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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You cannot talk about Roman Catholicism today without also talking about synodality. The Synodal Church is the new hermeneutic for understanding and engaging Roman Catholicism. To say it is essential is an understatement. But what is it? In this episode, we answer that question.

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In this episode Leonardo and Reid respond to some of the questions our listeners have sent us. 

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In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s latest Vatican File in which he discusses Dan Strange’s 5 Magnetic Points and how they are helpful in having gospel conversations with Roman Catholics. Leo’s Vatican File is an excerpt from his upcoming book (May 2025) Tell Your Catholic Friend: How to Have Gospel Conversations with Love.

Episode Links:

Vatican File 234: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/11/vf234/

Webinar Dec 16 2024: https://foclonline.org/webinar/bible-really-our-only-authority

Book pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Catholic-Friend-Leonardo-Chirico/dp/B0DGBTY2PQ/

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At the invitation of the Church Missionary Society (Australia), Dr. Leonardo De Chirico just finished speaking at CMS Summer School in Brisbane, Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne and Adelaide (5th Jan – 21stJan). More than 4000 people listened to one of the lectures or seminars on Roman Catholicism on “Is the Reformation Over?”, “Communicating the Gospel to Roman Catholics” and “What is the Problem of the Roman Catholic Gospel?”

Leonardo spoke compellingly to packed crowds as well as to theological educators and students attending Summer school. In this episode you can to Leonardo's one of the Q & A.

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In this episode we discuss the life, theology, and legacy of the late Joseph Ratzinger (1927-2022) from an Evangelical perspective. Ratzinger is better known as Pope Benedict XVI who followed Pope John Paul II and preceded Pope Francis. How should he be understood by evangelicals and the evangelical church?

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Does modern day Roman Catholicism teach that you can be saved apart from faith in Christ? Yes it does, and in this episode we discuss a recent Advent sermon given by the prominent Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa in the presence of Pope Francis and many members of the Roman Catholic Magisterium that plainly affirms just this. Don't miss it.

Episode Resources:
https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2023/01/209-roman-catholic-universalism (available 1-1-2023)

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The Tridentine paradigm has withstood the challenge of the Protestant Reformation and more. With the same paradigm, Rome also faced a second push coming from the modern world: that of the Enlightenment (on the cultural side) and the French Revolution (on the political side) between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. But has the Tridentine paradigm now reached the end of its journey? If so, what will be the face of Roman Catholicism tomorrow? Neither the Tridentine paradigm nor the various synodal paths dear to Pope Francis indicate an evangelical turning point in the Church of Rome. The Church of Rome was and remains distant from the claims of the biblical gospel.


https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2022/12/208/

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In recent years, we have witnessed a growing fascination with Thomas Aquinas and Thomism by evangelical theologians, especially coming from the North American context. Like Pope Francis they cry out, "Go to Thomas!". In a recent address, Francis indicated not only the need to study Thomas, but also to “contemplate” the Master before approaching his thought. Thus, to the cognitive and intellectual dimension, he added a mystical one. In this way, he caused Thomas, already a theologian imbued with wisdom and asceticism, to be seen as even more Roman Catholic.

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2022/11/207/ 

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If one wants to come to terms with Roman Catholic theology, sooner than later one needs to address the “nature-grace interdependence.” Roman Catholicism is pervaded by an attitude that is confident in the capacity of nature and matter to objectify grace (the bread that becomes Christ’s body, the wine that becomes Christ’s blood, the water of baptism that regenerates, and the oil of anointing that conveys grace), in the person’s ability to cooperate and contribute to salvation with his/her own works, in the capacity of the conscience to be the point of reference for truth. In theological terms, according to this view, grace intervenes to “elevate” nature to its supernatural end, relying on it and presupposing its untainted capacity to be elevated.

Episode resource: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2022/06/vf202/ 

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In this episode we discuss Robert Bellarmine, a lesser known figure of historic Roman Catholicism who was a crucial figure in the Roman Catholic response to the Reformation. His is a name that should be known, and in this episode we make a case for why that is.

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In this episode we talk with pastor Robbie Bellis (RSLN contributor and European church planter) about the Roman Catholic position regarding the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement. What does Roman Catholicism teach about the atonement and about redemption accomplished and applied? Do evangelicals agree? Why is this important?


Robbie Bellis is a pastor of the Eglise Protestante Evangélique de Louvain-la-Neuve, a church he helped plant in 2020. He obtained a ThM from Westminster Seminary Philadelphia. His Masters Thesis was on the decline of the belief of penal substitution in the Roman Catholic Church during the 20th Century. Additionally, Robbie teaches one day a week at the Institut Biblique de Bruxelles helping train future pastors and church workers in Belgium.

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In this episode we discuss Leonardo's latest Vatican File that presents a historical trajectory of the nature/grace interdependence, which represents one of the pillars of the Roman Catholic theological system. In our discussion we also briefly recap the nature/grace interdependence.

Episode Resource
Vatican File 201: “Gratia Supponit Naturam”? A Historical Sketch of the Nature-Grace Interdependance (Part I)

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Listen as we discuss Leonardo's latest Vatican File, n.200, in which he defines "liquid" Roman Catholicism and explains why some Roman Catholics, like George Weigel, are concerned about it. Weigel and other Roman Catholic traditionalists dream of a return to a more “Roman” Catholicism: but have they not yet understood that their religion is also increasingly “Catholic” at the same time?

Episode Notes:
Vatican Files. VF200: "Who is Afraid of "Liquid" Roman Catholicism?" by Leonardo De Chirico
First Things. "Liquid Catholicism and the German Synodal Path" by George Wiegel

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In this episode we discuss with Reformanda Initiative Fellow Matthew Johnston what it means to be catholic and who is catholic. Is, for example, the pope Catholic? Are evangelicals catholic? That depends. Listen in to understand why.

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What happens when the wrong words are said during your baptism? Does it have consequences on your salvation, your participation in the church, your marriage? If you are a Roman Catholic the answer is... It depends! Listen to part 2 of this episode where we discuss the theological implications of the 2022 baptism recall notice, where the diocese of Phoenix, Arizona recently declared the thousands of baptisms performed by “Father Andres” over the last 20 years to be invalid.

Episode notes: 
1. The FAQ website provided by the diocese of Phoenix, Arizona: https://dphx.org/valid-baptisms/ 

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The diocese of Phoenix, Arizona recently declared the thousands of baptisms performed by “Father Andres” over the last 20 years to be invalid. Listen as we visit with church planter Jordan Standridge to discuss his article on this matter, "When you lose your salvation based on a technicality". (https://thecripplegate.com/when-you-lose-your-salvation-based-on-a-technicality)

To learn more about Jordan's ministry you can visit the website: standridge.org

In part II we will further discuss the theological implications of this story and respond to the questions that naturally arise from the apparent contradictions that are presented.

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Listen as we discuss the latest Vatican File, "198. The (Not So) Puzzling Theology of Pope Francis". Among the many puzzling things introduced by Pope Francis, his teaching (magisterium) is perhaps the level that was most impacted by the Argentinian Pontiff. The contents of his encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, bulls, speeches, occasional interviews, etc. have been described as “uncertain,” “in motion,” “ambiguous,” “nuanced,” at times even “heretical” – and by Roman Catholics!

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In this episode we answer the question: What is the essence of Roman Catholicism? In his new book Same Words, Different Worlds, Dr. Leonardo De Chirico describes how the post-Vatican II Roman Catholic Church would answer that question as being its "sacramentality". Listen to learn more.

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In this episode we discuss the recent presidential address at the Evangelical Theological Society by Dr. Al Mohler of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in which he discussed four temptations for the Evangelical church, one of which is the Roman Catholic Church. We also discuss Leonardo's upcoming Vatican File that highlights Dr. Mohler's significant address.

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In this episode we discuss Pope Francis's recent endorsement of the new ecumenical theme park in Argentina that promotes interreligious fraternity and considers the world's main religious as equally valid pathways to encountering the divine. We also discuss the theological implications of the Pope's enthusiastic endorsement.

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In this episode we discuss the Anglican turned Catholic, John Henry Newman, who rose to the rank of cardinal and was canonised as a saint on 13 October 2019. Listen as we explore why Newman is one of the most important and influential figures in modern-day Roman Catholicism.

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Anglican bishop Michael Nazir-Ali recently announced his conversion to Roman Catholicism. What are the reasons behind his conversion? What questions does it raise for evangelicals? Listen as we discuss Leonardo's latest Vatican File #195 in which he responds to this latest evangelical's crossing of the Tiber.

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In this episode Dr. Gregg Allison of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary joins us to discuss his latest book 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism. Dr. Allison is a long time friend and contributor to the Reformanda Initiative.

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In this episode we discuss an important question: Should Evangelicals and Roman Catholics pray together? Yes? No? Or maybe, but it depends? Join us as we dive into this controversial topic.

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In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File that discusses Jubilee. Jubilee is an excellent case of same words, different worlds. We find the word in the Bible, and is used with regularity in Roman Catholicism, but the meanings are very different. Join us as we discuss the theology and practice of Jubilee.

Episode notes: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/10/vf233/ 

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Listen as we  kick off season 3 of the RI Podcast by discussing Leonardo De Chirico's upcoming book, Same Words, Different Worlds. Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel? (IVP Apollos, 2021).

Do Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics share a common orthodoxy, as promoted by initiatives such as Evangelicals and Catholics Together?  Or do the profound differences between Evangelical and Catholic theology and how they view the doctrines of Christ, the Church and salvation mean they actually hold to very different gospels?

Same Words, Different Worlds explores whether Evangelicals and Catholics have the same gospel if they have core commitments that contradict. It lays out how the words used to understand the gospel are the same but differ drastically in their underlying theology.

With keen insight, Leonardo de Chirico looks at various aspects of Roman Catholic theology – including Mary, the intercession of the saints, purgatory and papal infallibility – from an Evangelical perspective to argue that theological framework of Roman Catholicism is not faithful to the biblical gospel. Only by understanding the real differences can genuine dialogue flourish.

Same Words, Different Worlds will deepen your understanding of the differences between Evangelical and Catholic theology, and how the Reformation is not over in the church today.

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Listen as we talk with RSLN faculty member, Rachel Ciano, about the significance and importance of Augustine of Hippo. Why should evangelicals know and study the works of Augustine, and how should they approach the man who is claimed by both Roman Catholics and Protestants?

About Rachel Ciano:
Rachel moved to England in 2005, where she and her husband ministered at an evangelical anglican church in Hove, East Sussex. They returned to Sydney in 2009, where they began a church plant in Marrickville. Rachel completed her studies at SMBC in 2010, specialising in the English Reformation, particularly Thomas Cranmer and the interaction between two key points of his theology: his Erastianism and his Eucharistic position.

Journal Articles and Book Chapters by Rachel Ciano:

• Maddock, Ian J., Stuart Coulton and Rachel Ciano. 10 Dead Guys You Should Know, (Fearn, Christian Focus, 2021).
• Ciano, Rachel. "Lament Psalms in the Church: A History of Recent Neglect.” Pages 9-23 in Finding Lost Words: The Church’s Right to Lament. Edited by K. M. Barker and G. G. Harper. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2017. (Available for purchase from the SMBC online store)
• Ciano, Rachel. “Cranmer’s Doctrine of the Monarchy & Eucharist: An Examination of their Interaction.” Lucas: An Evangelical History Review 2:3 (2011): 19–43.
• Allison, Gregg and Rachel Ciano. “Roman Catholic Theology and Practice of the Priesthood Contrasted with Protestant Theology and Practice of the Priesthood.” Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 23/1 (2019): 137-55.

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In this episode ex-Catholic Mark Gilbert shares his personal testimony, and also about how is personal experience has taught him to effectively share the gospel with his Roman Catholic friends and family members.

Mark Gilbert works for Certainty4Eternity, an organisation established to help churches share the gospel with people from a Roman Catholic background. Mark grew up as a committed Roman Catholic, but despite this did not hear the gospel until he started university. He trained as a doctor before retraining as a minister, and has served in Anglican churches in Sydney since 2000. He currently works as a chaplain on the Northern Beaches. Mark has published a number of resources with Matthias Media to help people share the good news about Jesus with people from a Roman Catholic background including The God Who Saves, The Road Once Travelled and Stepping Out in Faith.

Episode Resources:

Books by Mark Gilbert:

• The God Who Saves. Very Popular 5 Week Bible Study on Grace, Faith, Sin, the Cross and Good Works in a Christian’s life
• The Road Once Travelled. Great book to give to Catholics who might be giving up on Catholicism
• Stepping out in Faith. 11 Stories of Catholics who heard the Gospel and it changed their lives … also great to give to interested Catholics

Articles by Mark Gilbert:

• GoTherefore.com articles

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In this episode Lauren Moore joins us to discuss Marian apparitions, what they are, why they are important, how they impact Roman Catholicism, and how they should be viewed and understood from an Evangelical perspective.

Lauren Moore has been serving with Pioneers in southwest France for almost 12 years.  During that time she has been involved in four different church plants, each in a different stage:  the Basque Coast Baptist Church (now an established church with a pastor), the Surf Church Hossegor (a small but growing church that started in 2009), and a house church in Bidache (started in 2019).  In 2015 she helped plant Les Cairns, the first evangelical church in Lourdes, a Catholic pilgrimage city, in over 40 years.  Her experience in Catholicism allows her to train other missionaries in understanding Roman Catholicism to reach Europe.  She is also currently completing her doctoral thesis with VU Amsterdam and Union School of Theology (Wales), focusing on the impact and influence of apparitions of Mary. 

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Listen to a conversation with Pastor Mickey Aquilino (Parkside Church - Alistair Begg). Mickey grew up Roman Catholic but didn't know Christ. After coming to faith through a renewal movement and reading God's Word, Mickey eventually left the Catholic church. He was led by God to Parkside Church where for 25 years he has helped teach the Bible and disciple others who come from a Roman Catholic background (like Amanda Scopilliti from season 2 episode 12).

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In this episode we discuss the alarming theological implications of Pope Francis's recent trip to Iraq, where he pleaded for peace and fraternity, grounding his appeal in our common heritage found in Abraham.

Episode Resource:

• http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2021/3/6/iraq-incontro-interreligioso.html#PRAYER
• www.reformandainitiative.org/masterclass
• www.vaticanfiles.org

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In this episode we talk with Amanda Scopilliti, a former nun who began her journey with the Dominican Order, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Listen to Amanda share about her journey from seeking Christ in the Roman Catholic Church, to ending up in hopeless bondage of religious function, to the day when God opened her eyes to the sufficiency of Christ and the biblical Gospel of grace.

*This episode was recorded through Zoom.

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In this episode we discuss Dr. De Chirico's next Vatican File, #185, which will provide an evangelical analysis of the late Pope John Paul II's important encyclical letter, Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) and help evangelicals better understand how to think through the relationship between faith and reason.

Episode Resources

• Papale Encyclical Fides et Ratio
• Reasons for Faith: Philosophy in the Service of Theology, Dr. Scott Oliphint

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In this episode we provide a brief overview of the papacy from an evangelical perspective.

Episode notes:

• Book/Kindle/Audible: A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy: Its origin and role in the 21st century (Pocket Guides) by Leonardo Dechirico

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In this episode we respond to our listener's questions, which concern the RCC's relationship to Latin language, both today and in the past. We also briefly discuss Epiphany, and respond to a listener's comments on Mary and Marian typology. We also respond to several questions about indulgences: What is the difference between indulgences and penance? What exactly is the purpose of indulgences? What biblical defense does the RCC give to support indulgences? Lastly, we respond to a listener's question about how to bring these topics and others up with family and friends who are Catholic.

Episode Resources:

• Stepping Out In Faith, Mark Gilbert
• Article: "Biblical Evidence for Indulgences" by Dave Armstrong

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In this episode we speak with Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert about a new course offered by Matthias Media which equips Protestants and the church to better understand and engage with Roman Catholics. Mark is based out of Sydney, Australia, and is a key contributor to “Talking About Jesus with Catholics”. Mark is the author of The God Who Saves, The Road Once Travelled, and Stepping out in Faith, all available at Matthias Media.


Talking About Jesus With Catholics Study

Watch the trailer on YouTube

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In this episode we discuss the year of St. Joseph, recently declared by Pope Francis in his letter Patris Corde. The Pope's declaration comes on the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX's declaration of Joseph as a Patron Saint of the Church (December 8th, 1870). We also discuss the special plenary indulgences decreed by the Catholic Church during this year of St. Jospeh and remind our listeners of what an indulgence is and how they are obtained.

Episode Resources:

• http://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_01011967_indulgentiarum-doctrina.html
• http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html#_ftn10
• https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html

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In this episode we examine the major theological pitfalls of Mariology in the Roman Catholic Church.
Note: Please excuse the recording irregularities, we were in separate locations and had to record the episode on Zoom.

Episode Resources:

• "Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary", Pope Francis, ANGELUS
• Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion, Stephen J. Shoemaker
• A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary,  Leonardo De Chirico
• A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy: Its origin and role in the 21st century, Leonardo De Chirico
• Vatican File 182. The Dogma of the Bodily Assumption of Mary, 70 Years After, Leondardo De Chirico

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In part two we discuss how the Roman Catholic Church arrived at a fully developed Mariology from the Mary presented in the Bible. We also discuss how typology has been influential in the RCC's understanding of Mary, especially with teachings such as the Immaculate Conception, the Bodily Assumption of Mary, Mary as Mediatrix, etc.

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In this episode we lay the groundwork for our discussion on Mary by underscoring the fact that Mariology and Marian devotion are intrinsic to Roman Catholic theology and practice. In other words Mariology is a core issue, not a peripheral issue that can be set aside and ignored. The intrinsic nature of Mariology is expressed in daily prayers to her, in shrines and churches dedicated to her, and pilgrimages to visit places of Marian apparitions that attract millions of Catholic faithful. We also briefly respond to the question, "Who is the Mary of the Bible?" and "How should evangelicals present Mary?"

Episode Resource:

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