The Reformanda Initiative

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 DechiricoSupport the show

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? What exactly is the purpose of indulgences? What biblical defense does the RCC give to support indulgences? Lastly, we respond to a listener's question about how to bring these topics and others up with family and friends who are Catholic.Episode Resources:Stepping Out In Faith, Mark GilbertArticle: "Biblical Evidence for Indulgences" by Dave ArmstrongSupport the show

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 this year of St. Jospeh and remind our listeners of what an indulgence is and how they are obtained.Episode Resources:http://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_01011967_indulgentiarum-doctrina.htmlhttp://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html#_ftn10https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.htmlSupport the show

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, ANGELUSMary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion, Stephen J. ShoemakerA Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary,  Leonardo De ChiricoA Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy: Its origin and role in the 21st century, Leonardo De ChiricoVatican File 182. The Dogma of the Bodily Assumption of Mary, 70 Years After, Leondardo De ChiricoSupport the show

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.Support the show

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 shrines and churches dedicated to her, and pilgrimages to visit places of Marian apparitions that attract millions of Catholic faithful. We also briefly respond to the question, "Who is the Mary of the Bible?" and "How should evangelicals present Mary?"Episode Resource:A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? , on amazon.comSupport the show

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. Pitre is a Catholic theologian and distinguished professor at the Augustine Institute. #RomanCatholicism #Eucharist #TransubstantiationSupport the show

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 definition also gets to the heart of the theology of Roman Catholicism and sheds light on issues that are of great concern to evangelicals.Roman Catholicism is:A deviation from Biblical Christianitythat has consolidated over the centuriesby clustering around an imperial (Roman) institution,centering on its sacramental system,grounding itself on its synergistic theology and abnormal ecclesiology,and being fueled by its universal (catholic) project of embracing the whole world.Support the show

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 FATHERFRANCIS, ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL FRIENDSHIPSupport the show

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. Support the show