In this final episode of the season, Mark and Rayne dive deep into one of the most misunderstood elements of Roman Catholicism: the Pope and the papacy.From Peter to Francis, from ancient Rome to Vatican II, from the Inquisition to modern synods - this episode unpacks how the office of the Pope developed, why Protestants often feel confused by it, and how Christians can have thoughtful, Bible-centred conversations with their Catholic friends about authority, scripture, and Jesus Himself.You’ll hear:• Mark’s personal story of meeting Pope John Paul II• How Rome and the Roman Empire shaped the papacy• The difference between Roman and Catholic characteristics of each Pope• What Vatican II changed - and didn’t• How apostolic succession is defended• What Unam Sanctam and Pastor Aeternus claimed about papal authority• Why Jesus offers a better foundation than any Pope• Practical tools for reading the Bible with Catholic friends (incl. the Swedish method)If you’ve ever wondered “Why do Catholics have a Pope?” or “How should Protestants understand papal authority?”, this is the episode for you.00:00 — Welcome & why Protestants find the papacy unfamiliar02:46 — Mark meets Pope John Paul II06:14 — What the Pope’s titles actually mean08:50 — Are all popes saints?10:45 — Benedict XVI, Francis & Leo XIV compared15:47 — Roman vs Catholic identity in the Church20:17 — Why Francis chose his papal name22:35 — Who is Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV)?26:38 — Early history: Peter, Rome & major church centres33:06 — When multiple popes existed35:09 — Unam Sanctam & extreme papal claims39:26 — Luther, the Reformation & excommunication42:05 — Jesuits and the Counter-Reformation48:09 — Enlightenment, Napoleon & loss of papal power52:28 — Vatican II and modern Catholicism59:44 — Why Jesus, not the Pope, is the true foundation1:04:23 — Season wrap-up & prayer

👉🏼 Leo's Book A Christian's Pocket Guide to the Papacy https://www.amazon.com.au/Christians-Pocket-Guide-Papacy-century/dp/1781912998

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🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert

📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/

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In this episode of Certainty for Eternity, Mark Gilbert and Rayne Orange sit down with Rachel Ciano, historian and theological educator, to explore how Roman Catholics understand Mary, the mother of Jesus - and how that differs from the biblical picture of Mary.Rachel unpacks the historical development of Marian devotion, from the early Church to modern dogmas such as the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary, and offers thoughtful guidance for Protestants seeking to have respectful, grace-filled conversations with Catholic friends and family.If you’ve ever wondered why Mary matters so much in Catholic theology and how Protestants can respond with gentleness and truth, this episode will deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith in Christ.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Certainty for Eternity00:41 – Introducing Dr Rachel Ciano01:35 – How Roman Catholics relate to Mary02:44 – Shrines and Marian devotion in everyday life03:17 – Mary’s presence in Catholic culture and childhood04:37 – How Mary connects with the Roman Catholic system06:46 – Protestant question: how did Mary become a co-redeemer?07:06 – Early apocryphal writings and the rise of Marian dogmas08:50 – Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary explained10:32 – How Protestants can engage Catholic friends about Mary11:48 – What it means to be a “faithful communicant” Catholic12:43 – Jesus’ closeness vs. Mary’s comfort13:40 – “A battle of loves” — why Jesus’ love is greater14:22 – Closing reflections and thanks🕊️ Key ThemesUnderstanding Catholic devotion to MaryMary’s role in the history of Christian theologyHow Marian dogmas developedProtestant - Catholic dialogue with empathyJesus’ humanity and divinity compared to Mary’s roleSharing faith through love, not argument📚 Resources MentionedTen Dead Gals You Should Know by Rachel Cianohttps://www.amazon.com.au/Dead-Gals-You-Should-Know/dp/1527110419Certainty for Eternity podcast episode on Mary: Mother of God or Misunderstood?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Kphwfo7gI#CertaintyForEternity #ChristianPodcast #MaryMotherOfGod #UnderstandingCatholicism #ProtestantVsCatholic #BiblicalTheology #FaithConversations #JesusSaves #Apologetics #ChristianFaith #MarkGilbert #RayneOrange #RachelCiano

In this episode of Certainty4Eternity, Rayne Orange and Minister Mark Gilbert dive deep into the Catholic and Protestant understandings of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Why do Catholics give Mary such an elevated position, and how can Protestants engage respectfully with these beliefs while keeping Christ at the centre?From early Church councils to the development of Marian dogmas, this conversation explores how devotion to Mary has shaped Catholic theology - and how the Bible invites us to see Jesus as the only true Redeemer and Mediator.Whether you’re from a Catholic background or simply curious about Christian history and theology, this episode offers clarity, empathy, and truth about one of the most discussed figures in Christianity.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Certainty for Eternity00:36 – Why Catholics elevate Mary03:00 – How Protestants often misunderstand Mary05:00 – “Hail Mary” and Catholic school memories08:37 – How Catholics read Scripture through Mary11:00 – Mary as the second Eve and perfect human13:00 – Mary’s role as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven17:00 – Councils of Nicaea & Ephesus and the rise of Mariology26:00 – From divinising Christ to divinising Mary31:00 – Pope Francis and modern Marian devotion34:00 – The four Marian dogmas & the fifth proposed dogma41:00 – “Do Catholics worship Mary?” Explained47:40 – How Mary redefines the Catholic view of God48:47 – How to speak to Catholic friends about Mary52:50 – Rest in Jesus vs. devotion to Mary54:14 – Recommended reading: Leonardo De Chirico’s Mary of the Bible56:00 – Q&A: Did Jesus really have brothers?59:05 – Closing prayer & reflection🕊️ Key ThemesUnderstanding Catholic devotion to MaryThe biblical view of Mary’s role in salvationHow early Church councils shaped MariologyWhy Protestants and Catholics differ on MaryResponding with love and respect in interfaith dialogueThe supremacy of Jesus Christ as Redeemer👉🏼 Leo's Book A Christian's Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? https://tinyurl.com/5yvtk6rf💬 Got a question? Leave it in the comments or DM us on socials. We might feature it in an upcoming episode! 📲 Stay Connected📸 Instagram @certainty4eternity | 📘 Facebook Certainty4Eternity👍🏼 Like this video🔔 Subscribe for fortnightly episodes💬 Comment with your questions📣 Share with friends curious about Catholicism & Christianity🔔 If this video raised questions for you about Roman Catholicism or talking with Catholic friends about Jesus, check out Mark's published resources, including "Stepping Out in Faith", a collection of 11 stories from former Catholics.https://matthiasmedia.com.au/search?type=product&q=mark+gilbert📖 Want to learn more about engaging conversations with Catholics and Mark's Ministry with C4E?Visit:https://encministries.org.au/ministry/ministry-to-roman-catholics/👉🏼 If you want to hear more about C4E, fill in this form to express interest in joining Mark's email list: https://tinyurl.com/bddu9nu7/#Certainty4Eternity #ChristianPodcast #MaryMotherOfGod #BiblicalTheology #CatholicVsProtestant #ChristianFaith #Apologetics #JesusSaves #TheologyTalks #FaithConversations #maryandsaints #idolatry #catholicdoctrine