[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.

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Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/

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[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.

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[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.

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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.

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[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.

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[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.

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[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.

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[DONATE WITH PAYPAL] In this first part of a series on the Holy Spirit’s role in extraordinary experiences, host Greg Smith explains charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, words of knowledge, and healing, addressing questions from curious listeners. Drawing from Scripture and the history of Pentecostalism, including the Azusa Street Revival and more extreme manifestations like holy laughter and snake handling, he demystifies these phenomena for Catholics, Protestants, and secular audiences. Greg unpacks the Catholic Church’s affirming yet discerning stance, rooted in the Catechism and papal teachings, emphasizing balance and authenticity. Teasing Part 2, he hints at how Catholic mysticism parallels these gifts in even more astonishing ways.

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Website: https://www.consideringcatholicism.com/

Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com