The Jimmy Akin Podcast

Jimmy Akin explores whether Romans 16:7 refers to a female apostle named Junia, examining the evidence, alternate views, and potential implications.

The Bible took centuries to form, as the Church—guided by the Holy Spirit—gradually discerned which books were Scripture, a process marked by early disagreement, as Jimmy Akin shows with five books that nearly made it in.

Discover why Saturday is pivotal for Jews and how this influences Catholic worship. The concept of a day beginning at sunset reveals fascinating liturgical implications. Learn how vigil Masses evolved, from ancient traditions to modern adaptations. The discussion highlights the Vatican's changes in the 1960s and how they shaped contemporary practices. Explore the rich tapestry of religious practices that connect Judaism to Christianity and the unique role vigil Masses play in fulfilling Sunday obligations.

In this episode, Jimmy Akin explains why the Catholic Church does not practice Open Communion, addressing criticisms and showing how its approach is rooted in biblical principles.

Explore the multifaceted views on Sunday observance and its balance between rest and responsibilities. Discover insights into biblical interpretations of acceptable activities, including shopping and labor. Delve into the historical evolution of Canon Law and its influence on modern practices. Understand the transition from the Jewish Sabbath to Sunday worship, emphasizing its moral guiding principles. Finally, find ways to embrace joy and relaxation while honoring this sacred day, adapting traditions to fit personal and family needs.

Discover why the New Testament writings are called 'Gospels' instead of biographies. Dive into the historical significance of their naming conventions and how these titles shape our understanding of Jesus's life. Explore the emergence of the term 'Gospel,' especially in connection with Mark, and see how early Christian figures influenced its use. This engaging discussion reveals the layers of meaning behind these texts and their pivotal role in conveying God's message.

The conversation dives deep into the multifaceted nature of the gospel, challenging conventional interpretations tied solely to personal salvation. It critiques the varying definitions across denominations and emphasizes a unified core message centered on Jesus. Historical perspectives like Calvinism and Protestantism highlight grace and justification. The discussion shifts to the gospel as a proclamation of God's kingdom and the transformative impact of Jesus' sacrifice, ultimately calling for communal repentance and belief.

This episode explores whether the New Testament supports the "priesthood of all believers," revealing a surprising perspective on Christian priesthood and Protestant scholar N.T. Wright's stance.

A deep dive into the theological role of the Virgin Mary in intercession sparks a lively debate. The discussion questions whether she knows of earthly prayers and how this knowledge affects her joy in heaven. It examines the nature of intercessory prayer, exploring how heavenly beings like Mary can empathize with human suffering without losing their bliss. The interplay of compassion and joy in the afterlife highlights the complexities of love and intercession. Challenging traditional views, it offers fresh insights into Mary's significance.

Jimmy Akin examines the biblical and historical view of the heart as the seat of thoughts and emotions in light of modern neuroscience, cautioning against a strictly brain-centered perspective and exploring the deeper origins of consciousness.