Gospel Simplicity Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Barnabas Aspray, an Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and co-author focusing on immigration and Christian thought, dives into the complexities surrounding Christian perspectives on immigration. He explores why Christians hold varying views despite shared scriptures, discusses the role of Christian nationalism, and clarifies the biblical context of the 'stranger.' Dr. Aspray emphasizes the importance of compassion, the distinction between refugees and immigrants, and advocates for integration that values cultural enrichment.

In this interview I'm joined by Dr. Myles Werntz to discuss the nature of the church with special attention given to some of the significant developments in ecclesiology that occurred during the 20th century. We touch on Vatican 2, the World Council of Churches, the rise of Pentecostalism, and much more. Furthermore, we pay special attention to methodology, noticing how our methodological starting point in ecclesiology often shapes our conclusions. Contesting the Body of Christ: Ecclesiology's Revolutionary Century: https://amzn.to/3LLfQPsFrom Isolation to Community: A Renewed Vision for Christian Life Together: https://amzn.to/3JlLToDDr. Werntz's Substack: https://substack.com/@myleswerntzWant 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

In this interview, I'm joined by Colleen Dulle, Vatican Correspondent for America Magazine, to discuss how reporting on Catholic Scandals affected her faith. Over the course of the interview, we discuss the finances behind canonization, the treatment of nuns at the Vatican, and, of course, the sex abuse crisis. Colleen's Book: Struck Down, Not Destroyed: https://amzn.to/4nzAb7OInside the Vatican Podcast Episode on Canonization: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/deep-dive-how-saints-are-made-in-the-catholic-church/id1439165420?i=1000599945747Want 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/Guest Bio: Colleen Dulle is a multimedia correspondent covering and analyzing Catholic and Vatican news at America Media, where she hosts and produces the weekly podcast Inside the Vatican. She served as an ABC News Correspondent during the 2025 conclave and has commentated on Vatican news for MSNBC, the BBC, and CBC among others. Colleen’s work has earned regional and national accolades from the Catholic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Louisiana/Mississippi Associated Press Media Editors. She was three times named the Catholic Media Association Multimedia Journalist of the Year.00:00 Life of a Vatican Correspondent 03:45 Staying Catholic 19:03 Divisions in the Church25:25 The Economics of Canonization34:04 Treatment of Nuns46:20 Sex Abuse CrisisSupport the show

In this interview, I'm joined by Andrew Likoudis, editor of the new volume, Faith in Crisis, which deals with the ongoing questions of submission to the pope and the magisterium in the Catholic Church. We discuss when (if at all), a Catholic can disagree with the pope, and how that can be done. Along the way, we dive into questions about the death penalty, freedom of conscience, Vatican 2, and what happens with a heretical pope.Support the channel:Patreon: patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPaypal: paypal.me/gospelsimplicityLikoudis Legacy Foundation: https://likoudislegacy.com/Faith in Crisis: https://amzn.to/3KY25NgSupport the show

The Great Western Schism is one of the most fascinating and dramatic stories in the history of the church. And yet, many people have never heard of it. This is a story of saints against saints, councils against popes, and rival popes vying for power. For skeptics, it's proof the emperor has no clothes. For committed Catholics, it's a reminder that the church has been through far worse in its past than in its present. For everyone, it's a story worth knowing. Videos like these are some of the most difficult for me to make. If you'd like to see more, consider supporting the channel using the links below: 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.com00:00 Setting the Stage00:53 Avignon Papacy02:23 Returning to Rome04:12 The Fateful Conclave08:00 The Schism Begins13:00 France Loses Patience13:42 The Council of Pisa14:32 Three Popes15:47 Council of Constance21:30 Benedict's Power Fades24:03 The Clementine Line Sputters Out24:53 What Now?Support the show

In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. James Kelly to discuss the Catholic Reformation. We cover why "Catholic Reformation" is a better name than "Counter Reformation," the Council of Trent, the spread of Catholicism during colonialism, and the impact of the Catholic Reformation on daily life. Dr. James Kelly is Associate Professor in the History of Catholicism in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. Read his full bio: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/james-kelly3/The Catholic Reformation: A Very Short Introduction: https://amzn.to/4hahvK4Want 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/00:00 What is the Catholic Reformation?05:25 Sources of the Catholic Reformation09:54 Relationship to Protestant Reformation13:00 The Council of Trent16:15 On the Ground Reality20:58 Protestant Reaction23:30 Spirit of the Council27:24 Colonialism and Missions36:39 Religious Orders42:40 Daily Life49:30 Was it a Success?53:53 Reform of Superstition57:02 Going FurtherSupport the show

In this interview, Dr. Joshua Sijuwade returns to the channel, but this time from a different church. About a year ago, he and I discussed his a priori argument for the papacy. This time, he's sharing what ultimately led him to change his mind on the papacy and become Orthodox. The conversation focuses on the structure of the church, and whether Catholics or Orthodox have retained the church structure of the first millennium. In a future episode, we may dive into the differences in the doctrine of God between the East and West. If you'd like to see that, let us know!The Monograph: https://www.academia.edu/143947636/The_Identity_of_the_Church_A_Comprehensive_Argument_for_the_Truth_of_Eastern_Orthodoxy_Penultimate_Updated_VersionWant 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

In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. Ian Christopher Levy to discuss freedom of conscience in medieval Catholic theology. We pay special attention to how this medieval theology showed up in the trial of Jan Hus, the Great Western Schism, and the condemnation of Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms. Dr. Ian Christopher Levy (Ph. D. Marquette University) is Professor of Historical theology at Providence College. He is a leading expert in medieval biblical exegesis, sacraments, and ecclesiology. His latest book, With a Pure Conscience: Christian Liberty before the Reformation, chronicles the development of the medieval conception freedom of conscience with special attention given to how freedom of conscience relates to church authority. With a Pure Conscience: https://amzn.to/3IBDTiNHoly Scripture and the Quest for Authority at the End of the Middle Ages: https://amzn.to/4gLng0UWant 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/00:00 - Teaser00:59 - The Diet of Worms04:27 - Freedom of Conscience07:08 - Conscience and Authority11:25 - Conscience and Papal Authority15:51 - The Magisterium of the University19:02 - Academic Freedom21:01 - Luther and the University30:57 - Differences in Medieval Views on Conscience37:55 - Scripture and Conscience42:30 - Perspicuity47:03 - Jan Hus51:53 - Conscience Then and NowSupport the show

Vatican 1 represents a pivotal moment in the life of the Catholic Church. It was there that Papal Infallibility was proclaimed as dogma, and the Christian world is still feeling the reverberations of that declaration. And yet, even for most well-informed Christians, this is all they know about the council. But the full story reveals much more. Yes, Vatican 1 declared papal infallibility as dogma, but it also had important things to say about faith, reason, and dogma in general. More than that though, understanding the council takes more than reading the documents--you need to peel back the layers and see the story that shaped the council. It's one where vibrant characters worked hard to push competing visions of what the church is and how it should address the problems of the modern world. Books mentioned: https://amzn.to/485d28WWant 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.com00:00 - Introduction01:36 - The Crisis of Ideas04:11 - Dei Filius08:28 - The Political and Social Crises11:11 - Pastor Aeternus16:12 - The Aftermath17:49 - EvaluationSupport the show

In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. Beth Felker Jones, Professor of Theology at Northern Seminary, to discuss her recent book, Why I am Protestant, which is part of IVP's ecumenical dialogue series, including Dr. Matthew Levering's corresponding book, Why I am Roman Catholic.Dr. Jones shares her reasons for being Protestant, including some arguments that I think will be brand new to you. If you're a Protestant who's wondering if staying Protestant is worth it, this video is for you. Get the book: https://amzn.to/3K5IsT2Dr. Jones' Substack: https://bethfelkerjones.substack.com/Want to support the channel? Here's how!Give monthly:   / gospelsimplicity    Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityBook a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity...Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com/Support the show