The Reformanda Initiative

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

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.I. Packer Signed “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” (1994) (and Why He Was Inconsistent)Support the show

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&sr=8-1Support the show

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 the question, "How do we assess John Paul II’s legacy?" Because of the stature of the man, the question is overwhelming in every respect, but one that must be answered.Episode Resources:Vatican File 176. “Totus tuus” (to Mary). The Unsettled Legacy of John Paul II One Hundred Years since His Birth (http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2020/06/vf176/)Leonardo De Chirico's book, A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? Support the show