Reason and Theology Show – R&T MEDIA

Pope John XII is often remembered as one of the most scandalous figures to ever sit on the papal throne. Rising to power as a teenager, he became infamous for corruption, violence, and immorality. In 963, a council deposed him—but his downfall didn’t end there. John XII would ultimately be killed by the enraged husband of one of his lovers. In this video, I explore the dramatic rise and fall of Pope John XII, the Council of 963, and how his papacy became a cautionary tale in church history.

Several outlets are claiming that Pope Leo XIV has just banned 12 ancient Catholic rituals, and some are even circulating an alleged audio homily of the Pope announcing the ban. But is it real? In this video, I take a closer look at the recording, examine the claims, and break down what’s actually going on.

Some Catholics claim that each individual believer can decide what the Bible and Tradition mean. But that’s exactly the Protestant principle of private judgment. The Catholic Church has always taught that it is the Magisterium — the Pope and bishops in union with him — who authentically interpret the Word of God. If you’ve ever wondered “Who speaks for the Church — me or the Magisterium?”, this episode will give you the clear answer.

Did animal sacrifices really continue after the crucifixion of Jesus? Many Christians assume the cross ended sacrifices once and for all—but Scripture and history tell a more complex story. The apostles went to the Temple during the daily sacrifices (Acts 3), Paul himself participated in offerings (Acts 21, 24), and traditions like the Armenian matagh and Greek kourbania preserve animal sacrifices in Christianity even today. In this episode, we’ll look at: Why the apostles prayed at the Temple during sacrificial hours. How Paul took part in the Nazarite vow and Temple offerings. Pope Gregory’s surprising words about animal sacrifices. The survival of Christian sacrifices in Armenia and Greece. Far from being wiped out, sacrificial traditions adapted and lived on in Christian practice—long after the crucifixion.

DEBATE: Is the Trinity Coherent? (Jake Brancatella vs. Samuel Green)

Jerusalem has frozen all bank accounts of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate over an ongoing property tax dispute — leaving clergy, teachers, and staff without pay. The city claims the Church owes millions in back taxes for properties not used as houses of worship, while the Patriarchate says this move breaks centuries of precedent and ongoing negotiations. This standoff has deep historical roots, dating back to Ottoman, British, Jordanian, and now Israeli rule — and could have major consequences for Christians in the Holy Land. In this episode, we break down the history, the politics, and what’s at stake for the Church and the faithful.

Reporters are claiming that for the first time in history, Pope Leo will meet with a pro-LGBTQ+ Catholic group at the Vatican. What does this mean for the Church, the LGBTQ+ community, and the future of Catholic dialogue? In this episode, we break down the significance of this historic meeting, what it could signal about the Vatican’s approach, and why it’s sparking worldwide attention. Watch to get the full story and understand why this moment is making headlines!

An incident at the Basilica of Loreto, where the Holy House of Mary is enshrined, is drawing widespread attention. Footage shows Catholic bishops concelebrating Mass alongside a woman dressed in a cassock and clerical collar, possibly a Protestant “priestess.”

A priest who entered a same-sex civil union was recently reinstated to active ministry—promoted to parish leadership, school oversight, and even the diocesan marriage tribunal. All this, despite a public record of LGBT advocacy and no clear public repentance. In this video, I explore the deeper issue: What happened to the biblical standards for ministry? According to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, a spiritual leader must be above reproach—free from scandal and of good reputation even with outsiders. So why are these scriptural requirements being ignored? This isn’t about attacking a specific priest or bishop. It’s about calling the Church back to God’s standards for leadership, and restoring trust where scandal has caused confusion and hurt. Scriptures Referenced: – 1 Timothy 3:1–7 – Titus 1:6–9 – Canon 1394 (Code of Canon Law) If we want a holy Church, we need holy leaders. Let’s talk about it. #Priesthood #ChurchScandal #BiblicalLeadership #CatholicCrisis #AboveReproach #1Timothy3 #ClergyStandards #SameSexUnion #MichaelLofton