Gospel Simplicity Podcast

Ever since Pew Research put out its Religious Landscape Study, people have been making claims about Christianity making a comeback. Within this, three claims in particular have stood out on the internet: 1. Young people are getting more religious.2. Young men are becoming more religious.3. People are flocking to traditional churches. In this video, we put all those claims to the test as Pew Researcher, Dr. Chip Rotolo (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame) unpacks the details of this study, separating fact from fiction. Check out the study: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/Find chip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chip.rotolo/Want to support the channel? Here's how!Give monthly: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity    Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityBook a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austinRead my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/Support the show

Javier Perdomo, a former Baptist pastor turned Lutheran, discusses his journey through various Christian traditions and the nuances of Protestant apologetics. He shares insights on the growing interest in Protestant conversions, emphasizing personal stories over oversimplified narratives. The conversation dives into the complexities of internet discourse and its impact on faith, critiques inconsistencies in Catholic apologetics, and challenges the notion of doctrinal certainty. Javier highlights the need for nuanced understanding in discussions about theology and ecclesial authority.

Support the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityIn this conversation, Dr. Jordan Daniel Wood discusses the intersection of St. Maximus the Confessor's thought and the concept of universalism. He explores how Maximus's understanding of creation as incarnation challenges traditional views of time and the nature of the incarnation itself. Wood argues that the incarnation is not merely a historical event but the very logic of creation, revealing a deeper connection between God and humanity. He emphasizes the importance of scripture and personal experience in shaping Maximus's theological insights, ultimately presenting a vision of a God who desires to be in relationship with creation. In this conversation, JDW explores the implications of viewing creation as an incarnation, addressing concerns about pantheism and secularism. He discusses the ethical responsibilities that arise from this perspective, particularly in relation to how we treat the poor and the environment. The dialogue also delves into the theological implications of animals in heaven, drawing on the thoughts of Maximus. Furthermore, JDW reflects on the historical reception of Maximus's ideas and the dynamic nature of tradition in theology, emphasizing the importance of engaging with both historical and contemporary theological insights.Check out his book: https://amzn.to/4dpkFI8Check out his Substack: https://substack.com/@jordandanielwood1Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Maximus and Universalism06:20 Maximus's Vision of Creation as Incarnation12:46 Theological Implications of Time and Incarnation22:28 Plan A vs. Plan B: The Nature of the Incarnation25:54 Maximus's Approach to Theology: Scripture and Experience33:17 The Ethical Implications of Creation as Incarnation39:20 The Nature of God and Creation46:45 Theological Reflections on Animals in Heaven52:37 Maximus and the Reception of Tradition01:01:01 Tradition and the Dynamic Nature of TheologySupport the show

Support the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityIn this conversation, Dr. James Prothro discusses the significance of confession in Catholic theology, emphasizing its biblical foundations and the necessity of addressing post-baptismal sin. He explores the relationship between sin, justification, and transformation, highlighting the importance of understanding sin's effects on the soul. Check out his books: On Confession: https://amzn.to/44BUV96On Justification: https://amzn.to/3FlHTCeRead my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/00:00Understanding Confession and Its Necessity10:12The Distinction Between Justification and Transformation15:46Historical Perspectives on Sin and Forgiveness25:21The Role of Mediation in Confession31:19The Role of Mediation in Faith39:42Understanding Penance and Its Purpose50:25Old Testament Foundations of Confession01:00:06Encouragement for First-Time ConfessionSupport the show

In this conversation, Dr. Shane Owens discusses the enduring appeal of Augustine's 'Confessions,' exploring its literary, philosophical, and theological significance. He emphasizes the role of scripture, the nature of sin, and the importance of community and friendship in Augustine's journey. The dialogue also highlights the influence of Monica, Augustine's mother, and the church in his conversion, illustrating how these elements intertwine to create a profound narrative of faith and introspection.Check out his book, Return to the Heart: https://stpaulcenter.co/returnto-theheartFind the Shane and the St. Paul Center on Instagram: @stpaulcenter @emmausroadpublishing and @drowenstheologyMy article mentioned in the video: https://open.substack.com/pub/austinsuggs/p/communion-and-contemplation?r=2hkvet&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=falseSupport the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity00:00 - The Enduring Appeal of Augustine's Confessions03:0 - Understanding the Nature of Confessions06:0 - The Role of Scripture in Augustine's Life08:4 - The Climactic Moment of Conversion12:0 - Certainty of the Heart vs. Certainty of the Mind30:3 - The Certainty of the Heart32:3 - The Role of Friendship in Transformation39:2 - Understanding Sin Through the Pear Tree47:5 - The Influence of Monica55:5 - The Church's Role in Augustine's JourneySupport the show

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tim Perry to discuss his new book, When Politics Becomes Heresy. Before you fire off your hot takes in the comment section, the goal of this video is not to call out any individual politicians or to campaign for any given issues (not that there's anything inherently wrong in either of those things, mind you). Rather, in his book, Perry offers an interesting assessment of how old heresies are taking on new life in our political discourse. Check out his book: https://amzn.to/4iXlA4ASupport the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show

In this discussion, Sean Luke, an Anglican apologist known for his insights on Anglicanism and the Reformation, presents compelling arguments for Anglicanism. He highlights the importance of sola apostolica versus sola scriptura and delves into the significance of episcopacy. The conversation tackles the complexities of uniting with Rome and questions surrounding ecclesial identity. Luke also sheds light on the historical influences of key theologians in Anglican thought and navigates the emotional challenges within the Anglican tradition.

In this video, I'm joined by Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers Apologist and author, to discuss my argument for sola scriptura. Leading up to this dialogue, I published a video defending sola scriptura as a theological principle, and Jimmy posted a response. Rather than getting into an endless round of rebuttals, we decided to sit down for a dialogue. My video:    • My Thoughts on Sola Scriptura: Respon...  Jimmy's response:    • Sola Scriptura: Trying Something New ...  Jimmy's book, Teaching with Authority: https://amzn.to/4kOTDgrJimmy's book, The Bible is a Catholic Book: https://amzn.to/4bP8kMwSupport the channel:Patreon:   / gospelsimplicity  PayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show

In this video, I'm joined by Josh Nadeau, author of Room for Good Things to Run Wild, my favorite book I've read this year. And I'll go out on a limb in March to say it'll still be my favorite come December. Josh and I talk about how the goal of life is to become a saint, how the church should facilitate that, and how goodness, truth, and beauty can lead us to the life we were created for. Check out his book: https://amzn.to/3DtZLdlSubscribe to his Substack: https://joshnadeau.substack.com/Support the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show

In this video, I'm joined by Michael Garten to discuss evidence for icon veneration prior to the council of Nicaea. We talk about signet rings, crosses, and even portrait imagery, as well as what we should do with evidence that seems to point against icon veneration in the early church. Check out his book: https://amzn.to/4blTb4YSubscribe to his substack: https://substack.com/@michaelgartenSupport the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show