The Reformanda Initiative – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we critically examine Young Life’s approach to Roman Catholicism through their article, "What Do Catholics (Really) Believe?" We’ll unpack the theological missteps and discuss the implications of their stance for gospel clarity. Additionally, we’ll dive into one of our own recent articles exploring the Roman Catholic practice of praying to Mary and the saints. Is it truly equivalent to asking friends to pray for you, or does it point to deeper theological concerns? Join us as we navigate these important topics from an Evangelical perspective, holding fast to the truth of the gospel.

Episode resources:
https://younglifeleaders.org/2022/04/what-do-catholics-really-believe.html

https://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/why-praying-to-the-saints-is-not-like-asking-for-prayer-from-friends


Examples of prayers to Mary, Joseph and Guardian Angels from Rome's 1999 edition of the official "Manual of Indulgences. NORMS AND GRANTS. Apostolic Penitentiary." Translated into English from the fourth edition (1999) of Enchiridion Indulgentiarum: Normae et Concessiones.

PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Maria, Mater gratiae

Mary, Mother of grace and Mother of mercy, shield me from the enemy and receive me at the hour of my death. Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.(Liturgy of the Hours, Ordinary for Night Prayer)

PRAYERS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who invoke St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a duly approved prayer (e.g., Ad te, beate Ioseph). Ad te, beate Ioseph:

To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the helpof your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

PRAYERS TO ONE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly invoke the care of their guardian:

Angele Dei, Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love entrusts me here, enlighten and guard, rule and guide me. Amen.

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In this episode we discuss Pope Francis’s latest encyclical that discusses the heart of Christ and the Roman Catholic devotion of the Sacred Heart. Leonardo’s latest VF provides the framework for our discussion.

Episode resources:
https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/12/vf235/ 

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In this episode we discuss various topics with our friend Dr. Gavin Ortlund. Dr. Ortlund is an author, Christian apologist, and President of Truth Unites, which promotes gospel unity through theological depth. Dr. Ortlund has extensive experience in debating and discoursing with Roman Catholics, and in our conversation discusses what he has learned from those conversations.

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In this episode we have the privilege of speaking with the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Semiary, Dr. Albert Mohler. We discuss his 2021 presidential address for the Evangelical Theological Society and the evangelical temption of Roman Catholicism, along with recent comments Dr. Mohler made about Pope Francis’s May 2024 interview on 60 Minutes. We also ask Dr. Mohler who he believes speaks for Rome today considering its often contradictory theology.

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In this episode we discuss comments made by Pope Francis in a recent interview with 60 Minutes that are receiving some attention from evangelicals. That Francis’s comments contradict the clear teachings of Scripture do not seem controversial, as they clearly do. What is irresponsibile from evangelicals, however, is the wrong assumption that what Francis says contradicts the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Join us as we discuss this important issue and blindspot in evangelicalism.

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In this episode we speak with Leonardo De Chirico, the Director of the Reformanda Initiative, about his new book Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach, which will be available on May 16th.

Preorder from IVP Books: https://ivpbooks.com/engaging-with-thomas-aquinas
Amazon.com: Click here

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In this episode we discuss a recent Reformation Iniative (RI) trip to Portugal to provide training to the evangelical church on Roman Catholicism. The RI was invited by the Associação Proclama and visited three different cities throughout Portugal. We are joined by Joe Clarke and Paulo Carvalho whom we met. Joe and Paulo provide insight into the Portuguese culture and context and challenges the evangelical church faces, which includes the ecumenical agenda of the Catholic Church.

Read about our trip here:
https://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/obrigado-portugal

Follow Associação Proclama online:
Associação Proclama Instagram
Associação Proclama Facebook 

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In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File “If the Pope Thinks that Rome is a ‘Mission Field.’” As the title indicates, recently Pope Francis described the city of Rome - which is of course the home of Roman Catholicism and the Vatican - as a mission field. We discuss this claim and its implications from an evangelical perspective.

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/03/vf226/

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In this episode we discuss the recent announcement from the Roman Catholic Church that allows for the blessing of same-sex couples, while not officially changing its stance on same-sex unions. What does it mean and what are its implications? Join us as we discuss these important questions.

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/12/18/0901/01963.html#en

https://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/evangelical-reflections-on-the-instrumentum-laboris-of-the-synodal-church-reflection-2-rn3n2-bll6n-289r9-pj2lc-aadt9-lnx29

https://vaticanfiles.org/2016/08/128-how-does-the-catholic-church-rejuvenate/ 

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In this episode we discuss a very practical and important question: Should Evangelicals pray with Roman Catholics?

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