Considering Catholicism

Everyone’s seen the Shriners in their tiny cars and funny hats, but why has the Catholic Church been warning against Freemasonry for almost 300 years — and still considers it an excommunicable offense? In this episode Greg and Cory unpack the real origins of Freemasonry (hint: it’s got nothing to do with actual bricklaying), its Enlightenment roots, its deistic “Great Architect” religion, and why it set itself up as a direct rival to Catholic Christianity from day one. We trace how those ideas fueled both the American and French Revolutions, quietly shaped modern secular culture, and why — even today — a Catholic simply cannot square Masonic oaths with the Creed. If you’ve ever wondered why the Church seems to “punch down” on what looks like a harmless men’s club, this episode will flip the whole picture upside down. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

A peer-reviewed paper claims a glowing, seated-Buddha fractal generated from the Mandelbrot set is hidden in the Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Tutankhamun’s mask, and masterpieces across cultures—proof of simulation, aliens, or the collective unconscious. Greg explains what fractals and the Buddhabrot actually are, shows why the overlays are genuinely uncanny, and then pivots to the far more astonishing Catholic truth: beauty is a transcendental property of being itself. From Plato to Aquinas to the Catechism, the Church has always taught that creation is stamped with the splendor of its rational Creator—and that the ache we feel in front of great art is homesickness for Him. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Greg and Ed explore the difference between worship that is objectively real and worship designed to produce feelings, using C.S. Lewis’s famous critique of “The Green Book” as their launching point. They contrast a contemporary evangelical Christmas Eve production—where success is measured by how moved the audience feels—with the Catholic Midnight Mass, where Christ’s sacrifice is offered whether anyone feels anything or not. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

December 8 is the Solemn Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and every year we hear the same two objections: “Pius IX invented the Immaculate Conception in 1854” and “God can’t apply the Cross backward in time.” In this episode Greg walks line-by-line through the primary sources—from St. Ephrem in 373 to Martin Luther still preaching it in 1527—and shows why both claims collapse the moment you open a history book (or the Bible). Along the way he unpacks the two deepest reasons the Church has always believed this doctrine: Mary as the spotless New Ark and, even more powerfully, Mary as the New Eve who finally gives humanity’s obedient Yes where the first Eve said No. A fast, source-packed, occasionally cheeky defense that leaves no room for the usual drive-by tweets—and might just leave a few Protestant listeners speechless. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

What does it mean to call Mary the “Mother of God”? In this episode, Greg dives into the ancient debate at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) over the term Theotokos and why it’s a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy. Far from just being about Mary, this doctrine safeguards the truth of the Incarnation—that Jesus is fully God and fully man. Greg unpacks common Protestant objections, addresses misunderstandings, and explores how Theotokos shapes Catholic theology and liturgy today. Whether you’re curious about Catholicism or deepening your faith, this episode will challenge you to see Jesus in a new light. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

What if the Christianity you’ve always known is only the shallow end of a vast, ancient ocean? In this candid, burrito-fueled conversation (yes, really), Greg and Ed the Protestant unpack the longing that pulled Greg all the way home to the Catholic Church: a restless hunger to go “further up and further in,” deeper into the heart of the Church. From a worship leader who couldn’t imagine Catholics have music or preaching, to standing in the ruins of a medieval monastery and realizing modern evangelicalism is downstream from something far older and richer, this episode is for anyone who’s ever sensed there must be more to Christianity than the last thirty years of praise choruses and fog machines. If you’ve ever wondered why some of us can’t stop swimming upstream toward the apostolic trunk of the Church—and why we can never swim back—pull up a chair (and maybe skip the head-sized burrito). Come further up, come further in! SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

In Part 3 of Divine Mysteries, Greg lets five explosive Scripture passages—John 1, Colossians 1, Philippians 2, Hebrews 1, and Revelation—paint the full portrait of the eternal Son, from Creator-Logos to Returning Conqueror. Then he explores how the Christian East’s majestic Pantocrator and the West’s tender Sacred Heart are two complementary lenses on the same Chalcedonian Christ. Perfect for Western Catholics who need awe and Ortho-curious guys who love the Divine Liturgy: Rome never lost the East’s fire. Discover why a Pantocrator icon might be exactly what your prayer corner is missing. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

As "Ordinary Time" comes to an end this Sunday (November 23), here's a classic episode from the CC vault: Greg and Cory unpacking what "feasts" or "feast days" are in the Catholic Church, the end of Ordinary Time, and the celebration of the solemn feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe on November 23, 2025. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

The Athanasian Creed doesn’t stop at the Trinity. In its second half it lays down the Chalcedonian definition of the Incarnation—two natures, one Person—and declares it essential for salvation. Greg walks line-by-line through the creed, shows how Gregory’s “what is not assumed is not healed” drives the sacraments, and lands on the bodily resurrection and final judgment by the God-man. Practical takeaways: the dignity of every human body and a sacramental worldview that turns water, bread, and oil into pipelines of grace. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

What makes Christianity unique? It’s the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons. In this episode, Greg dives into why the Trinity is the non-negotiable heart of the Christian faith, using the Athanasian Creed to show its centrality and exploring why it’s so hard to grasp. From common analogies to the relational love that reflects God’s image in us, he unpacks this divine mystery with clarity and reverence. Join us to discover how the Trinity invites us into God’s eternal love, culminating in the beatific vision of heaven. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Greg and Cory dive into the practical options for Catholic parents educating school-aged children. They emphasize parents as primary educators, supported by parish programs and schools. Discussions cover Catholic day schools, homeschooling with Catholic intent, co-ops, and cautions about public or charter alternatives. Financial challenges, discernment, and the need for intentional family-parish-school collaboration are explored. The conversation urges deliberate choices to make Catholicism the strongest influence in kids' lives. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Greg and Cory explore the foundational principles of education and what sets Catholic education apart. They discuss how true Catholic formation goes beyond mere knowledge and skills to orient young lives toward knowing, loving, and serving God eternally. Drawing on historical and philosophical insights, they examine the challenges facing Catholic education in a secular world. The conversation critiques past shortcomings while emphasizing the need for intentional, competitive Catholic influences in children's lives. This sets the stage for the next episode on practical options for parents. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Why do Catholics make such a big deal about Mary? For many Protestants exploring Catholicism, the Blessed Virgin is the last hill to climb. In this episode, Greg dives into the four Marian dogmas—Mother of God, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception, and Assumption—through the lens of Mary as the New Eve. Discover how her role unlocks a deeper understanding of Scripture and the Gospel, pointing us to Jesus in a way that’s both ancient and illuminating. Perfect for OCIA candidates or anyone curious about the Catholic view of Mary. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

In this episode of OCIA: The Bridge to Rome, we unpack the communion of saints—the living, eternal family that unites the Church on earth with the triumphant saints in heaven. Drawing from the Apostles’ Creed and Scripture (Hebrews 12:1, Revelation 5:8, Luke 16:19-31), we show how the “dead” are truly alive in Christ, aware and interceding for us. Former Protestants will find clear answers to the objection that saints can’t hear us, with biblical evidence from the Transfiguration, the “cloud of witnesses,” and Christ’s promise of everlasting life. We explore veneration vs. worship, canonization, and practical ways to invite saints into your prayer life. Join us to discover how this 2,000-year communion strengthens your OCIA journey and draws you closer to Rome. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

In this milestone 400th episode, Greg and Ed celebrate at the Secret Compound, munching on gas station pizza and sipping celebratory beverages. They reflect on the incredible journey of Considering Catholicism, from its humble beginnings to a podcast that’s touched countless lives, including Ed’s ongoing path toward Catholicism. Greg shares the challenges of keeping the show authentic amidst pressures to conform and announces exciting changes, including a new Patreon platform for bonus content and a second podcast exploring Christianity’s impact on Western civilization. This episode is a heartfelt thank-you to listeners and supporters, a look back at favorite moments, and a bold step toward the future. Join us for a candid, inspiring conversation about faith, friendship, and what’s next for the show. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Can you prove God exists like a math theorem? Greg shares his journey from a debate-obsessed college kid to a Catholic who sees belief differently. In this episode, he challenges the idea that faith is about airtight arguments, exploring five compelling reasons to believe—from the universe’s beginning to humanity’s universal sense of the transcendent. Whether you’re a skeptic, a curious non-Catholic, or a Catholic rediscovering your faith, this episode invites you to weigh the reasons and make a choice. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Catholic Social Teaching, rooted in Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, is meant to guide Catholics in building a just society, but today it’s often a battleground for political agendas. In this episode, Greg reflects on preparing a lecture for his Catholic adult education course, exploring why CST divides progressives and conservatives and how technology like AI complicates its application. Drawing from Rerum Novarum’s timeless principles—dignity, common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity—he offers practical ways to live them out in 2025 with reason and discernment. Join us for a conversation about finding the heart of Catholicism in a messy, tech-driven world. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

In this follow-up to episode #396 in the OCIA: The Bridge to Rome series, Greg takes listeners on a virtual tour of a Catholic church, revealing how its consecrated spaces—from the narthex’s sacred pause to the sanctuary’s holy altar—incarnate the Mass’s eternal worship. Through personal stories, like his clash with a megachurch architect over a church-turned-brewpub, Greg contrasts Catholic sacred space with Protestant functionality, showing how every relic, candle, and font makes heaven tangible. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, this episode invites OCIA inquirers, curious non-Catholics, and Catholics to see the church as a portal to the divine. You might also enjoy: Noah's Ark to Peter's Boat: Typology in the Sistine Ceiling (#387) SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

In this episode of the "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" series, Greg explores the Catholic Mass as the central act of worship, explaining its purposes, structure, and profound biblical roots. He contrasts it with Protestant services, highlighting how the Mass engages the whole person—mind, heart, and body—while saturating participants with Scripture in ways that debunk common myths. Drawing from his own journey as a former Protestant pastor, Greg addresses objections like "re-sacrificing Christ" and shows how the Mass opens a portal to heaven's eternal liturgy. This overview serves as a preview for inquirers, a supplement for OCIA participants, and a refresher for Catholics seeking to share their faith. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] When a Protestant or non-Catholic wants to join the Catholic Church, they often hit a surprising snag: If they’re divorced and remarried, the Church requires an annulment for that first marriage—even if it wasn’t Catholic. Why? In this episode, Greg dives into listener questions about this tough scenario, explaining why the Church presumes all marriages valid (Canon Law 1060: “Marriage enjoys the favour of law. Consequently, in doubt the validity of a marriage must be upheld until the contrary is proven.”) and how natural law—God’s blueprint in creation—shapes this teaching. From Genesis to Romans, discover how marriage’s permanence isn’t just a Catholic rule but a universal truth, and why annulments are a path to mercy, not judgment. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: [email protected]

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome: Scripture, Tradition, and the Catholic Bible" explores how God’s revelation flows through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, guarded by the Magisterium. Greg shares his journey from Protestant sola scriptura to embracing the Catholic Bible’s 73-book canon, including the deuterocanonicals, rooted in the Septuagint and affirmed by early Church councils. He contrasts Catholic complementarity with evangelical Bible-only approaches, debunking myths about "added" books, and highlights Tradition’s living role, drawing from Dei Verbum and St. Basil. This episode grounds OCIA participants and global listeners in the Church’s full revelation. Visit consideringcatholicism.com for more, including episodes #133 and #220 on Catholic vs. Protestant Bibles. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: [email protected]

ONATE WITH PAYPAL] Join Greg and Ed the Protestant at the secret compound in the Piney Woods for a heartfelt and candid conversation as Ed shares a long-awaited update on his journey toward Catholicism. With the 400th episode of Considering Catholicism approaching, Ed reflects on nearly four years of exploring the faith alongside listeners, responding to a listener’s email from Steve, who faces similar challenges as a Protestant considering the Catholic Church. Greg and Ed dive into the emotional and spiritual weight of seeking truth through the Church’s authority, especially when it involves tough personal decisions. With chainsaws buzzing in the background and the promise of gas station pizza on the horizon, this episode teases big news from Ed—tune in to hear what’s next! Packed with wisdom, humor, and orthodox insight, this is a must-listen for anyone following Ed’s road to Rome. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: [email protected]

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg and Ed the Protestant dive into a lively discussion about the fading concept of sin in contemporary Protestant and Evangelical churches. They explore how the gospel’s power hinges on the reality of bad news—sin’s eternal consequences—before the good news can shine. Ed shares his recent experiences at a modern evangelical church, where sermons focus on self-improvement and "living your best life" rather than confronting sin head-on. Greg argues that this shift turns pastors and even Jesus into life coaches, diluting the urgency of salvation and the church’s mission. With their signature blend of humor, insight, and orthodoxy, they unpack why a gospel without sin misses the mark. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the modern church’s approach and teases an exciting announcement from Ed about his journey toward Catholicism. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: [email protected]

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] This episode in the series "OCIA: The Bridge to Rome" dives into the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds as vibrant summaries of the Gospel. Greg shares his journey from a deconstructed Evangelical hipster “fellowship” to embracing the Creeds’ role in guarding the apostolic faith against heresies, drawing from the Catechism and early Church fathers like St. Irenaeus and St. Athanasius. He contrasts Catholic creedal unity with evangelical “no creed but Christ” and subjective faith statements, highlighting the Nicene Creed’s power in Mass. This episode invites OCIA participants and global listeners to see the Creeds as a living roadmap for conversion. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: [email protected]

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] Greg delves deeper into the Catholic mystical tradition, defining mysticism as a profound union with God and tracing its history from early Church fathers to modern saints. Highlighting figures like St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, St. Padre Pio, St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, and St. Joan of Arc, he explores visions, ecstasies, and miracles that far surpass contemporary Pentecostal experiences in depth and transformative power. Contrasting these with charismatic gifts, Greg explains how Catholic mysticism—rooted in prayer, sacraments, and Church discernment—offers intimate, lifelong encounters with the divine. Addressing Protestant, Catholic, and secular listeners, this episode emphasizes the Spirit’s enduring, profound work in the Church. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: [email protected]