The Reformanda Initiative: Recent Episodes

Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

The Reformanda Initiative Podcast. Listen as we analyze and discuss Roman Catholic theology and practice from an Evangelical perspective. | Twitter: @ReformandaRome | Facebook: @ReformandaInitiative | Online: www.reformandainitiative.org |

In this episode, we sit down with Leonardo to talk about his newest book, Tell Your Catholic Friends: How to Have Gospel Conversations With Love (B&H Books, 2025). Together we explore why these conversations matter, how to approach them with clarity and compassion, and what it looks like to point friends and family to the hope of the gospel. Tell Your Catholic Friends is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible.

Support the show

In this episode, we discuss the Jubilee of Youth, a Roman Catholic event held in Rome, Italy, from July 29 to August 3, 2025, which attracted nearly 1 million youth from around the world. Much of what has been shared on social media by the Catholic Church is attractive to young evangelicals who are led to believe they can find the answer to their disillusions with faith and church in the Roman Catholic Church. But what is the real message of the Jubilee of Youth? Join us as we respond to this question.

Episode resource:

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2025/08/vf245-jubilee-of-youth/

Support the show

In this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert (Certainty 4 Eternity) about the new book he co-edited with Leonardo, The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words. We discuss his chapter contribution, which unpacks the clause of the Nicene Creed “We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church,” noting how Roman Catholics and Evangelicals share these words, but do not share the theological interpretation of them.

Support the show

In this episode we (Leonardo and Reid) discuss problematic aspects of the Roman Catholic understanding of the Trinitarian framework, using Leonardo’s chapter in the newly released book “The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words”, of which Leonardo and Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert are editors. This book (and this conversation) coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. The book can be purchased here: https://matthiasmedia.com/collections/latest/products/the-nicene-creed and is available on Kindle.

Support the show

In this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative fellow Robbie Bellis, who walks us through this delicate and essential question using Galatians 1 as a case study. Can Galatians 1 and Paul's anathemas be applied to the Roman Catholic Church and its gospel?

Support the show

In this episode Leonardo De Chirico and Reid Karr discuss the first few weeks of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. What is defining his papacy and where does he seem to be going theologically? More importantly, how can evangelicals be theologically responsible in assessing the pope as he speaks and uses gospel sounding words? Join us to hear how we respond to these questions and others.

Support the show

White smoke has risen, a new pope has taken the balcony, and the world is watching. But what should evangelical Christians make of it all? In this episode, we unpack what we know about the newly elected pope Leo XIV—his background, theology, and early signals—and explore how his papacy fits into the broader story of Roman Catholicism. What does his election mean for the gospel, the global church, and our Catholic neighbors? Join us as we cut through the incense and get to the substance.

Support the show

In this episode, we speak with Matthew Johnston, Fellow at the Reformanda Initiative, to ask the big question: Is Rome a true church? Together, we explore the historic Reformed answer to this question, trace how the Reformers engaged with Rome in their own day, and discuss how things might look different—or surprisingly similar—after the Council of Trent, Vatican I, the Marian dogmas, and Vatican II.

What would Calvin say if he walked into Rome today? And how should we, standing on the shoulders of the Reformation, faithfully answer in our time?

Support the show

In this episode, we examine the implications of Pope Francis's death and openly discuss the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church. As evangelicals committed to biblical clarity, we ask if evangelicals should look for silver linings in a papacy that has distorted gospel truth. Join us as we courageously explore why honest critique matters.

Episode notes:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/pope-francis-roman-church-legacy/

https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/30881/francis-the-latin-american-pope-who-sought-the-evangelical-embrace-died

Support the show

Is Roman Catholicism simply weighed down by extra layers (accretions)—or has something deeper gone wrong? In this episode, we engage with Leonardo De Chirico’s Vatican File #238, where he challenges the idea that Catholic doctrine merely suffers from removable "accretions." We ask the crucial question: Does stripping away tradition uncover the Gospel, or has the original message been fundamentally altered? Join us as we examine the difference between doctrinal development and deformation—and why it matters.

Episode Resource

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2025/03/vf238-no-longer-accretio/

Support the show

Join us in this episode as we discuss the possibility of an upcoming conclave in the Catholic Church with the declining health of Pope Francis. We also discuss the recent Netflix film of the same title and how it bears on reality. We also discuss the recent rise and popularity of Roman Catholic apologists seeking to appeal to confused and disillusioned evangelicals and how evangelicals should think about them.

Support the show

In this episode, we respond to Gavin Ortlund's recent video, "Are Catholics Christian? Why Protestants can say YES."

Episode notes:
Gavin Ortlund's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2wnd8FGyU&t=798s

Another very helpful response to Gavin from NeedGod.net:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0ne8-JUVnk&t=17s

Support the show

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.

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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.

Support the show

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/

Support the show

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

Support the show

In this episode Reid and Leonardo have a fascinating discussion about the 7 sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church and the theology of the sacraments. The discussion is framed by Leonardo’s latest Vatican File that interacts with the book The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church by the Roman Catholic scholar and professor Romanus Cessario.

Why Does the Roman Catholic Church Have Seven Sacraments? A Thomist answer and a preliminary evangelical critique

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/08/vf231/

Support the Show.

In this episode we speak with Reformanda Initiative Fellow, Robbie Bellis, who takes a look at 2 Corinthians 11 to answer the question of whether or not evangelicals and Roman Catholics believe the same gospel.

Support the Show.

In this episode, we explore the popularity of Henri Nouwen among evangelicals. Described by Christianity Today as "one of the world’s greatest spiritual writers," Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, writer, theologian, professor, psychologist, spiritual director, and activist. A survey by Christian Century revealed that Nouwen’s work is a top choice for both Roman Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy. Join us as we discuss whether Nouwen should be promoted in evangelical institutions, seminaries, and churches as a model of evangelical spirituality.

Support the Show.

In this episode we discuss temple theology and answer questions like: What is temple theology? Why it is important? How it is relevant to everyday life? We conclude with a discussion of how evangelicals differ from Roman Catholics in understanding and applying temple theology.

Support the Show.

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.

All of Life for God
The All of Life for God podcast is an engaging and thoughtful collection of exclusive...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

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.

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.

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

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 InstagramAssociação Proclama Facebook

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/

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/

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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)

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/

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/

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/

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.

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.

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)

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

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/

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

None

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.

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:

A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? , on amazon.com

None

In this episode the Associate Director of the Reformanda Initiative (Reid Karr) examines and critiques the doctrine of transubstantiation and the sacrament of the Eucharist in Roman Catholicism. The critique is grounded in a review of Dr. Brant Pitre's book Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper. Dr. Pitre is a Catholic theologian and distinguished professor at the Augustine Institute.

RomanCatholicism #Eucharist #Transubstantiation

How would you answer the following question: "How do you define Roman Catholicism?" It's an interesting and intriguing question that is difficult to answer. In this episode we discuss a definition crafted by the Reformanda Initiative that we hope provides good food for thought and encourages our listeners and evangelicals to do the same. The definition also gets to the heart of the theology of Roman Catholicism and sheds light on issues that are of great concern to evangelicals.

Roman Catholicism is:
A deviation from Biblical Christianity
that has consolidated over the centuries
by clustering around an imperial (Roman) institution,
centering on its sacramental system,
grounding itself on its synergistic theology and abnormal ecclesiology,
and being fueled by its universal (catholic) project of embracing the whole world.

In this episode we discuss the latest papal encyclical by Pope Francis, "Fratelli Tutti", (All brothers). What is a papal encyclical? Why should evangelicals care about the latest encyclical? Why do we find it scandalous? Listen to find out.

Episode Resource:
ENCYCLICAL LETTER, "FRATELLI TUTTI",OF THE HOLY FATHER
FRANCIS,ON FRATERNITY AND SOCIAL FRIENDSHIP

What is the Gospel according Bishop Barron and Vatican II Theology? Listen as Reid Karr analyzes an interview that took place between celebrity political commentator, Ben Shapiro and celebrity Roman Catholic Bishop, Robert Barron.

J.I. Packer and Roman Catholicism: What Evangelicals Should Know. Listen as we talk with Leonardo De Chirico about the late, great theologian, J.I. Packer's involvement with Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT), and why Packer was inconsistent according to his own criticisms of Roman Catholic theology.

Episode Resouces:
Vatican File 178. Why J.I. Packer Signed “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” (1994) (and Why He Was Inconsistent)

Listen as we talk to evangelical pastor, blogger, author, and speaker Tim Challies (challies.com) about Roman Catholicism and his latest book, Epic: An Around-the-World Journey Through Christian History, Zondervan 2020.

https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Around-World-Journey-Christian/dp/0310329043/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=epic+challies&qid=1595687611&sr=8-1

Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History

Karol Wojtyła (1920-2005), since1978 better known as Pope John Paul II, has been one of the most influential men of the 20th century. The centenary of his birth is a useful opportunity to reflect on his legacy. Many Evangelicals have very positive things to say about him. Are their positive evaluations fair or are they lacking? Listen as we answer the question, "How do we assess John Paul II’s legacy?" Because of the stature of the man, the question is overwhelming in every respect, but one that must be answered.

Episode Resources:

Vatican File 176. “Totus tuus” (to Mary). The Unsettled Legacy of John Paul II One Hundred Years since His Birth (http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2020/06/vf176/)
Leonardo De Chirico's book, A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?

None

In this episode we discuss the Roman Catholic Church's latest response to addressing the worldwide Covid 19 pandemic. The RCC's response demonstrates the dangers of Vatican II theology when put into practice, and highlights its ever growing ecumenical agenda to achieve unity at the expense of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Episode resources:

Covid-19: Faithful respond to Pope's invitation to pray on 14 May

In this episode we examine the Roman Catholic teaching on the Sacrament of Penance (also known by many other names) from an evangelical perspective. We underscore what is at stake with this doctrine theologically and concerning the gospel, and highlight how it fits into the larger framework of the Roman Catholic system.

Episode Resources:

Luther's 95 Thesis:https://www.luther.de/en/95thesen.html
CCC: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c2a4.htm

An interview with Prof. Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology, UK. Author of books such as The Unquenchable Flame. Discovering the Heart of the Reformation (2010) and (with Tim Chester), Why The Reformation Still Matters (2016).

On October 31, 1999, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation signed ‘The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification’ (JDDJ), claiming that they were ‘now able to articulate a common understanding of our justification by God’s grace through faith in Christ.’ This has led many since to think that the fundamental theological differences of the Reformation have now been resolved, and that there remains little or nothing of real theological substance to prevent evangelical-Catholic unity. Professor Mark Noll, for instance, boldly declared,

If it is true, as once was repeated frequently by Protestants conscious of their anchorage in Martin Luther or John Calvin that iustificatio articulus stantis vel cadentis ecclesiae (justification is the article on which the church stands or falls), then the Reformation is over.

Is the Reformation indeed, over? Listen as Dr. Reeves helps us make sense of the JDDJ.

Episode Resources

Learn more about Dr. Reeves and his ministry, Union Mission, at www.union-mission.org
Read a similar interview with Dr. Reeves
Read the 1999 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification
Read and sign the statement: "Is the Reformation Over? A Statement of Evangelical Convictions"

What is the doctrine of justification and why has it been such a big point of disagreement between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism? Watch and listen as we describe the doctrine of justification according to Roman Catholicism.

http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2017/11/143-where-does-popefrancis-stand-on-the-doctrine-of-justification/

Listen as we follow up on a previous episode covering why Evangelicals convert to Roman Catholicism. In this episode we discuss how churches can respond to certain weak points in the evangelical culture of today that have led evangelicals to cross the Tiber.

Episode Resources

https://davenantinstitute.org/why-protestants-convert-pt-1-conversionitis/
http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2019/09/vf167/

In this episode we discuss how, when under pressure, the true and deep commitments of the heart are exposed. When facing hardships, we reveal what is really important for us. In these weeks of the Coronavirus emergency, the message that Roman Catholicism is giving is a disarming detachment from the basic principles of the biblical faith.

http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2020/03/174-rosary-indulgences-and-humanism-how-is-italian-roman-catholicism-facing-the-coronavirus-crisis/

Watch this ZOOM recording online: https://youtu.be/ns1PuNsdyHM

In this episode we discuss why Evangelicals convert to Roman Catholicism and what their testimonies reveal as weak points in the evangelical culture of today.

Episode Resources

https://davenantinstitute.org/why-protestants-convert-pt-1-conversionitis/
http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2019/09/vf167/

In this episode we discuss four practical tips for sharing the Gospel with Roman Catholics, and remind ourselves of the necessity to do so.

In this episode we discuss current trends in Roman Catholic missiology in order to assess the impact of Vatican II theology on the modern-day Roman Catholic understanding of mission.

Mission in Roman Catholicism Post Vatican II

Ad gentes (1965) – Vatican II
Evangelii nuntiandi (1975) – Pope Paul VI
Redemptoris missio (1990) – Pope John Paul II
Pontificio consiglio per la nuova evangelizzazione (2010) – Pope Benedict XVI
Evangelii gaudium (2013) – Pope Francis

Assessing Current trends in Roman Catholic missiology

Mario Menin, Missione (2016)
Mary Motte, ”Signs of a Future Transformation in Mission” (2019)
William P. Gregory, “Pope Francis’s Effort to Revitalize Christian Mission” (2019)
Dawn M. Nothwehr, ”For the Salvation of the Cosmos: The Church’s Mission of Ecojustice” (2019)

Vatican File 145: Mission. Did Pope Francis Say Mission?http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2018/01/145-mission-pope-francis-say-mission/

This episode follows up a conversation that began in episode 9, "Why Vatican II is essential to understanding present-day Roman Catholicism". In this episode, we discuss the "development" of Roman Catholic theology, a development that evangelicals claim is contradictory to the previous doctrines put forth by previous church councils. Listen as we discuss how Vatican II seems to clearly contradict not only past councils but also (and more subtly) its own documents. How should Evangelicals understand such contradictions? Listen to find out.

Episode Resources:

9 Things You Should Know About the Council of Trent
Lumen Gentium (see chapter 16)
Romans 3:10-12 - "None is good, no not one"
Romans 10:9-17 - faith in Christ is necessary for salvation

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Union School of Theology. Listen as we describe the role of church councils and specifically the importance of Vatican II. What happened exactly at Vatican II? Why is it arguably the most significant of all the Church councils? Why is it essential to understanding present-day Roman Catholicism and Catholic theology? Do not miss this important episode.

Episode resources:

Norman P. Tanner, The Councils of the Church: A Short History
David F Wells, Revolution in Rome
Kenneth J. Stewart, In Search of Ancient Roots: The Christian Past and the Evangelical Identity Crisis
Vatican File 160. http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2019/04/vf160/
The Rome Scholars & Leaders Network - to find out more visit the RSLN page, www.reformandainitiative.org/rsln
The Union School of Theology. Union forms men and women to grow Christ’s church. At Union School of Theology, they offer degrees from BA to PhD, shaping their students to be theologically rigorous, biblically faithful, and Christlike. Visit https://www.ust.ac.uk/ to find out more.

Solus Christus (Christ Alone) versus Totus Christus (the Whole Christ). If one wants to capture the difference between the evangelical faith and Roman Catholicism, here it is. On the one hand, the evangelical stress on the uniqueness of Jesus’s person (the God-man) and His atoning work;[1] on the other, the Roman Catholic insistence on the organic relationship between Christ and the Church.

Listen as we discuss the latest Vatican File by Dr. Leonardo De Chirico, titled:
Vatican File 170. Totus Christus (The Whole Christ) or Solus Christus (Christ Alone)? On The Damages of Augustine’s Formula and the Correction of the Protestant Reformation

[1] S. Wellum, Christ Alone, The Uniqueness of Jesus as Saviour. What the Reformers Taught and Why It Still Matters (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017).

Episode Resources:
http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2019/12/vf170

In this episode, we discuss Pope Francis' response to a young boy's question in which he said that the boy's atheist father was in heaven. Does Roman Catholic theology actually allow for atheists to enter into heaven? Listen as we answer this question.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Youtube video of Pope Francis: https://youtu.be/bRbUTfSds0U
Scripture References: John 3:18; Acts 2:39; 4:12; 16:31; 20:20–21; Rom. 10:9–17; 1 John 2:22–25; 4:14–15; 5:12–13; Rom. 5:6–11; 2 Cor. 5:18–21; 1 Tim. 2:5–6; Rom. 3:10-12; Deut. 18:9; 1 Cor. 1:17
Vatican File 149:http://vaticanfiles.org/en/2018/05/149-atheists-go-heaven-pope-francis-says-yes/
CCC: 405; 1263; 1265
Lumen gentium 16 (also cited below):
Finally, those who have not yet received the Gospel are related in various ways to the people of God.(18) In the first place we must recall the people to whom the testament and the promises were given and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh.(125) On account of their fathers this people remains most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts He makes nor of the calls He issues.(126) But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things,(127) and as Saviour wills that all men be saved.(128) Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience.(19) Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel.(20*) She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life. But often men, deceived by the Evil One, have become vain in their reasonings and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, serving the creature rather than the Creator.(129) Or some there are who, living and dying in this world without God, are exposed to final despair. Wherefore to promote the glory of God and procure the salvation of all of these, and mindful of the command of the Lord, "Preach the Gospel to every creature",(130) the Church fosters the missions with care and attention.

This is podcast 2 of 2 where we discuss how Roman Catholic theology blurs time distinctions, confusing what God has done in history, with what He is doing. In this episode we discuss Rome's blurring of time distinctions through the sacrament of the Eucharist and through the Roman Catholic understanding of divine Revelation. We also discuss the implications of this blurring for the biblical gospel.

In this episode, we discuss how Roman Catholic theology blurs time distinctions concerning the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This is a result of confusing what God has done in history, with what He is doing. We discuss the implications of this blurring for the biblical gospel.

The second pillar/cog of the Roman Catholic church is called the Christ-Church Interconnection. What is it and what does it mean? Simply put, it refers to the Roman Catholicism’s understanding of itself as the continuation of the incarnation of Jesus Christ on earth. In this episode, we will discuss how the Christ-Church Interconnection is related to the previously discussed pillar, the Nature-Grace Interdependence, while describing some clear theological implications of this pillar. We also identify specific theological doctrines and practices in which the outworking of this pillar can be seen.

In this episode, we will discuss the first of the two main pillars that support the Roman Catholic theological system, the Nature-Grace Interdependence. The Roman Catholic concepts of "nature" and "grace" are crucial to defining and understanding Roman Catholicism. Listen as we describe how the Roman Catholic church understands and defines the relationship between nature and grace, the impact of this view on modern-day RC, and most importantly, the biblical understanding about the Fall and the relationship between nature and grace.

What is the Reformanda Initiative? Listen as we discuss how the Reformanda Initiative began, why we believe that Roman Catholic theology is a severely flawed system in need of radical, biblical reformation, and how we intend to use this podcast to provide the global evangelical church with an evangelical analysis of modern-day Roman Catholic theology and practice.

Roman Catholic theology is extremely complex and can be overwhelming to grasp. How are evangelicals to understand Roman Catholicism? What approach should be taken? In this episode, the Reformanda Initiative team will discuss two approaches to understanding RC theology, an atomistic approach, and a systemic approach. Listen as we share why the systemic approach is necessary for evangelicals to properly grasp the Roman Catholic theological system, and for making sense of Roman Catholic practice.