Division within Christianity, originating with the 16th century Reformation, that now numbers 40% of all Christians
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Can a Catholic be personally opposed to abortion but still believe it shouldn’t be criminalized? In this segment of Catholic Answers Live, we tackle the tough intersection of morality, law, and Church teaching. Karlo Broussard explores what it means to be a Catholic in good standing, how the Church views the legal protection of human life, and where the line is drawn when it comes to public policy. A must-watch for anyone navigating pro-life convictions in a political world. Help us reach our goal by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:50 – Dr. Bergsma proposed that the events of Holy Week were originally different than we thought. He says the last supper might have been on Tuesday. What are your thoughts on this? 07:55 – Why is the conclave kept in secrecy? 15:40 – 1 Chronicles references other books like Chronicles of Nathan and Chronicles Gad the Seer. What do we know about them, and can we read them? 16:00 – Where do we get the idea of purgatory other than Maccabees? 29:15 – What constitutes grave matter? 33:35 – Is it possible for a protestant to bring communion to a person who is homebound? 40:56 – My mom is Protestant. What is the best way to evangelize Protestants? 45:33 – Where is the line between invincible ignorance and universalism? 50:39 – Can I be a Catholic in good standing if I personally oppose abortion but also don’t think the government should criminalize it?
The Lord's Supper is yet another significant area of difference between Protestant and Catholic theology. You can watch this message here.
What is the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)? And what does it have to do with conservative political power in the United States and abroad? Leah Payne and Caleb Maskell join Mark Labberton for a deep dive into the emergence and impact of the New Apostolic Reformation—a loosely affiliated global network blending Pentecostal Christian spirituality, charismatic authority, and political ambition. With their combined pastoral experience and scholarly expertise, Payne and Maskell chart the historical, theological, and sociopolitical roots of this Pentecostal movement—from Azusa Street and Latter Rain revivals to modern dominion theology and global evangelicalism. They distinguish the New Apostolic Reformation from the broader Pentecostal and charismatic traditions, and explore the popular appeal, theological complexity, and political volatility of the New Apostolic Reformation. Episode Highlights “Isn't this just conservative political activism with tongues and prophecy and dominion?” “At no point in time in the history of these United States … have Protestants not been interested in having a great deal of influence over public life.” “You can be super nationalistic in Guatemala, in Brazil, in India, and in the United States. … It is a portable form of nationalism.” “They are not moved by appeals to American democracy or American exceptionalism because they have in their mind the end times and the nation of Israel.” “Charismatics and Pentecostals, unlike other forms of American Protestantism … do not have a theological value for democracy.” Main Themes Pentecostalism's history and global influence Charismatic Christianity versus Pentecostalism Defining and explaining the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) C. Peter Wagner, Lance Hall, and Seven Mountain Mandate Dominion theology, Christian nationalism, and the religious Right Pentecostals and Trump politics Zionism in charismatic theology Vineyard movement, worship music, and intimacy with God Linked Media References About Vineyard USA God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music by Leah Payne The New Apostolic Churches by C. Peter Wagner This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti Atlantic Article: “The Army of God Comes Out of the Shadows” by Stephanie McCrummen Bonhoeffer's America: A Land Without Reformation, by Joel Looper Another Gospel: Christian Nationalism and the Crisis of Evangelical Identity, by Joel Looper Show Notes Leah Payne defines Pentecostalism as “a form of American revivalism” William J. Seymour Marked by interracial desegregated worship and spiritual “fireworks” like tongues and prophecy Mystical experiences of God Desegregation and physically touching one another in acts of miraculous healing The Azusa Street Revival (1906) identified as a global catalyst for Assemblies of God denomination There is no founding theological figure, unlike Luther or Calvin Caleb Maskell emphasizes Pentecostalism's roots in “a founding set of experiences,” not a founding theological figure “Limits to what makes a church” Lack of ecclesiological clarity leaves Pentecostalism open to both renewal and fragmentation Leah highlights Pentecostalism as “a shared experience … a shared series of practices.” “Holy Rollers” and being “slain in the Spirit” “A different way of knowing” “Christians are made through an encounter with Jesus.” The global “charismatic movement” and how it has had cross-denominational Influence “Charismatic” was a mid-twentieth-century term for Spirit-led practices arising within mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions Charismatic means “gifted” or “being given gifts” “‘Charismatic' has typically been a more inclusive word than ‘Pentecostal.'” Emphasis on personal spiritual gifts and intimate worship styles “They are not respecters of institutions.” Figures like Oral Roberts and Amy Semple McPherson were “too big” for denominational constraints “Too-bigness” as driven by both an over-inflated ego and spiritual mysticism Frederick Buechner: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” Spellbound, by Molly Worthen (see Conversing episode 212) What are the origins and key ideas of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)? New Apostolic Reformation: “a form of institutionalized charismatic identity that builds on grassroots consensus.” “NAR” coined by C. Peter Wagner at Fuller Seminary in the 1990s Wagner promoted post-denominationalism and “reality-based” church governance centred on individual charismatic gifts Emerged from a “larger soup” of charismatic ideas—often practiced before being systematized. Closely tied to the “Seven Mountain Mandate”: that Christians should influence key societal sectors—family, religion, education, media, entertainment, business, and government The role of dominion theology and political alignment “The convergence of egos, the convergence of ethos … is a natural thing to see emerging.” “Dominion is really just two or three logical steps from an obsession with cultural relevance.” Payne sees dominionism as a Pentecostal-flavoured version of a broader conservative political strategy. “Charismatics and Pentecostals are everywhere … so we should expect them on the far right.” Many deny the NAR label even as they operate in its mode. ”When Bob Dylan's in your church, suddenly your church is relevant, whether you like it or not.” Defining “Dominionism” “Dominion is really just two or three logical steps from an obsession with cultural relevance. Cultural relevance says church should fit—not prophetically, but should fit all but seamlessly—into modes of culture that people are already in.” What are the “Seven Mountains of Culture”? Family, religion, education, media, entertainment, business, and government—”the world would go better if Christians were in charge of each of those arenas.” “At no point in time in the history of these United States and the history of European settlers in the new world have Protestants not been interested in having a great deal of influence over public life.” Trump, Zionism, and global Pentecostal nationalism Christian nationalism versus religious Right “They are not moved by appeals to American democracy. … They think the nation of Israel is the nation of all nations.” “Isn't this just conservative political activism with tongues and prophecy and dominion?” Anti-institutional and anti-structural How Trump seeks power and ego affirmation Christian theocratic rule? ”It may simply be a part of what it is to be a Christian is to say, at some level, within the spheres that I'm given authority in, I ought to have the right kind of influence, whatever it is.” “ I think what's scary about the moment that we're in right now is in fact the chaos.” A book about Donald Trump—God's Chaos Candidate, by Lance Wall ”The beliefs in divine prophecy are so widespread that they transcend partisanship.” Black Pentecostalism: immune to the charms of Trump and populist conservatives Trump's Zionist overtures strategically captured charismatic loyalty The rise of global Pentecostal nationalism in countries like India, Brazil, and Guatemala parallels US patterns. “They don't actually care long-term about American democracy.” “They are not moved by appeals to American democracy or American exceptionalism because they have in their mind the end times and the nation of Israel.” Prosperity gospel Dominionism and the Roman Catholic “doctrine of discovery” The gospel of Christ as “sorting power” “It is a portable form of nationalism.” Concerns about power, order, and eschatology Mark Labberton reflects on Fuller Seminary's controversial role in NAR's intellectual development. Payne critiques the equation of widespread Pentecostal practices with far-right dominionism. “What's scary … is the chaos. And a number of people associated with NAR have celebrated that.” NAR theology often prioritizes divine chaos over institutional order. Warnings against super-biblical apostolic authority and spiritual authoritarianism. Pentecostalism beyond politics “There's a vivid essentialism—make everything great and all the nations will gather.” Vineyard worship as a counterweight to dominionism—emphasizing intimacy and mystical union with Christ. “That emphasis on Jesus as a friend … is a really beautiful image of God.” Vineyard music helped export a gentle, intimate charismatic spirituality. About Leah Payne Leah Payne is associate professor of American religious history at Portland Seminary and a 2023–2024 public fellow at the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). She holds a PhD from Vanderbilt University, and her research explores the intersection of religion, politics, and popular culture. Payne is author of God Gave Rock and Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music (Oxford University Press, 2024), and co-host of Rock That Doesn't Roll, a Public Radio Exchange (PRX) podcast about Christian rock and its listeners, and Weird Religion, a religion and pop culture podcast. Her writing and research has appeared in The Washington Post, NBC News, Religion News Service, and Christianity Today. About Caleb Maskell Caleb Maskell is the associate national director of theology and education for Vineyard USA. Born in London, he immigrated with his family to New Jersey in 1986, at the age of nine. Caleb has been involved in leadership in the Vineyard movement for twenty-five years. After spending a gap year at the Toronto Airport Vineyard School of Ministry in 1995, he went to the University of Chicago to study theology, philosophy, and literature in the interdisciplinary undergraduate Fundamentals program. While there, he joined the core planting team of the Hyde Park Vineyard Church, where he served as a worship leader, a small group leader, a setter-up of chairs, and whatever else Rand Tucker asked him to do. After college, full of questions that had emerged from the beautiful collision of serious academic study and the practical realities of church planting, Caleb enrolled in the MDiv program at Yale Divinity School. For four years, he immersed himself in the study of theology, church history, and Scripture, while also leading worship and working with middle school and high school youth groups. After graduating in 2004, he worked for three years as the associate director of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University. In 2007, along with his wife Kathy and their friends Matt and Hannah Croasmun, Caleb planted Elm City Vineyard Church in New Haven, Connecticut. That year, he also began a PhD program at Princeton University, focusing on the history of American religion, with an additional emphasis in African American studies. After moving to Manhattan for four years while Kathy went to seminary, the Maskells ended up in suburban Philadelphia, where Caleb completed his PhD while teaching regularly at Princeton Theological Seminary, and serving as the worship pastor at Blue Route Vineyard Church. Since 2010, Caleb has led the Society of Vineyard Scholars, which exists to foster and sustain a community of theological discourse in and for the Vineyard movement. Caleb is passionate about developing leaders and institutions that will help to produce a healthy, courageous, and hospitable future for the church in the twenty-first century. Caleb and Kathy now live with their two kids, Josiah and Emmanuelle, in the heart of Denver, where Kathy pastors East Denver Vineyard Church. Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.
In this episode, we explore a troubling trend among certain corners of modern Protestantism: the revival of ancient heresies long condemned by the Church. At the center of our discussion is Pelagius, the 5th-century British monk whose denial of original sin and distortion of grace led to one of the most decisive theological battles in Christian history.We'll unpack Pelagius's core teachings, examine Augustine's powerful response, and trace how this controversy culminated in the Council of Ephesus (431), where Pelagianism was formally condemned as heresy. Along the way, we'll consider how various popes weighed in on the controversy, especially Innocent I and Zosimus, and reflect on how some contemporary theological movements are unknowingly echoing these same ancient errors.This isn't just about history—it's about doctrine, grace, and the ongoing need for theological clarity. If the Church has already fought these battles, why are we dancing with heretics again today?If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 ⸻#Pelagius #Pelagianism #OriginalSin #Augustine #CouncilOfEphesus #ChurchHistory #AncientHeresies #ProtestantTheology #ModernHeresy #ReclaimOrthodoxy #DancingWithHeretics #Soteriology #PopesOnPelagius #ChristianDoctrine #HistoricalTheology
If Marian apparitions are considered private revelations, why are events like Our Lady of Guadalupe on the Church calendar? We explain the Church's distinction between public and private revelation—and why some apparitions are recognized liturgically. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Please help support our mission by donating! Catholicanswersradio.com Questions Covered: 01:52 – Do Protestants receive the Holy Spirit in (valid) baptism? If so, then why would they need to be Catholic? 04:06 – Protestants are claiming that the book of James was written before the Council of Jerusalem and together with Acts 15 shows that James doesn't understand the Gospel because he emphasizes works. How would you respond? 12:21 – Is our time set in stone? 14:47 – If Marian apparitions are private revelation, why does the church recognize apparitions such as our lady of Guadalupe on the church calendar? 17:10 – What are your thoughts on the studies done that aim to determine if prayer is an effective medical tool. I'm referring specifically to prayer groups praying for the patients and not the patients themselves. Also if a non-Christian group prayed for the patients and it was shown to be effective… what would this mean? 28:30 – If the catholic church doesn’t accept a Mormon baptism because of their understanding of God… why does the catholic church accept a marriage when the people involved have a misunderstanding about the nature of the marriage [it doesn't line up with our beliefs about marriage]? 32:34 – Jesus sent his disciples to heal the sick, expel demons, purify the lepers and resurrect the dead (Matt 10). Why do we not hear much about the resurrection of dead people, but only of exorcism and healing of sickness? 36:45 – Thanks for your important work! Could you explain how the Old Testament practice of sacrificing an animal then eating it is really a sacrifice? 43:03 – Could you explain what Christian non-exclusivism entails. And more importantly, what the biblical and patristic evidence is that this is an acceptable/non-heretical position. I watched the Theology Unleashed videos you were in, and feel like this position would change entirely how I see everyone, Christians and non-Christians. Also, are there not things like the in-filling of the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Holy Spirit, that devotees of other religious traditions cannot experience or share in, outside of explicit faith in Jesus.
Paul Rene Nicoles Michael Sartori Neal Deadalus Joseph Lambrecht Alex Luna
Well nerds, buckle up for this one. My buddy Ryan Burge has returned with his latest graphs about religion and the 2024 election, and let me tell you - it was zesty. We started talking about minor league baseball, chicken raising, and somehow ended up dissecting why 83% of white evangelicals voted for Trump (spoiler: it's not shocking). Ryan breaks down the real story of the 2024 election - how non-white evangelicals are now 50/50, why mainline Protestants aren't actually that liberal, and the fascinating shifts happening in the Catholic vote. We dive into the data that shows education and church attendance create some pretty stark political divides, and why Democrats might want to rethink their approach to people of faith. But this is us, so we also talked about LeBron's hair transplants, whether 100 men could take down a silverback gorilla, why online gambling is destroying America, and Ryan's ongoing campaign to get academics to eat at steakhouses instead of Sweet Green. Plus, Ryan explains why Mark Driscoll might be the godfather of the manosphere, and we debate whether Joe Scarborough and Mika have the worst work schedule in television. Oh, and we somehow got into a deep discussion about Mayor Pete's beard and why Democrats need to learn how to talk about their faith without sounding like they're apologizing for it. Because apparently that's where our brains go. Want the full conversation? This is just a taste of what we covered in over two hours of completely unhinged discussion. If you're a member of either Graphs About Religion (Ryan's substack) or Process This (mine), you get access to the entire unedited conversation, plus invitations to join us live for future streams where things get even more zesty - and yes, I'm using that word in the Whitehead sense, not the Gen Z sense. Previous Visits from Ryan Burge Distrust & Denominations Trust, Religion, & a Functioning Democracy What it's like to close a church The Future of Christian Education & Ministry in Charts The Sky is Falling & the Charts are Popping! Graphs about Religion & Politics w/ Spicy Banter a Year in Religion (in Graphs) Evangelical Jews, Educated Church-Goers, & other bits of dizzying data 5 Religion Graphs w/ a side of Hot Takes Myths about Religion & Politics Ryan P. Burge is an assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University. Author of numerous journal articles, he is the co-founder of and a frequent contributor to Religion in Public, a forum for scholars of religion and politics to make their work accessible to a general audience. Burge is a pastor in the American Baptist Church. Upcoming Online Class: Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here. _____________________ Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Joe addresses 5 bad catholic arguments that you think are good, but actually aren’t. And he gives you some tips on how to be more convincing when engaging Protestants! Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shameless Popery, I’m Joe Heschmeyer and today I want to explore five bad arguments that we as Catholics need to stop using in our conversations with our Protestant brothers and sisters. These are arguments that I’ve heard and sometimes made and they’re bad arguments and we can do better. So before I get there, I want actually lay out a few kind of positive tools because I...
Breaking with the Church because of Vatican II Council? Forgiving vs. healing? Frequent communion between Protestants? Join us for Called to Communion with Dr. David Anders.
Today we will cover my recent podcast tour, the debates and madness that ensued, as well as opening it up for call ins from Protestants, Feminists, Libertarians, Catholics, Mormons, Atheists, Black Hebrew Israelites, Hebrew Roots, evangelicals, JWs and MORE! Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join PRE-Order New Book Available in JULY here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Lore coffee is here: https://www.patristicfaith.com/coffee/ Orders for the Red Book are here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/the-red-book-essays-on-theology-philosophy-new-jay-dyer-book/ Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Amid the Ruins 1453Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.
Today we will cover my recent podcast tour, the debates and madness that ensued, as well as opening it up for call ins from Protestants, Feminists, Libertarians, Catholics, Mormons, Atheists, Black Hebrew Israelites, Hebrew Roots, evangelicals, JWs and MORE! Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join PRE-Order New Book Available in JULY here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Lore coffee is here: https://www.patristicfaith.com/coffee/ Orders for the Red Book are here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/the-red-book-essays-on-theology-philosophy-new-jay-dyer-book/ Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Amid the Ruins 1453Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.
Mary welcomes back Mike Gendron of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries to talk about the intricacies of electing a pope, the response of the world, and why Protestants seem so enamored with the process. Watching the larger than life media makes one wonder why the talking heads and random celebrities even care about the process, or what that religious system believes. One gets the impression they wish they could have some sort of influence but of course that's never going to be possible. We also talk about Catholic eschatology, and how to have meaningful conversations with Catholics who are most likely to be ferocious defenders of what they believe, for various reasons. Many of us have a great mission field with Catholicism and it's wise to armour up about what they believe and why - and the spiritual stronghold it is. A helpful - and hopeful - hour. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A
Sign up for the SWAJ Seminar: www.straightwhiteamericanjesus.com/seminars Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 800-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad discusses the ideas of French Jesuit priest John Daniélou, who argued that the Church is best when it builds and sustains Christendom - a Christian civilization where religion is ingrained in culture to reach the masses. He explores how these concepts explain the rise of what he terms 'Christian Trumpism'—a form of Christianity more about power and public display than individual commitment. Brad also touches on this goes against the grain of what most Protestants, especially evangelicals, are taught about a counterculture church filled with true believers - rather than a lukewarm cultural Christianity of indifferent pew-fillers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Patrick addresses Catholic school vaccination policies, overcoming spiritual hardships, and shares how callers trust in God during uncertainty. Patrick offers clarity through early Church writings, guidance on handling spiritual oppression, and practical advice about choosing the right educational resources, highlighting Kolbe Academy. Dan - I went through the same experience coming back to the Church. Reading about the Apostolic Fathers helped me. Protestants never look at the history of the Church. (01:31) Kate - My son is going to a Catholic school, and he is fully vaccinated. I am questioning some of the vaccinations that they are asking for. Is there anything that I can do to go around these requirements? (05:32) Laura - Can we be spiritually oppressed or attacked? (14:12) Rocio - I wanted to encourage Kate. I stumbled on Kolbe Academy because of Relevant Radio. (27:56) Susanne – My friend called and said she will be going to Switzerland for assisted suicide. What can I do? (32:48) Francisco (email) – What’s the name of that book? Answer: “The Spiritual Combat” by Lorenzo Scupoli (41:05) Robert - Is the relationship in the Trinity akin to being the vine and branches? (42:14) Nicholas - How do you understand Revelations 21:8.? What is a 2nd death? (44:41)
In this episode, Ronn & Mike welcome Dr. Matthew Bates back to the podcast to discuss his recently released book, Beyond the Salvation Wars. They discuss what the NT Greek word family of pistis indicates for how all peoples are to respond to the Gospel of King Jesus. They dive into the rifts between Protestants and Catholics, and the tensions amongst various different Protestant denominations and alliances regarding how we understand 'grace', 'faith', and 'works.' They conclude with their hope of the potential for greater Christian unity, not just amongst Protestants, but of the Western and Eastern arms of the Church and the way forward as we all grow in our understanding and appreciation of loyalty laid down before King Jesus.
Both Thomism and Calvinism talk about predestination—but they mean very different things. We break down the Catholic (Thomistic) view vs. the Calvinist model, focusing on grace, free will, and God’s sovereignty in salvation. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:17 – How can I rectify the evil caused by free will and the love of God? 22:42 – How did Protestants come up with the concept of the Rapture? How can I combat this? 32:52 – Can you explain the difference between Thomistic predestination and the Calvinist view? 50:07 – Why does the Bible use the translation “the Jews” instead of “Jewish Authority”?
Born at the end of the 30-Year's War, the worst bloodbath ever in Christian history, with Protestants and Catholics killing each other, involving most western European nations, Catholic mystic Madame Guyon (Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de La Motte Guyon 1648 -1717) devoted herself to a life of prayer amidst intense suffering. Ironic for her era, her mysticism crossed confessional lines and appealed to both Catholics and Protestants. If you would like to order a copy of Dr. Carlos Eire's new book, "They Flew: A History of the Impossible," you can order a copy HERE (Yale University Press) or HERE (Amazon).If you have any questions, you can email us at christianmysticismpodcast@gmail.com. Your question and the answer may appear in a future episode of the podcast.You can visit our podcast website HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with church historian, Dr. Alan Strange, and OT Professor, Dr. Andrew Compton, to explore the evolution of the papacy throughout church history. While this episode was being recorded (May 8, 2025), the College of Cardinals was meeting in conclave to elect a new Bishop of Rome. In the episode, the professors unpack the historical foundations of papal authority, from its contested early church origins to modern claims of papal supremacy. They examine how the office transformed from a regional bishopric to the powerful position we know today, discuss the theological foundations of the Reformation's challenge to papal authority, and reflect on why some modern Protestants still find themselves drawn to Rome. With historical insight and personal anecdotes—including Dr. Strange's encounter with future Pope Benedict XVI—this episode offers a thoughtful Reformed perspective on one of Christianity's most influential institutions while setting the stage for a future discussion on Pope Francis's controversial legacy.
Episode 130: Year C In today's episode, we focus on three details, one per reading for this upcoming 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C. The detail in the first reading, which is Acts 14:21-27, relates to the objection posed by some Protestants that there were no first century rank of bishops but merely elders/presbyters. The […]
Okay, put on your theological thinking caps, because in this podcast episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, you'll get a great answer to a BIG question: How do we know Jesus founded the Catholic Church and not some other Christian group? Patrick brings the receipts, the analogies, and yes… the flat earth references. The Question That Sparked It All A listener named Timothy emails Patrick this question: “Hey Patrick, aren’t you being a little harsh? You call out Protestants for coming down on Catholics, but then don’t you come down just as hard on non-Catholics? Aren’t both sides just passionate about what they believe?” Timothy’s tone is respectful. And Patrick loves it. He takes it seriously. He gives a full, no-punches-pulled response: rooted in reason, history, and good old-fashioned Catholic confidence. The Flat Earth Analogy Patrick compares Protestantism to… flat earth theory. Not because Protestants are dumb (he’s clear about that; they’re very sincere, smart, and well-meaning), but because: You can be sincere… and still be sincerely wrong. He argues that Protestant theology, like flat earth theory, is demonstrably false. It just doesn’t hold up when you look at Scripture, history, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. Just as science clearly disproves a flat earth, Church history disproves that Protestantism was ever the original Christianity. So, What Does the Bible Say? Patrick points out that Protestantism often relies on concepts like: Sola Scriptura ("Bible alone") Once Saved, Always Saved …which aren’t in the Bible... and in some cases are even contradicted by the Bible. He brings up passages like: 2 Thessalonians 2:15: Hold fast to the traditions, oral and written. 1 Corinthians 11: Keep the traditions as I delivered them. These support Catholic teachings about Scripture and Tradition. Patrick says that trusting only personal Bible interpretation turns the faith into a theological Rubik’s Cube: everyone has their own twist on it. That’s just not how Jesus set it up. Early Christians Weren’t Protestant, They Were... Catholic He brings up St. John Henry Newman, the Anglican scholar who tried to disprove Catholicism… and ended up converting because the evidence was so overwhelming. The early Church: Believed in the Real Presence in the Eucharist Celebrated the Mass as a sacrifice Had sacraments, priests, apostolic authority Baptized babies Defended Trinitarian doctrine against heresies And all this was happening centuries before the Reformation. Protestantism, Patrick argues, is a latecomer: a break from the historical Church, not a return to it. The Church is Noah’s Ark Patrick closes with a beautiful, personal touch: The Catholic Church is the Ark Jesus built to carry us through the flood of confusion, division, and error. He didn’t leave us a Rubik’s Cube Bible to figure out solo. He left us a Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. That’s why Patrick is confident, not just passionate. He's not trying to win arguments. He’s trying to show that there’s an unbroken, visible, historical Church founded by Christ, and it’s Catholic.
The death of Pope Francis and the election of a new pope -- Leo XIV -- were the circumstances for co-hosts, Korey Maas (Lutheran), Miles Smith (Anglican), and D. G. Hart (Presbyterian) to talk about relationships between Protestants and the papacy. The conversation ranged widely, from assessments of Francis, speculation about Leo, and general observations about Christianity's need for a sound pope. Keeping up with all of the articles about either Francis' legacy or Leo's prospects is impossible. But these were some of the articles the co-hosts consulted before being recorded.
Support us on Patreon---At the dawning of the modern era, Spain was the most Catholic country on the planet. Desite the turbulence of the Reconquista, the conquest of America, the invasion of Napoleon, and the loss of every New World colony from California to Cuba, the Roman Catholic Church remained the foundation of solid yet stultifying social order. As the people of the kingdom began to struggle against these ancient bonds, the unspeakable question was posed: could there be a Spain without the church? For generations of Spaniards, this matter was so grave that it was worth the blood of innocents, the destruction of priceless chapels and relics, and a civil war that would split Iberia, and the world, into the camps of secular Republicanism and merciless Nationalism.Longtime collaborator and Catholic correspondent James @gommunisd returns to Gladio Free Europe to explore the spiritual front of the Spanish Civil War, a complex and poignant conflict that in many ways prefigured the flames of despair that would consume nearly the entire planet in World War II. We begin with a look at the long history of anticlericalism in the Spanish Kingdom, as generations of Spaniards of all social classes rejected control of the church for various reasons and by various means. From the establishment of public schools rather than parish schools, to the violent destruction of monasteries and even killings of clergy, this had been a major part of Spanish history for a century before the Civil War. But as economic and intellectual transformations brought a semi-medieval Spanish society into the modern era, objections to this marriage of church and state became too loud to ignore. After the ruination of the Spanish American War and the despair of the Depression, the contest between a new Spain and an Old Spain boiled over an armed conflict that ended with over 200,000 innocents dead and the kingdom in the clutches of history's most successful fascist state.In the second half of the episode, James explores international religious reactions to the war in Spain. Although American Catholics were mostly Democrats within Franklin Roosevelt's progressive New Deal coalition, church institutions overwhelmingly supported the nationalist clique despite the US policy of neutrality. As evidence of right-wing atrocities mounted, the American Catholic community found itself torn apart in its own sort of civil war. Meanwhile in the United Kingdom, Catholics and Protestants alike took part in delegations to Spain, gathering vital information about the conflict as it was happening. The Spanish Civil War was a test of integrity to civil and religious institutions across the western world: When atrocities are committed in your name, do you speak up? Or do you shut your eyes as children are killed in the name of God and country?
In Galatians, Paul publicly rebukes Peter—but does that disprove papal authority? We unpack what really happened in Antioch and why the Church still holds Peter as the first pope, even amid correction and scandal. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:22 – Why do people object to the Pope's role in the Church? 06:40 – Isn't the papacy unbiblical and not meant to persist beyond Peter? 10:35 – Does the Bible ever say Peter was in Rome? 14:20 – What does “Babylon” mean in 1 Peter 5:13, and how is that connected to Rome? 17:15 – Didn't Paul co-found the Church in Rome with Peter? 20:05 – Paul rebuked Peter—doesn't that undermine papal authority? 25:18 – Was Peter's behavior in Antioch heretical or just scandalous? 30:40 – Doesn't Galatians 2 show Peter as just another apostle, not a leader? 34:25 – Why do Protestants say we don't need a Pope if Jesus tore the temple veil? 39:12 – Does Jesus as sole mediator mean there's no place for the Pope or priests? 43:50 – Why is Hebrews 10 crucial to properly understanding the torn temple veil? 47:00 – Is priesthood abolished in the New Testament? 50:10 – What does 1 Corinthians 10 tell us about sacrifice, the Eucharist, and priests? 54:45 – Why is there a structural Protestant objection to the papacy?
Summary: In this conversation, Michael interviews Dr. Chris Castaldo, pastor at New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois, about his book Why Do Protestants Convert?. Both men share their personal journeys from Roman Catholicism to Protestant Christianity. They delve into the emotional and theological challenges of converting, especially within deeply rooted Catholic families. The conversation centers around the reasons people convert—psychological, theological, and sociological—and discusses the influential figure John Henry Newman, a 19th-century Anglican-turned-Catholic who emphasized sacramentalism and church tradition over personal interpretation. Dr. Castaldo reflects on the problematic yet often romanticized notion that individual believers can interpret Scripture without broader historical or theological grounding. Michael and Chris examine how conversion decisions are often influenced by a longing for deeper liturgy, structure, or historical continuity—elements people feel are missing in certain evangelical contexts. They also critique the idea that the Catholic Church alone has interpretive authority over Scripture, arguing instead for the clarity and sufficiency of God's Word for all believers. With grace and candor, they discuss how to lovingly approach conversations with Catholic friends and family, encouraging a posture of understanding, truth, and patient dialogue. Takeaways: Conversion is emotionally complex. Balancing church authority and personal reading of Scripture is a core tension. The search for spiritual father figures often drives people toward structured traditions. The Christian life, especially amid change, must be anchored in grace. Cultural shifts drive spiritual searching. Rituals like the Lord's Supper require reverent understanding, not routine. LINKS MENTIONED: Why Do Protestants Convert? By Dr. Chris Castaldo and Brad Littlejohn The Davenant Institute Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel. For more inContext interviews, click here.
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.Vos estis sal terrae. Quod si sal evanuerit, in quo salietur? ad nihilum valet ultra, nisi ut mittatur foras, et conculcetur ab hominibus. 14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.Vos estis lux mundi. Non potest civitas abscondi supra montem posita, 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.neque accedunt lucernam, et ponunt eam sub modio, sed super candelabrum, ut luceat omnibus qui in domo sunt. 16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus : ut videant opera vestra bona, et glorificent Patrem vestrum, qui in caelis est. 17 Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.Nolite putare quoniam veni solvere legem, aut prophetas : non veni solvere, sed adimplere. 18 For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.Amen quippe dico vobis, donec transeat caelum et terra, jota unum aut unus apex non praeteribit a lege, donec omnia fiant. 19 He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.Qui ergo solverit unum de mandatis istis minimis, et docuerit sic homines, minimus vocabitur in regno caelorum : qui autem fecerit et docuerit, hic magnus vocabitur in regno caelorum.St Robert was famous throughout Europe as a theologian, and as a strenuous defender of the faith in controversy with the Protestants. He joined the Society of Jesus. and was later made Cardinal and Archbishop of Capua. His numerous writings include works of devotion and instruction, as well as of controversy. He died A.D. 1621, and was canonised and declared Doctor of the Church in 1931.
It is 1700 years since the council of Nicaea and the publication of the Nicene Creed - but what are we to make of it?It was the twentieth of May in the year 325 that the Council of Nicaea first met. Pope Francis said ‘The Nicene Creed is a powerful sign of unity among Christians.'The 17 hundredth anniversary of the Council of Nicaea - is being used - by the Roman Catholic Church to push the idea that ‘All Christians are Nicene Christians.'However the difficulty is that while we say the same words, Roman Catholics and Protestants mean vastly different things, and any unity is a fake unity at best. Leonardo de Chirico is pastor of the Church Breccia di Roma and director of the Reformanda Initiative.Rachel Ciano lectures in Christianity and History at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. She is a faculty member at the Rome scholars and leaders network, hosted by The Reformanda Initiative.The book ‘The Nicene Creed' is available from Matthias Media.Anglican AidAnglican Aid - To find out more about how to support Anglican Aid.ChurchSuiteCheck out ChurchSuite at Reach Australia or at the Melbourne taster day. The Church Cohttp://www.thechurchco.com is a website and app platform built specifically for churches. Dominic Steele's preaching at Village Subscribe to Dominic Steele's weekly sermons from the Village Church website. Support the show--Become a regular financial supporter of The Pastor's Heart via Patreon.
How the Bible Was Formed E1 — If you've ever compared a Protestant Bible to a Catholic Bible, you may notice some additional books in the Catholic Bible, such as Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, etc. These books, called the Deuterocanon by Catholics and the Apocrypha by Protestants, are Jewish Literature from the period after the Babylonian exile but before the time of Jesus. The Jewish people were back in the land, being ruled by Syria and other empires descended from Alexander the Great. As they read the Hebrew Bible, they created many new literary works, reflecting on stories in Scripture and what was happening in their own day. So how do we understand the status and value of these books when compared to the Hebrew Bible and New Testament? In this episode, Jon and Tim explore the background, history, and content of this Second-Temple Jewish literature.CHAPTERSMultiple Bibles on the Shelf (00:00-21:10)History of the Protestant Apocrypha (21:10-34:35)How Jesus and the Apostles Engaged With These Books (34:35-43:05)Why We're Talking About the Deuterocanon/Apocrypha (43:05-57:36)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Old Testament Pseudepigrapha by James H. CharlesworthOld Testament Pseudepigrapha: More Noncanonical Scriptures, edited by Richard Bauckham, James Davila, Alex PanayotovYou can view annotations for this episode—plus our entire library of videos, podcasts, articles, and classes—in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Pure Joy ft. John Lee” by Lofi Sunday“Chillbop ft. Me & The Boys” by Lofi Sunday“Answered Prayers ft. PAINT WITH SOUND” by Lofi SundayBibleProject theme song by TENTSSHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who edited today's episode and also provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Is the Catholic Pope a big issue or not? Is his role just a matter of opinion, or are there serious theological issues involved here? Where is the Pope found in the Bible? Who is the Rock upon which the church is built?Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's MessageMatthew 16:13-20If you've not read my book, Takin' it to Their Turf. request a copy on my website, www.CampusAmerica.com.You'll be inspired, encouraged, and learn plenty about evangelism and spiritual warfare through the 70+ stories I share of my campus evangelism experiences.We send a copy to anyone who donates to our ministry, but if you can't do so, simply request a copy by sending us an email. Who do you know that needs to hear today's message? Go ahead and forward this to them, along with a prayer that God will use it in their life.To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher To support Tom Short Campus Ministries, click herehttps://www.tomthepreacher.com/support************ Do you want to have all your sins forgiven and know God personally? *********Check out my video "The Bridge Diagram" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0Kjwrlind8&t=1sCheck out my website, www.TomthePreacher.com, to learn more about my ministry and sign up for my daily email. And make sure to request a copy of my book, Takin' it to Their Turf, when you visit my website.Check out my videos on this channel to learn how to answer tough questions challenging our faith.
Patrick updates listeners on the ongoing papal conclave, sharing what’s happening behind the scenes as the Church seeks its next leader. He highlights the unique global impact of the conclave, explains key challenges facing Church leadership, and draws lessons entrepreneurs can take from the Church’s ability to adapt in changing times. Stay tuned for more insights and real-time coverage as history unfolds. Update on the Conclave – What are the chances the next pope will be from the United States? (01:27) Richard - How come Protestants can't see that Peter was the leader of the early Church? (11:22) Amelia - Is leaking info outside of the Conclave allowed? (20:10) Patrick shares The Final Confrontation, a talk from Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, who would one day become Pope John Paul II (36:30) Rebecca – Will the new Pope inherit a deal with communist China? How can this work? (41:31) Vince - What is SSPX? What do they stand for? (47:58)
The conclave has begun. Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in St. Peter's Square, waiting for white smoke to emerge from the small chimney above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the beginning of a new pontificate and a new era for the Roman Catholic Church. Should Protestants be concerned? Should we pray for the next Pope? Here's The Point.
In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer sits down with church historian, Dr. Alan Strange, and OT Professor, Dr. Andrew Compton, to explore the evolution of the papacy throughout church history. While this episode was being recorded (May 8, 2025), the College of Cardinals was meeting in conclave to elect a new Bishop of Rome. In the episode, the professors unpack the historical foundations of papal authority, from its contested early church origins to modern claims of papal supremacy. They examine how the office transformed from a regional bishopric to the powerful position we know today, discuss the theological foundations of the Reformation's challenge to papal authority, and reflect on why some modern Protestants still find themselves drawn to Rome. With historical insight and personal anecdotes—including Dr. Strange's encounter with future Pope Benedict XVI—this episode offers a thoughtful Reformed perspective on one of Christianity's most influential institutions while setting the stage for a future discussion on Pope Francis's controversial legacy.
In this episode, host Jared Luttjeboer continues the series on the papacy with Drs. Alan Strange and Andrew Compton. As news breaks of a new Pope's election, the professors look closely into Rome's promise of certainty—examining why this intellectual security draws some Protestants to Catholicism, while revealing how these claims ultimately unravel under scrutiny. Against this backdrop, they candidly evaluate Pope Francis's controversial legacy, exploring how his unpredictable leadership and statements often undermined the very certainty that seekers were pursuing. The conversation thoughtfully balances critique with genuine hope, asking what meaningful reform within Rome might look like and how Protestants should respond to papal succession.
Dr. John Bergsma is a Full Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Steubenville, Ohio. He served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He specializes in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, graduating with high honors in 2004. Dr. Bergsma's links: stpaulcenter.co/ICSB stpaulcenter.co/jubilee @stpaulcenter @emmausroadpublishing @john.s.bergsma stpaulcenter.co/jubileecompanion
In this episode Trent responds to feedback from his previous episode about the decline of Catholicism in America and how Catholics should revitalize the Church. https://www.youtube.com/@CameronRiecker Confusion In the Kingdom https://shop.catholic.com/confusion-in-the-kingdom/ Made This Way: How to Prepare Kids to Face Today's Tough Moral Issues https://shop.catholic.com/made-this-way-how-to-prepare-kids-to-face-todays-tough-moral-issues/
In this episode of The Cordial Catholic, I'm joined by my friend Brian Jacobson, a former Protestant pastor and a convert to the Catholic faith, to unpack his incredible story and the reasons why he absolutely fell in love with the Catholic faith. From the initial realization – at an ecumenical Bible study – that him and his fellow Protestants couldn't agree on the "essentials" of the faith, Brian's journey into looking for the source and authority of Scriptural interpretation takes a number of wild twists and turns before arriving in the arms of the ancient Catholic faith. It's an amazing story and Brian is not only a passionate storyteller but a good one, at that! You can tell he spent years preaching. I truly hope you love this episode!Send your feedback to cordialcatholic@gmail.com. Sign up for our newsletter for my reflections on episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive contests.To watch this and other episodes please visit (and subscribe to!) our YouTube channel.Please consider financially supporting this show! For more information visit the Patreon page. All patrons receive access to exclusive content and if you can give $5/mo or more you'll also be entered into monthly draws for fantastic books hand-picked by me.If you'd like to give a one-time donation to The Cordial Catholic, you can visit the PayPal page.Thank you to those already supporting the show!Theme Music: "Splendor (Intro)" by Former Ruins. Learn more at formerruins.com or listen on Spotify, Apple Music,A very special thanks to our Patreon co-producers who make this show possible: Amanda, Elli and Tom, Fr. Larry, Gina, Heather, James, Jorg, Michelle, Noah, Robert, Shelby, Susanne and Victor, and William.Support the showFind and follow The Cordial Catholic on social media:Instagram: @cordialcatholicTwitter: @cordialcatholicYouTube: /thecordialcatholicFacebook: The Cordial CatholicTikTok: @cordialcatholic
Growing In God Podcast Web Description: On the death of Pope Francis, we must do more than reflect on his legacy. We must be in intercession for the selection of the new Pope because this will impact how the entire Body of Christ moves forward. Let us pray by the Spirit to create the Pope who will not only continue what Pope Francis started, but will break new ground in our oneness, our functioning by the Spirit, and our connection with the Jewish people. Show Notes: As the Catholic Church remembers Pope Francis, we also remember our connection with him and with Catholics going back to World Youth Day in 2013. Pope Francis was a groundbreaking Pope in many ways. As we saw at World Youth Day, he had an ability to relate to young people and draw them back to the Church. In fact he drew in many believers and truly revitalized the Catholic Church. He was also baptized in the Holy Spirit, prayed in tongues, and promoted the spirit-filled Catholic movement. In addition he had faith for the joining together of Catholics and Protestants. Of course there are biblical and political positions that Pope Francis embraced that we take issue with. This does not mean however we should break oneness with Catholics or stop praying for them. Catholics make up a little more than fifty per cent of all Christians. Therefore who the Pope is and what he stands for is important for all Christians. The conclave for the selection of the next Pope is coming up, and we must pray that the new Pope continues the progress made under Francis. Unfortunately many Protestants do not even consider Catholics to be Christians and exclude them from the Body of Christ. This belief is not only incorrect, but it also plays into the hands of satan, who by dividing Protestants and Catholics effectively splits the Body of Christ down the middle. Our oneness is our power in the world of spirit and satan would like nothing more than to reverse the oneness we have attained. That is why it is crucial to pray for the upcoming conclave and the selection of a new Pope. Please reject satan's lies and pray to create the Pope who will be the voice for oneness, for functioning in the Holy Spirit, and for God's unbreakable covenant with the Jews and the land of Israel. Key Verses: • Matthew 5:14. “You are the light of the world.” • Philippians 2:13. “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” • Matthew 22:36–40. “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD … WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” • Luke 10:26–27. “YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD … WITH ALL YOUR MIND.” Quotes: • “What he did in many ways was groundbreaking. And I know that there are people who criticize some of the ground that he broke. He was a little too liberal and got out of being biblically sound. But I feel like what is important to me are all the things he did that were so positive.” • “When you're developing oneness, you're not afraid to bring up problems. But you keep the oneness moving because at some point I believe the Holy Spirit is like a river and things are purified as they move.” • “We as Christians need to be able to move in our intercession to see change come in the world. We are the light of the world and we need to be on top of our game as the Body of Christ right now.” Takeaways: 1. Our involvement in 2013 with the World Youth Day in Brazil was our introduction to a relationship with Pope Francis as well as with the Catholic Church. This has been a deep relationship with many Catholics that continues to this day. We joined with Pope Francis in his heart to see the joining together of Catholics and Protestants. We continue to have faith for and work with believers to expand this oneness in the Body of Christ. 2. The deep division in Christianity between Protestants and Catholics is something very destructive to the oneness we need as the Body of Christ. Our oneness is what makes our intercession effective in changing the world. We must see this division come to an end. 3. Protestants need to come to grips with the fact that the selection of a new Pope will greatly impact the faith of the Body of Christ moving forward. Instead of focusing on doctrinal issues, we need to see the will of God and the Kingdom of God brought to bear in what is taking place in Rome. Do not think that satan will not be fighting with everything within him to prevent the will of God from happening. 4. Let your prayers turn loose the creative power of God within you. He is in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Therefore do not just pray for God to do something. In your meditation move by the Spirit to create the new Pope by your prayers.
Not that long ago many church-going Americans saw Russia as a godless place, an “evil empire” in the words of Ronald Reagan. But in President Trump's second term, US-Russia relations have been turned on their head. The White House sided with the Kremlin at the United Nations, voting against a resolution to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.This seismic shift is also being felt in parishes across America. Increasing numbers of US Catholics and Protestants are embracing Eastern Orthodoxy. Many converts disillusioned by the showbiz elements in many megachurches, say they are drawn to a faith with enduring traditions. Some, uneasy with social and demographic change, believe the churches they were raised in have lost their authority by going “woke” – shorthand for supporting equal marriage, female clergy, pro-choice, Black Lives Matter and other liberal issues.Some converts have hundreds of thousands of followers online, and push Kremlin narratives that Russia is the world's last bastion of true Christianity - a few of the most radical have even emigrated there. Lucy Ash has been to Texas – one of the most religious states in the US – to meet some new converts.
Text us your questions!Pope Francis, a man who inspired even many Protestants and non-Christians with his refreshingly prophetic voice, has died. The process to select his successor is ongoing as we release this. To help us understand what's happening, as well as its historical significance, we're talking with our friend and returning guest Shaun Blanchard, a Catholic theologian and theological historian. He helps us understand the significance of Francis's papacy and what might come next.As the first Latin American pope, first Jesuit pope, and first non-European pope since the 8th century, Francis broke numerous precedents while embodying what Shaun calls "the first truly post-Vatican II pope." While his predecessors were formed before Vatican II, Francis's entire priestly ministry took place afterward, fundamentally shaping his perspective on church reform.We explore how Francis's pastoral approach differed from Benedict XVI's more theological orientation and how his willingness to "make a mess" by reopening debates on issues like divorce, remarriage, and same-sex blessings represented a sea change in ecclesiastical culture. Francis challenged assumptions across the political and theological spectrum, championing environmental protection and migrant rights while maintaining core Catholic teachings.The conversation turns to the ongoing conclave, where approximately 80% of voting cardinals were appointed by Francis himself. Shaun offers insights into potential candidates including Pietro Parolin, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and several Asian cardinals, discussing how geopolitical realities might influence the selection process. We also discuss the film "Conclave" and its portrayal of Vatican politics, including how realistic or sensational it was (spoiler warning!).Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, or simply curious about global religious leadership, this conversation illuminates a crucial moment of transition for the world's largest Christian denomination and invites reflection on what spiritual leadership means in our complex global environment.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Follow us on social media at @PPWBPodcast Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!
Not that long ago many church-going Americans saw Russia as a godless place, an “evil empire” in the words of Ronald Reagan. But in President Trump's second term, US-Russia relations have been turned on their head. The White House sided with the Kremlin at the United Nations, voting against a resolution to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.This seismic shift is also being felt in parishes across America. Increasing numbers of US Catholics and Protestants are embracing Eastern Orthodoxy. Many converts disillusioned by the showbiz elements in many megachurches, say they are drawn to a faith with enduring traditions. Some, uneasy with social and demographic change, believe the churches they were raised in have lost their authority by going “woke” – shorthand for supporting equal marriage, female clergy, pro-choice, Black Lives Matter and other liberal issues.Some converts have hundreds of thousands of followers online, and push Kremlin narratives that Russia is the world's last bastion of true Christianity - a few of the most radical have even emigrated there. Lucy Ash has been to Texas – one of the most religious states in the US – to meet some new converts. Presenter: Lucy Ash Producer: Linda Pressly Sound mix: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy
In this episode, Greg and Nathan sit down to reflect on the recent death of Pope Francis, unpacking both the personal and global impact of his passing. They share what they admired about him—his leadership moments, pastoral heart, and influence on the world stage—while also engaging candidly with aspects of his papacy they found more troubling. From doctrinal differences to broader theological themes, the hosts explore where they think Protestants can align with Catholic teaching and where they diverge, offering a thoughtful and honest conversation about legacy, faith, and the complexity of spiritual leadership.
While Catholicism and Orthodoxy share deep roots, key differences remain—especially on authority. We explore one of the most compelling arguments against Orthodoxy and also touch on Catholic miracles, lost apostolic letters, and starting fruitful Bible studies with Protestants. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:13 – Why should we read the apocryphal books? 06:53 – Why does Genesis specify the building material in the building of the tower of babel? 11:49 – Suppose the letter of Paul to the Athenians is found, would it be considered scripture? 18:57 – Why does it seem like there’s not a lot of evidence for Catholic miracles? 28:56 – What is the best argument against Orthodoxy? 35:08 – I'm starting a bible study with protestants. What can I do for them to be open to it? 42:47 – I'm reverting to Catholicism. My in-laws are very anti-Catholic. How should I approach them? Could you expand on your comments on Matt Fradd's show about intelligent life on other planets and how Christ' sacrifice would apply to them? 52:31 – What are your thoughts on the AI Confessional in Europe?
Today Joe explains how so many different Protestants give so many different answers about who was the first Pope. Most of them will REFUSE to say that it’s Peter, but if Joe can show that all their answers are wrong….who else is left? Transcript: Joe: Welcome back to Shameless Popery. I’m Joe Heschmeyer and one of the things that’s happened with the death of Pope Francis in this move towards conclave, which begins May 7th, I’ll talk about that more when we get there as we await the election of a new Pope. People who may not normally ask questions about Catholicism...
You've most likely been told that Thomas Aquinas is off limits, a theologian who will corrupt Protestants and turn them into Roman Catholics. And yet, Protestant history tells a different… Download Audio
It's Thursday, May 1st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Police attacked Christians in India The All India Christian Council called out officials in Odisha State, India last week for violence against Christians. The council found that police assaulted tribal Christians, attacking women, children, and priests back in March. International Christian Concern reported a particularly disturbing event. “A 62-year-old woman who had buried her husband just hours earlier was also allegedly beaten up, along with her 17-year-old daughter, while they were in mourning.” The council noted that officials did not take any formal action against the violent police personnel. Proverbs 11:20-21 says, “Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are His delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.” 47 percent of Germans are religiously unaffiliated A new study found that people who identify with no religion outnumbered Protestants and Catholics in Germany for the first time last year. These religiously unaffiliated make up a shocking 47 percent of the country's population. Catholics represent 24 percent of the population, and Protestants represent 21 percent. Together, Catholics and Protestants lost over one million members last year in Germany. Meanwhile, the number of Muslims in the country increased by 80,000 last year. Supreme Court could allow publicly-funded religious charter school In the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday in a case that could lead to the nation's first publicly-funded religious charter school. Oklahoma's charter school board approved funding for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. However, the state's attorney general is challenging the decision. Conservative justices on the high court appeared supportive of the religious charter school. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters told CBN News what the case is all about. WALTERS: “It's about the freedom to express your religious beliefs without being penalized by the government. And it's about school choice and making sure that parents actually have that power over their kids' education. Avinger, Texas is 74th Sanctuary City for the Unborn Avinger, Texas is the 74th city in the country to become a Sanctuary City for the Unborn. The city council passed the measure in a 3-1 vote on Monday. Avinger resident and former State Representative David Simpson said, “Avinger is blessed to join cities and counties across Texas who are going as far as they can to address the tragedy of abortion, specifically abortion trafficking and the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs.” U.S. economy shrank in first quarter The U.S. economy shrank during the first quarter of this year. The Gross Domestic Product fell 0.3 percent compared to last year. This was the biggest decline since 2022. Economic growth slowed as businesses tried to stock up on imports ahead of President Donald Trump's tariffs. And federal government spending was down 5.1 percent this year. Membership drops again among Southern Baptists Membership declined in the Southern Baptist Convention for the 18th consecutive year in 2024. The U.S. denomination grew from about seven million members in the 1950s to a peak of over 16 million in the mid-2000s. Since then, it has declined to 12.7 million members last year. However, the Southern Baptist Convention baptized 250,000 people last year, a 10 percent jump from 2023. Kevin Ezell, the president of the North American Mission Board said, “We celebrate every baptism and every new life in Christ. It's encouraging to see these numbers continue to move upward.” Capitol Hill's Bible Reading Marathon And finally, Christians gathered on Capitol Hill to read the entire Bible aloud. The Bible Reading Marathon started Saturday and finished yesterday. For 90 continuous hours, Christians read from Genesis to Revelation in Washington, D.C. Keith Davidson led the event. He told The Christian Post, “Our goal is to bring attention back to our legislators, of course, and to get the attention back on the word of God. And then for [legislators] to remember that's where our nation's foundation is at, and also, for people who are reading, to let them publicly express their faith.” In an interview on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, Mike Herbster, Director of Southland Christian Ministries, talked about the power of reading the Bible aloud in the capital of Louisiana, like they did on Capitol Hill. HERBSTER: “We know that the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. [Hebrews 4:12] We know that obviously, as the word of God goes forth, the Bible says it will not return void. [Isaiah 55:11] So, even in the public declaration of it out loud to our state, even though not everybody will hear all of it, we know that some will hear some of it.” Deuteronomy 31:10-11 says, “And Moses commanded them, saying: ‘At the end of every seven years … when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God … you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, May 1st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
In this episode Trent responds to common Protestant attempts to explain away St. James's teaching on justification being NOT by faith alone How to Be Christian on James 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBw_KCThTUo
When talking to Muslim friends or curious skeptics, it’s crucial to know where Scripture reveals Christ’s divinity. We walk through key verses that affirm Jesus is truly God, and also explore topics like Communion for Protestants, the identity of angels, and baptism for foster children. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:04 – What are your thoughts on the growing trend that converts are not even real Catholics? 13:18 – I'm newly married and my wife is pregnant. I'm feeling very uneasy. What advice do you have to look forward to it? 23:02 – How did you first learn about Abraham’s faith? 28:30 – My Muslim friend wants to know where in the bible does it say that Jesus is God? 34:44 – Nowhere in scripture to hear angels referred to as females. They are always male. Do we hear anywhere where a female angel appears? 37:15 – I'm a new convert. Why can't my protestant mom receive communion if she truly believes in the real presence? 43:12 – Was John the Baptist Elijah? 46:03 – What book do you recommend for homeschooling my son? What can I do to strengthen my marriage? 50:30 – I have a 2-year-old foster son. Is there any reason why I should not baptize him?
Patrick answers some of life’s toughest questions; faith, truth, and the decisions each person faces. He explores how Catholic teaching connects to personal struggles, relationships, and doubts that can arise in families. Patrick shares why seeking truth matters, highlights the strength found in community, and talks about how to respond when loved ones move in different directions. For anyone handling challenging conversations about faith or looking for encouragement and clarity, Patrick’s insights offer practical wisdom and perspective. He encourages everyone to keep asking questions and let purpose guide their journey. Kevin (email) - When my sister passed from cancer, my nephew took it very hard and slapped into drugs. He thought running to Mexico would be a good option. He grew up 30 minutes from Saint Augustine, so I’m praying he will get directed to “Hope Reborn”. (00:39) Jose (12-years-old) – Was Jesus fully human? (02:17) Anthony - My son is falling away from the faith because of a girl. What should I do? (05:24) Alfredo - Why when the priests incense the alter do they take the lectionary book off the alter and then bring it back? (13:52) Vince - When Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, what did it mean that sins could be retained? (20:33) Daniel - How does Patrick know that salvation exists only in the Catholic Church? (22:59) Sheila (email) - Can you expand on John 20:20, when a fallen away Catholic says that was for all people, not just the Apostles? (27:09) Amy (email) - A man called in about his father who has dementia, and you discussed confession options, the sacrament of anointing of the sick, and a 3rd option (if someone were to die alone, but had prayed during their lifetime, they would be saved). Does this 3rd option apply to Protestants? (30:12) Vince - Where are the words hell and purgatory in the Bible? (36:56) Danny - I don't agree with Patrick about Catholic salvation. (40:57) Mary - Are good works burnt up in heaven? If so, why bother writing an obituary? (49:51)
Catholic history includes dark moments—how do we honestly and faithfully explain them? We tackle common challenges like the Middle Ages, Old Testament violence, the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, and how Catholics approach people influenced by LGBT ideology. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 10:41 – How do I explain the atrocities in the Middle Ages to my protestant friend? 19:19 – Can we ask Pope Francis to pray for us even though he hasn’t been canonized? 28:58 – How do we rectify the pro-life position with the Old Testament passages where God called his people to kill babies? 41:35 – How do we respond to certain accusations of the reformation like the St. Bartholomew massacre? 47:00 – Where were the souls before paradise? 50:44 – How should we approach people who fall under LGBT ideology?
Questions answered this episode:I work for a small Christian university... how can I prepare to teach Theology of the Body to a Protestant audience when JP2's writings feel dense and I'm limited in time and resources?After discovering my husband's hidden struggles with pornography and masturbation, how can I walk with him toward a true relationship with Christ while dealing with my own feelings of betrayal?I'm about to get married and just found out I'll have my period on my honeymoon. Is it OK for Catholic couples to have sex during menstruation?ResourcesCOURSE SCHEDULEOur Bodies Tells God's Story BookJohn Paul II's Letter to ArtistsGod Is Beauty Book---Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II's beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.---
Can Catholics believe in both a historical Adam and Eve and modern evolutionary theory? We explore how Church teaching reconciles faith and science, along with insights on Jesus' divinity in the Gospels, the death of a pope, and Catholic relations with Protestants and Orthodox Christians. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Questions Covered: 04:24 – Why in the debate with Bart Ehrmann, he had a disagreement about Jesus saying He was divine in the synoptic gospels? Why? 18:11 – I heard a claim that the Church wanted Luther dead, is this true? 24:11 – How should we treat the death of the Pope? Can we say he is already in heaven? 31:13 – How can the historical Adam and Eve fit in with modern evolutionary science? 44:24 – Was Jesus born in a cave or a house? 47:03 – Can I go to a Protestant service, if I still go to Mass? 49:18 – I heard there is a reentering of communion between Rome and Anglicans. Will this be on hold with the passing of Pope Francis? 52:16 – Can you explain the Orthodox claim that the church was originally beyond just Rome because Peter founded a church in Antioch?