinity, calling for a reclaiming of this timeless ideal. You also might like these episodes on similar topics: Warrior Monks (#198) Those Who Work, Those Who Fight, and Those Who Pray (#197) The Crusades (#157) Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" continues by describing the Gospel story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Greg unpacks the grand narrative of salvation history as the foundation of the Catholic faith. Explore how the Bible's story—from Genesis' perfect creation through the Fall, God's redemptive covenants, and Jesus' Paschal Mystery to Revelation's ultimate restoration—invites you personally into God's plan. Want to dig deeper? Check out episode #187: What is the Bible About? Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this sequel to “The Art of Dying, Then and Now” (#379), Greg delves deeply into the Catholic concept of a "good death," drawing from the Catechism and tradition. He explains how death is transformed by Christ, details the essential sacraments like reconciliation, anointing, and viaticum, and covers practices such as prayers to St. Joseph and communal commendations. Extending to funeral rites, Greg contrasts the resurrection-focused Catholic liturgy with secular or evangelical "celebrations of life" that emphasize personal legacy over Christ's victory. This conversational monologue invites listeners to reflect on how Catholic teachings offer profound hope amid mortality, perfect for those considering or rediscovering the faith. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com Suggested Episodes: What Happens When We Die (#69) A Good Death (#85) Will I Be Judged? (#86) Snapshot: Taking Death Seriously (#149) What is Heaven? Part 2: The Moment of Death (#339) The Art of Dying, Then and Now (#379)
[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this episode, Greg explores the stark contrasts between the medieval Catholic guide "Ars Moriendi" and contemporary secular books on "The Art of Dying." He breaks down the historical steps for a faithful death—overcoming temptations, sacraments, and communal rituals—against modern focuses on autonomy, pain management, and legacy-building in hospices. Reflecting on why the Catholic approach offers eternal hope amid today's medicalized views, Greg invites listeners to consider how faith transforms our final moments. A thoughtful monologue for those curious about Catholicism's timeless wisdom on mortality. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com Suggested Episodes: What Happens When We Die (#69) A Good Death (#85) Will I Be Judged? (#86) Snapshot: Taking Death Seriously (#149) What is Heaven? Part 2: The Moment of Death (#339) A readable English version of the Ars Moriendi is the 15th-century adaptation known as "The Book of the Craft of Dying" (also called "The Craft for to Die"), which is based directly on the medieval Latin text and was printed by William Caxton in 1490 as one of the first English versions. This is available on Wikisource in a shorter, accessible form with modernized spelling for easier reading, covering the key elements like spiritual preparations, temptations (e.g., despair), faith affirmations, prayers, and devotions. It's fully in English, free to read online, and text-based without illustrations (though the original blockbook's woodcuts are not part of this adaptation). You can link to it at: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Book_of_the_Craft_of_Dying/shorter. A more complete scholarly edition with the full Caxton text in Middle English (still readable but with archaic spelling), there's a free facsimile on Google Books at: https://books.google.com/books?id=8a5YAAAAcAAJ. One of the best online versions of the medieval Ars Moriendi that includes woodcut illustrations is the digitized copy from the Library of Congress, specifically the blockbook edition from Germany, circa 1466. This version, part of the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection, features the iconic eleven woodcut illustrations depicting the dying man (Moriens) facing temptations from demons and receiving inspirations from angels, culminating in a scene of salvation or damnation. The digital scans are high-quality, showcasing the detailed and dramatic artwork, and the resource is freely accessible under the Library of Congress's open access policy, making it ideal for your podcast audience of curious non-Catholics and cradle Catholics rediscovering the faith. You can link to it directly at: https://www.loc.gov/item/49038880/.
"OCIA The Bridge to Rome: Basic Catholic Prayers." Learn why set prayers and saint intercessions enrich heartfelt devotion, with Catechism quotes and saint insights, then explore essentials like Our Father and Hail Mary with origins and uses. Greg contrasts with evangelical spontaneous emphases, reflecting on unity. This episode equips your OCIA prayer life, bridging words to divine dialogue. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com Recommended Episodes: The Hail Mary Prayer (#34) Explaining the Rosary to a Protestant (#59) Teaching a Protestant to Pray the Rosary (#60)
Another installment of the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome." In this episode, Greg introduces the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Discover the CCC's history as John Paul II's "sure norm," its four-pillar structure (Creed, Sacraments, Morality, Prayer), unmatched value for authoritative answers, and versatile use in study or reference. Greg contrasts with Protestant fragmented sources, offering reflections on unified truth. This episode empowers your OCIA with the CCC as your ally against misinformation and myths about the Catholic faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
What if the Christianity you've known is like the shadows on the wall in Plato's cave—flat, limited, and only a fraction of the real thing? In this episode, Greg explores how Protestantism, since Luther's reforms, has often shrunk the faith's vision of God, the Church, sacraments, saints, and salvation, leading to today's minimalist pop Christianity. Through compelling examples and personal reflections on his own Road to Rome, he contrasts this with Catholicism's expansive, colorful worldview that spans 20 centuries and the globe. Step out of the cave and discover why embracing a bigger faith might transform your spiritual journey. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
The Considering Catholicism Podcast launches "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome," a series designed to illuminate the path into the Catholic Church. In this inaugural episode, discover how OCIA serves as the bridge across the Tiber River for those on their Road to Rome, offering a holistic journey of faith formation rather than a simple class. Greg breaks down key terms, the ancient origins of the process, and the stages from inquiry to full initiation, making it accessible for curious seekers, current participants, alumni, and mentors alike. Whether you're previewing the experience or supplementing your own, this episode provides a clear map to guide your steps. Visit consideringcatholicism.com for more resources on exploring the Catholic faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg shares a story from a golf outing where an awkward stranger handed him a Gospel pamphlet asking, "Am I Going to Heaven?" He praises the bold evangelism of Protestants but critiques the pamphlet's narrow "faith alone" view, offering a fresh Catholic perspective on how baptism and grace transform us to perform good works (for a deep dive into the Catholic position on this debate, see the "Faith or Works?" series, episodes #301-311. Contrasting Protestant urgency with Catholic strengths in charitable action, Greg calls for blending both to proclaim the fullness of salvation in the Church. This episode challenges listeners to evangelize boldly while embracing Catholic doctrine. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In the final part of "The Church and Her Fathers," Greg introduces key Church Fathers—their lives, writings, teachings, and accomplishments—highlighting their unity on core Catholic doctrines despite minor disagreements. He explores how they represent the early, developing Church, maturing over centuries while preserving its identity, and stresses continuity to today. Greg shares why engaging the Fathers converts Protestants, including Newman's famous quote, and wraps the series with an encouraging call to discover the Church's roots. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In Part 3 of "The Church and Her Fathers," Greg tackles an anti-Catholic X post dismissing the Church Fathers as mere “fragments” of history, connecting it to the series' exploration of the Church's visible nature and biblical roots. He exposes the flaws in claims about “lost voices” and late Christianity, highlighting the Fathers' diverse origins and doctrinal unity as evidence of the Catholic Church's continuity. Drawing from his Protestant past, Greg shows how the Fathers bridge the apostles to today, countering evangelical dodges. He sets the stage for a deeper dive into their lives and writings in Part 4. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In part two of the series on the Church, Greg delves deeper into Catholic teachings from the Catechism, emphasizing the Church as both visible and invisible, human and divine. He explores the three-fold nature—the Church Militant on earth, Suffering in purgatory, and Triumphant in heaven—with direct quotes from CCC 954 and insights from Doctors like Aquinas and Augustine on their interconnected unity through the Communion of Saints. Addressing Protestant listeners, Greg explains the Catechism's affirming view of other denominations as in imperfect communion through baptism, while calling for greater ecumenical unity. This episode invites seekers to reconsider the Church not as a mere institution but as Christ's enduring, mystical body spanning time and eternity. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In Part 1 of a four-part series called “The Church and Her Fathers,” Greg dives into a pet peeve: why evangelicals insist on calling early Christianity a “movement” instead of “the Church.” Tracing the term's modern origins in missions and Reformation biases, he calls it infantile and passive-aggressive anti-Catholicism. With a strong biblical rebuttal, Greg shows how this language contradicts Scripture's clear use of “church” and invites listeners to reconsider the visible, enduring body Christ founded. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In this second part of the baptism series, Greg Sshifts to adults and older children, explaining when infant rules end (around age seven per canon law) and how personal intention takes over. He outlines the OCIA process for unbaptized catechumens, adaptations for ages 7-18, and recognition of most Protestant baptisms if Trinitarian. Canon law is walked through step-by-step, with practical US insights and unusual cases like emergency baptisms or impediments for those in unrepented sin handled orthodoxly and charitably. He strengthens the discussion by emphasizing baptism's regenerative nature as being "born again," contrasting it with evangelical symbolic views, and highlighting Protestant diversity on the sacrament. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In this first part of a two-episode series on Catholic baptism, Greg explores the doctrinal heart of the sacrament, explaining why infants are baptized and how it aligns with Scripture and ancient Church tradition. He clarifies that baptism brings regeneration—being "born again"—with references to the Catechism and Bible, while contrasting it with common Protestant views. The episode then dives into canon law's guidelines for infant baptism, including requirements for parents, godparents, and the "founded hope" of a Catholic upbringing. Practical parish insights and exceptional cases, like baptisms for children of same-sex couples, are handled with orthodox clarity and pastoral charity. He also bolsters the discussion with analogies for baptism's ontological change and the varied Protestant positions on the sacrament. Check out previous episodes on this topic: #139, "Why Does the Church Baptize Infants?" and #209, "Are Catholics Born Again?" Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg and Cory dive into the often-confusing generational conflicts simmering in many Catholic parishes, where aging baby boomers shaped by 1960s and 70s pop culture clash with younger millennials and Gen Z seekers craving transcendence and tradition. They explore how boomers emphasized horizontal community and cultural relevance, leading to beige churches and casual liturgies, while today's converts yearn for vertical worship, smells and bells, and a countercultural faith rooted in the Church's 2,000-year history. Drawing from their own journeys as converts, Greg and Cory debunk myths tying these tensions solely to Vatican II, instead pointing to broader cultural shifts and the need for principled arguments over aesthetic preferences. They warn against repeating boomer mistakes by making the Church a slave to generational trends, urging listeners to focus on continuity, charity, and faithfulness to Christ. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg and Cory revisit the challenges parents of small children face in bringing their children to Mass. In Episode #360, Greg had responded to a listener named Claire who shared that teaching her kids to sit still and pay attention in Mass was a struggle, and asked why Catholic Churches didn't have the same kind of dynamic "kid's church" programs that contemporary evangelical churches do. Cory, as a parent of four small children, had some additional thoughts. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In this lively conclusion to a three-part series looking at myths about Catholicism, Greg and Ed the Protestant unpack how "Hollywood"—from Reformation-era propaganda to modern films, novels, and TV—ingrains unconscious biases against Catholicism through tropes like fat, greedy bishops, ugly scheming monks, mean ruler-wielding nuns, and spooky cathedrals that twist sacred awe into dread. They challenge the pervasive vibe that nobody truly believed the faith, portraying it as an elaborate con everyone winked at, questioning how such a "scam" could endure for centuries with genuine devotion from saints, martyrs, and everyday believers. Drawing on the "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect" and personal anecdotes—like Protestant pastors' misconceptions and the absurd "candle-lighting priest" cliché—they highlight how these visceral impressions hinder apologetics, much like racial stereotypes, and urge listeners to investigate the Church firsthand beyond media distortions and "common knowledge" to discover authentic faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In this engaging opener to a two-part series, Greg and Ed the Protestant dive into how "Hollywood"—a catch-all for mass media from Reformation propaganda to modern movies, music, and novels—subtly shapes our perceptions of reality, including Christianity and Catholicism. At the secret compound, they explore how repeated tropes in popular culture groove neural pathways, bypassing rational thought to instill unconscious biases, as illustrated by examples from Plato's warnings on music to rock anthems by Bob Seger and Pink Floyd promoting rebellion and negativity. They discuss the "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect," where media gets facts wrong on familiar topics yet we trust it on everything else, and highlight how our limited personal networks (about 200 people) force reliance on biased storytelling for broader knowledge. They discuss modern portrayals of freedom as chaos, fathers as doofuses, and societal norms, questioning why we accept these as "common knowledge." Teasing the next episode, they set up how these distortions hinder apologetics and evangelization, urging listeners to question media narratives against the Church's timeless orthodoxy. Join them for a thought-provoking chat that blends humor, intellect, and fidelity to the Catechism, perfect for curious seekers and rediscovering Catholics. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg lays the intellectual foundation for how the "noble savage" trope, rooted in Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau, converges with the Reformation's Black Legend to demonize Catholicism in popular culture. Tracing the noble savage from ancient Greece to Romanticism, he shows how it idealizes the "exotic other" as pure while portraying the Church as corrupt, amplified by Protestant propaganda that cast Catholic Spain as uniquely cruel. This narrative oversimplifies history, ignores secular brutalities, and promotes relativism, clashing with Catholic teachings on original sin and redemption. Greg previews upcoming conversations with Ed the Protestant, where they'll explore how Hollywood builds on these ideas to shape perceptions of the Church. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg shares a listener's email from Dylan, whose honest conversation with his former Calvinist pastor turned into a one-sided barrage of critiques without real engagement. Drawing from his own Protestant past, Greg explores why so many Catholic-Protestant debates devolve into unconstructive patterns, using the hilarious Monty Python "Argument Clinic" sketch (https://youtu.be/ohDB5gbtaEQ?si=vjz-JsE0vZ18zDqH) as a spot-on illustration and real-life examples like misconceptions about justification, the Mass, and Mary. He breaks down the difference between valid and persuasive arguments, offering practical, charitable advice on how to respond, when to step back, and how to pray for unity while staying rooted in Catholic orthodoxy. Perfect for anyone investigating the faith or dealing with tough family talks, this episode encourages focusing on what draws you closer to Christ amid the noise. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg Smith responds to a listener's email expressing shock at perceived anti-Semitism in Catholic online spaces. He clarifies the Catholic Church's official teachings on Judaism and the State of Israel, emphasizing respect, shared roots, and a balanced call for peace amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Greg distinguishes between binding doctrines on faith and morals versus prudential political judgments, critiques inconsistencies in how some Catholics approach these issues, and draws lessons from St. Augustine's City of God for navigating earthly complexities. He also contrasts Catholic nuance with Protestant evangelical affinities for Israel, reassuring converts that the Church rejects all prejudice. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg responds to a listener's heartfelt email about her journey toward Catholicism and a major hesitation: how the Church approaches children's ministry compared to engaging evangelical programs. Drawing from his consulting experience with megachurches, Greg critiques the entertainment-focused model, shares data on high youth dropout rates, and explains Catholic teachings on family worship as the "domestic church." He offers practical advice for parents facing pew battles, emphasizing that forming faith through Mass rhythms builds lasting commitment. Whether you're a Protestant investigating or a Catholic parent, this conversation provides encouragement and orthodox insight. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg responds to listener Shandra's heartfelt question about the Catholic Church's historical involvement in injustices like the transatlantic slave trade and the subjugation of Ireland. Drawing from his own conversion journey as a former Protestant, he shares a thought experiment: What if the Church hadn't existed as a societal force? Exploring real historical "control groups" from Eastern Christianity and analogies like C.S. Lewis's grumpy Christian, Greg argues the Church acted as a moderating influence amid human sin, rather than its cause. He avoids detailed apologetics, focusing instead on empathy, facts about historical biases, and theological hope for imperfect vessels. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Building on Part 1's takedown of KJV-onlyism, Greg delves into the heart of Bible translation debates in this thought-provoking conclusion, examining three key issues: faithfulness to ancient manuscripts (spotlighted by the Johannine Comma), the doctrinal weight of unique words like "full of grace" in Luke 1:28, and dynamic equivalence with modern language and inclusive phrasing. These choices are often shaped by theological agendas, exposing the inherent weaknesses of sola scriptura without apostolic tradition to guide interpretation. But the Church's 2,000-year tradition provides a stable foundation amid these controversies. This episode empowers listeners—whether investigating Protestants or faithful Catholics—to confidently embrace approved translations like the NABRE and RSV-CE for a richer encounter with Scripture. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In this first installment of a two-part series, Greg responds to a fundamentalist chain letter claiming the King James Version (KJV) is the only true Bible, unpacking its bizarre mindset and deep anti-Catholic roots from the Reformation era. Greg refutes the claims with historical facts, manuscript evidence, and theological insights, showing why the KJV is a valuable but flawed translation. He then guides listeners through trusted Catholic Bible options like the NABRE, RSV-CE, and Douay-Rheims, which include the full canon and balance fidelity with readability. Ideal for Protestants grappling with Bible debates or Catholics seeking clarity, this episode teases Part 2's deeper exploration of translation controversies and the pitfalls of sola scriptura. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Continuing their conversation Secret Compound, Greg and Ed tackle the deeply personal challenges of considering Catholicism when opposition comes from within the home, particularly from a spouse. Responding to a listener's email about navigating a Protestant spouse and a complex marriage situation, they explore the emotional and spiritual dilemmas of pursuing the Catholic faith in a divided household. Greg emphasizes the Catholic Church's teaching that salvation is fullest within the Church, yet not a binary exclusion of non-Catholics, using the analogy of concentric circles. Ed shares his approach of moving slowly and respectfully to avoid conflict with his wife, while Greg advises presenting one's faith journey as a pursuit of becoming the best version of oneself for the sake of the marriage. They also address the high bar of Catholic teachings on marriage, acknowledging the pain of irregular situations and the crosses some bear, like a cantor who faithfully serves but cannot receive the Eucharist. This episode offers hope and practical wisdom for those wrestling with family dynamics while seeking the fullness of Christ's Church. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg and Ed the Protestant return to the Secret Compound and dive into the real challenges faced by those considering Catholicism, especially when it means navigating opposition from friends, family, or fellow Protestants. They explore the emotional and social costs of pursuing the Catholic faith, drawing from listener emails about anti-Catholic sentiments and personal struggles. Greg shares his own experience of losing professional relationships upon converting, while Ed reflects on the liminal space of being drawn to Catholicism while still tied to Protestant roots. They discuss how Jesus warned that following Him would come with a cost, citing biblical examples like the apostles' martyrdom and encouraging listeners to respond to criticism with gentleness and respect, as advised in 1 Peter 3. This episode offers a compassionate yet bold look at the sacrifices of discipleship and how to stand firm in faith despite pushback. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In Part 2 of a two-part series, "Protestant Games," Greg dismantles the Protestant “Berean Gambit”—their claim that Acts 17:11 proves sola scriptura. Far from a mic-drop, this move backfires, showing the Bereans trusted Paul's oral apostolic tradition—resurrection, Trinity, Gentile inclusion—checked for consistency with the Old Testament, aligning with Catholicism's view of Scripture and Tradition as one. Check out episodes #133, #134, #220-246, and #299 at ConsideringCatholicism.com for more on the Bible and the Church! Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In Part 1 of a two-part series, Greg tackles Protestant apologist Gavin Ortlund's 5 Reasons I Am Not Catholic, which shakes cradle Catholic Iris and others with evangelical critiques. Instead of playing the “rigged game” of proving Catholicism by Protestant rules (sola scriptura, sola fide, Bible-only faith), Greg flips the script, showing these premises are unbiblical, ahistorical, and rejected by most Christians across time. Tune in to Part 2 for a deep dive into Acts 17:11 and the Bereans! Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Why do American evangelicals passionately support modern Israel, especially in conflicts like Israel-Iran? In the final part of our Seeking Roots, Finding the Church series, Greg Smith shares why Americans, including evangelicals, admire Israel's pioneer spirit and military prowess, akin to Davy Crockett at the Alamo. Buy notes that dispensationalist theology, tied to their chase for Jewish roots (Episode 1) and reliance on the Masoretic Text (Episode 2), also fuels their political commitment, contrasting with the Catholic view of the Church as the New Israel. Responding to claims like Senator Ted Cruz's, Greg shows why the Church, not a nation, is the true fulfillment of God's covenant. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Why do evangelicals trust a Jewish canon finalized centuries after Christ over the Bible of the apostles? In part two of our Seeking Roots, Finding the Church series, Greg shares his journey from a Calvinist seminary where the Masoretic Text was taught as the “authentic” Old Testament to Catholicism, where he discovered the Septuagint's role in the apostolic Church. Explore how evangelicals' search for “Jewish roots” leads them to a post-Christian Rabbinic tradition and the myth of the “Council of Jamnia,” missing the Church's authority as the New Israel. Discover why the Septuagint, affirmed by early Church councils, offers the true Christian canon and covenant, rooted in the apostles celebrated on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Why do American evangelicals love Holy Land trips, seder dinners, and supporting the modern state of Israel? In this first of a three-part series, "Seeking Roots, Finding the Church," Greg explores how evangelicals, seeking a faith with gravitas, embrace a romanticized pre-Christian Jewish identity, imagining a simple, intimate faith free of “elaborate” Catholic or Orthodox traditions. He shares a story from St. Peter's Basilica that reveals their crisis of imagination and explains how their focus on Old Testament promises overlooks the Church as the New Israel. Discover why the apostolic tradition, founded by Christ's apostles, fulfills Israel's story and offers the true heritage they seek. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg Smith tackles Catholic and Protestant views on sex, asking: whose take is stranger? From marriage as a sacrament to celibacy as a gift and Mary's perpetual virginity, he defends Catholic teachings as biblical and healthy against Protestant critiques on divorce, contraception, and more. Using the Cathar heresy as a cautionary tale, Greg shows how Catholicism balances sex's sacred purpose. Perfect for curious non-Catholics, skeptical Protestants, and Catholics rediscovering their faith. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Is Catholicism a house of cards, ready to collapse under one false teaching? In this episode, Greg responds to a listener—an evangelical exploring Catholicism—who fears he can't be certain the Church is the truth. With fun analogies like burritos and bridges, Greg unpacks why Protestantism's “modest” claim is a mirage and how Catholicism's evidence makes it a rational choice. Inspired by G.K. Chesterton, this episode is for curious non-Catholics and Protestants ready to cross the Tiber. Join Greg for a sharp, lively dive into faith, doubt, and truth. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Why does the Mass feel so formal, and how can you love it? In this episode, Greg responds to Darcy, a 25-year-old evangelical exploring Catholicism, who's struggling with the Mass's structure—repetition, kneeling, and call-and-response. He unpacks why our culture overvalues spontaneity, how the Mass's form protects truth, and why the early Church wasn't as “casual” as we think. With practical tips and answers to common questions, Greg helps listeners embrace the liturgy's beauty. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
In the final episode of the series on heaven, Greg and Cory explore the eschaton—the ultimate end of God's plan, where Christ returns to renew creation as the New Heaven and New Earth. They unpack the biblical parallelism between Genesis 1-2 and Revelation 21-22, where God restores communion between Himself, humanity, and creation, fulfilling our deepest longings for belonging. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and saints like Irenaeus and Teresa of Avila, they emphasize that our destiny isn't a disembodied heaven but a redeemed creation where we live bodily with God forever. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, offer a foretaste of this reality, making Catholicism's physicality a compelling draw. Greg also references a prior standalone episode, Will We See Our Dogs in Heaven? (#319), for those curious about pets in the afterlife. Join them for a profound, hopeful vision of eternity that transcends clichés and anchors our faith in God's redemptive love. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg and Cory delve into the radical Christian teaching of the physical resurrection of the body, a cornerstone of Catholic eschatology that sets Christianity apart from other worldviews. They explore how the resurrection restores humanity to God's original design in Genesis, uniting body and soul as seen in Christ's own resurrection. Contrasting this with prevalent cultural and religious ideas—like Gnosticism or modern transhumanism—that prioritize escaping the physical, they highlight why the body matters to God's redemptive plan. Drawing from Scripture and tradition, they discuss how the incarnation necessitated a physical savior to heal our flesh, making the resurrection central to the Gospel. The conversation also touches on how Catholicism's sacramental nature reflects this truth, celebrating the material world God created. Join them for a thought-provoking look at why the resurrection is not just a future hope but a transformative reality shaping our faith today. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg and Ed unpack a recent experience at a casual evangelical worship service, contrasting its informal, emotion-driven approach with the objective beauty of the Catholic Mass. They describe a service filled with pop culture references, minimal Scripture, and a vague "remembrance" with Wonder Bread and grape juice, lacking the structure and transcendence of Catholic liturgy. Drawing on C.S. Lewis's The Weight of Glory, they argue that true worship holds intrinsic value, like a sublime waterfall, whether it moves you or not. With decades as evangelical insiders, they critique the Protestant chase for emotional highs, which fades with diminishing returns. The Catholic Mass, steeped in Scripture and sacramental depth, invites participation in something eternally true, not just a fleeting feeling. Join their candid, humorous reflection on why they're grateful to be on the road to Rome.
In this lively episode of Considering Catholicism, Greg and Ed the Protestant tackle a listener's critique that the show is too harsh on Protestants, sparking a candid discussion over tacos. They reflect on their tone, owning occasional snark while defending the need to draw distinctions between Catholic and Protestant beliefs, as truth claims—like sacraments or authority—demand clarity. Drawing from C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, they explore why you can't linger in the “hallway” of generic Christianity forever; at some point, you must choose a room. Greg apologizes for any uncharitable jabs but reaffirms the podcast's mission: to invite listeners to consider crossing the Tiber into the Catholic Church. Ed shares his journey, stuck in the hallway due to personal circumstances, yet driven to seek truth. Join them for a mix of humor, humility, and honest reflection on navigating Christian differences. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
Greg and Cory explore the three destinations awaiting every soul after the particular judgment: heaven, hell, and purgatory. They unpack Catholic teaching on these eternal and temporal states, using Dante's Divine Comedy and Scripture to illustrate heaven as perfect communion with God, hell as eternal separation, and purgatory as a remedial journey to holiness. Addressing misconceptions, they clarify that purgatory is not a “second chance” but a purifying path for those destined for heaven. Join them for a vivid, accessible dive into what awaits us beyond death, grounded in the Catechism and Catholic tradition. Support this ministry so more people can consider Catholicism! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com
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