When Shepherds Harm the Flock

Why Some People Become Catholic While Others Refuse

Don Johnson and Carl Olson discuss the nature of conversion to the Catholic Church, as well as why some people refuse to take that step.

When Shepherds Harm the Flock

Carl Olson joins Don to discuss Fiducia Supplicans, the Catholic Church's recently released document that allows a "blessing" for same-sex "couples."

The Futility of "Journeying Together" Without a Proper Goal

Carl Olson joins Don to discuss the similarities between Andy Stanley's recent Unconditional conference and the ongoing Catholic Synod on Synodality. In both instances leaders claim to want to "journey together with people," especially those with same sex attraction, without bringing theology or doctrine into the conversation. It is a fool's errand. Links to go with the show: Synodality, Soteriology, and “Sharing the journey” [https://whatweneednow.substack.com/p/synodality-soteriology-and-sharing] Welcome to the Church of Perpetual Change and Confusion [https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/10/19/welcome-to-the-church-of-perpetual-change-and-confusion/] Can Ministry be Unhinged from Theology? [https://breakpoint.org/can-ministry-be-unhitched-from-theology/] When Being Affirming Isn't Loving [https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2023/10/when-being-affirming-isnt-loving]

The Danger of Dispensing Cheap Grace

Welcoming sinners where they are is one thing; affirming them in their sin and encouraging them to stay there is another. Carl Olson joins Don to discuss the disturbing tendency among Church leaders to use the language of love and grace to entrench people in destructive lifestyles. Links to go with show: How much Sexual Sin is OK? [https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/how-much-sexual-sin-is-okay] The conflict over Communion is really about the cheapening of God's grace [https://catholicherald.co.uk/the-conflict-over-communion-is-really-about-the-cheapening-of-gods-grace/] The Consequences of Not Taking Sin Seriously [https://americanbabylon.substack.com/p/the-consequences-of-not-taking-sin] What is Salvation? [https://americanbabylon.substack.com/p/what-is-salvation] Called to Be Children of God: The Catholic Theology of Human Deification [https://www.amazon.com/Called-Be-Children-God-Deification/dp/1586179470] Twisted Unto Destruction: How Bible Alone Theology Made the World a Worse Place [https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Unto-Destruction-Bible-Theology/dp/1683572750/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=twisted+unto+destruction+by+donald+johnson&qid=1694884695&s=books&sr=1-1] The Cost of Discipleship [https://www.amazon.com/Cost-Discipleship-Dietrich-Bonhoeffer/dp/0684815001]

The Great American Dechurching

Don Johnson and Carl Olson discuss the sharp decline in church attendance over the past few years as well as offer some thoughts towards a solution. Show links: How to Talk to a Skeptic [https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Skeptic-Easy-Follow-Conversations/dp/0764211226/ref=sr_1_1?crid=G7TFFSBY5TLC&keywords=how+to+talk+to+a+skeptic&qid=1693110585&sprefix=how+to+talk+to+a+skeptic%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1] Twisted Unto Destruction: How Bible Alone Theology Made the World a Worse Place [https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Unto-Destruction-Bible-Theology/dp/1683572750/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=3Zja6&content-id=amzn1.sym.579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_p=579192ca-1482-4409-abe7-9e14f17ac827&pf_rd_r=147-5353971-9984811&pd_rd_wg=BHHMe&pd_rd_r=217d86d6-3645-4dc7-9883-fb0ecc376e5d&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk] What’s Behind America’s ‘Great Dechurching’? [https://breakpoint.org/whats-behind-americas-great-dechurching/] The Largest and Fastest Religious Shift in America Is Well Underway [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/21/opinion/religion-dechurching.html]