

Gospel Simplicity Podcast
Austin Suggs
The Gospel Simplicity Podcast is centered around the conviction that the gospel is really good news. Here you will find conversations with Christians from various traditions as we seek to unpack the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel. Gospel Simplicity is known for ecumenical dialogue that is charitable and open to learning from people with whom you might disagree. We believe that God desires for his Church to be one, united in love for God and neighbor, and on mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 19, 2026 • 17min
Line-by-Line through the Lord's Prayer with the Church Fathers
The Lord's Prayer is a centerpiece of the Christian tradition. Most Christians have memorized it and many pray it daily. But the very familiarity of the Lord's Prayer can mask its depth. In this video, I'm going to take you through the Lord's Prayer line-by-line, looking at what St. Augustine, St. Cyprian, Tertullian, and Origen have to say about this prayer which they believed contained the entire gospel. Book mentioned: https://amzn.to/3LjsK7NAugustine's Sermon: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/160307.htmBible/Church Fathers Resource: https://churchwritings.comSupport the Channel: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.comChurch History in a Year Reading Guide: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.com/products/church-history-in-a-year-a-reading-guide-through-2-000-yearsSupport the show

Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 27min
Are Orthodoxy and Catholicism Fundamentally Incompatible? | Dr. Nathan Jacobs
Dr. Nathan Jacobs, a philosopher and filmmaker known for his work on Eastern and Western theological differences, shares his fascinating journey from artist to scholar. He delves into the fundamental divides between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, highlighting key concepts like essence and energies. Jacobs critiques the influence of Augustine and discusses the philosophical incompatibility of doctrines. He also emphasizes the significance of primary sources for understanding these traditions and offers practical advice for seekers exploring their faith.

Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Place of Scripture in Catholicism | Dr. Michael Peppard
Dr. Michael Peppard, a Fordham University professor and author specializing in Catholic biblical engagement, dives into the unique relationship Catholics have with Scripture. He discusses how liturgy shapes this connection, emphasizing that the lectionary serves as the Bible for most Catholics. Peppard critiques the exclusion of women's voices in readings and highlights the role of art in biblical encounters. He also explores the future of Scripture in an image-driven culture and the growing interest among Gen Z in Eastern Orthodoxy and diverse Catholic traditions.

Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
How to Read the Bible Like the Church Fathers | Dr. Brandon Smith
In this interview I'm joined by Dr. Brandon Smith to discuss his book, Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church. We talk about how Christians have read Scripture over the course of history, what we can learn from the way the Fathers, the Reformers, and others read Scripture. We also talk about what this looks like in a Protestant context. Smith earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Baptist University, an M.A. in Theological and Biblical Studies from Criswell College, and a Ph.D. in Theology from Ridley College (Melbourne). He is the author of numerous books, book contributions, and journal articles. His books include The Trinity in the Book of Revelation (IVP Academic, 2022), The Biblical Trinity (Lexham, 2023), and Taught by God (B&H Academic, 2024).Read the Book: https://amzn.to/4qcvdQ6Check out his channel: @churchgrammar 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

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 9min
An Orthodox Perspective on the Papacy and Early Ecclesiology | Craig Truglia
In this interview I'm joined by Craig Truglia to discuss his book, The Rise and Fall of the Papacy, in which he goes through the evidence for and against the papacy century by century throughout the first millennium of the church. Over the course of the conversation, we discuss the nature and extent of the Bishop of Rome's role in the early church, whether there was a bishop in Rome during the first century, and much more. Read the Book: https://amzn.to/4pXQJYwCraig's Channel: @OrthodoxChristianTheology 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

Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 4min
An Introduction to Eucharistic Ecclesiology | Dr. Richard DeClue
In this interview I'm joined by Dr. Richard DeClue, Professor of Theology at the Word on Fire Institute, to discuss Catholic ecclesiology. Specifically, we dive into the idea of eucharistic ecclesiology which looks at ecclesiology through the lens of the eucharist. Along the way, we discuss what implications this has for ecumenism, and how this illuminates why Orthodox churches are considered churches while Protestant churches are "ecclesial communions" according to Catholic teaching. Dr. DeClue's Articles on these Topics: https://archive.stpaulcenter.com/05-nv-12-1-declue/https://www.ect.org/en/article/eucharistic-ecclesiology?previousUri=%2Farticles%3F%23alphabetizedWant 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

Dec 1, 2025 • 56min
Growing Old and Dying in Christ | Fr. Ron Rolheiser
In this interview I'm joined by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser to discuss how our Christian spirituality changes with age, and what we need most in our final years of life. Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I., is President-Emeritus of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio Texas, where he remains a full-time faculty member and Professor of Spirituality. In 1982, he began writing a column “In Exile” which is carried in Catholic newspapers worldwide. He is the author of many award-winning books including The Holy Longing and Sacred Fire, and his newest book Insane for the Light is now available.Read his new book: https://amzn.to/4rwo9iALearn more about Fr. Ron: https://ronrolheiser.comWant 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

Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 36min
Is the Bible Clear? A Protestant-Catholic Dialogue with Casey Chalk
In this episode, I'm joined in-person by Casey Chalk, author of The Obscurity of Scripture, to discuss the topic of perspicuity. Along the way, we examine what the doctrine means, how much it covers, and whether the Catholic paradigm works better. Get the book: stpaulcenter.com/obscurityofscriptureWant 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

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 26min
Should Christians Be Pro-Immigration? | Dr. Barnabas Aspray
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.

Nov 10, 2025 • 59min
How 20th Century Theology Changed the Way We See the Church | Dr. Myles Werntz
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


