The Reformanda Initiative

What is theological retrieval, and how should evangelicals approach it wisely?

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Wright (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Clifton Baptist Church) introduces the concept of theological retrieval and explains why it matters today. Drawing from a recent faculty address, he outlines six key cautions—including the need for humility, the danger of overreaction, and the central importance of justification by faith alone and assurance of salvation. We also discuss why some evangelicals are drawn to Roman Catholic views of the church, how Protestants should respond, and why tradition must never stand above Scripture. Dr. Wright closes with a pastoral warning for those considering Rome.

Episode resource: https://www.sbts.edu/news/shawn-wright-faculty-address/
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In this episode we discuss the interesting topic of relics and what role they play in Roman Catholicism. What is the theology behind them and how did they develop historically? How do evangelicals respond to the reality of relics? These questions and others are the topic of our discussion.

Episode Links:
https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/03/vf252/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/calvin-venerating-relics/ 
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In this episode, Leo, Clay, and Reid discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File, which looks ahead to 2033 and an important initiative of the ecumenical movement. They also discuss the importance of the 1700th anniversary of Nicea and how that relates to 2033.

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2026/02/vf251-watch-out-2033/ 
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In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s upcoming Vatican File that reviews a book which was recently translated into Italian. The book was written by the Cardinal Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Victor Manuel Fernández, who is number 3 in the Vatican order of magisterial hierarchy. The book was originally published in 2003 in Spanish, but has just recently been made available in Italian. It concerns the doctrine of grace and gives clear insight into the Roman Catholic concept of grace. We discuss how these Roman Catholic concepts of grace differ from how the Bible articulates the doctrine of grace.
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In this episode we discuss the recent Vatican document published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding Mary (Mater Popoli Fidelis) and her title of "Co-redemptrix". How should evangelicals think through this and respond to it? We also discuss Leonardo’s October Vatican File that concerns recent remarks Pope Leo made concerning Mary, and that are therefore relevant to this discussion.
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