Episodes

  • Roman Catholicism: The Apocrypha, Mary, and All the Other Stuff

    Roman Catholicism: The Apocrypha, Mary, and All the Other Stuff
    May 30 2025
    ### #75 – Roman Catholicism: The Apocrypha, Mary, and All the Other Stuff In today’s episode, we take a step back and offer a thoughtful overview of Roman Catholic beliefs—especially those that often seem unfamiliar or confusing to Protestants. From the Apocrypha to Marian dogmas, purgatory, the communion of saints, and the Eucharist, we trace the roots and reasoning behind these doctrines. Whether you’re wrestling with questions about the Catholic view of Mary or trying to understand how the Apocrypha fits into the Catholic Bible, this episode is designed to provide clarity and foster respectful engagement. We’re not here to debate—we’re here to learn. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org #RomanCatholicism #Apocrypha #MarianDogmas #Purgatory #Eucharist #ChurchHistory #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #ProtestantAndCatholic #SystematicTheology #Patristics
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    1 hr
  • Roman Catholicism and Justification

    Roman Catholicism and Justification
    May 31 2025
    In this session, we dive into one of the most important differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant theology: justification. What do Catholics mean when they speak of justification as both a process and a state? How does it differ from the Protestant understanding of imputed righteousness by faith alone? This episode carefully unpacks the Catholic view using their own categories—grace, merit, sacraments, and cooperation with God—while also clarifying the classic Protestant response. If you've ever been confused about where the lines are drawn, this episode will help you see both the overlap and the sharp distinctions.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
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    1 hr
  • Roman Catholic Authority

    Roman Catholic Authority
    May 24 2025
    In this session, we explore the structure of Roman Catholic authority from a Protestant perspective. What is the Magisterium, and how does it function alongside Scripture and Tradition? What does apostolic succession really mean, and how is infallibility understood? This episode aims to unpack the internal logic of Rome’s authority structure—not to caricature it, but to understand it. My goal is to help Protestants see how it fits together from within the Catholic system, while also offering points of reflection and challenge. If you've ever wondered why Catholics trust the Church in the way they do, this is a great place to start.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
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    1 hr
  • 78. Through Theology in a Year with C. Michael Patton – Why the Apocrypha Was Never Meant to Be Apocryphal

    78. Through Theology in a Year with C. Michael Patton – Why the Apocrypha Was Never Meant to Be Apocryphal
    May 23 2025
    In this episode, I step into unfamiliar territory as a Protestant: making the strongest possible case for the inclusion of the deuterocanonical books—those writings often labeled *Apocrypha* like *Tobit*, *Judith*, *Wisdom*, *Sirach*, and *1–2 Maccabees*. I walk through the theological logic of the Catholic position: the organic relationship between Scripture and Church, the role of apostolic tradition, and why early liturgical use might point to divine inspiration. What if these books weren’t added later—but preserved for a reason? Then, I shift perspectives and respond from a Protestant point of view. I wrestle honestly with the question: How do we define canon? Does apostolicity matter more than usage? Can moral usefulness be confused with divine authority? No history yet—Athanasius, Jerome, Cajetan, and the rest will get their day. This episode is all about setting the theological stage. This is the best Catholic argument I know. And it deserves a serious Protestant answer. Explore the Project: Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org
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    1 hr
  • Getting to Know Rome

    Getting to Know Rome
    May 17 2025
    In this first session of our series on Roman Catholicism, we explore its foundations from a Protestant perspective—graciously and truthfully. What is Rome? How did it develop? Why does it matter today? This series invites you to understand the structure, beliefs, and beauty of the Roman Catholic Church, even while wrestling with key differences. Let's get to know Rome—not as outsiders, but as informed family members in the broader story of Christianity.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
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    1 hr
  • 77. Through Theology in a Year with C. Michael Patton - Historical Development of the Canon

    77. Through Theology in a Year with C. Michael Patton - Historical Development of the Canon
    May 16 2025
    In this session, we explore the definition and historical development of the biblical canon. What do we mean when we talk about "the canon of Scripture"? How did the Church recognize which books belonged in the Bible—and when?

    We will trace the formation of the canon through:

    – The early church’s criteria for recognizing Scripture
    – The role of Church Fathers and early councils
    – The distinction between inspired books and ecclesiastical writings
    – Disputes over the Old and New Testament books
    – The influence of figures like Athanasius, Jerome, and the Reformers

    This teaching lays the historical foundation for understanding how the Church came to affirm the books that make up our Bible.

    Get involved:
    Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org
    Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com
    Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com
    Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton
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    1 hr
  • What's in a Name? What You Need to Know About Pope Leo

    What's in a Name? What You Need to Know About Pope Leo
    May 9 2025
    1 hr
  • These Two Passages Are Completely Bizarre!

    These Two Passages Are Completely Bizarre!
    Apr 30 2025
    1 hr
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