The Reformanda Initiative

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!Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show

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.Support the show