The Reformanda Initiative
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- 6 nov 2026
Sobre o podcast
The Reformanda Initiative Podcast. Listen as we analyze and discuss Roman Catholic theology and practice from an Evangelical perspective. | X: @ReformandaRome | Facebook: @ReformandaInitiative | Online: www.reformandainitiative.org |
Participantes
Episódios 106
106. Is the Light of the Church Really the Light of Christ?
In this episode, we discuss Leonardo De Chirico’s latest Vatican File, reviewing Thomas Joseph White’s The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism. We explore two foundational principles of Roman …
Notas do episódio
In this episode, we discuss Leonardo De Chirico’s latest Vatican File, reviewing Thomas Joseph White’s The Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism. We explore two foundational principles of Roman Catholic theology—the relationship between nature and grace, and the connection between Christ and the Church—and why these reveal significant differences between Roman Catholicism and the Evangelical faith.
https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/11/vf262/
Don't forget to watch the new 6-episode docuseries by the Reformanda Initiative: www.thisisromancatholicism.com
105. Ancient Landmarks: An Evangelical Guide to Church History
How should evangelicals understand and engage the rich theological heritage of the early and medieval church?In this episode, we discuss Leonardo De Chirico’s new book, Ancient Landmarks: An Evangelical Guide …
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How should evangelicals understand and engage the rich theological heritage of the early and medieval church?
In this episode, we discuss Leonardo De Chirico’s new book, Ancient Landmarks: An Evangelical Guide to Patristic and Medieval Thought (IVP Academic/Apollos, 2026). Spanning the second through the fourteenth centuries, the book introduces key figures, theological debates, and developments that continue to shape Christianity today.
We are also joined by Joshua Kannard, who translated the book from Italian into English, to discuss the translation process and why this work matters for contemporary evangelicals.
Together, we explore how evangelicals can appreciate the riches of historic Christianity while exercising biblical discernment.
Ancient Landmarks releases in November 2026 and is available now for preorder on Amazon.
104. The Allure of the Roman Catholic Charismatic Movement
In this episode we discuss Leonardo's most recent Vatican File in which he provides insight into the Roman Catholic charismatic movement. Interacting with Filippo D’Alessandro's book : Il sogno di …
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In this episode we discuss Leonardo's most recent Vatican File in which he provides insight into the Roman Catholic charismatic movement. Interacting with Filippo D’Alessandro's book : Il sogno di Dio: L’unità dei cristiani nella potenza dello Spirito (God's Dream: Christian Unity in the Power of the Holy Spirit), Leonardo helps evangelicals understand the pitfalls of this aspect of the Roman Catholic ecumenical agenda. It is yet another case of same words, different worlds. Join us as we talk about this topic and reality that continues to grow in popularity and importance.
103. Excommunicated!
In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s latest Vatican File which addresses the July 2nd excommunication of members of the Society of St. Pius X. The excommunication puts on display the Roman and Catholic natures …
Notas do episódio
In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s latest Vatican File which addresses the July 2nd excommunication of members of the Society of St. Pius X. The excommunication puts on display the Roman and Catholic natures of the Church and also the Christ-Church Interconnection. We close by discussing why this is important from an evangelical perspective.
Episode notes:
102. Karl Rahner and Anonymous Christians with Camden Bucey
In this episode we are joined by the Executive Director of Reformed Forum Camden Bucey. Camden is also the host of the podcast Christ the Center. He is an expert on the 20th century Roman Catholic theologian …
Notas do episódio
In this episode we are joined by the Executive Director of Reformed Forum Camden Bucey. Camden is also the host of the podcast Christ the Center. He is an expert on the 20th century Roman Catholic theologian Karl Rahner, who is one of the most important architects of Vatican II and its theology. In 2019 Bucey wrote “Karl Rahner” as a contribution to the series Great Thinkers.
Modern-day Roman Catholicism is in many ways a reflection of Rahner and his theology. Rahner is most well known for his concept of “anonymous Christians.” In this episode we discuss Rahner as person, as a theologian, and explore his understanding of grace and how it gave birth to the idea of anonymous Christians.Episode notes:
https://reformedforum.org/
https://reformedforum.org/more-lessons-from-the-eternal-city/
https://camden.bucey.org/rahner/101. On the Bondage of the Will: The Heart of Reformation Theology
In this episode we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Robbie Bellis to discuss his contribution to the 2026 Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN). HIs paper titled, “The Essential Issue: Luther’s …
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In this episode we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Robbie Bellis to discuss his contribution to the 2026 Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN). HIs paper titled, “The Essential Issue: Luther’s Bondage of the Will and Roman Catholic Soteriology” explores the 16th-century debate between Erasmus and Luther that focused on the human will and its natural capacities. Erasmus argued for the freedom of the will, while Luther argued for the bondage of the will. At the heart of this debate is the gospel itself. To understand the bondage of the will is to understand the theology at the heart of the Reformation. It remains relevant today, especially as evangelicals engage with their Roman Catholic friends.
100. Magnifica Humanitas
In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first papal encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," which deals with the issue of artificial intelligence. The focus of our discussion is the theological framework that …
Notas do episódio
In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first papal encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," which deals with the issue of artificial intelligence. The focus of our discussion is the theological framework that undergirds this encyclical, which is often overlooked by evangelicals.
Encyclical/Magnifica Humanitas: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#_ftnref19
Lausanne/Governing AI in God’s House: https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/governing-ai-in-gods-house99. The Sensus Fidei - The Roman Catholic Attempt at the Priesthood of All Believers?
In this episode we discuss the Roman Catholic teaching of the Sensus Fidei (sense of faith). Post Vatican II, how does the Catholic Church reach consensus on doctrinal matters? Who is involved in the process? …
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In this episode we discuss the Roman Catholic teaching of the Sensus Fidei (sense of faith). Post Vatican II, how does the Catholic Church reach consensus on doctrinal matters? Who is involved in the process? Why is it potentially attractive to evangelicals, and how can the evangelical church correctly respond to it? Join us as we respond to these questions and more.
https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20140610_sensus-fidei_en.html98. Talking Theological Retrieval with Dr. Shawn Wright
What is theological retrieval, and how should evangelicals approach it wisely?In this episode, Dr. Shawn Wright (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Clifton Baptist Church) introduces the concept of …
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What is theological retrieval, and how should evangelicals approach it wisely?
In this episode, Dr. Shawn Wright (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Clifton Baptist Church) introduces the concept of theological retrieval and explains why it matters today. Drawing from a recent faculty address, he outlines six key cautions—including the need for humility, the danger of overreaction, and the central importance of justification by faith alone and assurance of salvation. We also discuss why some evangelicals are drawn to Roman Catholic views of the church, how Protestants should respond, and why tradition must never stand above Scripture. Dr. Wright closes with a pastoral warning for those considering Rome.
Episode resource: https://www.sbts.edu/news/shawn-wright-faculty-address/97. What about Relics in Roman Catholicism?
In this episode we discuss the interesting topic of relics and what role they play in Roman Catholicism. What is the theology behind them and how did they develop historically? How do evangelicals respond to …
Notas do episódio
In this episode we discuss the interesting topic of relics and what role they play in Roman Catholicism. What is the theology behind them and how did they develop historically? How do evangelicals respond to the reality of relics? These questions and others are the topic of our discussion.
Episode Links:
https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/03/vf252/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/calvin-venerating-relics/
96. Watch out 2033! The Coming Omega Point.
In this episode, Leo, Clay, and Reid discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File, which looks ahead to 2033 and an important initiative of the ecumenical movement. They also discuss the importance of the 1700th …
Notas do episódio
In this episode, Leo, Clay, and Reid discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File, which looks ahead to 2033 and an important initiative of the ecumenical movement. They also discuss the importance of the 1700th anniversary of Nicea and how that relates to 2033.
95. Blurred Concepts of Grace
In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s upcoming Vatican File that reviews a book which was recently translated into Italian. The book was written by the Cardinal Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine …
Notas do episódio
In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s upcoming Vatican File that reviews a book which was recently translated into Italian. The book was written by the Cardinal Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Victor Manuel Fernández, who is number 3 in the Vatican order of magisterial hierarchy. The book was originally published in 2003 in Spanish, but has just recently been made available in Italian. It concerns the doctrine of grace and gives clear insight into the Roman Catholic concept of grace. We discuss how these Roman Catholic concepts of grace differ from how the Bible articulates the doctrine of grace.
94. Mater Popoli Fidelis, i.e. The Note
In this episode we discuss the recent Vatican document published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding Mary (Mater Popoli Fidelis) and her title of "Co-redemptrix". How should evangelicals …
Notas do episódio
In this episode we discuss the recent Vatican document published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding Mary (Mater Popoli Fidelis) and her title of "Co-redemptrix". How should evangelicals think through this and respond to it? We also discuss Leonardo’s October Vatican File that concerns recent remarks Pope Leo made concerning Mary, and that are therefore relevant to this discussion.
93. Dilexi Te - Pope Leo’s first Magisterial Document
In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first Magisterial document, an Apostolic Exhortation titled "Dilexi te," which focuses on the Roman Catholic Church’s mandate to care for the poor. We highlight the …
Notas do episódio
In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first Magisterial document, an Apostolic Exhortation titled "Dilexi te," which focuses on the Roman Catholic Church’s mandate to care for the poor. We highlight the theological concerns the document presents for an evangelical reader. We also briefly discuss our recent trip to Istanbul for a conference that commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.
92. Tell Your Catholic Friends
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 …
Notas do episódio
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.
91. The Jubilee of Youth
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 …
Notas do episódio
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:
90. We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
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 …
Notas do episódio
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.
89. Concerns with the Roman Catholic Trinitarian Framework
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 …
Notas do episódio
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.
88. Does Rome Teach a False Gospel?
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 …
Notas do episódio
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?
87. Checking In on Pope Leo XIV
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 …
Notas do episódio
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.
86. Pope Leo XIV: Habemus Papam... or Habemus Problem?
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 …
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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.
85. Is Rome a True Church? Wrestling with History, Reformers, and Rome Today
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 …
Notas do episódio
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?
84. After Pope Francis: Facing the Truth about His Legacy
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 …
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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
83. More than Accretions: When the Gospel Gets a Genetic Rewrite
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 …
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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/
82. Conclaves and Catholic Apologists
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 …
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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.
81. A Response to Gavin Ortlund's Video, "Are Catholics Christian? Why Protestants can say YES"
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 …
Notas do episódio
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=17s80. Young Life and Catholicism: Missteps in Explaining the Faith
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 …
Notas do episódio
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 gratiaeMary, 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.
79. Discussing Pope Francis’s latest encyclical Dilexit Nos
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 …
Notas do episódio
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/vf235/78. Having “magnetic” conversations with Roman Catholics
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 …
Notas do episódio
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/77. Claiming Catholicity: What does it mean to be Catholic?
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 …
Notas do episódio
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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