In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File “If the Pope Thinks that Rome is a ‘Mission Field.’” As the title indicates, recently Pope Francis described the city of Rome - which is of course the home of Roman Catholicism and the Vatican - as a mission field. We discuss this claim and its implications from an evangelical perspecti…

In this episode we discuss the recent announcement from the Roman Catholic Church that allows for the blessing of same-sex couples, while not officially changing its stance on same-sex unions. What does it mean and what are its implications? Join us as we discuss these important questions. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/p…

In this episode we discuss a very practical and important question: Should Evangelicals pray with Roman Catholics?Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

You cannot talk about Roman Catholicism today without also talking about synodality. The Synodal Church is the new hermeneutic for understanding and engaging Roman Catholicism. To say it is essential is an understatement. But what is it? In this episode, we answer that question.Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

In this episode Leonardo and Reid respond to some of the questions our listeners have sent us.Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr

At the invitation of the Church Missionary Society (Australia), Dr. Leonardo De Chirico just finished speaking at CMS Summer School in Brisbane, Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne and Adelaide (5th Jan – 21stJan). More than 4000 people listened to one of the lectures or seminars on Roman Catholicism on “Is the Reformation Over?”, “Communicating the Gospel…

In this episode we discuss the life, theology, and legacy of the late Joseph Ratzinger (1927-2022) from an Evangelical perspective. Ratzinger is better known as Pope Benedict XVI who followed Pope John Paul II and preceded Pope Francis. How should he be understood by evangelicals and the evangelical church?…

Does modern day Roman Catholicism teach that you can be saved apart from faith in Christ? Yes it does, and in this episode we discuss a recent Advent sermon given by the prominent Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa in the presence of Pope Francis and many members of the Roman Catholic Magisterium that plainly affirms just this. Don't miss it. Episode Re…

The Tridentine paradigm has withstood the challenge of the Protestant Reformation and more. With the same paradigm, Rome also faced a second push coming from the modern world: that of the Enlightenment (on the cultural side) and the French Revolution (on the political side) between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. But has the Tridentine par…

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing fascination with Thomas Aquinas and Thomism by evangelical theologians, especially coming from the North American context. Like Pope Francis they cry out, "Go to Thomas!". In a recent address, Francis indicated not only the need to study Thomas, but also to “contemplate” the Master before approaching his…

If one wants to come to terms with Roman Catholic theology, sooner than later one needs to address the “nature-grace interdependence.” Roman Catholicism is pervaded by an attitude that is confident in the capacity of nature and matter to objectify grace (the bread that becomes Christ’s body, the wine that becomes Christ’s blood, the water of baptis…

In this episode we discuss Robert Bellarmine, a lesser known figure of historic Roman Catholicism who was a crucial figure in the Roman Catholic response to the Reformation. His is a name that should be known, and in this episode we make a case for why that is.Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

In this episode we talk with pastor Robbie Bellis (RSLN contributor and European church planter) about the Roman Catholic position regarding the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement. What does Roman Catholicism teach about the atonement and about redemption accomplished and applied? Do evangelicals agree? Why is this important? Robbie Bellis…

In this episode we discuss Leonardo's latest Vatican File that presents a historical trajectory of the nature/grace interdependence, which represents one of the pillars of the Roman Catholic theological system. In our discussion we also briefly recap the nature/grace interdependence. Episode Resource Vatican File 201: “Gratia Supponit Naturam”? A H…

Listen as we discuss Leonardo's latest Vatican File, n.200, in which he defines "liquid" Roman Catholicism and explains why some Roman Catholics, like George Weigel, are concerned about it. Weigel and other Roman Catholic traditionalists dream of a return to a more “Roman” Catholicism: but have they not yet understood that their religion is also in…

What happens when the wrong words are said during your baptism? Does it have consequences on your salvation, your participation in the church, your marriage? If you are a Roman Catholic the answer is... It depends! Listen to part 2 of this episode where we discuss the theological implications of the 2022 baptism recall notice, where the diocese of …

The diocese of Phoenix, Arizona recently declared the thousands of baptisms performed by “Father Andres” over the last 20 years to be invalid. Listen as we visit with church planter Jordan Standridge to discuss his article on this matter, "When you lose your salvation based on a technicality". (https://thecripplegate.com/when-you-lose-your-salvatio…

Listen as we discuss the latest Vatican File, "198. The (Not So) Puzzling Theology of Pope Francis". Among the many puzzling things introduced by Pope Francis, his teaching (magisterium) is perhaps the level that was most impacted by the Argentinian Pontiff. The contents of his encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, bulls, speeches, occasional interv…

In this episode we answer the question: What is the essence of Roman Catholicism? In his new book Same Words, Different Worlds, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico describes how the post-Vatican II Roman Catholic Church would answer that question as being its "sacramentality". Listen to learn more.Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

In this episode we discuss the recent presidential address at the Evangelical Theological Society by Dr. Al Mohler of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in which he discussed four temptations for the Evangelical church, one of which is the Roman Catholic Church. We also discuss Leonardo's upcoming Vatican File that highlights Dr. Mohler's s…

In this episode we discuss Pope Francis's recent endorsement of the new ecumenical theme park in Argentina that promotes interreligious fraternity and considers the world's main religious as equally valid pathways to encountering the divine. We also discuss the theological implications of the Pope's enthusiastic endorsement.…

In this episode we discuss the Anglican turned Catholic, John Henry Newman, who rose to the rank of cardinal and was canonised as a saint on 13 October 2019. Listen as we explore why Newman is one of the most important and influential figures in modern-day Roman Catholicism.Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

Anglican bishop Michael Nazir-Ali recently announced his conversion to Roman Catholicism. What are the reasons behind his conversion? What questions does it raise for evangelicals? Listen as we discuss Leonardo's latest Vatican File #195 in which he responds to this latest evangelical's crossing of the Tiber.…

In this episode Dr. Gregg Allison of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary joins us to discuss his latest book 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism. Dr. Allison is a long time friend and contributor to the Reformanda Initiative.Gregg Allison, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

In this episode we discuss an important question: Should Evangelicals and Roman Catholics pray together? Yes? No? Or maybe, but it depends? Join us as we dive into this controversial topic.Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

Listen as we kick off season 3 of the RI Podcast by discussing Leonardo De Chirico's upcoming book, Same Words, Different Worlds. Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel? (IVP Apollos, 2021). Do Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics share a common orthodoxy, as promoted by initiatives such as Evangelicals and Catholics Tog…

Listen as we talk with RSLN faculty member, Rachel Ciano, about the significance and importance of Augustine of Hippo. Why should evangelicals know and study the works of Augustine, and how should they approach the man who is claimed by both Roman Catholics and Protestants? About Rachel Ciano: Rachel moved to England in 2005, where she and her husb…

In this episode ex-Catholic Mark Gilbert shares his personal testimony, and also about how is personal experience has taught him to effectively share the gospel with his Roman Catholic friends and family members. Mark Gilbert works for Certainty4Eternity, an organisation established to help churches share the gospel with people from a Roman Catholi…

In this episode Lauren Moore joins us to discuss Marian apparitions, what they are, why they are important, how they impact Roman Catholicism, and how they should be viewed and understood from an Evangelical perspective. Lauren Moore has been serving with Pioneers in southwest France for almost 12 years. During that time she has been involved in fo…

Listen to a conversation with Pastor Mickey Aquilino (Parkside Church - Alistair Begg). Mickey grew up Roman Catholic but didn't know Christ. After coming to faith through a renewal movement and reading God's Word, Mickey eventually left the Catholic church. He was led by God to Parkside Church where for 25 years he has helped teach the Bible and d…

In this episode we discuss the alarming theological implications of Pope Francis's recent trip to Iraq, where he pleaded for peace and fraternity, grounding his appeal in our common heritage found in Abraham. Episode Resource: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2021/3/6/iraq-incontro-interrelig…

In this episode we talk with Amanda Scopilliti, a former nun who began her journey with the Dominican Order, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Listen to Amanda share about her journey from seeking Christ in the Roman Catholic Church, to ending up in hopeless bondage of religious function, to the day when God opened her eyes to…

In this episode we discuss Dr. De Chirico's next Vatican File, #185, which will provide an evangelical analysis of the late Pope John Paul II's important encyclical letter, Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) and help evangelicals better understand how to think through the relationship between faith and reason. Episode Resources Papale Encyclical Fid…

In this episode we provide a brief overview of the papacy from an evangelical perspective. Episode notes: Book/Kindle/Audible: A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy: Its origin and role in the 21st century (Pocket Guides) by Leonardo DechiricoLeonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

In this episode we respond to our listener's questions, which concern the RCC's relationship to Latin language, both today and in the past. We also briefly discuss Epiphany, and respond to a listener's comments on Mary and Marian typology. We also respond to several questions about indulgences: What is the difference between indulgences and penance…

In this episode we discuss the year of St. Joseph, recently declared by Pope Francis in his letter Patris Corde. The Pope's declaration comes on the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX's declaration of Joseph as a Patron Saint of the Church (December 8th, 1870). We also discuss the special plenary indulgences decreed by the Catholic Church during thi…

In this episode we examine the major theological pitfalls of Mariology in the Roman Catholic Church. Note: Please excuse the recording irregularities, we were in separate locations and had to record the episode on Zoom. Episode Resources: "Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary", Pope Francis, ANGELUS Mary in Early Christ…

In part two we discuss how the Roman Catholic Church arrived at a fully developed Mariology from the Mary presented in the Bible. We also discuss how typology has been influential in the RCC's understanding of Mary, especially with teachings such as the Immaculate Conception, the Bodily Assumption of Mary, Mary as Mediatrix, etc.…

In this episode we lay the groundwork for our discussion on Mary by underscoring the fact that Mariology and Marian devotion are intrinsic to Roman Catholic theology and practice. In other words Mariology is a core issue, not a peripheral issue that can be set aside and ignored. The intrinsic nature of Mariology is expressed in daily prayers to her…

In this episode the Associate Director of the Reformanda Initiative (Reid Karr) examines and critiques the doctrine of transubstantiation and the sacrament of the Eucharist in Roman Catholicism. The critique is grounded in a review of Dr. Brant Pitre's book Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper. Dr. P…

How would you answer the following question: "How do you define Roman Catholicism?" It's an interesting and intriguing question that is difficult to answer. In this episode we discuss a definition crafted by the Reformanda Initiative that we hope provides good food for thought and encourages our listeners and evangelicals to do the same. The defini…

In this episode we discuss the latest papal encyclical by Pope Francis, "Fratelli Tutti", (All brothers). What is a papal encyclical? Why should evangelicals care about the latest encyclical? Why do we find it scandalous? Listen to find out. Episode Resource: ENCYCLICAL LETTER, "FRATELLI TUTTI", OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS, ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL …

What is the Gospel according Bishop Barron and Vatican II Theology? Listen as Reid Karr analyzes an interview that took place between celebrity political commentator, Ben Shapiro and celebrity Roman Catholic Bishop, Robert Barron.Reid Karr

J.I. Packer and Roman Catholicism: What Evangelicals Should Know. Listen as we talk with Leonardo De Chirico about the late, great theologian, J.I. Packer's involvement with Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT), and why Packer was inconsistent according to his own criticisms of Roman Catholic theology. Episode Resouces: Vatican File 178. Why J…

Listen as we talk to evangelical pastor, blogger, author, and speaker Tim Challies (challies.com) about Roman Catholicism and his latest book, Epic: An Around-the-World Journey Through Christian History, Zondervan 2020. https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Around-World-Journey-Christian/dp/0310329043/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=epic+challies&qid=1595687611…

Karol Wojtyła (1920-2005), since1978 better known as Pope John Paul II, has been one of the most influential men of the 20th century. The centenary of his birth is a useful opportunity to reflect on his legacy. Many Evangelicals have very positive things to say about him. Are their positive evaluations fair or are they lacking? Listen as we answer …

In this episode we discuss the Roman Catholic Church's latest response to addressing the worldwide Covid 19 pandemic. The RCC's response demonstrates the dangers of Vatican II theology when put into practice, and highlights its ever growing ecumenical agenda to achieve unity at the expense of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Episode resources: Covid-19:…

In this episode we examine the Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance (also known by many other names) from an evangelical perspective. We underscore what is at stake with this doctrine theologically and concerning the gospel, and highlight how it fits into the larger framework of the Roman Catholic system. Episode Resources: Luther's …

An interview with Prof. Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology, UK. Author of books such as The Unquenchable Flame. Discovering the Heart of the Reformation (2010) and (with Tim Chester), Why The Reformation Still Matters (2016). On October 31, 1999, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federatio…

What is the doctrine of justification and why has it been such a big point of disagreement between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism? Watch and listen as we describe the doctrine of justification according to Roman Catholicism. http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2017/11/143-where-does-popefrancis-stand-on-the-doctrine-of-justification/…