
Shameless Popery
Shameless Popery is a witty, entertaining podcast that informs you about your Catholic faith and equips you to better explain Catholicism especially to Protestant or atheist friends.
Latest episodes

14 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 0sec
#115 Why Confess Your Sins to a Priest? - Joe Heschmeyer
The discussion delves into the biblical foundations of confessing sins to a priest, highlighting James 5:16 and the importance of communal confession for spiritual healing. It emphasizes personal accountability and how our individual sins affect the wider community. Listeners will learn about the Old Testament atonement practices and Jesus' unique role as both sacrifice and high priest. The exploration of John 20:23 raises intriguing questions about authority and forgiveness, fostering a deeper understanding of these vital elements in the Christian faith.

Oct 17, 2024 • 0sec
#114 Is Halloween a Pagan Holiday? (And Should We Boycott It?) - Joe Heschmeyer
Dive into the intriguing debate about Halloween's roots, where misconceptions about pagan origins are challenged. The discussion highlights the complex intertwining of Christian traditions with local customs of honoring the dead. Unravel myths surrounding Samhain as simply an agrarian celebration rather than a unified pagan festival. Discover how Halloween merges these traditions, emphasizing the significance of All Saints Day and encouraging a reflective embrace of the holiday's themes of mortality and celebration.

Oct 15, 2024 • 0sec
#113 What Eucharistic Martyrs Prove About the Early Church - Joe Heschmeyer
Dive into the captivating story of St. Tarcisius, a young martyr who fearlessly defended the Eucharist during persecution. Discover how his bravery underscores the significance of the Eucharist in early Christianity. Explore the ancient traditions surrounding this sacred practice and see how they contrast with modern non-Catholic perspectives. The discussion also highlights the importance of the Eucharist for the sick and homebound, revealing differing beliefs among Protestant denominations and urging a deep reverence for this central sacrament.

7 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 0sec
#112 Was Jesus a Myth? - Joe Heschmeyer
Joe Heschmeyer dives into the debate on whether Jesus was a historical figure or a myth. He debunks parallels between Jesus and pagan deities, emphasizing strong historical evidence and the early Christians’ convictions. The discussion critiques claims linking the Gospels to Greco-Roman literature, arguing against their relevance. Additionally, Heschmeyer explores uncanny coincidences between Lincoln and Kennedy's presidencies, shedding light on the significance of such parallels in understanding history.

Oct 8, 2024 • 0sec
#111 How the Eucharist Defeated Gnosticism - Joe Heschmeyer
Discover how early Christian thinkers used Eucharistic theology as a weapon against Gnosticism. The discussion highlights the critical debates on dualism, body, and resurrection. It dives into the writings of early Church figures, revealing how the belief in Christ's true presence challenges modern interpretations of faith. This insightful look into the past shows the timeless power of the Eucharist and its role in shaping Christian beliefs about existence and salvation.

11 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 0sec
#110 The Problem of Personal Interpretation - Joe Heschmeyer
Joe Heschmeyer, an expert on theology, dives into the challenges of personal interpretation in Christianity, especially in light of Protestant critiques of papal authority. He discusses notable theological errors of reformers like Luther and Calvin, emphasizing the complexities of aligning modern beliefs with early church teachings. Heschmeyer argues for the necessity of trustworthy authority in interpretation, while highlighting the tension between subjective individualism and objective faith. A thought-provoking exploration of how scripture can be understood differently!

Oct 1, 2024 • 0sec
#109 More Proof that the Early Church was Catholic - Joe Heschmeyer
Joe Heschmeyer, an expert on early church writings, delves into Ignatius of Antioch's letters to prove the early church's Catholic roots. He discusses the authenticity of these letters and their impact during the Protestant Reformation. Heschmeyer highlights Ignatius's defense of the Eucharist and the critical role of church hierarchy. The conversation emphasizes the sacramental unity of the early church, underlining the importance of bishops and the dangers of dissenting beliefs, all key to understanding Catholicism's foundations.

10 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 0sec
#108 The Gnostic Strain in Protestantism - Joe Heschmeyer
Delve into the intriguing links between Gnosticism and Protestantism, revealing how modern figures like Oprah and Jordan Peterson echo Gnostic themes. Explore the contrast between metaphorical and traditional beliefs about resurrection and the body. Learn C.S. Lewis's misunderstood view on the body-soul connection, and dissect Spurgeon's critique of the Eucharist. The importance of apostolic succession and liturgical beauty is highlighted, emphasizing the need for physical elements in worship to counter Gnostic interpretations.

Sep 24, 2024 • 0sec
#107 3 Things Gavin Ortlund Gets Wrong (About Essential Doctrines) - Joe Heschmeyer
Gavin Ortlund, an academic discussing essential Christian doctrines, joins Joe Heschmeyer, a notable speaker and writer, to tackle misconceptions in theology. They dive into the nuances of essential doctrines between Catholicism and Protestantism. Heschmeyer challenges the idea that Catholics disagree as much as Protestants do, emphasizing the importance of authoritative teachings. The conversation also highlights the struggles Protestants face in settling theological disputes without a unified authority, spotlighting the complexities of infant baptism and the role of scripture.

4 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 0sec
#106 Can Mary Save Us? - Joe Heschmeyer
Joe Heschmeyer, a theologian and expert on biblical teachings, delves into Mary's role in salvation. He contrasts Catholic and Protestant views, clarifying that while Mary is significant, Jesus remains the sole mediator. The conversation covers how individuals can aid in the salvation of others through prayer and evangelism. Heschmeyer emphasizes Mary’s intercessory role, discussing her active prayers for believers, and situates her beneath Christ's unique role, inviting listeners to reconsider her influence in leading them closer to faith.
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