The Reformanda Initiative

In this episode we discuss Pope Francis’s latest encyclical that discusses the heart of Christ and the Roman Catholic devotion of the Sacred Heart. Leonardo’s latest VF provides the framework for our discussion.Episode resources:https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/12/vf235/ Support the show

In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s latest Vatican File in which he discusses Dan Strange’s 5 Magnetic Points and how they are helpful in having gospel conversations with Roman Catholics. Leo’s Vatican File is an excerpt from his upcoming book (May 2025) Tell Your Catholic Friend: How to Have Gospel Conversations with Love.Episode Links:Vatican File 234: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/11/vf234/Webinar Dec 16 2024: https://foclonline.org/webinar/bible-really-our-only-authorityBook pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Catholic-Friend-Leonardo-Chirico/dp/B0DGBTY2PQ/Support the show

In this episode we discuss with Reformanda Initiative Fellow Matthew Johnston what it means to be catholic and who is catholic. Is, for example, the pope Catholic? Are evangelicals catholic? That depends. Listen in to understand why.Support the show

Dive into the captivating world of Jubilee, exploring its biblical roots versus Catholic interpretations. The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of global evangelicalism, highlighting its growth and challenges. They underscore the importance of understanding Roman Catholicism for effective mission work and reveal the shifting significance of Jubilee from liberation to indulgences. A theological comparison sheds light on the contrasts between the gospel and Catholic teachings, all set against the backdrop of recent church changes.

In this episode we speak with Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert about a new course offered by Matthias Media which equips Protestants and the church to better understand and engage with Roman Catholics. Mark is based out of Sydney, Australia, and is a key contributor to “Talking About Jesus with Catholics”. Mark is the author of The God Who Saves, The Road Once Travelled, and Stepping out in Faith, all available at Matthias Media.Talking About Jesus With Catholics StudyWatch the trailer on YouTubeSupport the show

In this episode Reid and Leonardo have a fascinating discussion about the 7 sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church and the theology of the sacraments. The discussion is framed by Leonardo’s latest Vatican File that interacts with the book, "The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church" by the Roman Catholic scholar and professor Romanus Cessario.231. Why Does the Roman Catholic Church Have Seven Sacraments? A Thomist answer and a preliminary evangelical critiquehttps://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/08/vf231/Support the show

Robbie Bellis, a missionary in Belgium and Reformanda Initiative Fellow, shares insights from his work in a Catholic university town. He discusses the challenges of understanding Catholic theology to effectively evangelize. The conversation delves into the distinctions between the gospels of Roman Catholicism and evangelicalism, emphasizing issues of authority and scriptural interpretation. Through personal stories, they highlight the growth of an evangelical church in a predominantly Catholic context and the importance of maintaining a clear biblical message.

In this episode, we explore the popularity of Henri Nouwen among evangelicals. Described by Christianity Today as "one of the world’s greatest spiritual writers," Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, writer, theologian, professor, psychologist, spiritual director, and activist. A survey by Christian Century revealed that Nouwen’s work is a top choice for both Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy. Join us as we discuss whether Nouwen should be promoted in evangelical institutions, seminaries, and churches as a model of evangelical spirituality.Support the show

In this episode we discuss temple theology and answer questions like: What is temple theology? Why it is important? How it is relevant to everyday life?  We conclude with a discussion of how evangelicals differ from Roman Catholics in understanding and applying temple theology.Support the show

In this episode we discuss various topics with our friend Dr. Gavin Ortlund. Dr. Ortlund is an author, Christian apologist, and President of Truth Unites, which promotes gospel unity through theological depth. Dr. Ortlund has extensive experience in debating and discoursing with Roman Catholics, and in our conversation discusses what he has learned from those conversations.Support the show