#1 - Miracles (Pilot Episode)

This is the pilot episode introducing our new journey through Craig S. Keener’s monumental two-volume work **Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts**. In this opening session, we talk through why this study matters, how we'll approach it in community, and what makes the topic of miracles so compelling—especially for those of us who sit in the non-charismatic tradition yet remain deeply curious.

We explore how Keener frames the global reality of miracle claims, the philosophical assumptions we often bring to the table, and why reevaluating this topic can strengthen—not weaken—our understanding of God’s work in the world. This pilot also lays out the goals for the series: honest inquiry, careful theology, and a place where questions can breathe.

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses – https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org

#Miracles #CraigKeener #TheologyUnplugged #Apologetics #ChristianPhilosophy #Supernatural #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

#80 - The Canon of Scripture Is Not Closed

Did God ever close the canon of Scripture? In this episode, we explore how the biblical canon was formed-not by decree, but by recognition. From Moses to the apostles, revelation carried its own authority, needing no council to validate it. The canon was accepted organically, as God's people simply received what He had spoken.

We also discuss whether the canon is technically closed or only practically so, and why Protestants-unlike any other tradition-are uniquely free to examine the evidence and follow it wherever it leads, even engaging honestly with the Apocrypha. The Church never shut the door on revelation; God simply quit speaking.

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Through the Church Fathers - https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses - https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries - https://www.credoministries.org

#BiblicalCanon #Apocrypha #ChurchHistory #Revelation #ProtestantTheology #Scripture #SolaScriptura #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

#79 - The History of the Acceptance of the Apocrypha

In this episode, we trace the fascinating and often controversial journey of the Apocrypha-those books sitting between the Old and New Testaments in some Bibles but missing entirely from others. Why were these books accepted by some traditions and rejected by others? How did Jerome, the Reformers, and the Council of Trent each weigh in? Join us as we explore how the Apocrypha was received across Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant lines and why it still sparks debate today.

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Through the Church Fathers - https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses - https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries - https://www.credoministries.org

#Apocrypha #BiblicalCanon #CouncilOfTrent #Jerome #ChurchHistory #Deuterocanon #ProtestantBible #CatholicTradition #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #SystematicTheology

In this session, we dive into one of the most important differences between Roman Catholic and Protestant theology: justification. What do Catholics mean when they speak of justification as both a process and a state? How does it differ from the Protestant understanding of imputed righteousness by faith alone? This episode carefully unpacks the Catholic view using their own categories-grace, merit, sacraments, and cooperation with God-while also clarifying the classic Protestant response. If you've ever been confused about where the lines are drawn, this episode will help you see both the overlap and the sharp distinctions.

Get involved:

Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org

Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com

Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com

Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

#75 - Roman Catholicism: The Apocrypha, Mary, and All the Other Stuff

In today's episode, we take a step back and offer a thoughtful overview of Roman Catholic beliefs-especially those that often seem unfamiliar or confusing to Protestants. From the Apocrypha to Marian dogmas, purgatory, the communion of saints, and the Eucharist, we trace the roots and reasoning behind these doctrines. Whether you're wrestling with questions about the Catholic view of Mary or trying to understand how the Apocrypha fits into the Catholic Bible, this episode is designed to provide clarity and foster respectful engagement. We're not here to debate-we're here to learn.

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Through the Church Fathers - https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses - https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries - https://www.credoministries.org

#RomanCatholicism #Apocrypha #MarianDogmas #Purgatory #Eucharist #ChurchHistory #ThroughTheChurchFathers #CredoHouse #ProtestantAndCatholic #SystematicTheology #Patristics

In this session, we explore the structure of Roman Catholic authority from a Protestant perspective. What is the Magisterium, and how does it function alongside Scripture and Tradition? What does apostolic succession really mean, and how is infallibility understood? This episode aims to unpack the internal logic of Rome's authority structure-not to caricature it, but to understand it. My goal is to help Protestants see how it fits together from within the Catholic system, while also offering points of reflection and challenge. If you've ever wondered why Catholics trust the Church in the way they do, this is a great place to start.

Get involved:

Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org

Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com

Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com

Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this episode, I step into unfamiliar territory as a Protestant: making the strongest possible case for the inclusion of the deuterocanonical books-those writings often labeled *Apocrypha* like *Tobit*, *Judith*, *Wisdom*, *Sirach*, and *1-2 Maccabees*.

I walk through the theological logic of the Catholic position: the organic relationship between Scripture and Church, the role of apostolic tradition, and why early liturgical use might point to divine inspiration. What if these books weren't added later-but preserved for a reason?

Then, I shift perspectives and respond from a Protestant point of view. I wrestle honestly with the question: How do we define canon? Does apostolicity matter more than usage? Can moral usefulness be confused with divine authority?

No history yet-Athanasius, Jerome, Cajetan, and the rest will get their day. This episode is all about setting the theological stage.

This is the best Catholic argument I know. And it deserves a serious Protestant answer.

Explore the Project:

Through the Church Fathers - https://www.throughthechurchfathers.com

Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Credo Courses - https://www.credocourses.com

Credo Ministries - https://www.credoministries.org

In this first session of our series on Roman Catholicism, we explore its foundations from a Protestant perspective-graciously and truthfully. What is Rome? How did it develop? Why does it matter today? This series invites you to understand the structure, beliefs, and beauty of the Roman Catholic Church, even while wrestling with key differences. Let's get to know Rome-not as outsiders, but as informed family members in the broader story of Christianity.

Get involved:

Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org

Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com

Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com

Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

In this session, we explore the definition and historical development of the biblical canon. What do we mean when we talk about "the canon of Scripture"? How did the Church recognize which books belonged in the Bible-and when?

We will trace the formation of the canon through:

- The early church's criteria for recognizing Scripture

- The role of Church Fathers and early councils

- The distinction between inspired books and ecclesiastical writings

- Disputes over the Old and New Testament books

- The influence of figures like Athanasius, Jerome, and the Reformers

This teaching lays the historical foundation for understanding how the Church came to affirm the books that make up our Bible.

Get involved:

Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org

Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com

Join us as we go through the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com

Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton

Today we explore the legacy of one of the most powerful papal names in Church history-Leo. With the election of Leo the Fourteenth, many are asking what it means to choose that name. We walk through the legacies of Leo the First (Leo the Great), Leo the Third, Leo the Tenth, and Leo the Thirteenth-tracing a line from theological clarity and imperial coronations to Reformation crisis and modern renewal. This isn't just Church history-it's our story, and each Leo leaves behind a mark: some healed, some divided, some saved cities, and some changed the Church forever.

Get involved:

Michael's public blog: https://credohouse.org

Courses and Manuscript Reproductions from Michael and other scholars: https://credocourses.com

Join us as we go though the great Fathers of the Faith in a year: https://throughthechurchfathers.com

Support me and get A LOT more stuff from C. Michael Patton: https://patreon.com/cmichaelpatton