[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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! Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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.  Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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) Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] 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. Donate with PayPal! Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/ Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

[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: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com    

[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: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

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: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[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: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com

[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: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com  

[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: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com