Apologetics – Reason and Theology

Reading Scripture Apart from Church History

Michael discusses some of the difficulties surrounding the position that says one should read Scripture alone and not in light of church history.

by Michael Lofton

Sam Shamoun on the Roots of Islam with Michael Lofton and William Albrecht

Sam Shamoun speaks about the Roots of Islam with Michael Lofton and William Albrecht.

by Michael Lofton

Gleanings from Maximus’ Disputation with Pyrrhus

Note: All quotes from the disputation come from Joseph Farrell’s translation of the event in his work entitled The Disputation With Pyrrhus of our Father Among the Saints Maximus the Confessor. St. Maximus the Confessor is known for many things, especially his ardent defense of dyothelitism in the face of physical torture. Yet, many are […]

by Andrea Cusumano

Rule of the True Christian Faith Against All Heresies

If anyone wishes to detect the deceits of heretics and to keep a sound and effective faith (Heb. 4:12), in the same sense in which it was taught and passed down by Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles, he ought, with the Lord’s help, to fortify his faith by the authority of Scripture, and […]

by Michael Lofton

Brief Thoughts on Reactionary Theology

In the many years in which I’ve done apologetics, I’ve noticed some groups that develop their theology in a reactionary way. What do I mean? Instead of developing theology according to what Scripture and Tradition says, some build their theology by standing against what another group says. In order to make this more concrete, I’d […]

by Michael Lofton

A Micromanaging Magisterium?

Someone recently asked me if luck was a concept compatible with Christianity. I explained it goes against the Biblical concept of divine providence. At that point, the person asked me whether this was just my opinion or something the magisterium teaches. I explained it was my opinion and to my knowledge luck is not directly […]

by Michael Lofton

The Canon and Sufficiency of Scripture: Responding to James White’s Critique of Jay Dyer

On 01/04/2020, Dr. James White decided to respond to some of Jay Dyer’s reasons for not being Protestant (note: I’ve included an embedded link to the video at the end of this post.) Many comments can be made about Dr. White’s refutation, including Jay Dyer’s presentation, but I’m going to limit myself to two subjects […]

by Michael Lofton

Papal Supremacy, Essence/Energies and the Filioque: The Inadequacy of Implicit Argumentation.

Much ink has been spilled on how to properly understand the First Vatican Council’s teaching on Papal supremacy, which Canon 331 in the Code of Canon Law summarizes as being “supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary power…”. The profuse number of documents addressing this doctrine are abundant, partly due to the problem of ultramontanism within […]

by Michael Lofton

A Call to Use Equal Weights

The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. (Proverbs 11:1) Scripture often speaks about the need to use equal weights and measures in commerce, in order to remain honest. This was a necessary command, as it was a common temptation to alter the scales by which items were weighed in order […]

by Michael Lofton

Response to Trent Horn’s “Can Doctrine Ever Change?”

Michael Lofton lays out various criticisms of Trent Horn’s “Can Doctrine Ever Change” paper. For a detailed response, see Michael’s paper here: https://michaelloftonsite.wordpress.com/2019/11/15/incautious-affirmations-of-doctrinal-changes-a-response-to-trent-horns-can-doctrine-ever-change/

by Michael Lofton

Incautious Affirmations of Doctrinal Changes: A Response to Trent Horn’s “Can Doctrine Ever Change”

Catholic apologist, Trent Horn, recently wrote an article entitled “Can Doctrine Ever Change?” The thrust of the article seems to defend the thesis that some doctrines may change, and to explain in what sense this may happen. As to why this thesis needed to be defended in a climate of novelty remains uncertain. Perhaps, Mr. […]

by Michael Lofton

Dr. Mark Spencer on Reforming Thomism and Integrating Palamism

Michael interviews Dr. Mark Spencer on Reforming Thomism and Integrating Palamism. The Flexibility of Divine Simplicity: Aquinas, Scotus, Palamas Mark K. Spencer.

by Michael Lofton

Theology on a Train: A Multi-Faith Dialogue

Characters: Atheist, Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic A, Catholic B, Reformed Jew, Messianic Jew, Sunni Muslim A, Unitarian, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Orthodox Jew, Mormon, Reformed Baptist, Anglican, Charismatic, Lutheran, Kantian Philosopher, Sunni Muslim B. It’s a Saturday morning and the New York City subway is filled with passengers. A group of people scramble to enter […]

by Michael Lofton

Debate: Does 2 Maccabees 12 Teach Prayers for the Dead? (Albrecht vs. Truglia)

William Albrecht (Roman Catholicism) and Craig Truglia (Eastern Orthodox) debate: Does 2 Maccabees 12 Teach Prayers for the Dead? 2 Maccabees 12:39-46 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA) 39 And the day following Judas came with his company, to take away the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen, […]

by Michael Lofton

Professor Steve Weidenkopf on the Crusades

Michael and Erick interview Professor Steve Weidenkopf on the Crusades.