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Gospel Simplicity Podcast

Austin Suggs

The Gospel Simplicity Podcast is centered around the conviction that the gospel is really good news. Here you will find conversations with Christians from various traditions as we seek to unpack the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel. Gospel Simplicity is known for ecumenical dialogue that is charitable and open to learning from people with whom you might disagree. We believe that God desires for his Church to be one, united in love for God and neighbor, and on mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.

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Monday · 1 hr 3 min
An Anglican Guide to Re-Enchantment
In this episode, I'm joined by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Plant to discuss his new book, King Oswald's Heirs, which is a meditation on the 1662 BCP Catechism applied to the questions of re-enchantment and Christianity in a modern/post-modern world. It's a fascinating combination and well-worth reading. In this discussion, Fr. Thomas discusses the importance of embracing the traditions we've been given, whether the Reformation caused secularism, and much more. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Guest Links: Read the book: https://amzn.to/4x16Esi 00:00 The Reformation and Modernity 11:00 Post-Christianity 22:00 The Saints 27:00 Particular and Universal 47:30 Identity Support the show
August 26 · 1 hr 2 min
Where Aquinas Went Wrong: Debates between St. Thomas and St. Bonaventure | Dr. Brendan Case
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Brendan Case to discuss his new book, Doubting Thomas (UND Press), which covers a host of debates between St. Thomas Aquinas and his Franciscan counterparts, especially St. Bonaventure. In this discussion, Dr. Case shares a few instances where he thinks Bonaventure got the better of Thomas. Moreover, he shares why these debates matter and how they might better help us understand the place of Thomas in modern theology. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com About the Guest: Brendan W. Case, Th.D., serves as the Associate Director for Research at the Harvard Human Flourishing Program. A Christian theologian by training, Case’s work brings theology and philosophy into conversation with the empirical social sciences to understand the nature, distribution, and determinants of a good life. Dr. Case is the author or co-author of five books: The Gentleness of Wisdom: A Christian Ethics of Charity, Anger, and Enmity (Routledge, 2026); Doubting Thomas: Early Franciscan Disputes with Aquinas (University of Notre Dame Press, 2026); The Justification of the Sinless: Supralapsarian Christology and the Goodness of the Incarnation (Baker Academic, 2026); The Accountable Animal: Justice, Justification, and Judgment (T&T Clark, 2021), and (with William Glass) Least of the Apostles: Paul and His Legacies in Earliest Christianity (Pickwick Press, 2022). Guest Links: Read the book: https://amzn.to/3UnrxQQ The Justification of the Sinless: https://amzn.to/4ccbZFP Learn more: https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/team/brendan-case Chapters 00:00 The Place of St. Thomas in Theology 04:46 St. Bonaventure's Approach 10:01 Reception of Thomas in his time 20:04 The Trinity and divine relations 25:12 The Ontological Argument 30:07 Implications of different theological emphases 35:05 Bonaventure today 39:55 Beyond the Summa 45:13 Mystical theology in Bonaventure 49:48 Historical and contemporary views on Thomas and Bonaventure 54:57 The future of theological study Support the show
August 24 · 45 min
Marian Doctrine and Devotion: The First 300 Years
What did the earliest Christians believe about the Virgin Mary? That's what I'll cover in this video, looking at both orthodox and heterodox groups, as well as written and material evidence. This is the longest and most detailed video yet in my ongoing series on the history of Marian doctrine and devotion. Join Me on the Camino!: https://www.gospelsimplicity.com/pilgrimage Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Videos Referenced: Protevangelium: https://youtu.be/rgHV-leh6P8?si=cseP3b3EpdPoSqCk Dormition/Assumption: https://youtu.be/0ylKNQmE1oE?si=DSHGJLl_yXO75-4J Rejecting Mary? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCZ-ZK8e17c&list=PLPYmFzsNDDO-WMGWwl6gTofsw_J-k_Bcd&index=4 Recommended Secondary Sources: Yale Dura Europos Website: https://duraeuropos.artgallery.yale.edu/ Stephen Shoemaker, Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion Miri Rubin, Mother of God 0:00 Introduction 012:28 Ascension of Isaiah 06:03 St. Ignatius of Antioch 07:38 St. Justin Martyr 09:52 Protevangelium of James 13:52 St. Irenaeus of Lyons 20:23 Gnostics on Mary 24:44 Tertullian 26:35 St. Clement of Alexandria 27:48 Origen of Alexandria 30:53 Third Century Summary 31:23 Sub Tuum Praesidium 36:37 Mary in Early Christian Art 40:49 The Book of Mary's Repose 43:19 Concluding Thoughts Disclaimer: Links in the description may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small percentage of the purchase. Support the show
August 15 · 33 min
Mary's Bodily Assumption: A History
Since its definition as a dogma in 1950, Mary's Bodily Assumption has been a point of tension between Protestants and Catholics. For some, it's the beautiful telos of the other Marian dogmas. For others, it's a bewildering act of dogmatizing something that seems unnecessary. This video isn't about who's right. Instead, this video is a look at the historical development of Christian belief in Mary's Bodily Assumption through three sources: St. Epiphanius of Salamis, apocryphal Dormition/Assumption narratives, and liturgical history. This video is deeply indebted to the work of Dr. Stephen Shoemaker. You can find the links for his work in the resources section below. Join Me on the Camino!: https://www.gospelsimplicity.com/pilgrimage Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com References: Stephen Shoemaker, Ancient Traditions of the Virgin Mary's Dormition and Assumption: https://academic.oup.com/book/27239 Stephen Shoemaker, Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion: https://amzn.to/4zotIUo Matthew Levering, Mary's Bodily Assumption: https://amzn.to/4bLfP8E 0:00 Background 05:53 St. Epiphanius, 4th c. 13:32 Dormition/Assumption Apocrypha 29:19 Liturgy 31:55 Conclusion Disclaimer: Links in the description may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small percentage of the purchase. Support the show
August 10 · 59 min
Men Are in Crisis. Christian Virtue Can Help | Dr. Zachary C. Wagner
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Zachary Wagner, author of Men of Virtue, to discuss the crises men are facing, the problematic solutions being offered, and why embracing a Christian vision of virtue is the answer. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com About the Guest: Zachary Wagner is an author, ordained minister, and New Testament scholar. He earned a DPhil from Oxford in 2025. He published his first book, Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality, in 2023 with InterVarsity Press. His second book, Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World, will release from Brazos Press in May 2026. He is currently pursuing publication for his DPhil thesis, as well as a further writing and research projects on Christianity and Stoicism. Guest Links: Book: https://amzn.to/3TBoAfg Substack: https://substack.com/@zacharywagner Website: https://www.zacharycwagner.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacharycwagner Support the show
July 16 · 16 min
Why C.S. Lewis Believed in Purgatory
You might have heard that C.S. Lewis believed in Purgatory, and that's true. But his vision of Purgatory is unique, combining Protestant and Catholic sensibilities. In this video, I unpack what Lewis taught about Purgatory in Letters to Malcom and The Great Divorce, looking specifically at the theological foundation for his views and what that means for us today. Join Me on the Camino!: https://www.gospelsimplicity.com/pilgrimage Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Videos Referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXsyqFRVIh4&t=314s 00:00 Lewis on Purgatory 01:35 Letters to Malcolm 04:11 The Great Divorce 07:55 Theological Foundations 13:53 Implications for Protestants Disclaimer: Links in the description may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small percentage of the purchase. Support the show
July 13 · 1 hr 1 min
Seeing All of Life through the Eucharist | Rev. Hannah Miller King
In this episode, I'm joined by Rev. Hannah Miller King to discuss how understanding the Eucharist can change how we see the entirety of the Christian life. We talk about grief, community, and divisions in the church along the way as we explore what the Eucharist really means. Join Me on the Camino!: https://www.gospelsimplicity.com/pilgrimage Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com About the Guest: Hannah Miller King is a priest and writer in the Anglican tradition. She has been a campus minister among conservatory musicians, an apartment minister in downtown Dallas, and a parish pastor in Northern Virginia and South Carolina. She currently serves as the Associate Rector at The Vine Anglican Church in Western North Carolina. She is a contributing writer for Christianity Today and Holy Post Media, and her work has appeared in Fathom Magazine, Mere Orthodoxy, The Living Church and Smoky Mountain News. Her first book was published by InterVarsity Press in February 2026. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Westminster Choir College and a Master of Arts in Religion from Redeemer Seminary. She is currently being schooled in the minutia of Star Wars (and other galactic battles between good and evil) by her three kids. Find Rev. Hannah on Substack: https://hannahmillerking.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Support the show
July 11 · 22 min
The Logic of BOTH the SSPX and the Reformers
Last week, the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X consecrated four bishops without papal mandate, and 24 hours later, the Vatican pronounced that the SSPX clergy had incurred excommunication and warned that laypeople who formally adhere to the SSPX could be guilty of excommunication as well. It was major news, but at first, I thought I'd just leave it to the Catholics and SSPX to sort this out. However, as I was tracking the discourse on this, I became intrigued by one particular thread of the conversation: the comparisons between the SSPX and the Reformation. As a Protestant, this interested me. It also put me in an odd situation. I disagree with the SSPX on a number of things, not least of which is their assessment of the theological emphases of Vatican 2. However, much of the structure of their argument, especially the idea of the state of necessity felt familiar. Indeed, it has interesting overlaps with the Reformation. And it's those overlaps that I decided to explore in this video. Join Me on the Camino!: https://www.gospelsimplicity.com/pilgrimage Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, one-on-one office hours, show notes, and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com SSPX Quotes referenced came from the following article: https://sspx.org/en/state-necessity-30464 00:00 The News 01:20 The SSPX 02:38 The State of Necessity 05:53 Reformation Similarities 07:40 Dissent from a Council 09:25 Rejecting Innovations 13:18 Appealing to a Higher Authority 15:39 The Crux of the Issue Disclaimer: Links in the description may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small percentage of the purchase. Support the show
July 6 · 1 hr 2 min
An Introduction to Classical Theism | Dr. Jordan Steffaniak
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Jordan Steffaniak to discuss Classical Theism, what it is, how it's Biblical, and why all Christians, Protestants included, should hold to it. If you've ever wondered why things like Divine Simplicity or impassibility matter, this video is for you. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com About the Guest: Jordan L. Steffaniak (PhD, University of Birmingham, UK) is President of the London Lyceum and Publisher for Hanover Press. He owns and operates Professor Lending, a residential mortgage brokerage and teaches at several institutions. He has a wonderful wife and three sons. Get the book: https://amzn.to/4eLRTDV Learn more: https://thelondonlyceum.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Classical Theism 08:50 Classical Theism & Happiness 12:01 Is it Practical? 18:00 Aseity 21:01 Simplicity 39:53 Impassibility 51:10 Immutability 59:23 Classical Theism and Protestantism Support the show
June 15 · 1 hr 12 min
Is There a Distinct Anglican Spirituality? | Fr. Matthew C. Dallman
In this video, I'm joined by Fr. Matthew C. Dallman to discuss the distinctive elements of Anglican Spirituality as well as major figures within the Anglican spiritual tradition. Fr. Matthew Dallman is the leading expert on Martin Thornton, and has published a new book on him, alongside republishing his works. Find him on Substack: https://substack.com/@frmcdallman Akenside Institute for English Spirituality: https://www.akensideinstitute.org/ Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com 00:00 Anglican Spirituality 02:51 Role of the BCP 06:10 Benedictine Spirituality 12:04 The Riches of Anglican Spirituality 18:02 Influential Figures 26:52 The Impact of Saints 43:13 Martin Thornton's Legacy 01:10:18 The Need for Spiritual Direction Support the show
June 1 · 1 hr 1 min
What's Driving the Orthodox Convert Surge? An Orthodox Anthropologist's Perspective
In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz to discuss how an uptick in converts, especially among young men, is impacting Orthodoxy in America. Dr. Riccardi-Swartz brings an interesting perspective to this topic as she is both an academic anthropologist and an Orthodox Christian herself. Her research is some of the first of its kind regarding Orthodoxy in America. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Get her book, Between Heaven and Russia: https://amzn.to/3SdX6vd Learn more about Dr. Riccardi-Swartz: https://www.riccardiswartz.com/ About the Guest: Dr. Sarah Riccardi-Swartz is an assistant professor of religion and anthropology at Northeastern University, where she is also an affiliate faculty member in the women's, gender, and sexuality studies program. Before joining Northeastern University she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Recovering Truth: Religion, Journalism, and Democracy in a Post-Truth Era project at the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict (Arizona State University). She has a Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology from New York University. After completing an honors B.A. and M.A. in Religious Studies (American religions) at Missouri State University, she attended NYU to study and research religion and politics in the United States from an anthropological perspective. Along the way, she obtained a graduate certificate in Culture and Media (ethnographic filmmaking) and an M.Phil in Anthropology from NYU. Her research focuses on conservative politics, gender/sexuality, race, media worlds, and Orthodox Christianity. Chapters 00:00 Orthodoxy: An Anthropological Perspective 06:11 Media & Orthodoxy's Visibility 09:07 Cultural Identity and Conversion 12:10 Politics & Conversion 20:55 Community in Conversion Experiences 23:56 ROCOR and the Fascination with Russia 26:54 The Future of Orthodoxy in America 30:36 Orthodoxy in Appalachia 35:47 The Emergence of Political Conversations 40:39 Understanding the Unique Nature of ROCOR 42:24 Cultural Heritage 45:49 The Internet & Orthodoxy 53:02 Fr. Seraphim Rose Support the show
May 25 · 1 hr 32 min
Neither Capitalist Nor Socialist? An Introduction to Catholic Economics | Dr. Richard A. Gallenstein
In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. Richard Gallenstein, Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Master of Public Policy program at The Catholic University of America, to discuss Catholic Social Teaching and what it means for us today. We dive into the Church's teaching on Capitalism, Socialism, and how this relates to questions like wealth inequality, AI, and more. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com 00:00 Intro to Catholic Social Teaching 12:15 Capitalism vs. Socialism 37:10 Private Property & Universal Destination of Goods 48:10 Subsidiarity & Solidarity 01:07:05 Wealth Inequality 01:16:20 AI 01:30:00 Concluding Thoughts Support the show
May 18 · 1 hr 4 min
Virtue and Vice: A Medieval Perspective | Dr. Grace Hamman
In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Grace Hamman to discuss how Medieval Christians approached spiritual formation. We give special attention to their understanding of virtue and vice, exploring how that might help enrich our modern approaches to the Christian life. We also talk about how to read medieval theologians wisely, and what to do with some of the more extreme examples of piety that might make us uncomfortable today. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Get the book: https://amzn.to/3RcUEow Follow Dr. Hamman on Substack: https://gracehamman.substack.com/ Dr. Hamman's website: https://gracehamman.com/ About the Guest: Grace Hamman, Ph.D. (Duke University) is a writer and independent scholar of late medieval poetry and contemplative writing. She is the author of Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life and Jesus through Medieval Eyes: Beholding Christ with the Artists, Mystics, and Theologians of the Middle Ages. Her work has been published by academic and popular outlets, including Plough Quarterly and The Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies. She lives near Denver, Colorado with her husband and three young children. Chapters 00:00 The Overlooked Medieval Era 05:07 Personal Journey into Medieval Studies 09:54 Exploring Virtue in Medieval Literature 15:47 Understanding Wholeness and Virtue 20:49 The Interconnectedness of Virtues and Vices 36:22 The Thin Picture of Christian Life 38:45 Pairing Virtues and Vices 42:30 The Richness of Abstinence and Gluttony 47:21 Imagination in Christian Formation 53:00 Navigating Historical Literature 01:30:08 Gateway Texts to the Medieval Period Support the show
May 11 · 1 hr 2 min
The Origins and Development of Christian Liturgies | Rev. Dr. Matthew S.C. Olver
In this video, I'm joined by the Reverend Dr. Matthew S.C. Olver to discuss the origins and evolution of Christian liturgies. We talk about how Christian liturgies relate to Second Temple Judaism, what we learn from St. Justin Martyr, what happened at Vatican 2, and whether the Episcopalian Eucharistic Prayer C is great or cringe-worthy. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com The Living Church: https://livingchurch.org/ About the Guest: Fr. Olver is the Executive Director and Publisher of The Living Church Foundation. A priest for more than eighteen years, he was the assistant rector at Church of the Incarnation, Dallas (2006-2013) and has served widely in the Episcopal Church: as the Ecumenical Officer (2005-2010) and on the Executive Council (2008-2011) in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas; as a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Consultation in the U.S. (ARCUSA), the official dialogue between the Episcopal Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (2008-2014); as a member the Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision for the Episcopal Church (2018-2021); and as a deputy to General Convention (2022 and 2024). He has also been involved in the Anglican Centre in Rome and regularly teaches a course there on Anglican ecclesiology and ecumenism. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Liturgy and Its Importance 03:09 The Evolution of Early Christian Liturgy 06:00 Diversity in Early Christian Worship 09:10 Key Figures in Liturgical History 12:09 The Impact of the Reformation on Liturgy 15:09 The Second Vatican Council and Its Reforms 31:39 Common Ground in the Gospel 34:00 Scholarly Misjudgments in Liturgical History 35:20 The Impact of Liturgical Reforms 37:25 Eucharistic Prayer C: An Inside Look 42:15 The Distinctiveness of Anglican Liturgy 53:07 The Relationship Between Liturgy and Belief 01:00:15 The Richness of Liturgical Experience Support the show
April 27 · 1 hr 24 min
Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Jewish Law | Dr. Paul Sloan
In this conversation, Dr. Paul Sloan discusses the relationship between Jesus and the law, challenging common misconceptions about the Pharisees and the nature of ritual purity. He emphasizes that Jesus' teachings and actions should be understood within the context of Israel's restoration and the covenantal framework established in the Old Testament. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the law not as a means of works righteousness but as a reflection of God's covenantal love and grace. In this conversation, Paul Sloan discusses the relationship between Christ, the law, and the concept of restoration in the context of eschatology. He emphasizes that Christ's ministry is a fulfillment of the law rather than an abolition, and that the restoration of Israel involves a new heart and obedience to the Torah. The conversation also explores the implications for Gentiles regarding the law, particularly in light of Acts 15, where the early church debated the obligations of Gentile believers. Sloan argues that while the law remains significant, its application differs for Jews and Gentiles, and he highlights the importance of understanding Paul's writings in this context. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Buy the book: https://amzn.to/4sRM0cd Dr. Sloan's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-jewish-law/id1791111864 Follow Dr. Sloan on X: https://x.com/paulthomasloan About the Guest: Paul Sloan, Ph.D. (University of St. Andrew's) is Associate Professor of Theology at Houston Christian University. He is the author of Jesus and the Law of Moses: The Gospels and the Restoration of Israel within First-Century Judaism. His research interests include the literature of the New Testament and 2nd Temple Judaism. Current research focuses on Leviticus, the sacrificial system, and sacred space, and the reception of those motifs in 2nd Temple texts. 00:00 Introduction to Jesus and the Law 06:19 Understanding the Role of the Pharisees 13:44 Ritual Purity and Impurity Explained 24:43 Jesus' Authority and Restoration Eschatology 42:57 The Restoration and Eschatological Agenda 45:04 Christ's Fulfillment of the Law 46:27 Obedience to the Torah in the New Covenant 51:03 The Role of Gentiles in the Law 53:33 Acts 15: The Council and Its Implications 01:05:01 Understanding Paul and the Law Support the show
April 21 · 1 hr 5 min
Historical Anglican Theology and Modern Debates | Sean Luke
In this interview, I'm joined by Sean Luke of @anglicanaesthetics to discuss how historic Anglican theology can address some of our contemporary debates about sola scriptura, Protestantism, and more. We discuss whether Anglicans really believe in sola scriptura, how Anglicans have viewed historic schisms, and whether the development of the Church of England was itself schismatic. Prepare to come out of this interview with a long reading list! Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Find Sean on Substack: https://substack.com/@anglicanaesthetics Books Mentioned: Richard Hooker - Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity: https://amzn.to/4tFes1F William Chillingworth - The Religion of the Protestants: https://amzn.to/4cDpxun John Tillotson - The Rule of Faith: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Sola Scriptura in Anglican Thought 03:50 The Role of Tradition and Ecumenism 06:59 Historical Anglican Approaches to Church Authority 12:45 The Church Schism and Anglican Continuity 20:45 The Caroline Divines and Anglican Identity 28:45 Sola Scriptura in Anglican Debates 40:55 The Authority of Scripture and Church Tradition 50:40 The Discontinuity and Continuity of the Rule of Faith 01:00:48 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts Support the show
April 21 · 1 hr 3 min
Rethinking the Atonement and the Meaning of Sacrifice | Dr. David Moffitt
In this interview, I'm joined by Dr. David Moffitt, one of the world's leading experts on the atonement and the book of Hebrews. We discuss how the ascension is a critical, yet overlooked, part of Christ's atoning work, how misunderstanding Jewish sacrifice causes us to misunderstand the cross, and why Hebrews is every bit as important as Romans for understanding the atonement. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3OEKmwe About the Guest: Dr. David Moffitt’s research focuses on the variety of ways the earliest Christians understood Jesus and their own identities in relation to Jewish scripture, practices, and beliefs. His core areas of ongoing research concern the Epistle to the Hebrews, the ways this early Christian sermon develops claims about Jesus’s person in high-priestly and sacrificial terms, and ancient practices of and beliefs about sacrifice. Beyond Hebrews, Prof. Moffitt has particular interests in the ways the early Christian confession of Jesus’s resurrection and ascension influence the theologies of the various books of the New Testament. Learn more: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/divinity/people/dm206/ 00:00 Introduction to Atonement and Hebrews 04:19 The Role of Hebrews in Atonement Discussions 10:47 Broad vs. Narrow Understanding of Atonement 16:17 The Significance of the Ascension in Atonement 26:35 Ongoing Ministry of Christ and Its Implications 31:41 The Significance of Jesus' Death and Resurrection 36:41 Early Church Fathers and the Interpretation of Hebrews 41:02 Understanding Sacrifice in the Context of Atonement 50:21 The Multifaceted Nature of Atonement 59:50 The Ongoing Intercession of Christ Support the show
April 6 · 1 hr 10 min
The State of Sola Scriptura Debates | Kevin Fernandez
In this interview, I'm joined by Kevin Fernandez of ⁨@SinceAD33⁩ for a friendly discussion about the current state of the sola scriptura debate to see if there are ways in which Protestants and Catholics can productively move the conversation forward. And part of moving forward, we find, is looking backwards, retrieving the best of the past for fruitful discussion in the present. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com 00:00 - Where we're at 05:06 - Learning from the Past 11:19 - The Real Differences 17:12 - Infallibility 25:15 - The Role of the Magisterium 34:14 - Is this Getting Too Complicated? 44:13 - The Trouble with Contradictions 55:21 - How to Debate Well 01:05:11 - Going Deeper Support the show
March 30 · 1 hr 8 min
Is Infallible Dogma Necessary for Christianity? | Fr. James Dominic Rooney
In this interview, I'm joined by Fr. James Dominic Rooney O.P. to discuss the role of infallibility and dogma in Christianity based upon his book, Whoever Hears You Hears Me? In essence, Fr. JD argues that all Christians--not just Catholics--need some form of infallibility to make their theological systems work. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity... Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com About the Guest: Fr. James Dominic Rooney is an assistant professor of philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University whose work is primarily in metaphysics, medieval philosophy, Chinese philosophy (程朱理学), and philosophy of religion. He is also a Dominican friar of the Province of St. Albert the Great (Chicago, IL) and a Catholic priest. Support the show
March 16 · 1 hr 25 min
Catholic Professor Presses Me on Liberal Protestantism
In this interview, I'm joined once again by my good friend, Dr. Barnabas Aspray. This time, we're picking up a conversation we've been having for sometime offline about whether liberal Protestantism is the most consistent form of Protestantism. In other words, does the Reformation naturally lead to Liberal Protestantism? Note, when we talk about Liberal Protestantism, we're not talking about the hot button issues of the 21st century, but more so the academics of the 19th and 20th century who rejected or rethought fundamental categories of Christian orthodoxy. Pre-order my novel, The Long Road to Holy Island: https://amzn.to/4sISAC9 Get access to my book club, show notes, ad-free episodes and more: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity Make a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Book a meeting: https://calendly.com/gospelsimplicity/meet-with-austin Read my writings: https://austinsuggs.substack.com About the Guest: Barnabas Aspray (PhD, Cambridge) is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, USA. He is the author of Ricœur at the Limits of Philosophy (CUP, 2022) and On the Significance of Religion for Immigration Policy (Routledge, 2025). He is a columnist for Seen & Unseen magazine and host of Faith at the Frontiers podcast. Barney's Podcast: https://faithatthefrontiers.com/ Support the show

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