What is the Catholic Magisterium and is it Biblical? (w/ Michael Lofton)

As an outsider looking in, the magisterium is one of the most distinctive features of Catholicism. In this video, I talk with Michael Lofton of Reason and Theology about the Catholic magisterium, what it is, and how it works. We discuss layers of authority within the magisterium, important distinctions about magisterial authority, and perhaps most importantly, Michael Lofton presents biblical and historical arguments for the Catholic magisterium.

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About Gospel Simplicity:
Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.

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Austin Suggs
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Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel

[villentretenmerthjackdaw]

For deep dives no one does it quite like Reason & Theology. Michael Lofton, Erick Ybarra and Elijah Yasi are excellent. Thank you so much for having them on. I'm loving all these crossover episodes haha!

[nicolentwiga]

As a Catholic who struggles with the faith, I have found this really edifying. I would love to hear the conversation on development of doctrine. I struggle with the development that seems to be organic from scripture and what seems to be later (ie Marian, purgatory, etc).

I continue to be so edified by your content. Not just the Catholic information and guests, but also learning about other branches of the Christian faith.

[jeandoten]

I think Humanae Vitae is a good example of the Papacy "defining" doctrine that is implicit in scripture but required clarification based on modern medicine. Many Catholics were expecting that the birth control pill was going to be an allowable form of contraception. Pope Paul VI used the extraordinary magisterium to show that the Catholic teaching of the unitive and procreation nature of sexual intimacy was founded firmly in scripture.

[GrislyAtoms]

Just finally got through the entire video and I am SO glad I watched the whole thing! Austin (and Michael), this was such an educational and edifying interview that I cannot thank you enough for it. After watching Fr. Josiah Trenham give his Orthodox perspective on Catholicism I thought it was critical that I get a counterpoint argument from a Catholic with a similar depth of education (Fr. Trenham has a doctorate and is an astute church historian).

I was intending to join the Orthodox church, but their Divine Liturgy is inaccessible for me. The endless chanting and a Capella singing (with only the homily being spoken) for someone like me, with no musical talent nor inclination, makes for a long and dull worship service. I always leave feeling frustrated, with my soul undernourished.

Went to my first Catholic mass the Monday before Christmas last year, and immediately fell in love. I thought I was going to have to accept "heresy" like the filioque, so that I could attend the Mass (which makes me feel incredible grace, blessing, and closeness to our Lord). But Michael made such a nice case for the Magisterium and ex cathedra papal infallibility that now I know I can be confirmed in the Latin church with no reservations! God has blessed me tremendously and, again, thank you Austin for your ministry. This isn't the first time you've made an incredibly positive impact on my spiritual journey. God bless you!

[davidjosselyn]

You have excellent listening and interviewing skills. Your questions help clarify and simplify the often complex topics your guests are presenting. Thanks for sharing and I pray you will keep on doing videos in the future. God bless you!

[JBlackjackp]

I’m glad you guys talked I love theses kinds of conversations.

[wendyhong]

Excellent interview! Enjoy the explanation of Michael and the questions posted by Austin. Well done!! I am a catholic and has fully enjoyed the talk. Appreciate Austin’s honesty and respect toward Catholicism and our theology.

[geneparadiso]

Great arguments for Apostolic Succession and a Magisterium!

[jeremiahong]

This is an interesting topic which is seldom explored properly in YouTube videos. It shows Austin putting in considerable thoughts in choosing the topics. Great choice!

[kyriosbooks]

this was Please have him on few more times!!

[wenshan]

I tried to digest everything before I realised there was too much on the plate. Like always, your effort has taught me about my own faith. Thanks and Godbless!

[myronmercado]

Excited! I just subscribed to his chanel Reasons and Theology days ago. Wow.

[quayscenes]

34 minutes in and this is my favorite interview so far!

[dylantharp]

This should be super interesting! I have really loved your content Austin and it has caused me to think much more critically about my beliefs. - from a possible future Moody student next year

[magdalenelah]

Great session lm loving this👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Personally lm learning a lot from here. Will have to watch and listen to this again. THANK YOU!! bro Michael & Austin🙏🙏🏼🙏🏼

[alannacarlson]

This reminds me of when Edward snowden was on Joe rogan's Podcast where the host is completely silent almost the entire time and the guest keeps talking and talking but everybody keeps listening because what they're saying is so intriguing. 😆

[KayElayempea]

The lighting at the beginning really makes your Gospel Simplicity light a lot clearer than normal!

[elizabethbrinegar]

Michael laid out the argument for the Magisterium quite well, especially the Papal Magisterium. He was surprisingly harsh on Eastern Orthodoxy at the end, however, and I was taken aback by his statement that if a Christian didn't accept the Papacy, that "this thinking ultimately leads to atheism." As an Orthodox Christian myself, I would love to see Austin interview someone such as Dr. Clark Carlton who has studied the Orthodox position on the Magisterium and can articulate the Orthodox position on it.

[reyesrivera]

Great video! As a catholic I learned a lot!

[tonyl]

Had never heard of the argument for the papacy based on Popes Agatho and Hormisdas and the ecumenical councils until came across Lofton's channel. Good stuff!