Best How Did You Get Here? With Tim Smith Podcasts (2025)

1
Is Everyone Becoming Catholic/Orthodox? The Data on Religion in America (w/ Dr. Chip Rotolo) 54:05

6h ago54:05

54:05

Ever since Pew Research put out its Religious Landscape Study, people have been making claims about Christianity making a comeback. Within this, three claims in particular have stood out on the internet: 1. Young people are getting more religious. 2. Young men are becoming more religious. 3. People are flocking to traditional churches. In this vide…

1
What Catholic Apologetics Gets Wrong (Protestant Perspective) | Javier Perdomo 1:13:09

21d ago1:13:09

1:13:09

In this video I'm joined by Javier Perdomo, a former Baptist pastor who became Lutheran and now creates videos about Protestantism on YouTube with special attention given to stories of people who chose traditional Protestantism over Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. You can check out his channel here: youtube.com/@javierperd2604 Javier's Sub…

1
Maximus the Confessor, Universalism, and Mind-Blowing Theology | Dr. Jordan Daniel Wood 1:05:57

1M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Support the channel: Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity PayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity In this conversation, Dr. Jordan Daniel Wood discusses the intersection of St. Maximus the Confessor's thought and the concept of universalism. He explores how Maximus's understanding of creation as incarnation challenges traditional views …

1
The Biblical Theology of Catholic Confession | Dr. James Prothro 1:03:10

1M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Support the channel: Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity PayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity In this conversation, Dr. James Prothro discusses the significance of confession in Catholic theology, emphasizing its biblical foundations and the necessity of addressing post-baptismal sin. He explores the relationship between sin, justif…

1
What Makes Augustine's Confessions So Special | Dr. Shane Owens 1:02:53

2M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

In this conversation, Dr. Shane Owens discusses the enduring appeal of Augustine's 'Confessions,' exploring its literary, philosophical, and theological significance. He emphasizes the role of scripture, the nature of sin, and the importance of community and friendship in Augustine's journey. The dialogue also highlights the influence of Monica, Au…

1
The Slippery Slope of Christian Politics | Dr. Tim Perry 58:50

3M ago58:50

58:50

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Tim Perry to discuss his new book, When Politics Becomes Heresy. Before you fire off your hot takes in the comment section, the goal of this video is not to call out any individual politicians or to campaign for any given issues (not that there's anything inherently wrong in either of those things, mind you). Rath…

1
Anglicanism: The Good of Roman Catholicism without the Bad | Sean Luke 1:02:00

3M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

In this video, I'm joined by Sean Luke, whom I will now refer to as the best apologist for Protestantism you didn't know about (until today). In this discussion, we focus primarily on the arguments for Anglicanism, but in doing so, we touch on some of the key reasons to stay Protestant, even when you might really feel the pull to Rome. Topics inclu…

1
Sola Scriptura Dialogue with Jimmy Akin 1:48:27

3M ago1:48:27

1:48:27

In this video, I'm joined by Jimmy Akin, Catholic Answers Apologist and author, to discuss my argument for sola scriptura. Leading up to this dialogue, I published a video defending sola scriptura as a theological principle, and Jimmy posted a response. Rather than getting into an endless round of rebuttals, we decided to sit down for a dialogue. M…

1
Fighting for Sainthood in the Modern World | Josh Nadeau 1:05:46

4M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

In this video, I'm joined by Josh Nadeau, author of Room for Good Things to Run Wild, my favorite book I've read this year. And I'll go out on a limb in March to say it'll still be my favorite come December. Josh and I talk about how the goal of life is to become a saint, how the church should facilitate that, and how goodness, truth, and beauty ca…

1
Did the Early Church Venerate Icons? | Michael Garten 1:04:47

4M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

In this video, I'm joined by Michael Garten to discuss evidence for icon veneration prior to the council of Nicaea. We talk about signet rings, crosses, and even portrait imagery, as well as what we should do with evidence that seems to point against icon veneration in the early church. Check out his book: https://amzn.to/4blTb4Y Subscribe to his s…

1
The Politics of the Reformation | Dr. Brad Littlejohn 52:57

5M ago52:57

52:57

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Brad Littlejohn to discuss political theology and the Reformation. In doing so, we not only discuss how politics shaped the Reformation, but how the Reformation shaped politics. Check out Brad's most recent book: https://amzn.to/4jBvKZm Brad's substack: https://bradlittlejohn.substack.com/ Support the channel: Patre…

1
The Dark Side of Radical Traditionalism | Kevin Nontradicath 1:00:12

6M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Growing up, Traditionalist Catholicism (FSSP) was Kevin's whole life, which to many of you, might sound like paradise. After all, many of the people who watch my videos are deeply attracted to the most traditional forms of the Catholic faith. It's easy for me to understand why. Kevin, however, has a different story to share. Rather than finding thi…

1
Can the True Church Be Divided? | Dr. Ephraim Radner 1:04:10

6M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Ephraim Radner to discuss his the paradox of church divisions, ecumenism, and more. Dr. Radner is one of the foremost experts on ecumenism and church divisions in the West. He has been publishing, teaching, and researching in this area longer than I've been alive, and I was delighted to get to learn from his wisdom.…

1
The Case for Liberal Protestantism | Dr. Steven Nemes 1:08:34

7M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Steven Nemes to discuss his case for liberal Protestantism. Dr. Nemes spent years wondering if he needed to become Catholic and leave his Protestant upbringing. He ended up rejecting the claims of the Catholic church. However, he did not stop there. He realized that the nature of his disagreements with Roman Catholi…

1
Are Anabaptists the Real Heirs of the Early Church? | Dr. Stuart Murray Williams 1:00:49

7M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Stuart Murray Williams to discuss Anabaptist history, practice, and outlook in the modern world. We cover topics ranging from sacramental theology to peace-making and what we should think of Emperor Constantine. You can find his book, The Naked Anabaptist, here: https://amzn.to/4fNG7GC You can find his book, The New…

1
Church Through Atheist Eyes | Jared Smith 1:12:50

7M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

After growing up as a passionate Christian, Jared Smith became an atheist in his 20s. And yet, come Sunday morning, you'll probably find him in church. In this video, Jared Smith and I talk about his popular, "Atheist Church Audit" series in which he visits churches ranging from Catholic cathedrals to sketchy cults and shares his perspective as som…

1
Can Philosophy Prove the Papacy? | Dr. Joshua Sijuwade 1:04:48

8M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Joshua Sijuwade to discuss his formal, philosophical argument from the papacy in which he seeks to establish the papacy on a priori grounds. Check out the paper: https://philarchive.org/rec/SIJTPA Support the channel: Patreon: https://patreon.com/gospelsimplicity PayPal: https://paypal.me/gospelsimplicity Support th…

1
Sharing my Doubts about Catholicism with a Catholic Professor | Dr. Barnabas Aspray 1:23:30

8M ago1:23:30

1:23:30

In this video, I'm joined by once again by Dr. Barnabas Aspray, a man who has quickly become one of my favorite Catholic thinkers and a dear friend. Barney has a knack both for asking penetrating questions and giving thoughtful answers that go beyond polemics. In this special in-person episode, we talk extensively St. John Henry Newman's theory of …

1
Why Be Roman Catholic | Dr. Matthew Levering 1:07:27

9M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

In this video, I'm joined by one of the most prolific Catholic scholars of our time, Dr. Matthew Levering, to discuss his recent book, Why I am Roman Catholic. Through this conversation, we cover topics ranging from ecclesiology to the Assumption of Mary. It's one for the books. Check out the book: https://amzn.to/3N4hklC Support the channel: Patre…

1
Discerning the Church, Becoming a Saint | Dr. Brad East 1:00:39

9M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Brad East to talk about two critical things: discerning the church and becoming a saint. He has recently published on both of these topics, and is an incredibly insightful man. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can find his book, Letters to a Future Saint, here: https://amzn.to/3U9FkHZ You can find his boo…

1
The ULTIMATE Guide to Biblical Typology | Dr. Vern Poythress 1:04:11

9M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Vern Poythress to discuss the topic of Biblical Typology. In this interview, we cover how to determine valid typology from fanciful imagination, a framework for evaluating typology, and what's necessary for us to believe about Scripture for typology to work. You can find her book his new book, Biblical Typology, her…

1
An Introduction to Eastern Catholicism | Fr. Jason Charron 54:25

10M ago54:25

54:25

Love the beauty of Eastern Orthodoxy but believe in papal infallibility? Perhaps Eastern Catholicism is the best of both worlds. That's the idea that we explore in this interview where I'm joined by Eastern Catholic priest, Fr. Jason Charron. We cover the history of Eastern Catholicism, what it means to switch rites, and much more. Stay tuned till …

1
The Beauty of the Book of Common Prayer | Julie Lane-Gay 59:48

10M ago59:48

59:48

In this video, I'm joined by Julie Lane-Gay to discuss her book, The Riches of Your Grace, which details her own journey with the Book of Common Prayer and invites readers into a transformative experience of liturgical prayer. You can find her book here: https://amzn.to/3XdlZHz Support the channel: Patreon: / gospelsimplicity PayPal: https://paypal…

1
Why You Should Be Protestant (Dr. Gavin Ortlund) 1:55:49

11M ago1:55:49

1:55:49

In this conversation, Gavin Ortlund, Ph.D., discusses the meaning of Protestantism as a renewal movement within the church. He emphasizes that Protestantism is not a rejection of other Christian traditions, but a reform and renewal effort based on the authority of Scripture. He also addresses the issue of institutional exclusivism and highlights th…

1
The Crusades, the Inquisition, and the Dark Ages: A Catholic Perspective 1:08:37

12M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

This video is sponsored by Logos. For 10% off their incredible resources, visit: https://logos.com/gospelsimplicity https://logos.com/gospelsimplicityorthodox https://verbum.com/gospelsimplicity In this video, Catholic author Steve Weidenkopf breaks down popular myths about the middle ages. We focus especially on misunderstandings regarding the dar…

1
Shame, Anxiety, and How Christ Offers Healing (w/ Fr. Stephen Freeman) 1:03:38

12M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

This video is sponsored by Logos. For 10% off their incredible resources, visit: https://logos.com/gospelsimplicity https://logos.com/gospelsimplicityorthodox https://verbum.com/gospelsimplicity In this video, I'm joined by Orthodox priest, podcaster, and writer, Fr. Stephen Freeman to discuss his book, Face to Face: Knowing God Beyond Our Shame. W…

1
Finding Christ in the Old Testament (w/ Seraphim Hamilton) 1:02:41

12M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

This video is sponsored by Logos. For 10% off their incredible resources, visit: https://logos.com/gospelsimplicity https://logos.com/gospelsimplicityorthodox https://verbum.com/gospelsimplicity In this video, Orthodox apologist, Seraphim Hamilton shares how we can find Christ in the Old Testament. Seraphim's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Serap…

1
Perspicuity, Authority, and Intellectual Humility | A dialogue with Suan Sonna 1:29:51

1y ago1:29:51

1:29:51

This video is sponsored by Logos. For 10% off their incredible resources, visit: https://logos.com/gospelsimplicity https://logos.com/gospelsimplicityorthodox https://verbum.com/gospelsimplicity In this video, I'm joined by Suan Sonna, a Catholic convert, Harvard Divinity School student, and all-around top-notch guy. In this back and forth conversa…

1
Why (some) Protestants become Catholic (w/ Dr. Chris Castaldo 52:11

1y ago52:11

52:11

This video is sponsored by Logos. For 10% off their incredible resources, visit: https://logos.com/gospelsimplicity https://logos.com/gospelsimplicityorthodox https://verbum.com/gospelsimplicity In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Chris Castaldo, a Protestant convert from Roman Catholicism, author, scholar and pastor. We discuss his recent book Why Do…

1
Acquiring the Sacramental Mind of the Orthodox Church (w/ Dr. Zachary Porcu) 1:04:20

1y ago1:04:20

1:04:20

This video is sponsored by Logos. For 10% off their incredible resources, visit: https://logos.com/gospelsimplicity https://logos.com/gospelsimplicityorthodox https://verbum.com/gospelsimplicity In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Zachary Porcu to discuss the idea of developing a sacramental worldview, how we know things, and what it means to acquire …

1
Discerning the True Tradition (w/ Dr. Barnabas Aspray) 46:19

1y ago46:19

46:19

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Barnabas Aspray for a penetrating discussion on how we can discern the true tradition of the church. This conversation was filmed in person at the oldest Catholic seminary in America (St. Mary's Seminary and University). Learn more about St. Mary's: https://stmarys.edu/ Check out Dr. Aspray's podcast: https://podcas…

1
A Christian Theology of Technology (w/ Marc Barnes) 1:05:03

1y ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Most of us know that modern technology is having disastrous side effects. But here we are. What do we do now? In this episode, I'm joined by Marc Barnes from New Polity to discuss the philosophy of technology, how it's shaping us, and how we might move forward in a healthier way. If you're looking for a light video, this isn't it. If you're ready t…

1
Paul within Judaism: The Radical Perspective (w/ Dr. Matthew Thiessen) 1:00:44

1y ago1:00:44

1:00:44

In this video, I'm joined by Dr. Matthew Thiessen, author of A Jewish Paul, and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at McMaster University, to discuss a growing movement in Pauline studies: interpreting Paul within Judaism, not as a convert to Christianity. In this video, we cover how this perspective came about, how it compares to the New Per…

1
Ulrich Zwingli: The most misunderstood reformer? (w/ Dr. Bruce Gordon) 1:09:42

1+ y ago1:09:42

1:09:42

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity Ulrich Zwingli, born January 1, 1484 in Switzerland, would go on to become a leading figure of the Reformation. However, just as quick was his rise to prominence as his fall from grace. After dying in battle…

1
An Introduction to the Apocrypha (Fr. Stephen De Young) 1:12:20

1+ y ago1:12:20

1:12:20

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity From giants to tours of the underworld, the apocryphal books are full of intrigue. But what are their use for the church today? In this wide ranging interview, Fr. Stephen De Young guides us through the book…

1
Dialogue: Orthodox Priest and Catholic Apologist Discuss the Papacy and Ecclesiology 1:30:43

2y ago1:30:43

1:30:43

In this video, Orthodox priest, Fr. Laurent Cleenewerck, and Catholic Apologist, Erick Ybarra, discuss the papacy. However, this isn't your usual battle of proof texts. Instead, we dive deep into questions of ecclesiology which get to the root of the disagreement between Catholics and Orthodox. Throughout the course of the discussion, Fr. Laurent a…

1
The Pillars of Orthodox Spirituality: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (Fr. Evan Armatas) 1:05:18

2y ago1:05:18

1:05:18

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity It's one thing to read books about Orthodox theology, but how does one actually live an Orthodox spiritual life? That's what Fr. Evan Armatas shares in this video, based on his book Toolkit for Spiritual Gro…

1
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Rosary (w/ Keith Nester) 1:01:11

2y ago1:01:11

1:01:11

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos... The rosary is perhaps the most famous Catholic devotional practice. But is there more to it than just muttering the same words over and over again? In this video, Keith Nester breaks down the mysteries of the Rosary a…

1
Catholic vs. Protestant Canon (w/ Gary Michuta) 1:08:04

2y ago1:08:04

1:08:04

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity Catholics and Protestants have a different canon. But why? In this episode, I'm joined by Gary Michuta to discuss the Old Testament Canon, and specifically, why Catholics have seven more books in their Bible…

1
The Formation of the New Testament Canon (w/ Dr. Benjamin Laird) 1:06:48

2y ago1:06:48

1:06:48

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity There has been no shortage of debate over how the NT canon was formed. Was it an organic process, finished by the mid-second century? Was it an ecclesial process, formalized at 4th century councils? Or was i…

1
Read the Bible like a Medieval Monk (w/ Dr. Hans Boersma) 1:00:35

2y ago1:00:35

1:00:35

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity In his book, Pierced by Love: Divine Reading with the Christian Tradition, Dr. Hans Boersma puts forth a seemingly simple argument: we should read Scripture according to its purpose. But, as it turns out, no…

1
The Catholic Vision for Work, Money, and Community (w/ Dr. Jacob Imam) 1:05:17

2y ago1:05:17

1:05:17

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos... Our relationship with work, money, and community is deeply flawed. At least, that's the hypothesis we're testing in this interview. Specifically, we're exploring what a Christian, or more specifically, Catholic, alter…

1
The most DETAILED interview I've done on the papacy (w/ Erick Ybarra) 1:29:11

2y ago1:29:11

1:29:11

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos... This video is also brought to you by Fox N Sons coffee. For 15% off your oder of $25 or more, use the promo code "Gospel Simplicity" at http://www.foxnsons.com Perhaps no doctrine is more divisive than the papacy. As …

1
The Centrality of Theosis in Eastern Orthodox Theology (w/ Seraphim Hamilton) 1:02:57

2y ago1:02:57

1:02:57

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos... Theosis, or divinization/deification is a core Orthodox doctrine. But what does it really mean? In this video, Seraphim Hamilton breaks down the significance of theosis, showing how it affects doctrines from the vener…

1
Biblical roots of Eastern Orthodox Liturgy (w/ Dr. Edith Humphrey) 1:09:42

2+ y ago1:09:42

1:09:42

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity Worship wars have been dividing churches for years. From debates over contemporary worship versus hymns or vernacular versus Latin, everyone seems to have an opinion on what a worship service/mass/liturgy sh…

1
What happens when Pentecostals recover the Great Tradition? (w/ Dr. Emilio Alvarez) 1:00:01

2+ y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity Sacraments and Pentecostals might sound like oil and water to you, but in this video, Dr. Emilio Alvarez unpacks a movement of Pentecostals towards the Great Tradition to form Pentecostal Orthodoxy. In this …

1
Humility and Joy (w/ Dr. Gavin Ortlund) 50:45

2+ y ago50:45

50:45

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity Humility is often praised and rarely practiced. Recently, Dr. Gavin Ortlund took on the unenviable job of attempting to write about humility, something he confesses leaves him only able to make jokes about. …

1
An Introduction to the Anglo-Catholic Church (w/ Fr. Wesley Walker) 1:06:43

2+ y ago1:06:43

1:06:43

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gos... Is it Catholic? Protestant? Neither? If you're wondering what Anglo-Catholicism is, you're not alone. In this video, I'm joined by Fr. Wesley Walker to bring you all an introduction to Anglo-Catholicism. We discuss th…

1
The Real History of St. Nicholas, and how he became Santa Claus (w/ Dr. Adam C. English) 53:24

2+ y ago53:24

53:24

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity St. Nicholas of Myra was born in the 3rd century, in what is now Turkey. He rose to some prominence as a bishop, held a low profile at the Council of Nicaea, and was known locally as a great man. But none of…

1
The Theology of the Lord of the Rings (w/ Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick) 1:07:37

2+ y ago1:07:37

1:07:37

This video is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For 10% off your first month, use the link, http://www.faithfulcounseling.com/gospelsimplicity The Lord of the Rings is one of the most popular series (epics?) of all time. With unforgettable characters and an enthralling heroes journey, its popularity is well-deserved. But is it nothing more than gui…

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