'Authority'

'Authority'

For 50 years, the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) has been requesting an audience with the Vatican to discuss efforts to modernize the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. They have pushed for this dialogue during the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, but have been denied. Now, during the papacy of Leo XVIII, things have come to a head. They will likely be excommunicated from the Catholic Church on the first day of July after consecrating new bishops within their society outside the authority of the Holy See. The SSPX seems prepared to accept this excommunication and does not appear to be particularly troubled by it. Does excommunication from the Church mean they will also be separated from Jesus? If not, why would excommunication be viewed as a threat? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #408. 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]

'Come out of Her'

Many Protestant groups—particularly during and after the Protestant Reformation—identified the Catholic Church and/or the papacy with Babylon the Great from the Book of Revelation, viewing it as a corrupt religious power opposed to true Christianity. The Puritans, among the earliest English Protestants to settle North America, shared this belief, and the idea spread throughout the New England colonies. As the United States emerged as a new nation, the belief became widespread and contributed to an anti-Catholic sentiment that persisted well into the 20th century. Why did Protestants associate the Catholic Church with Babylon the Great, and is there any meaningful connection between the Church and the imagery or character of biblical Babylon? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #407. 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]

'Infiltration'

The Catholic Church released a Synod report on homosexuality this week, further driving a wedge between those in the Church who support moderation and more traditional Catholics who believe the Church has gone off course since the Second Vatican Council. One such traditionalist group is the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Transalpine Redemptorists. On the feast of St. Athanasius last week, the Redemptorists issued a public declaration stating that they reject every pope since the Second Vatican Council. The first reason listed in their declaration was: “The Church has been infiltrated by enemies from at least the time of Pope Gregory XVI.” Although they issued this declaration prior to the recent Synod report on homosexuality, the report only reinforced their concerns. What challenges is Pope Leo facing as he begins the second year of his pontificate, and how are those challenges threatening unity within the Church? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #406. 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]

'Black Voters Matter'

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]

'Court of Rome'

The Roman Curia is the administrative body of the Roman Catholic Church. It is composed of many individuals serving in a variety of roles to carry out the functions of the Holy See. As an institution, it has provided continuity for the Church for centuries. As popes have come and gone, the Curia has helped sustain its governance and operations. Although its development was gradual, its structure began to take recognizable shape during the papacy of Pope Urban II in the 11th century, and it has evolved significantly since then. Its longevity and deep institutional roots have made it a powerful entity; in some respects, it can be more powerful than the man who occupies the See of St. Peter. How has the Curia at times resisted or complicated papal initiatives, and to what extent is meaningful reform of the institution possible? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #405. 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]