
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

May 15, 2024 • 46min
Discerning the True Tradition (w/ Dr. Barnabas Aspray)
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Barnabas Aspray for a penetrating discussion on how we can discern the true tradition of the church. This conversation was filmed in person at the oldest Catholic seminary in America (St. Mary's Seminary and University). Learn more about St. Mary's: https://stmarys.edu/Check out Dr. Aspray's podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...You can find Dr. Aspray's conversion story in more detail here: https://amzn.to/44dv0CzSupport Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comFollow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelsimpli...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelsimpl...Support the show

Apr 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
A Christian Theology of Technology (w/ Marc Barnes)
Most of us know that modern technology is having disastrous side effects. But here we are. What do we do now?In this episode, I'm joined by Marc Barnes from New Polity to discuss the philosophy of technology, how it's shaping us, and how we might move forward in a healthier way. If you're looking for a light video, this isn't it. If you're ready to dive into the deep end, stick around. Upcoming New Polity Conference: https://newpolity.com/events/2024Support Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: / gospelsimplicity One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comFollow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: / gospelsimplicity Instagram: / gospelsimplicity About Gospel Simplicity:Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.Support the show

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 1min
Paul within Judaism: The Radical Perspective (w/ Dr. Matthew Thiessen)
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Thiessen, author of A Jewish Paul, and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at McMaster University, to discuss a growing movement in Pauline studies: interpreting Paul within Judaism, not as a convert to Christianity. In this video, we cover how this perspective came about, how it compares to the New Perspective and Lutheran Perspective, as well as what this means for how Christians should relate to the law today. Check out his book: https://bakeracademic.com/p/A-Jewish-...Support Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://Patreon.com/gospelsimplicity One Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comFollow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: / gospelsimplicity Instagram: / gospelsimplicity Support the show

Nov 18, 2023 • 1h 10min
Ulrich Zwingli: The most misunderstood reformer? (w/ Dr. Bruce Gordon)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityUlrich Zwingli, born January 1, 1484 in Switzerland, would go on to become a leading figure of the Reformation. However, just as quick was his rise to prominence as his fall from grace. After dying in battle, many of his contemporaries distanced themselves from him, and despite being contemporary with Luther, he receives only a small fraction of the attention other Reformers do in current studies of the Reformation. Dr. Bruce Gordon, Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Yale University, joins me in this episode to discuss the life and legacy of Ulrich Zwingli, which he outlines in more detail in his groundbreaking work God's Armed Prophet. Together, we explore the myriad ways Zwingli has been misunderstood, as well as why he continues to be a figure that defies easy characterization. Dr. Bruce Gordon's book: https://amzn.to/49BgI0LSupport Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comFollow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelsimplicityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelsimplicityAbout Gospel Simplicity:Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.About the host:Hey! My name is Austin, and I'm a 24 year old guy who’s passionate about the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel. I believe that the gospel, the good news about Jesus, is really good news, and I’m out to explore, unpack, and share that good news with as many people as possible. I'm a full blown Bible and Church History nerd that loves getting to dialogue with others about this, learning as much as I can, and then teaching whatever I can. I grew up around Frederick, MD where I eventually ended up working my first job at a church. They made the mistake of letting me try my hand at teaching, and instantly I fell in love. That set me on a path for further education, and I'm currently a student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, studying theology. On any given day you can find me with my nose in a book or a guitar in my hands. Want to get to know me more? Follow me and say hi on Instagram at: @austin.suggsVideo Stuff:Camera: Sony a6300Lens: Sigma 16mm F1.4 https://amzn.to/2MjssPBEdited in FCPXMusic:Bowmans Root - Isaac JoelYODRSIYIVB5B6QPM*Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.Chapters:00:00 - Teaser01:03 - Why study Zwingli?06:07 - Zwingli as humanist17:27 - Moving toward Reform31:16 - Internal critique or revolution?37:20 - Zwingli and the Eucharist48:40 - Iconoclasm and caring for the poor54:23 - Controversial death01:03:45 - His legacyOERNFF59LU4GEU5KHHQQFUFIBM8K6UIKSupport the show

Oct 7, 2023 • 1h 12min
An Introduction to the Apocrypha (Fr. Stephen De Young)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityFrom giants to tours of the underworld, the apocryphal books are full of intrigue. But what are their use for the church today? In this wide ranging interview, Fr. Stephen De Young guides us through the books of Enoch, the Apocalypse of Peter, the Shepherd of Hermas, and the Protoevangelium of James. In addition, we discuss the Orthodox approach to the canon and how to go about reading extra-canonical works. This is one you won't want to miss. Fr. Stephen De Young's book: https://amzn.to/3EMH8ydSupport Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comSupport the show

Sep 23, 2023 • 1h 31min
Dialogue: Orthodox Priest and Catholic Apologist Discuss the Papacy and Ecclesiology
Fr. Laurent Cleenewerck and Erick Ybarra dive deep into the papacy and ecclesiology, covering topics like historic agreements and disagreements, Roman primacy, early church conflicts, church governance, communion among churches, evolution of papal authority, and essence of church identity. They explore the roots of Catholic-Orthodox disagreements and offer insights into the complexities of the historical and theological differences.

Sep 21, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Pillars of Orthodox Spirituality: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (Fr. Evan Armatas)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityIt's one thing to read books about Orthodox theology, but how does one actually live an Orthodox spiritual life? That's what Fr. Evan Armatas shares in this video, based on his book Toolkit for Spiritual Growth: Prayer, Almsgiving, and Fasting. Fr. Evan's book: https://amzn.to/44nofMRSt. Nektarios Fund: https://www.stnektariosfund.org/Panaghias Ministry: https://saintspyridon.church/common/ministry.php?MID=54Support Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comSupport the show

Aug 26, 2023 • 1h 1min
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Rosary (w/ Keith Nester)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos...The rosary is perhaps the most famous Catholic devotional practice. But is there more to it than just muttering the same words over and over again? In this video, Keith Nester breaks down the mysteries of the Rosary and the spiritual fruit that accompany them. For me, this has totally changed how I see the Rosary, and it just might do the same for you, too. Find Keith on YouTube:@KeithNester @RosaryCrewwithKeithNester Keith's website: https://www.down2earthministries.comSupport Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://shop.gospelsimplicity.comFollow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelsimpli...Instagram: Support the show

Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 8min
Catholic vs. Protestant Canon (w/ Gary Michuta)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityCatholics and Protestants have a different canon. But why? In this episode, I'm joined by Gary Michuta to discuss the Old Testament Canon, and specifically, why Catholics have seven more books in their Bibles than Protestants. Find Gary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCO-lc_oipf900w6792AiywA Gary's book: https://amzn.to/44Yn8EASupport Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://gospelsimplicity.creator-spring.comFollow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelsimplicityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelsimplicitySupport the show

Aug 2, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Formation of the New Testament Canon (w/ Dr. Benjamin Laird)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityThere has been no shortage of debate over how the NT canon was formed. Was it an organic process, finished by the mid-second century? Was it an ecclesial process, formalized at 4th century councils? Or was it a conspiracy of power hungry bishops seeking to quell rival Christianities (shoutout to Barth Ehrman)?IN this interview, Dr. Benjamin Laird gives us a deep dive on how the canon came to be. But he goes much deeper than usual conversations. We dive into first century writing practices to shed new light on questions ranging from intended audiences to "original manuscripts." Find his book: https://amzn.to/3rP8GQxSupport Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://gospelsimplicity.creator-spring.comSupport the show