In this episode we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Robbie Bellis to discuss his contribution to the 2026 Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN). HIs paper titled, “The Essential Issue: Luther’s Bondage of the Will and Roman Catholic Soteriology” explores the 16th-century debate between Erasmus and Luther that focused on the human will and its natural capacities. Erasmus argued for the freedom of the will, while Luther argued for the bondage of the will. At the heart of this debate is the gospel itself. To understand the bondage of the will is to understand the theology at the heart of the Reformation. It remains relevant today, especially as evangelicals engage with their Roman Catholic friends.

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In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first papal encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," which deals with the issue of artificial intelligence. The focus of our discussion is the theological framework that undergirds this encyclical, which is often overlooked by evangelicals.

Encyclical/Magnifica Humanitas: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html#_ftnref19

Lausanne/Governing AI in God’s House: https://lausanne.org/global-analysis/governing-ai-in-gods-house

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In this episode we discuss the Roman Catholic teaching of the Sensus Fidei (sense of faith). Post Vatican II, how does the Catholic Church reach consensus on doctrinal matters? Who is involved in the process? Why is it potentially attractive to evangelicals, and how can the evangelical church correctly respond to it? Join us as we respond to these questions and more.

https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_cti_20140610_sensus-fidei_en.html

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