Advertise on podcast: FACTS

Many evangelicals celebrate Martin Luther on Reformation Day while rejecting beliefs he considered essential. Luther taught baptismal regeneration, infant baptism, Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist, and private confession and absolution. How much of his theology would the churches celebrating him actually accept?In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce compares Luther’s beliefs with modern evangelical teaching and examines where Baptist and nondenominational churches resemble the Anabaptist wing of the Radical Reformation. We’ll distinguish shared beliefs from direct historical ancestry and explain why disagreeing with Luther doesn’t automatically make someone a radical reformer.Which Reformation shaped your church—and would Luther recognize what you’re celebrating?

Do Catholics know the Gospel? Pat May and Stephen Boyce respond to Jeff Durbin’s “The Gospel for Roman Catholics” and discuss what the Catholic Church actually teaches about salvation, grace, faith, and works. We’ll examine his arguments, address common misunderstandings, and explain why becoming Catholic didn’t mean abandoning the Gospel.Join us as we open Scripture and make the Catholic case.

Are recent popes contradicting their predecessors on the death penalty? What does “inadmissible” mean, and how does it fit with earlier Catholic teaching?Dr. Stephen Boyce is joined by Suan Sonna from‪@intellectualcatholicism‬ and Daniel Vecchio to examine the debate, including comparisons with the statements of Pope Pius XII and Pope Innocent III. We’ll consider their words in context, the scope of papal authority, and the distinction between doctrinal development, prudential judgment, and contradiction.Do the apparent tensions hold up under closer examination? Let’s look at the sources.

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce walks through St. Jerome’s Letter 15 to Pope Damasus, written while Jerome was living in the Syrian desert amid the divisions of the Antiochene schism. Eastern Christians were divided among rival bishops, while theological controversy surrounded the expression “three hypostases.” Jerome understood the orthodox meaning intended by some who used the phrase, but he feared that its ambiguity could also suggest three divine substances.Rather than deciding the controversy by himself, Jerome appealed to Pope Damasus and the Roman See. He describes Rome as the “chair of Peter,” the rock upon which the Church is built, the house in which the Paschal Lamb is rightly eaten, and the Ark of Noah. Although he follows no leader except Christ, Jerome declares that he communicates with the chair of Peter and asks Damasus to determine which terminology he should use and with whom he should remain in communion at Antioch.This letter provides an important window into Jerome’s understanding of ecclesial unity and the resolution of schism. For Jerome, agreement with the Roman See was not merely an expression of admiration for Rome. He looked to the successor of Peter for an authoritative judgment capable of identifying orthodox communion and bringing clarity to a divided Church.

Join me for a special Daddy-Daughter Date Podcast as my daughter and I explore the life of her patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. Most people know Francis as the saint who loved animals, but his story is much bigger than that. We talk about his wealthy upbringing, his dreams of becoming a knight, his conversion, his encounter with lepers, the call to “rebuild my Church,” his friendship with St. Clare, his radical poverty, the Christmas scene at Greccio, his meeting with the Sultan during the Crusades, the stigmata, and his final years. Along the way, we talk about what Francis can teach us about following Christ, caring for others, making peace, loving creation, and becoming holy in everyday life. This episode is meant to be fun, thoughtful, and simple enough for kids while still taking the history and faith of St. Francis seriously. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Support our ministry: If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

What really happened during the Fourth Crusade?Historian Dr. Thomas Madden joins me to explain how the crusade began, why Egypt was its original target, and how financial problems with Venice led the crusaders toward Zara and ultimately Constantinople. We also discuss Pope Innocent III’s response, the role of the Byzantine prince Alexios, the sack of Constantinople in 1204, and the myths surrounding its violence and destruction.Finally, we examine who bears responsibility and whether the Fourth Crusade permanently divided Eastern and Western Christianity.Subscribe to FACTS with Stephen Boyce New episodes weekly on Scripture, Church history, and theology.Support our ministry: If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7 #theFACTSpodcast #StephenBoyce #ChurchHistory #EarlyChurchHistory

What does it look like to pursue authentic love and relationships in a culture increasingly shaped by hookups, dating apps, social media, and casual commitment?In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce is joined by EveRosemary (https://www.instagram.com/theeverosem...) for a conversation about modern dating from a Catholic perspective. We discuss hookup culture, chastity, saving $ex for marriage, dating apps, situationships, expectations between men and women, and why so many young adults seem to desire marriage while struggling to form lasting relationships.Can Catholic dating offer something different from what modern culture has normalized? And how can Catholics pursue relationships centered on genuine love, commitment, and ultimately marriage?Join us for an open conversation about Catholic dating in the age of hookup culture.Topics include: Catholic dating • Hookup culture • Chastity • Dating apps • Social media • Situationships • Marriage • Modern relationships • Catholic teaching on se*ulityhttps://www.theeverydaysaint.com/

In 1800, the Catholic Church appeared to be on the verge of collapse. Rome had been invaded, the Papal States seized, and Pope Pius VI had died as a prisoner in France. Yet the cardinals gathered in Venice and elected another successor of Peter: Pope Pius VII.Only two months after his election, Pius VII issued Diu Satis, declaring that Peter “lives in his successors” and that every attempt to overthrow the House of God is ultimately in vain. In this episode, we examine the historical circumstances behind the letter, Pius VII’s appeal to Pope St. Martin I and St. Irenaeus, and his defense of the Church founded upon Peter—the Rock against which the gates of hell will not prevail.We will also consider the remarkable fact that the Vatican was built upon ground once belonging to pagan Rome, with St. Peter’s Basilica standing over the burial place of the apostle himself.Pius VII would eventually live the principles of his own letter. Napoleon had him arrested and held prisoner in France, but after Napoleon’s downfall, the pope protected his family and helped send the priest through whom his former persecutor returned to the sacraments and received the last rites.Napoleon could imprison the pope, but he could not destroy the papacy—and when Napoleon finally fell, Peter’s successor still sought the salvation of his soul.Link to Diu Satis: https://www.papalencyclicals.net/pius07/p7diusat.htm

Gavin Ortlund claims there are no clear examples of Christians praying to the saints during the first 200 years of Christianity—and that the Bible provides no warrant for the practice.In this episode, Stephen Boyce, Pat May, and William Albrecht respond by examining the biblical and historical evidence. We discuss Revelation 5 and 8, 2 Maccabees 15, Origen, Cyprian, Hippolytus, the Acts of Paul, Victorinus, and the early Christian inscriptions asking Peter and Paul to intercede.Does the evidence really begin 200 years after the New Testament, or is Gavin overlooking sources that directly challenge his argument?Join us as we work through the texts in their historical context.#GavinOrtlund #IntercessionOfTheSaints #ChurchFathers #catholicapologetics

In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce and Pat May explore the biblical and historical roots of relic veneration in Christianity, while responding to a video by pastor Josh  @LakepointeChurch . Did Christians borrow the practice from paganism, or does the idea already exist within the biblical world? We look at Joseph’s bones, Elisha’s relics, Peter’s shadow, Paul’s handkerchiefs, and the early Christian treatment of the martyrs.We also examine some of the earliest Christian evidence, including the Martyrdom of Polycarp, Gregory of Nyssa, Ambrose, Jerome, and Augustine, alongside pagan critics like Julian the Apostate and Eunapius, who openly mocked Christians for honoring the bones and tombs of the martyrs.The episode asks a simple question: if relic veneration was merely a pagan corruption of Christianity, why were pagans themselves attacking Christians for doing it?https://www.academia.edu/172562474/Jerome_and_Canonical_Authority

In this episode of FACTS, we respond to Ryan from NeedGod.net and his claims concerning John 6 and the Eucharist.Is Jesus simply using figurative language when He says, “My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink”? Or does John 6 actually point us toward the sacramental and Eucharistic understanding held by the early Church?We walk through the text of John 6 in context, examine Ryan’s interpretation, and compare it with the testimony of the earliest Christians and Church Fathers. Did the Christians closest to the apostolic age understand Christ’s words as merely symbolic—or as a reference to truly receiving His flesh and blood in the Eucharist?Topics include:John 6 and the Bread of Life discourse“Eating” Christ by faith vs. Eucharistic interpretationJohn 6:51–58Why the disciples reacted so strongly to Jesus’ wordsWhether Jesus corrected a supposed misunderstandingThe connection between John 6 and the Last SupperHow the early Church interpreted John 6The testimony of the Church Fathers on the EucharistOriginal video :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl0626KgbBsIf you enjoy serious conversations about Scripture, Church history, and the early Christian faith, make sure to like, subscribe, and share.#John6 #Eucharist #Catholic #NeedGod #ChurchFathers #EarlyChurch #RealPresence #Christianity

St. Hildegard of Bingen was one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages—a Benedictine abbess, mystic, theologian, composer, writer, and student of the natural world. But she also has an unexpected connection to something many people still enjoy today: beer. In this episode of FACTS, we explore the life of St. Hildegard, from her childhood visions and monastic formation to her rise as one of the most influential religious voices of the twelfth century. We’ll look at her writings, her relationship with figures such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Pope Eugene III, her work in medicine and natural science, her music, and the remarkable influence she exercised over bishops, popes, and political leaders. We’ll also examine the story behind “The Nun Who Changed Beer.” Hildegard did not invent beer or hops, but in her Physica she recorded one of the most famous medieval observations concerning hops and their ability to keep beverages from spoiling. At a time when monasteries were important centers of agriculture, medicine, hospitality, and brewing, Hildegard’s writings give us a fascinating glimpse into the development of medieval beer. So how much did St. Hildegard actually change brewing? Why is she so closely associated with beer today? And how did a twelfth-century Benedictine nun eventually become a Doctor of the Church? If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Did Cardinal Francisco Ximenes actually reject the Deuterocanonical books as Scripture?In this episode of FACTS, Stephen Boyce responds to recent claims by Wes Huff concerning Ximenes, the Complutensian Polyglot, and the biblical canon before the Council of Trent.We examine Ximenes’ famous phrase libri extra canonem (“books outside the canon”), his statement that these books were nevertheless “received by the Church,” his dependence on St. Jerome, and the broader canonical witness of Rome, Hippo, Carthage, Pope Innocent I, Florence, and Trent.Did Trent create a new Catholic canon—or formally define one the Church had long received?#Catholic #Bible #Apocrypha #Deuterocanon #CouncilOfTrent #WesHuff #CardinalXimenes🎁 Support our ministry: If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7Link to Wes's initial video: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbEZLjby7Jr/CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:43 Wes Huff’s Argument4:31 What Wes Gets Right6:37 What Cardinal Ximénez Actually Said14:14 The Complutensian Polyglot22:06 Who Was Cardinal Ximénez?25:41 Ximénez and St. Jerome35:39 Does This Prove Wes’s Point?37:18 Did Trent Invent the Catholic Canon?40:10 Rome, Hippo, and Carthage42:43 Pope Innocent I45:39 The Council of Florence48:11 What Actually Happened at Trent?53:36 The Final Question55:23 Conclusion

For many Christians, the papacy is one of the greatest points of disagreement between Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants. But what did the earliest Christians actually believe? Tonight we’ll examine the evidence from the first two centuries of Christianity—before Nicaea, before Constantine, and long before the medieval papacy. We’ll look at the writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Hegesippus, Irenaeus, and the Muratorian Fragment to ask a simple historical question: What role did the Church of Rome and its bishop play in the earliest generations of Christianity?   We’ll discuss: The authority of Clement’s letter to CorinthWhy Ignatius says Rome “presides”Hegesippus’ investigation into apostolic successionIrenaeus’ famous statement that every church should agree with RomeWhether these sources support, challenge, or complicate modern claims about the papacyWhether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Church history, this livestream is designed to engage the primary sources directly. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7

Why does the Roman Canon—the Roman Church’s ancient Eucharistic prayer—preserve the names of seven women? In this episode, Stephen and Pat continue their exploration of the female saints of the Roman Canon by turning their attention to Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, and Anastasia. Together, they examine what history tells us about these remarkable martyrs, distinguish early historical evidence from later tradition, and explore why the Church has commemorated these women in her liturgy for well over sixteen centuries. Their stories of courage, fidelity, and sacrifice continue to inspire Christians today and offer a fascinating window into the faith of the early Church. Whether you’re Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or simply interested in Christian history, this episode provides a deeper appreciation for the women whose names have been preserved in one of Christianity’s oldest Eucharistic prayers. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Stephen Boyce, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7