The Reformanda Initiative

101. On the Bondage of the Will: The Heart of Reformation Theology

In this episode we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Robbie Bellis to discuss his contribution to the 2026 Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN). HIs paper titled, “The Essential Issue: Luther’s Bondage of the Will and Roman Catholic Soteriology” explores the 16th-century debate between Erasmus and Luther that focused on the human will and its natural capacities. Erasmus argued for the freedom of the will, while Luther argued for the bondage of the will. At the heart of this debate is the gospel itself. To understand the bondage of the will is to understand the theology at the heart of the Reformation. It remains relevant today, especially as evangelicals engage with their Roman Catholic friends.Support the show

100. Magnifica Humanitas

In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first papal encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," which deals with the issue of artificial intelligence. The focus of our discussion is the theological framework that undergirds this encyclical, which is often overlooked by evangelicals. Encyclical/Magnifica Humanitas: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#_ftnref19Lausanne/Governing AI in God’s House: https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/governing-ai-in-gods-houseSupport the show

99. The Sensus Fidei - The Roman Catholic Attempt at the Priesthood of All Believers?

In this episode we discuss the Roman Catholic teaching of the Sensus Fidei (sense of faith). Post Vatican II, how does the Catholic Church reach consensus on doctrinal matters? Who is involved in the process? Why is it potentially attractive to evangelicals, and how can the evangelical church correctly respond to it? Join us as we respond to these questions and more. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20140610_sensus-fidei_en.htmlSupport the show

98. Talking Theological Retrieval with Dr. Shawn Wright

What is theological retrieval, and how should evangelicals approach it wisely?In this episode, Dr. Shawn Wright (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Clifton Baptist Church) introduces the concept of theological retrieval and explains why it matters today. Drawing from a recent faculty address, he outlines six key cautions—including the need for humility, the danger of overreaction, and the central importance of justification by faith alone and assurance of salvation. We also discuss why some evangelicals are drawn to Roman Catholic views of the church, how Protestants should respond, and why tradition must never stand above Scripture. Dr. Wright closes with a pastoral warning for those considering Rome.Episode resource: https://www.sbts.edu/news/shawn-wright-faculty-address/Support the show

97. What about Relics in Roman Catholicism?

In this episode we discuss the interesting topic of relics and what role they play in Roman Catholicism. What is the theology behind them and how did they develop historically? How do evangelicals respond to the reality of relics? These questions and others are the topic of our discussion.Episode Links:https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/03/vf252/https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/calvin-venerating-relics/ Support the show