According2Sam Podcast

'Universalism'

Many Catholics were surprised when the Pope called for unity between Christians and Muslims, especially at a time when Christians in some parts of the world face persecution by Muslims. The Pope did not merely call for tolerance or coexistence, but for communion—something that some conservative Catholics argued was at odds with Church doctrine. However, this criticism overlooks what the Church actually teaches. The Second Vatican Council states: “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God...” This is the Catholic Church’s official teaching on its relationship with Muslims, and Pope Leo is in continuity with it, but is this teaching consistent with the Bible? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #401. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Communion'

The message of Christian–Muslim unification is emerging from many different directions, but it has not appeared out of nowhere. Pope Leo is currently touring Africa with the stated mission of improving relations between Christians and Muslims. During his visit to Algeria, he reiterated his belief that Christians and Muslims can live together and be friends. He also wrote on social media, “Communion between Christians and Muslims takes shape under the mantle of Our Lady of Africa.” However, Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, also promoted stronger ties between Christians and Muslims, inviting prominent Muslim leaders to the Vatican on several occasions before passing the keys to Prevost. Who else is advocating for Christian–Muslim unification, and why is this movement gaining so much momentum right now? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #400. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Profane'

The decision to attack Iran has drawn widespread criticism, much of it directed at President Trump. Some critics argue that he was influenced by Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but ultimately, the decision was his alone. As Commander in Chief, he makes the final call—and he chose to proceed with the attack. That decision is now being second-guessed not only by Democrats, but also by prominent right-wing podcasters who supported him during his reelection campaign. In addition, Trump has faced criticism from Catholic bishops and Pope Leo, who have argued that the war is unjust. In response, the president has pushed back against his critics, including the podcasters and the pope. His remarks about Pope Leo, in particular, have sparked controversy, raising questions about whether his response crossed a line. Did it cross a line? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #399. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'American Pope'

When Bishop Robert Francis Prevost was selected as the new pope in May 2025, President Trump was just over 100 days into his second term. Many people believed Prevost’s selection was a response to Trump’s reelection, with the idea that an American pope might be better positioned to challenge an American president. Nearly a year into Pope Leo’s papacy, he has indeed taken positions that appear to challenge the president on several key issues. For example, he recently criticized the policy of attacking Iran, though he did not mention either the president or the conflict directly. Instead, he stated that Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war—an apparent reference that many interpreted as directed at Trump. Is the relationship between the first American pope and the president of the United States getting off to a rocky start? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #398. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Replacements'

Supersessionism—the belief that Christians have replaced the Jewish people as the chosen people and heirs of God’s covenant—has a long history within the Catholic Church. Many early Church Fathers taught that Christianity had superseded Judaism and that the Church was the “new Israel.” For this reason, the doctrine is often referred to as “replacement theology,” reflecting the idea that the Church has taken the place of Israel. While highly controversial today, it was not always regarded as such. Among those commonly associated with this teaching are Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen, Augustine, and others. However, did the Apostles—who were themselves Jewish and the earliest followers of Jesus—teach that Christians replaced the Jewish people, or did they teach that the Body of Christ replaced the Temple? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #397. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]