
Gospel Simplicity Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
What Makes Augustine's Confessions So Special | Dr. Shane Owens
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

Apr 8, 2025 • 59min
The Slippery Slope of Christian Politics | Dr. Tim Perry
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

8 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Anglicanism: The Good of Roman Catholicism without the Bad | Sean Luke
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.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 48min
Sola Scriptura Dialogue with Jimmy Akin
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

Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
Fighting for Sainthood in the Modern World | Josh Nadeau
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

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
Did the Early Church Venerate Icons? | Michael Garten
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

Feb 4, 2025 • 53min
The Politics of the Reformation | Dr. Brad Littlejohn
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Brad Littlejohn to discuss political theology and the Reformation. In doing so, we not only discuss how politics shaped the Reformation, but how the Reformation shaped politics. Check out Brad's most recent book: https://amzn.to/4jBvKZmBrad's substack: https://bradlittlejohn.substack.com/Support the channel:Patreon: / gospelsimplicity PayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h
The Dark Side of Radical Traditionalism | Kevin Nontradicath
Growing up, Traditionalist Catholicism (FSSP) was Kevin's whole life, which to many of you, might sound like paradise. After all, many of the people who watch my videos are deeply attracted to the most traditional forms of the Catholic faith. It's easy for me to understand why. Kevin, however, has a different story to share. Rather than finding this form of Catholicism life-giving, it was the opposite. Here, he tells his story, and shares what he wishes converts knew about this Catholic subculture before diving in head first. This video is not created to argue against any particular truth claims or convince you to go one way or the other. Instead, it's an effort to counterbalance the one way narrative online about traditional Catholicism. Whether you agree with Kevin or not, I hope you hear him out. Support the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity PayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicityChapters00:00 - Introduction02:37 - Defining Traditionalist03:55 - Kevin's Story19:00 - Public High School23:28 - College Years29:06 - A cautionary tale?35:32 - What converts should know41:08 - Non-reactionary Traditionalism43:16 - What is traditionalism45:16 - Worries about Traditionalism51:40 - Advice for Trad Parents55:14 - What are the positivesSupport the show

Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 4min
Can the True Church Be Divided? | Dr. Ephraim Radner
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Ephraim Radner to discuss his the paradox of church divisions, ecumenism, and more. Dr. Radner is one of the foremost experts on ecumenism and church divisions in the West. He has been publishing, teaching, and researching in this area longer than I've been alive, and I was delighted to get to learn from his wisdom.In this video, we discuss what it means for the church to be divided, how that is possible, and what we should do about it. You can find his landmark work, The End of the Church, here: https://amzn.to/3ZXGJ7JSupport the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Case for Liberal Protestantism | Dr. Steven Nemes
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Steven Nemes to discuss his case for liberal Protestantism. Dr. Nemes spent years wondering if he needed to become Catholic and leave his Protestant upbringing. He ended up rejecting the claims of the Catholic church. However, he did not stop there. He realized that the nature of his disagreements with Roman Catholicism extended beyond the institution of the church centered in Rome. These disagreements went to the core of catholic Christianity as a whole - in other words, the majority of historical Christianity. This has led to his rejection of traditionalism, hierarchy, the Trinity, and the incarnation - all of which he has written on extensively. In this video, we discuss what Liberal Protestantism is, my objections to it, whether it can be called Christianity, and Dr. Nemes' views on the future of liberal theology. You can find his books, including his debut novel, All the Suns Go Out, at https://stevennemes.com/Support the channel:Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicityPayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicitySupport the show
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