Podcasts · Religion & Spirituality

The Reformanda Initiative

Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

105 episodes

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 |

Episodes page 1 of 3

  1. 105. Ancient Landmarks: An Evangelical Guide to Church History

    · 43 min

    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…

  2. 104. The Allure of the Roman Catholic Charismatic Movement

    · 46 min

    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…

  3. 103. Excommunicated!

    · 32 min · Episode 103

    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…

  4. 102. Karl Rahner and Anonymous Christians with Camden Bucey

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 102

    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…

  5. 101. On the Bondage of the Will: The Heart of Reformation Theology

    · 1 h 04 min

    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…

  6. 100. Magnifica Humanitas

    · 52 min

    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…

  7. 99. The Sensus Fidei - The Roman Catholic Attempt at the Priesthood of All Believers?

    · 59 min

    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…

  8. 98. Talking Theological Retrieval with Dr. Shawn Wright

    · 1 h 06 min

    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…

  9. 97. What about Relics in Roman Catholicism?

    · 50 min

    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…

  10. 96. Watch out 2033! The Coming Omega Point.

    · 34 min

    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…

  11. 95. Blurred Concepts of Grace

    · 45 min

    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…

  12. 94. Mater Popoli Fidelis, i.e. The Note

    · 37 min

    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…

  13. 93. Dilexi Te - Pope Leo’s first Magisterial Document

    · 39 min

    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…

  14. 92. Tell Your Catholic Friends

    · 44 min

    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,…

  15. 91. The Jubilee of Youth

    · 52 min

    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…

  16. 90. We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

    · 52 min

    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…

  17. 89. Concerns with the Roman Catholic Trinitarian Framework

    · 46 min

    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…

  18. 88. Does Rome Teach a False Gospel?

    · 52 min

    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…

  19. 87. Checking In on Pope Leo XIV

    · 42 min · Episode 87

    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…

  20. 86. Pope Leo XIV: Habemus Papam... or Habemus Problem?

    · 36 min

    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…

  21. 85. Is Rome a True Church? Wrestling with History, Reformers, and Rome Today

    · 46 min · Episode 85

    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…

  22. 84. After Pope Francis: Facing the Truth about His Legacy

    · 41 min · Episode 84

    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…

  23. 83. More than Accretions: When the Gospel Gets a Genetic Rewrite

    · 46 min · Episode 83

    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…

  24. 82. Conclaves and Catholic Apologists

    · 57 min · Episode 82

    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…

  25. 81. A Response to Gavin Ortlund's Video, "Are Catholics Christian? Why Protestants can say YES"

    · 34 min · Episode 81

    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…

  26. 80. Young Life and Catholicism: Missteps in Explaining the Faith

    · 39 min · Episode 80

    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…

  27. 79. Discussing Pope Francis’s latest encyclical Dilexit Nos

    · 47 min · Episode 79

    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.…

  28. 78. Having “magnetic” conversations with Roman Catholics

    · 41 min · Episode 78

    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…

  29. 77. Claiming Catholicity: What does it mean to be Catholic?

    · 38 min · Episode 77

    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…

  30. 76. The Year of Jubilee is Coming. But What is It?

    · 46 min · Episode 76

    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…

  31. 75. Talking About Jesus with Catholics: A New Course by Matthias Media

    · 36 min · Episode 75

    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…

  32. 74. Discussing the 7 Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church

    · 48 min · Episode 74

    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…

  33. 73. Does Roman Catholicism teach the true Gospel? A conversation with Robbie Bellis

    · 42 min · Episode 73

    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.…

  34. 72. Henri Nouwen. A spirituality of imperfection or an imperfect spirituality?

    · 32 min · Episode 72

    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,…

  35. 71. An Evangelical Discussion on Roman Catholic Temple Theology

    · 38 min · Episode 71

    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…

  36. 70. A conversation with special guest Dr. Gavin Ortlund

    · 41 min · Episode 70

    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.…

  37. 69. An Interview with Dr. Albert Mohler

    · 43 min · Episode 69

    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…

  38. 68. Pope Francis Interview with 60 Minutes

    · 40 min · Episode 68

    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…

  39. 67. Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach

    · 46 min · Episode 67

    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…

  40. 66. Obrigado Portugal

    · 46 min · Episode 66

    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…

  41. 65. Pope Francis Claims Rome, Italy is a Mission Field

    · 43 min · Episode 65

    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…

  42. 64. Unpacking the Roman Catholic Church’s Blessing of Same-Sex Couples

    · 42 min · Episode 64

    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…

  43. 63. Should Evangelicals pray with Roman Catholics?

    · 35 min · Episode 63

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

  44. 62. Understanding Synodality and the Synodal Church

    · 33 min · Episode 62

    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…

  45. 61. Answering Your Questions

    · 55 min · Episode 61

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

  46. 60. Theological Q&A with Australian Theological Educators and Students

    · 59 min · Episode 60

    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…

  47. 59. The Life, Theology, and Legacy of Joseph Ratzinger

    · 48 min · Episode 59

    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…

  48. 58. The Undeniable Universalism of Modern Day Roman Catholicism

    · 42 min · Episode 58

    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…

  49. 57. The End of the Tridentine Paradigm

    · 36 min · Episode 57

    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…

  50. 56. "Go to Thomas!" An invitation from Pope Francis

    · 36 min · Episode 56

    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!".…

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