Theology Central

We dive into Sabrina Carpenter's “Manchild”—a sharp, honest anthem about emotional immaturity, modern relationships, and gender dynamics. What does this viral hit reveal about our culture, and how should the Church respond?

If God is sovereign, why does sin exist at all?This episode confronts one of the hardest questions in theology: Did God want sin — and what does Isaiah 40–55 reveal about His purpose in allowing it? A raw, honest look at divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the uncomfortable truth behind redemption.

If God is sovereign, why does sin exist at all?This episode confronts one of the hardest questions in theology: Did God want sin — and what does Isaiah 40–55 reveal about His purpose in allowing it? A raw, honest look at divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and the uncomfortable truth behind redemption.

We conclude our look at the devotional put out by the Girls Gone Bible podcast

This episode explores Matthew 5:27–32, exposing how Jesus' words crush any illusion of internal purity or external righteousness. We challenge popular views on lust, showing it begins within—not outside us—and conclude with the only hope for sinners: the imputed righteousness of Christ.

We look at the devotional put out by the Girls Gone Bible podcast

Christian influencers promoting an athleisure line have ignited a firestorm of debate—are they being immodest, or is the backlash part of a deeper theological problem? In this episode, we tackle the controversy surrounding Girls Gone Bible, modesty culture, and whether women are unfairly held responsible for men's lust. We go deep into Scripture, examine what modesty really means, and ask: who's actually to blame when someone sins? A must-listen for anyone tired of shallow answers and ready for a biblical, honest conversation.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14788899/Christian-influencers-fire-evangelical-followers-promoting-immodest-athleisure-line.html

What does it mean to call Mary the Mother of the Church? Is the title biblical or purely traditional? In this episode, we explore the theological claims made in the Catholic Church's celebration of the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. We examine the scriptural basis, early Church writings, and the typological parallels with Eve and the Ark of the Covenant — and challenge Protestants who reject Marian theology while using the same interpretive methods for their own doctrines.

We conclude our study of Isaiah 43

We continue our study of Isaiah 43

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars imagine the end of the world—and all they want is to be together. In this episode, we unpack the lyrics of “Die with a Smile,” exploring love, vulnerability, and why this emotional anthem resonates so deeply. Is it about conflict, surrender, or something more eternal?

I review a sermon on John 21:15-17

Did Jesus and Peter use two different words for love in John 21—and does it actually matter? This episode exposes the myth, traces its origins, and shows why the Greek doesn't say what many claim it does.

Jesus prayed “that they may all be one”—but in a divided church, what does that really mean? In this episode, we examine John 17:20–26, explore who Jesus was praying for, and wrestle with the challenge of unity in light of today's church reality.

A review of the last few days of the lectionary readings

In this episode, I respond to Breakpoint's take on AI and loneliness, pushing back on their claim that the Church is the cure. Yes, AI relationships are artificial—but let's not pretend church communities always offer something better. I explore the real failures of Christian community, the limits of human connection, and why honesty—not idealism—is what we need.

We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:8-13

We continue our work on Isaiah 40-55. In this episode we walk through Isaiah 43:1-7 and we consider the church as a factory of false hope

Morgan Wallen and Tate McRae's “What I Want” sounds like a casual hookup anthem—but listen closely and you'll hear something deeper: two people agreeing not to feel. In this episode, we analyze the song's emotional detachment, its theology of resigned desire, and what it reveals about a culture that craves connection but fears the cost. Is this honesty, or just another form of despair? And does the song offer even a flicker of hope? Let's find out.

We discuss the lectionary readings for May 31, 2025

Before we break it down together, here's your assignment: listen to “What I Want” and interpret it for yourself. What are the characters really saying? Is this song about honesty, fear, desire—or emotional surrender? In this episode, I give you questions to guide your reflection and invite you to wrestle with what the lyrics reveal about love, pain, detachment, and longing. Come ready to listen—and to think theologically.

Spotify just launched powerful new podcast features—from smarter recommendations to interactive comments and creator tools. Here's what's new and why it matters.

In this episode, we explore how Acts 15 fulfills the promises and preparation of John's Farewell Discourse. The Eleven, equipped by Jesus, now act with unity, authority, and Spirit-led clarity. This isn't devotional theory—it's redemptive history unfolding.

An assignment based on recent lectionary readings. Grab your bible, your notebook, and a pencil

Teddy Swims' “Lose Control” isn't just about heartbreak—it's a raw confession of fear, need, and the ache of being alone. In this episode, we explore the song's emotional core, the tension between needing God and needing others, and why Christianity often struggles to hold both together.

In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text.

In this episode, we return to our long-form study through Isaiah 40–55 by walking slowly and carefully through an observational outline of Isaiah 43. Rather than rushing to application or theological conclusions, we seek to see what is actually in the text. 

Marjorie Taylor Greene clashed with Elon Musk's AI after it questioned her Christianity—but was the AI wrong? In this episode, we explore what happened, examine the theology of judgment and discernment, and ask: Can AI be more biblically accurate than some Christians?

John 15:11 says Jesus gives us His joy—but what kind of joy was He talking about? In this episode, we explore the real meaning of this verse, why it wasn't meant as a blanket emotional promise, and how joy looks different when read through the lens of obedience, suffering, and apostolic mission.

Why does Psalm 57 have 12 verses in the Catholic Bible? We unpack the Septuagint, the numbering debate, and why the apostles sided with the Greek Old Testament—challenging modern assumptions about which Bible is “right.”

Morgan Wallen's “I'm the Problem” sounds like a confession—but is it? This episode unpacks the song's emotional and theological layers, revealing how blame, deflection, and false repentance shape modern relationships and distort true confession.

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches.” But was He speaking to all believers—or only the Eleven? In this episode, we explore John 15:1–8 in its full context, showing how it was a direct, covenantal moment of apostolic commissioning. We trace how each part of the passage was fulfilled in the lives of the apostles—and why that changes everything about how we read it today.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you…” But if that promise was for all believers, why does it so often not match reality? In this episode, we explore whether the peace of John 14:27 was meant for every Christian—or only for the Eleven who heard it that night. A hard but necessary conversation about promise, context, and what we've misunderstood.

Fr. Mike Schmitz's $100 “Parables Tour” raises serious questions about the commercialization of ministry. Why is the Church charging for what Jesus gave freely? In this episode, I examine what this model says about the gospel, money, and the priorities of the modern Church.

A discussion out the difficulty of interpreting John 14:21-26

Alex Warren's “Ordinary” turns romance into religion—replacing God with the beloved. In this episode, we explore the song's spiritual imagery, its emotional honesty, and how it contrasts with the Gospel reading from John 13.

Today we take an unfiltered look at John 13:34 and ask: What happens when we read the Bible honestly—without religious gloss or easy answers?Jesus' command to "love one another as I have loved you" isn't just hard—it's crushing. We explore who He was really speaking to, how the Church has failed to live it out, and why so few seem disturbed by that failure.This is not a comfortable teaching. But it's one we need to face.

Today we take an unfiltered look at John 13:34 and ask: What happens when we read the Bible honestly—without religious gloss or easy answers?Jesus' command to “love one another as I have loved you” isn't just hard—it's crushing. We explore who He was really speaking to, how the Church has failed to live it out, and why so few seem disturbed by that failure.This is not a comfortable teaching. But it's one we need to face.

Today we explore the deep Christology of John 14: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” We connect this truth to Acts 13 and Psalm 98, showing how Christ reveals the Father, the Church carries that revelation, and salvation reaches the nations.

A cultural and theological deep dive into the top songs of Summer 2025. Each episode unpacks lyrics through biblical, liturgical, and spiritual lenses—revealing what today's music says about our hunger for meaning, transcendence, and worship.

What if “I go to prepare a place for you” doesn't mean heaven later—but the cross now? In today's episode, we explore John 14:2 in its true context and discover a more powerful comfort: access to the Father through Jesus' death and resurrection.

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Lectionary Challenge. In this kickoff episode, we explain what the challenge is, why we're using the Catholic lectionary, how to engage the readings each day, and what to expect from each episode. This isn't a devotional—it's a call to let Scripture shape you through submission, not selection. Let the journey begin.