
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

Jul 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Read the Bible like a Medieval Monk (w/ Dr. Hans Boersma)
Join Dr. Hans Boersma, an expert on sacramental theology and author, for a fascinating dive into reading Scripture like a medieval monk. He argues that Scripture isn't just historical text but a living encounter with God. Discover the ancient practice of Lectio Divina and how it fosters a deeper spiritual connection. Boersma highlights the historical context of communal scripture reading versus modern individualism, while exploring the importance of memorization and personal engagement in understanding biblical teachings. This thought-provoking conversation is a must-listen!

Jun 23, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Catholic Vision for Work, Money, and Community (w/ Dr. Jacob Imam)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos...Our relationship with work, money, and community is deeply flawed. At least, that's the hypothesis we're testing in this interview. Specifically, we're exploring what a Christian, or more specifically, Catholic, alternative to our prevailing approaches to work, money, and community would look like. We talk about everything from reviving blue collar work, getting rid of insurance and investments, as well as the need to live in deep community. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jacob Imam. Jacob Imam is the Executive Director of New Polity. He holds a doctorate in theology from the University of Oxford. He lives in Steubenville with his wife, Alice, and sons, Blaise and Leo.Find him on YouTube: / @newpolitypodcast Dr. Imam's website: newpolity.com Support Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://gospelsimplicity.creator-spri...Follow Gospel Simplicity on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gospelsimpli...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelsimpl...Support the show

Jun 14, 2023 • 1h 29min
The most DETAILED interview I've done on the papacy (w/ Erick Ybarra)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos...This video is also brought to you by Fox N Sons coffee. For 15% off your oder of $25 or more, use the promo code "Gospel Simplicity" at http://www.foxnsons.comPerhaps no doctrine is more divisive than the papacy. As such, no matter where you find yourself in the Christian tradition, developing a better understanding of the papacy will help you interact with others better and deepen your understanding of the church. In this video, I'm joined by Erick Ybarra to discuss his book, The Papacy: Revisiting the Debates between Catholics and Orthodox. The book is a significant achievement and spans centuries of history, presenting some of the challenges to both Catholics and Orthodox (as well as a bit to Protestants) that the papacy poses. We cover topics like:- Heretical Popes- Eastern Fathers accepting the papacy- Pre-Nicaea evidence- and much more. You can find Erick's book at: https://amzn.to/3nYh6mLYou can find Erick online at: / @ucoxp-ybmyzalo_e... Support Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://gospelsimplicity.creator-spri...Support the show

Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 3min
The Centrality of Theosis in Eastern Orthodox Theology (w/ Seraphim Hamilton)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos...Theosis, or divinization/deification is a core Orthodox doctrine. But what does it really mean? In this video, Seraphim Hamilton breaks down the significance of theosis, showing how it affects doctrines from the veneration of icons and the communion of saints to its impact on the spiritual life. Crucially, he also unpacks how theosis is woven through the narrative of Scripture. He also talks about how theosis differs from Mormon conceptions of deification. And that's not even all of it. In case it's not apparent we covered a lot of ground. Subscribe to Seraphim's channel: / kabane Take his course: https://buy.stripe.com/8wM17v6Y4gModf...Support Gospel Simplicity:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/gospelsimplicityOne Time Donation: https://www.paypal.me/gospelsimplicityMerch: https://gospelsimplicity.creator-spri...Support the show

Mar 8, 2023 • 1h 10min
Biblical roots of Eastern Orthodox Liturgy (w/ Dr. Edith Humphrey)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityWorship wars have been dividing churches for years. From debates over contemporary worship versus hymns or vernacular versus Latin, everyone seems to have an opinion on what a worship service/mass/liturgy should look like. But in this video we get to the heart of the matter, exploring what the Bible says about worship, and how that shaped early Christian liturgies and ultimately the Orthodox Divine Liturgy of today. Support 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/gospelsimplicityDr. Edith Humphrey's website: https://edithmhumphrey.com/Buy Grand Entrance: https://amzn.to/3ZnNlZIAbout 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 Joel*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 - Teaser00:34 - Intro03:13 - Dr. Humphrey's journey to Orthodoxy10:30 - False individuals leads to false worship13:17 - Ad 1 - Faithful Counseling15:24 - How should we evaluate a liturgy?18:35 - Worship as entrance24:18 - Isaiah 6 and early Christian worship32:26 - Why go beyond the NT to understand early worship?36:30 - Not reading liturgy into everything41:52 - Closed Communion47:43 - Female head coverings53:47 - What makes Eastern Liturgies unique59:42 - Preparing for a worship service1:02:50 - Dr. Humphrey's fiction1:07:49 - Final FourSupport the show

Mar 4, 2023 • 1h
What happens when Pentecostals recover the Great Tradition? (w/ Dr. Emilio Alvarez)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicitySacraments and Pentecostals might sound like oil and water to you, but in this video, Dr. Emilio Alvarez unpacks a movement of Pentecostals towards the Great Tradition to form Pentecostal Orthodoxy. In this video, we talk about what it means to be Pentecostal, and whether that can fall within the bounds of classical consensual orthodoxy. Whether you want to know more about Pentecostalism or are curious what it means to be a Pentecostal attracted to Church History, this video is for you. Support 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/gospelsimplicityDr. Alvarez's website: https://www.Emilioalvarezjr.comThe Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches: https://www.Theucoc.orgPre-order Pentecost by Emilio Alvarez with IVP Press Pentecost: A Day of Power for All People (The Fullness of Time: A Journey Through the Church Year, Volume Six) https://a.co/d/1RXu8nQOrder Pentecostal Orthodoxy by Emilio Alvarez with IVP Press Pentecostal Orthodoxy: Toward an Ecumenism of the Spirit https://a.co/d/66CebF8Support the show

Feb 25, 2023 • 51min
Humility and Joy (w/ Dr. Gavin Ortlund)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityHumility is often praised and rarely practiced. Recently, Dr. Gavin Ortlund took on the unenviable job of attempting to write about humility, something he confesses leaves him only able to make jokes about. After all, how do you promote a book you wrote on humility? If anyone can do it, it's Gavin. In this video, Gavin and I explore his thoughts on humility, social media, and much more. You can find Dr. Ortlund's book here: https://amzn.to/3jvy2PAYou can find Dr. Ortlund's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@TruthUnitesSupport 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

Feb 4, 2023 • 1h 7min
An Introduction to the Anglo-Catholic Church (w/ Fr. Wesley Walker)
Fr. Wesley Walker discusses Anglo-Catholicism's unique blend of Protestant and Catholic traditions, the history of the Anglo-Catholic Church, mental health support in Anglicanism, and navigating controversies like women's ordination. He also explores the significance of regular confession, the challenges of the Anglican priesthood, and the importance of devotional practices in deepening one's faith.

Dec 3, 2022 • 53min
The Real History of St. Nicholas, and how he became Santa Claus (w/ Dr. Adam C. English)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicitySt. Nicholas of Myra was born in the 3rd century, in what is now Turkey. He rose to some prominence as a bishop, held a low profile at the Council of Nicaea, and was known locally as a great man. But none of that explains how he became associated around the world with the legendary figure who, with his flying reindeer, brings kids all around the world toys one night per year. In this interview, I'm joined by one of the leading scholars on St. Nicholas, Dr. Adam C. English, to learn more about the true story of St. Nicholas and how he became Santa Claus. Thanks to Christian Ministry EDU for sponsoring this video. To learn more about your ministry educational needs, check out: htttps://www.christianministryedu.orgCheck out his book: https://amzn.to/3VQqTXlSupport 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

Oct 15, 2022 • 1h 8min
The Theology of the Lord of the Rings (w/ Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick)
This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicityThe Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular series (epics?) of all time. With unforgettable characters and an enthralling heroes journey, its popularity is well-deserved. But is it nothing more than guilty pleasure? Should Christians busy themselves with more important things than reading about Hobbits? In this video, I'm joined by Orthodox priest and Tolkien enthusiast, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, to talk all things LOTR. We cover everything from his favorite scene to his take on Rings of Power, as well as how the Lord of the Rings can help you read the Bible better. You won't want to miss it. Thankss to Christian Ministry EDU for sponsoring this video. To learn more about your ministry educational needs, check out: htttps://www.christianministryedu.orgCheck out his LOTR podcast, Amon Sul: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/amonsulSupport 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