Reason and Theology Show – REASON & THEOLOGY

Join Michael Lofton and Luis Dizon as they sit down with renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Keener to discuss the reliability of the New Testament. In this in-depth interview, Dr. Keener addresses key questions about the historical trustworthiness of the Gospel accounts, the role of eyewitness testimony, manuscript evidence, and how ancient sources help us better understand the world of the New Testament. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or just curious about how scholars assess the New Testament, this conversation offers accessible and insightful commentary from one of today’s leading voices in biblical scholarship.

Pope Francis has introduced a new Mass for the Care of Creation — what does it mean for the liturgy and the direction of the Church? We also break down: Jay Dyer’s surprising debate performance — what went wrong? Fr. James Martin’s shocking comparison of same-sex parenting to the Holy Trinity There’s a lot to unpack — theological implications, public reactions, and what it means for Catholics today.

Everyone’s debating “Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?”—but they’re missing the bigger picture. In this video, we dive into what Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium actually says—and what most people completely overlook. Yes, the document famously states that “the Muslims… along with us adore the one and merciful God,” but did you catch the line right before that? We’ll explore how Catholic teaching goes beyond the surface of the “same God” debate and touches on something much deeper: Can Muslims (and other non-Christians) be saved through the Holy Spirit working in their religions? We’ll look at direct quotes from: Lumen Gentium Other official Vatican documents Pope John Paul II Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) You might be surprised by what the papal magisterium and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith actually says.

Eastern Orthodox apologist Jay Dyer claims that the Catholic magisterium has contradicted itself—specifically when it comes to Islam. He argues that medieval and modern popes taught conflicting things: some affirmed that Muslims worship the same God as Christians, while others (like Pope Urban II) allegedly said Muslims worship demons. But is that actually a contradiction in Catholic doctrine? In this episode, I take a closer look at the historical sources behind Jay’s claim, examine whether the quote from Urban II is reliable, and ask the key theological question: Is this even magisterial? We’ll break down: What the magisterium actually teaches The difference between doctrine and personal opinion Whether non-definitive teachings can develop or even conflict Why one disputed quote doesn’t upend the Catholic framework If you’ve heard this argument before—or you’re just curious about how the Catholic Church handles doctrinal consistency—you won’t want to miss this one.

BREAKING: Sam Shamoun Admits He’s NOT CATHOLIC – Why Has He Been Saying He Is? For months, Sam Shamoun has publicly claimed to be a Catholic and even appeared on Catholic shows sharing his “conversion” story. But in response to questions raised in my previous video, Sam finally admitted he has not formally entered the Catholic Church – and doesn’t appear to have any plans to do so! In this video, I walk through what it actually means to be in full communion with the Catholic Church, what the Church requires for someone from the Assyrian Church of the East to convert, and why Sam’s public claims have caused confusion. I also explore why so many Catholics seem unaware of these basic requirements—and what this says about the state of catechesis today. Since Sam hasn’t made the required Profession of Faith, can he rightly call himself Catholic? Why has no one in Catholic media questioned his conversion story until now?

Did Sam Shamoun really convert to Catholicism? In this in-depth episode, I carefully walk through the evidence, claims, and public statements surrounding Sam’s religious identity and whether he has actually entered full communion with the Catholic Church. This isn’t about accusations—it’s about clarity. We look at Sam’s own words, Church law, the process for reception into the Catholic Church (Latin Rite and Chaldean Catholic), and what the Vatican says about Eucharistic sharing with Eastern and non-Catholic Christians. If Sam is claiming to be Catholic but has not formally converted to the Catholic Church, should he be open about that? Should he be teaching?

Did I misrepresent Sam Shamoun on the nature of the God of the Qur’an and the Trinity? In this in-depth response, I carefully walk through Sam’s claims, public behavior, and theology—while addressing whether my portrayal of his views was fair and accurate. Along the way, I explore the Catholic magisterium’s teaching on Islam, clarify the views of recent popes, and examine Sam’s recurring pattern of blocking, misrepresenting, and attacking others. I also respond to accusations of being divisive, set the record straight on William Albrecht, and reflect on how Catholics can thoughtfully engage tough questions about Islam, heresy, and interreligious dialogue.

In this video, I respond directly to Sam Shamoun’s latest hit piece and clarify key points about Catholic teaching and apologetics. I address misunderstandings and invite Sam to engage with humility and charity. This isn’t just about a disagreement — it’s about truth, respect, and growth in faith. Whether you follow Sam, me, or are new to Catholic apologetics, this conversation offers a clear, honest perspective on some important theological issues. I also ask everyone to pray for Sam, as he’s openly shared about his personal struggles. Let’s all hope he finds the help and guidance he needs moving forward. Thanks for watching — please like, share, and subscribe for more thoughtful content!

The Bible contains some challenging passages that seem to suggest God can mislead or send a “lying spirit” — so what’s going on? In this video, we dive into those difficult texts and explore whether God ever truly deceives people, what Scripture says about His character, and how to make sense of these mysteries. Join us as we unpack key stories like 1 Kings 22 and 2 Thessalonians 2, and look at what Church tradition and theologians have said on the topic. Whether you’re a Bible student, a pastor, or just curious, this discussion will help you wrestle with one of Scripture’s most thought-provoking questions. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more videos tackling tough biblical and theological topics! Let us know your thoughts — Does God ever deceive? Share your perspective in the comments below!

In this video, we take a close, careful look at what the popes have actually said about Islam’s understanding of God. Some people claim that the God of the Quran is Satan — but is that really what the popes and the Catholic Church teach? We’ll explore key statements from Church teaching, highlight what makes Christian and Muslim views of God similar or different, and explain the nuances that often get lost in heated debates. Whether you’re curious about interfaith dialogue or just want a better grasp of Catholic teaching, this video will give you the facts you need. #Catholic