'Court of Rome'

'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]

'Sola Scriptura'

Rodrigo de Borja was elected Pope Alexander VI in 1492. He died in 1503, and 14 years after his death, Martin Luther composed his Ninety-five Theses, launching the Protestant Reformation. Alexander VI was a member of one of the most powerful families in Spain. His uncle had been pope before him, and he used his authority as pope to increase his family’s power. His papacy is often marked by corruption and is considered a low point in the history of the Roman Catholic Church; much of this corruption contributed to the movement that later split the Church. The corruption continued after Alexander, and by 1517, when Luther had finally had enough, a pope from another powerful family was using the office to increase his personal wealth and his family’s influence. How did these popes make the Reformation necessary, and why was the Church so reluctant to reform? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #404. 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]

'Simon bar Jonah'

The true identity of Jesus has been a subject of debate for over 2,000 years. His identity was debated even among those who lived during his ministry, listened to his teachings, and witnessed him perform miracles. Despite experiencing these events firsthand, not everyone agreed on who he was. Some even claimed that he performed miracles by the power of Beelzebub. Since Jesus walked the earth, a wide variety of beliefs about his identity have emerged. The Gnostics believed he was a phantom who never truly existed in human form. Islam teaches that he was a messenger and that he was never crucified or resurrected from the dead. How did the Apostle Peter answer the question of Jesus’s true identity, and how was his answer used to establish one of the most influential seats of power in human history? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #403. 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]

'Red Prayer Rug'

Charlie Kirk was an evangelical Christian and identified himself as such up until moments before he was assassinated. Speaking to the crowd at Utah Valley University just before the shot rang out, he said, “I’m an evangelical Christian… but I’m not one of those guys that hates on Mormons.” That was the last time he publicly described himself that way, though he had done so many times before. However, after his tragic death, several people began claiming that Kirk was in the process of converting to Catholicism. Candace Owens, for example, said he was attending Mass daily and praying the rosary, and she also claimed to know for a fact that he received a Catholic burial. She is not the only one to make such assertions. Why is there such a push to make people believe Charlie was converting to Catholicism, and is there any evidence that he actually was? Join the conversation and get answers to this question and more on According2Sam episode #402. 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]

'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]