Theology Unplugged

### #79 – The History of the Acceptance of the Apocrypha In this episode, we trace the fascinating and often controversial journey of the Apocrypha—those books sitting between the Old and New Testaments in some Bibles but missing entirely from others. Why were these books accepted by some traditions and rejected by others? How did Jerome, the Reformers, and the Council of Trent each weigh in? Join us as we explore how the Apocrypha was received across Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant lines and why it still sparks debate today. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #Apocrypha #BiblicalCanon #CouncilOfTrent #Jerome #ChurchHistory #Deuterocanon #ProtestantBible #CatholicTradition #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

This discussion dives into the core differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant views on justification. It explores how Catholics see justification as both a process and a state, while Protestants emphasize imputed righteousness by faith alone. The intricate roles of grace, merit, and sacraments within Catholic theology are examined alongside Protestant perspectives. Additionally, the conversation sheds light on the distinctions and overlaps in the understanding of sin and works in salvation, providing clarity on a complex topic.

### #75 – Roman Catholicism: The Apocrypha, Mary, and All the Other Stuff In today’s episode, we take a step back and offer a thoughtful overview of Roman Catholic beliefs—especially those that often seem unfamiliar or confusing to Protestants. From the Apocrypha to Marian dogmas, purgatory, the communion of saints, and the Eucharist, we trace the roots and reasoning behind these doctrines. Whether you’re wrestling with questions about the Catholic view of Mary or trying to understand how the Apocrypha fits into the Catholic Bible, this episode is designed to provide clarity and foster respectful engagement. We’re not here to debate—we’re here to learn. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #RomanCatholicism #Apocrypha #MarianDogmas #Purgatory #Eucharist #ChurchHistory #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #ProtestantAndCatholic #SystematicTheology #Patristics

In this session, we explore the structure of Roman Catholic authority from a Protestant perspective. What is the Magisterium, and how does it function alongside Scripture and Tradition? What does apostolic succession really mean, and how is infallibility understood? This episode aims to unpack the internal logic of Rome’s authority structure—not to caricature it, but to understand it. My goal is to help Protestants see how it fits together from within the Catholic system, while also offering points of reflection and challenge. If you've ever wondered why Catholics trust the Church in the way they do, this is a great place to start. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode, I step into unfamiliar territory as a Protestant: making the strongest possible case for the inclusion of the deuterocanonical books—those writings often labeled *Apocrypha* like *Tobit*, *Judith*, *Wisdom*, *Sirach*, and *1–2 Maccabees*. I walk through the theological logic of the Catholic position: the organic relationship between Scripture and Church, the role of apostolic tradition, and why early liturgical use might point to divine inspiration. What if these books weren’t added later—but preserved for a reason? Then, I shift perspectives and respond from a Protestant point of view. I wrestle honestly with the question: How do we define canon? Does apostolicity matter more than usage? Can moral usefulness be confused with divine authority? No history yet—Athanasius, Jerome, Cajetan, and the rest will get their day. This episode is all about setting the theological stage. This is the best Catholic argument I know. And it deserves a serious Protestant answer. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

In this first session of our series on Roman Catholicism, we explore its foundations from a Protestant perspective—graciously and truthfully. What is Rome? How did it develop? Why does it matter today? This series invites you to understand the structure, beliefs, and beauty of the Roman Catholic Church, even while wrestling with key differences. Let's get to know Rome—not as outsiders, but as informed family members in the broader story of Christianity. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this session, we explore the definition and historical development of the biblical canon. What do we mean when we talk about "the canon of Scripture"? How did the Church recognize which books belonged in the Bible—and when? We will trace the formation of the canon through: – The early church’s criteria for recognizing Scripture – The role of Church Fathers and early councils – The distinction between inspired books and ecclesiastical writings – Disputes over the Old and New Testament books – The influence of figures like Athanasius, Jerome, and the Reformers This teaching lays the historical foundation for understanding how the Church came to affirm the books that make up our Bible. Get involved: Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Today we explore the legacy of one of the most powerful papal names in Church history—Leo. With the election of Leo the Fourteenth, many are asking what it means to choose that name. We walk through the legacies of Leo the First (Leo the Great), Leo the Third, Leo the Tenth, and Leo the Thirteenth—tracing a line from theological clarity and imperial coronations to Reformation crisis and modern renewal. This isn’t just Church history—it’s our story, and each Leo leaves behind a mark: some healed, some divided, some saved cities, and some changed the Church forever.

In today’s episode, we dive into Genesis 6 and 1 Kings 22 to crash those neatly packaged theological assumptions. These passages remind us that God intentionally includes the bizarre and the unexpected in Scripture to keep us from getting too comfortable. Just because something is bizarre doesn’t mean it’s not real—our worldview as Christians must embrace the reality of the strange and supernatural. Get ready to have your theological boxes blown wide open!

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the clearest and most haunting illustrations of sin in the Bible: Esau trading his birthright for “that red stuff.” What compels us to give up what matters most for something so empty and fleeting?