

Reason and Theology Show – REASON & THEOLOGY
Michael Lofton
Strengthening Catholics in their faith!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 13, 2025 • 0sec
Have I Been Wrong About Church Teaching This Whole Time?
A Catholic bishop displayed an image of a pig’s heart inside a condom over the altar—and he’s still in ministry. The same bishop has publicly defended artwork depicting Jesus as a crucified frog, as well as an image portraying the Virgin Mary as a transgender man. These weren’t hidden provocations. They were praised, justified, and defended—by a successor of the Apostles. This video is not about outrage for outrage’s sake. It’s about serious questions that Catholics can no longer avoid. In this episode, I speak frankly and ask some very candid questions.

Dec 11, 2025 • 0sec
Most U.S. Catholics Support the Death Penalty—Despite the Catechism
Most U.S. Catholics Support the Death Penalty—Despite the Catechism

Dec 10, 2025 • 0sec
Addressing Kirk Cameron’s New Thoughts On Hell
The discussion dives into Kirk Cameron's new thoughts on annihilationism and how they clash with traditional views of hell. The hosts analyze the biblical basis for these ideas and explore responses from figures like Ray Comfort. They dissect the tensions in scripture regarding eternal punishment and examine the role of church tradition in shaping beliefs. Insights from Pope Francis and church councils spark debate on the legitimacy of these modern interpretations, leaving listeners questioning the boundaries of orthodoxy.

Dec 9, 2025 • 0sec
St. Thomas Aquinas on Why Heretics Should Be Forced to Return to the Faith
Was coercion ever considered a legitimate tool in the defense and preservation of the Catholic faith? In this episode, we examine St. Thomas Aquinas’ reasoning behind the medieval position that civil and ecclesiastical authorities could compel heretics—by force if necessary—to return to the Church.
We’ll explore the theological arguments, historical backdrop, and the later development of doctrine, including how Vatican II approached religious liberty in light of earlier teaching. Whether you’re a student of medieval theology, Church history, or modern doctrinal development, this episode offers a sober deep dive into one of the most challenging topics in Catholic thought.

Dec 9, 2025 • 0sec
Was Leaving Christianity Punishable by Death in Church History?
For most of us today, changing our religious beliefs is understood as a personal right — a matter of conscience. But throughout much of Christian history, things were very different. In many eras, leaving the faith or publicly challenging official doctrine wasn’t just discouraged… it could be illegal, and in some cases, even punishable by death. In this episode, we explore: How the Old Testament shaped early views of apostasy Why early Christians opposed coercion — and what later changed The legal codes of Christian emperors such as Theodosius II and Justinian The role of the medieval Church, the Fourth Lateran Council, and inquisitorial systems Cases like Pomponio Algerio and Giordano Bruno in the Papal States How and why modern Catholic teaching shifted toward religious liberty Whether the Church now considers these past policies an error Throughout the episode, we’ll examine original historical documents, Church councils, papal decrees, and modern magisterial teaching — and ask a difficult but important question: How did Christianity move from executing heretics to defending religious freedom? If you enjoy historical theology and want deeper context behind modern Christian debates, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Dec 6, 2025 • 0sec
Did Pope Benedict XVI Believe the Magisterium Has Erred?
Did Pope Benedict XVI believe the Magisterium can err—or that it has erred in the past? In this video, we explore his views across different stages of his life: his early reflections as a young theologian at Vatican II, his role as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and finally, his thought and teaching as Pope Benedict XVI.

Dec 4, 2025 • 0sec
Did the Vatican Just Shut the Door on the Female Diaconate? Not Exactly
The Vatican study commission on the female diaconate recently released its findings: while it does not support a sacramental form of the female diaconate at this time, it leaves the door open for the magisterium to reconsider in the future. Meanwhile, a non-sacramental female diaconate is still possible today. What does this really mean for women in the Church? I break down the report and explore its implications in detail.

Dec 3, 2025 • 0sec
Catholic Nun Stabbed in Hate Crime? MAJOR PLOT TWIST
Catholic Nun Stabbed in Hate Crime? MAJOR PLOT TWIST

Dec 2, 2025 • 0sec
Pope Praises Islamic Call to Prayer in Interfaith Event
Pope Praises Islamic Call to Prayer in Interfaith Event

Dec 1, 2025 • 0sec
Catholic–Orthodox Reunion: Is It Finally Happening?
Catholic–Orthodox Reunion: Is It Finally Happening?


