Podcasts about Lofton

Did Christians believe in the Trinity before the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD? Was the doctrine developed over time—or was it already present in the early Church? In this episode, Dr. Jim Papandrea, expert in early Christianity and historical theology, joins me to explore how the Trinity was understood before and after Nicaea. We […]

Join Michael Lofton and Luis Dizon as they sit down with renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Keener to discuss the reliability of the New Testament. In this in-depth interview, Dr. Keener addresses key questions about the historical trustworthiness of the Gospel accounts, the role of eyewitness testimony, manuscript evidence, and how ancient sources help […]

Pope Francis has introduced a new Mass for the Care of Creation — what does it mean for the liturgy and the direction of the Church? We also break down: There's a lot to unpack — theological implications, public reactions, and what it means for Catholics today.

Everyone's debating “Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?”—but they're missing the bigger picture. In this video, we dive into what Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium actually says—and what most people completely overlook. Yes, the document famously states that “the Muslims… along with us adore the one and merciful God,” but did you catch the […]

Eastern Orthodox apologist Jay Dyer claims that the Catholic magisterium has contradicted itself—specifically when it comes to Islam. He argues that medieval and modern popes taught conflicting things: some affirmed that Muslims worship the same God as Christians, while others (like Pope Urban II) allegedly said Muslims worship demons. But is that actually a contradiction […]

BREAKING: Sam Shamoun Admits He's NOT CATHOLIC – Why Has He Been Saying He Is? For months, Sam Shamoun has publicly claimed to be a Catholic and even appeared on Catholic shows sharing his “conversion” story. But in response to questions raised in my previous video, Sam finally admitted he has not formally entered the […]

In this video, I respond directly to Sam Shamoun's latest hit piece and clarify key points about Catholic teaching and apologetics. I address misunderstandings and invite Sam to engage with humility and charity. This isn't just about a disagreement — it's about truth, respect, and growth in faith. Whether you follow Sam, me, or are […]

Did I misrepresent Sam Shamoun on the nature of the God of the Qur'an and the Trinity? In this in-depth response, I carefully walk through Sam's claims, public behavior, and theology—while addressing whether my portrayal of his views was fair and accurate. Along the way, I explore the Catholic magisterium's teaching on Islam, clarify the […]

Did Sam Shamoun really convert to Catholicism? In this in-depth episode, I carefully walk through the evidence, claims, and public statements surrounding Sam's religious identity and whether he has actually entered full communion with the Catholic Church. This isn't about accusations—it's about clarity. We look at Sam’s own words, Church law, the process for reception […]

The Bible contains some challenging passages that seem to suggest God can mislead or send a “lying spirit” — so what's going on? In this video, we dive into those difficult texts and explore whether God ever truly deceives people, what Scripture says about His character, and how to make sense of these mysteries. Join […]

In this video, we take a close, careful look at what the popes have actually said about Islam's understanding of God. Some people claim that the God of the Quran is Satan — but is that really what the popes and the Catholic Church teach? We'll explore key statements from Church teaching, highlight what makes […]

Trump Declares Ceasefire Deal Between Iran and Israel

Ceasefire Violated – Trump Goes Off On Israel!

Was the Promised Land Given to Israel on Condition of Obedience? In this video, we dive into one of the most important questions in biblical theology: Were God's promises about the land of Canaan unconditional, or did Israel have to obey the Law of Moses to keep it? We'll look at the key biblical texts […]

BREAKING: Iran is Bombing Qatar; Iran Uranium Missing After US Attack

Trump Just Bombed Iran — Here's What We Know So Far

Ted Cruz says supporting Israel is a biblical obligation — but what does that really mean? In this episode, we go beyond the talking points and ask the uncomfortable questions: What are the implications of basing U.S. foreign policy on biblical prophecy? How does this theological stance shape Cruz's unwavering support for Israel? And what […]

Pope Leo XIV has just made a surprising new appointment that’s turning heads across the Catholic world—and beyond. In this episode, we break down who was appointed, why it’s so controversial (or groundbreaking), and what this could mean for the future direction of the Vatican. Is this a sign of reform, a political move, or […]

In a recent appearance on Tucker Carlson's show, Senator Ted Cruz quoted Genesis 12:3 — “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you” — as justification for unwavering U.S. support for the modern state of Israel. But is that what the Bible actually teaches? In this video, we break down […]

Pride-themed liturgies are being held in Catholic parishes across the country — often with full knowledge of the local bishops. But while the faithful raise concerns, most bishops remain silent. Why? Is it fear of backlash, a strategy of appeasement, or something deeper? In this episode, we examine the rise of so-called “Pride Masses” in […]

Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution site in Gaza, killing at least 51 Palestinians who were reportedly waiting in line for flour and other basic supplies. In this episode, we cover the reports of eyewitnesses who were on the ground when the tragedy unfolded.

In a major development, Israeli authorities have shut down access to the Temple Mount for worshippers, sparking concerns and speculation across the region and beyond. In this video, we break down what led to the closure, and what this could mean for the ongoing tensions in Israel.

Can someone outside the Orthodox Church be saved? It’s a question many ask — and the answer might surprise you. In this episode, we explore what Eastern Orthodoxy actually teaches about salvation beyond its visible boundaries. Drawing from the Church Fathers, councils, and contemporary Orthodox theologians, we dive into the nuanced and often misunderstood doctrine […]

Cardinal Raymond Burke has raised alarm over recent restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass, claiming they amount to a form of persecution by the very heart of the Church—the papacy itself. What does this mean theologically? In this video, I explore the deep implications of Cardinal Burke's statement. If the papacy can be perceived as […]

The world is watching as a full-scale conflict erupts in the Middle East. In this episode, we break down how the war between Israel and Iran began, the key events leading up to Israel's first strike, and what's happening on the ground right now. From missile launches to international reactions, we cover the timeline, political […]

Join us as we explore the recent rumors, reports, and theological implications surrounding Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández and his role as head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Has there been a reconfirmation? Is the Vatican doubling down on his doctrinal direction? And what would it mean if this move came from […]

In this episode, we dive deep into the growing conversation around the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the Vatican’s response under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. With millions of Catholics around the world embracing charismatic worship, many are asking: Will the Holy Father officially recognize and support this dynamic movement?

Psalm 82 presents a striking scene: God presiding over a council of other divine beings. But what does this really mean? In this episode, we explore the ancient Near Eastern backdrop of this mysterious psalm—drawing from Canaanite and Ugaritic texts that may shed new light on its origins.

A German Catholic bishop has just resigned in a stunning move, citing deep disillusionment with the Synodal Way and the ongoing chaos within the German Church. After years of scandals, unresolved conflicts, and what he calls spiritual exhaustion, he says he can no longer stay silent or pretend the Church is on the right path. […]

In this episode, I examine a critical issue at the heart of Protestant theology: the preservation of Scripture. Drawing on the scholarship of Dr. Daniel Wallace and Dr. Emanuel Tov—two of the most respected textual critics—I explore whether the Old Testament has truly been preserved in the way Sola Scriptura requires. Both Wallace and Tov […]

This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with W.J. Lofton, author of the poetry collection, boy, maybe. The collection explores William's difficult and at times traumatic childhood, how he survived, and how he's living now as young, Black queer man in America. In our conversation, Williams explains the reason he says that even though he crosses many identity intersections it's not his life that is fractured. Plus, how writing boy, maybe was a gentle escape, despite the subject matter, when he was supposed to be writing an entirely different book. And, how he feels about being on the front lines facing attacks from the current administration. Mahogany Books Mentioned in this episode:Rate & ReviewThanks for listening, family! Please do us a solid and take a quick moment to rate and/or leave a review for this podcast. It will go a long way to making sure content featuring our stories and perspectives are seen on this platform

The Dead Sea Scrolls are often mentioned in passing—but rarely explained. In this episode, we uncover what you were never told about these ancient manuscripts and why they matter more than you think.

The Vatican has quietly removed the artwork of Fr. Marko Rupnik from its official website — a move many see as long overdue. But what they haven't done is even more shocking. In this episode, we dive into the full story: the abuse allegations, the Vatican's selective response, and what this reveals about the Church's […]

The Old Testament is at the heart of the Christian faith — but how close is your Bible to what was originally written? In this episode, we dive deep into the complex history of the Old Testament text. We explore the major manuscript traditions — the Masoretic Text, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Septuagint […]

June 8th, 2025 | The Love of God | 1 John 1:5-2:6The love of God doesn't just save—it transforms. In Week 2 of our summer series through 1 John, Pastor Ben Lofton unpacks how God's love is more than comfort for the broken—it's the compelling force that drives a life of obedience, truth, and real spiritual freedom.Looking at 1 John 1:5–2:6, this message calls us to step out of the shadows of self-deception and into the light of authentic relationship with Jesus. When we walk in the light, we don't just experience forgiveness—we gain true fellowship with others and a deeper dependence on God. Through confession, obedience, and honest community, we reflect a life that's been radically changed by divine love.This isn't about perfection—it's about abiding. Because the more we experience God's perfect love, the more we are compelled to live lives that show we truly belong to Him.Key Themes:God's love compels honesty, not hidingWalking in the light means embracing both truth and transformationConfession and community go hand in handJesus is both our Advocate and our AtonementTrue obedience flows from deep trust in God's loveWhether you're struggling with sin, stuck in spiritual performance, or simply longing for a deeper relationship with God, this message reminds us: The love of God is calling—and it demands a response.Do you know JESUS? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/do-you-know-jesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need PRAYER? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbgilmer.org/pray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support through GIVING: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nbbctx.org/giving⁠

Elon vs Trump Just Got Nasty—Epstein Name Dropped!

A petition has been launched calling on Pope Leo XIV to remove Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, a prominent figure in the German Catholic Church. In this episode, I break down the reasons behind this growing demand—from his handling of abuse cases to broader concerns about leadership and accountability. But this issue goes far beyond one […]

The Origins of Yahweh Worship: History, Archaeology & Theology w/ Dr. Justin Sledge

In this episode, I take a deep dive into Fr. James Martin’s recent article advocating that Catholics should celebrate Pride Month. Join me as I respectfully examine his claims, highlight key theological concerns, and discuss what authentic compassion and truth look like when it comes to this complex issue. Whether you agree or disagree, this […]

What if I told you there was a Jewish temple in Egypt—outside of Jerusalem—dedicated to Yahweh, where female priests served, other gods were worshipped alongside Him, and some believe the Ark of the Covenant may have once rested there? In this episode, we explore the remarkable temple at Elephantine Island, a 7th-century BCE site that […]

BREAKING: N.T. Wright Defends Abortion for Limited Cases | My Critique

Pope Leo XIV just said that marriage is NOT an ideal, but Pope Francis often said marriage an ideal. Did the two popes contradict each other? Michael Lofton examines both claims and considers the question after explaining how the magisterium functions.

Could this be one of the most important archaeological discoveries in biblical history? Join us as we explore the fascinating ruins of Tel Arad, where experts believe they've uncovered a Judahite temple dedicated to Yahweh—a rare and powerful glimpse into ancient Israelite worship practices! In this episode, we'll break down: The historical and biblical significance […]

Fake Pope? Franciscan Alleges Illegitimate Election of Leo XIV | My Reaction

A surprising new appointment to the Pontifical Academy for Life has stirred debate across the Catholic world. Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, the new rector, is being described by critics as someone open to reinterpreting the Church's teaching on contraception and other key life issues. Is this a deepening of doctrine—or a dangerous departure? Join us as […]

Thank you, Chuck, for an amazing 40 years on WTHR!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Orthodox Priest Says Pope Has “Anti-Christ Aura” – Not the Head of the Church!

In this important episode, the Bishop of Charlotte addresses the recent restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass within the diocese and offers a candid explanation of the decisions behind them. Drawing on Church teaching, Vatican guidance, and pastoral concerns, the bishop outlines how these changes are being implemented and why they matter. He also responds […]

Pope Leo XIV in Trouble with Critics Again | The Father’s House Controversy

Latin Masses in Charlotte RESTRICTED by Local Bishop | The Rundown