FACTS is a podcast that was started by Dr. Stephen Boyce from Greenville, South Carolina. The primary focus of this program is to cover historical content about the early church Fathers, the Apocryphal accounts, the canon, textual criticism, and the scripture itself. Most episodes are co-hosted by Tyler West, among other special guests who are invited on the program. For those who would like to donate to our podcast, here is the link. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your all ...
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What if US Presidents played soccer? What if Michael Jordan played Stephen Curry in golf? What if characters from Hamilton went on The Amazing Race? On each episode of Substantiate, William Glasser discusses a hypothetical sports matchup with a guest.
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Welcome to Arts & Culture by Intelligence Squared. Here we delve into the artistic and cultural moments, movements and conversations that have shaped, and are still shaping, our world. In this podcast Intelligence Squared speaks to some of the world’s greatest orators, writers, actors and artists. Guests include Stephen Fry, Margaret Atwood, Bernardine Evaristo, Salman Rushdie, Kate Winslet, Simon Schama, Tom Hiddleston and Marina Abromović. Join us every week as we feature the best of cultu ...
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Dancing with Heretics: Why Some Modern Protestants Are Embracing Ancient Heresies
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48:20In this episode, we explore a troubling trend among certain corners of modern Protestantism: the revival of ancient heresies long condemned by the Church. At the center of our discussion is Pelagius, the 5th-century British monk whose denial of original sin and distortion of grace led to one of the most decisive theological battles in Christian his…
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From Scrolls to Codex: The Rise of the Fourfold Gospel
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37:20In this episode, we explore the early development and recognition of the fourfold Gospel in the second century—long before the formal canon was finalized. Was the Church already embracing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as a unified Gospel witness? To answer that, we’ll examine key second-century texts including 2 Clement, The Shepherd of Hermas, and…
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Pope Leo XIV and the Road Ahead for the Catholic Church
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39:56In this episode, we take a closer look at the newly elected Pope Leo XIV—his background, his first homily, and the early indications of how his papacy may chart a different course from that of his predecessor. From his missionary work in Peru to his evident traditionalist leanings, Pope Leo XIV steps into the Chair of Peter with a unique combinatio…
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Is the Bible Open to Personal Interpretation?
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31:47Can anyone pick up the Bible and interpret it however they choose? In this episode, we explore the limits and responsibilities of reading Scripture faithfully. While personal study of the Bible is encouraged and spiritually fruitful, authentic interpretation requires humility, historical awareness, and a connection to the broader Christian traditio…
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The Next Successor: Who Will Follow Pope Francis?
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43:56As conversations surrounding the death of Pope Francis continue, the inevitable question arises: who will be the next Bishop of Rome? In this episode, I break down the conclave process, examine potential candidates, and discuss what’s at stake for the future of the Catholic Church—and Christianity as a whole. Will the next pope continue Francis’ pa…
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In this special Holy Week episode, we walk through the resurrection of Jesus as recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—side by side. How do these eyewitness accounts align? What unique details does each evangelist bring to the story? And how do these differences enhance, rather than diminish, the power of the resurrection narrat…
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One of Rome’s First Architects: The Story of St. Anacletus
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32:15In this episode, we take a closer look at St. Anacletus, the often-overlooked second bishop of Rome after St. Peter. Drawing from early historical sources and church tradition, we explore what we know about his life, his martyrdom, and his pivotal role in organizing the Roman Church. One of his most lasting contributions was the division of the Chr…
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Will the Real Ignatius Please Stand Up? Evaluating the Recensions with Ignatian Scholar Jack Bull
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59:31In this special episode, Dr. Boyce sits down with Ignatian scholar Jack Bull to explore one of the most debated textual traditions of early Christianity—the letters of Ignatius of Antioch. With three competing recensions—the Short, the Middle, and the Long—each offering a different window into the voice and theology of the early church, which versi…
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Give Back To The Church Her Ancient Strength
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37:23In this episode, we turn to the voices of the early Church to reflect on a plea that still echoes today. Drawing from Letter 66 of St. Basil to St. Athanasius and Letter 15 of St. Jerome to Pope Damasus, we explore the call to restore the Church’s unity, clarity, and ancient power in times of division and uncertainty. These letters, written in the …
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Did Ignatius Believe Jesus was God in the Flesh?
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38:40In this episode of FACTS, Stephen takes a deep dive into the writings of Ignatius of Antioch to answer a critical question: Did Ignatius believe that Jesus was God in the flesh? Focusing on key passages from Ignatius’s Letter to the Ephesians and Letter to the Romans, Stephen explores Ignatius’s use of the provocative phrase “the blood of God” and …
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Was the Bishopric a Creation of the Eastern Churches? A Response to James White
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49:53In this episode, Stephen responds to Dr. James White’s claim that the bishopric was an Eastern development that only later spread to the West. Dr. White argues that Ignatius of Antioch’s letters provide evidence for this view, particularly noting that Ignatius does not explicitly mention a bishop in his letter to the Romans. Stephen critically exam…
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Purgatory Is For Real: An Interview with Dr. Karlo Broussard
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59:31In this episode, I interview Dr. Karlo Broussard about his book, Purgatory Is for Real: Good News About the Afterlife for Those Who Aren’t Perfect Yet. Dr. Broussard presents his case for purgatory as a biblical and historical doctrine, arguing that it reflects both God’s justice and mercy. We discuss key topics from his book, including scriptural …
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Romephobia: Overcoming the Fear of Looking Too Catholic
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34:39In this episode, we explore a term I’m calling Romephobia—an unhealthy aversion to anything that looks, sounds, or is perceived as Roman Catholic. Many historic terms, ideas, and practices that were once broadly embraced by the ancient Church have, over time, been wrongly attributed solely to Rome. This fear has led many to abandon deeply rooted Ch…
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The Fundamentalists Got It Half Right on Sexual Purity
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49:00On this episode of FACTS, Stephen unpacks the greatest mistake made in fundamentalist circles regarding sexual purity. While their efforts to guard young people’s sexuality aim to protect future marriages, they often miss the deeper teaching of sacrament. Stephen explores why sexual purity isn’t just about preserving desires for a future spouse—it’…
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Rome & the Apostolic Sees: Who Leads the Church?
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45:00On this episode of FACTS, Stephen dives into the question: Should the See of Rome be the leader of all Apostolic Sees? Can this be demonstrated from the New Testament? What about before Vatican I? Join the discussion as we explore the historical and biblical case for Rome’s primacy. Be sure to check it out and share your thoughts! #FACTSPodcast #Ch…
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The Blessed Virgin Mary in Anglican Theology (Part 2)
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55:38In this episode of FACTS with Stephen and Tyler, we are honored to welcome special guest Bishop Darryl Fitzwater for a deep dive into how Anglicans should view the Blessed Virgin Mary. In part one of this two-part series, we explore key doctrines surrounding Mary, including the Immaculate Conception, her Perpetual Virginity, and the Bodily Assumpti…
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The Blessed Virgin Mary in Anglican Theology (Part 1)
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58:50In this episode of FACTS with Stephen and Tyler, we are honored to welcome special guest Bishop Darryl Fitzwater for a deep dive into how Anglicans should view the Blessed Virgin Mary. In part one of this two-part series, we explore key doctrines surrounding Mary, including the Immaculate Conception, her Perpetual Virginity, and the Bodily Assumpti…
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Liturgy and the Canon: A Deeper Look at Sacred Texts
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48:55In this episode of Liturgy and the Canon: A Deeper Look at Sacred Texts, we explore the significance of understanding the early Church’s approach to biblical lists and how they shaped the canon of Scripture. I discuss why texts like 1 Clement, the Epistle of Barnabas, and the Shepherd of Hermas appeared in the manuscripts of early Christian communi…
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Malachi's Foretelling of Eucharist Worship in the Church
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38:50In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce will dive into Malachi 1:11, exploring its prophetic connection to Eucharistic worship in the early Church. Dr. Boyce will investigate how this Old Testament passage foreshadows the practices of Christian Eucharist, as seen through the writings of early Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, …
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Is Peter the “Rock” in Matthew 16?: A Response to Dr. Gavin Ortlund
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1:27:05In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce is joined by author and podcaster Erick Ybarra to discuss Dr. Gavin Ortlund’s recent video addressing Matthew 16 and the papacy. They explore whether Augustine of Hippo believed that Peter was the “rock” on which Christ built His Church and if this supports the papal office as understood in Catholic theology. Join…
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How Would the Ancient Church View Today’s Evangelicalism?
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39:57In this episode of FACTS, we explore a fascinating question: How would the ancient Church view today’s evangelicalism? As we delve into the theological, liturgical, and ecclesiastical differences between the early Christian Church and modern evangelicalism, we examine key aspects like orthopraxy, the role of the sacraments, church authority, and th…
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Legend or Legacy? Examining the Prayer of Manasseh
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38:50In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Stephen Boyce explores the mystery of the Prayer of Manasseh—a powerful apocryphal text. Is it an ancient relic of King Manasseh’s repentance or a later theological creation?Join us as we unpack its origins, significance, and what it reveals about God’s mercy and human redemption. Don’t miss this insightful discussion …
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Daniel Unveiled: Canon, Apocrypha, and Controversy
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57:13In this episode, we explore the writings of Daniel, including the intriguing additions of Bel and the Dragon, The Story of Susanna, and The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Jewish Boys. Are these texts inspired parts of Scripture, historical additions, or theological reflections from a later time? Dr. Stephen Boyce and Anglican autodidac…
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Psalm 151: Inspired Scripture or Apocryphal Mystery?
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39:54Is Psalm 151 an inspired part of the biblical canon or an apocryphal addition? Join us as we dive deep into this intriguing question with Dr. Stephen Boyce from the podcast FACTS. We explore the origins of Psalm 151, its inclusion in some ancient biblical manuscripts, and why it’s absent from most modern Bibles. Discover the history, theology, and …
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In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Stephen Boyce dives into the fascinating textual history of the Book of Esther. Was the original version the shorter Hebrew text or the longer Greek version found in the Septuagint? Exploring the use of the Greek version by early churches, including Clement of Rome, and Jerome’s struggle with it in the Latin Vulgate, D…
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Does the Bible Teach the Need for Church Councils?
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30:04In this episode, Dr. Stephen Boyce explores the biblical foundations for Church councils and their role in Church history. Drawing from key passages such as the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, Paul’s exhortation to unity in 1 Corinthians, and the Church’s role as the “pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), Dr. Boyce explains how Scripture …
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The New Testament’s Superiority to the Qur’ān
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30:01“In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce examines the New Testament’s unique textual and historical significance, exploring why it stands apart from and surpasses the Qur’ān as a foundation for truth and reliability.” If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives newsletters and one on one discussions with Dr. Boyce, he…
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Sotheby's Talks – Radical Modernity: From Bloomsbury to Charleston, with Kim Jones and Darren Clarke
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42:19In this episode, writer, academic and critic Frances Wilson is joined by Artistic Director of Dior Homme and Vice President of Charleston, Kim Jones, Dr Darren Clarke, Head of Collections, Research and Exhibitions at Charleston and Sotheby’s, and Jen Hardie, Director and Senior Specialist in Modern British & Irish Art at Sotheby’s in London, for a …
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The King James Version Is Not A Good Translation For Baptists
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55:48In this episode, we delve into the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, examining why it may not be the ideal choice for Baptist believers. Though revered for its majestic language and historical influence, the KJV carries distinct ecclesiological and theological elements rooted in its high church Anglican origins. We explore how these aspects ca…
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Will There Ever Be "One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church" Again?
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28:20In this episode of FACTS, we delve into the question, “Will There Ever Be One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church Again?” Join us as we explore the history, theology, and challenges surrounding the idea of a unified Christian Church. We are honored to have Fr. Calvin Robinson as our special guest, a respected priest and theologian known for his in…
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Perpetua and Felicitas: The Martyrdom of Two Early Christian Women
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30:02Welcome to FACTS! In today’s episode, we explore the powerful story of Perpetua and Felicity, two courageous women who were Christian martyrs from 3rd century in Carthage. Despite their vastly different social statuses, Perpetua, a noblewoman, and Felicity, a slave, stood united in their faith as they faced imprisonment and death in the Roman arena…
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Planet Narnia: An Interview with Dr. Michael Ward
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51:04In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce welcomes Dr. Michael Ward, professor at Oxford University and author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis. Together, they explore the profound themes of C. S. Lewis’ work, diving into how Lewis integrated medieval cosmology into the Chronicles of Narnia. Dr. Ward shares his ground…
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Should the Epistle of Barnabas be Considered a Part of the Biblical Canon?
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35:40In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce dives deep into the intriguing question: Should the Epistle of Barnabas be considered part of the biblical canon? Together, we explore the historical context, theological insights, and early church perspectives on this ancient text. Was it ever accepted as scripture? Why did it not make the cut in most Christian …
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In this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce is joined by special guest Fr. James Gadomski from the “Barely Protestant” channel. Both Dr. Boyce and Fr. James were raised in the Independent Baptist tradition, but through years of study and personal discovery, they found their way to Anglicanism. Together, they’ll share the pivotal moments that shaped their s…
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Should Christians Read From The Shepherd of Hermas?
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38:08On this Episode of FACTS, we explore whether Christians today should read "The Shepherd of Hermas," a fascinating early Christian text filled with visions, moral teachings, and parables. We’ll dive into its historical significance, its themes of repentance, faith, and spiritual growth, and why it was respected by early Christians but not included i…
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Why The Early Christians Crossed Themselves and Why We Should Too
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42:11On this episode of FACTS, Stephen will explore the practice of early Christians signing themselves with the sign of the cross. He will explore statements from Tertullian, Basil, Chrysostom, Athenasius, and others. He will also seek to remove the stigma that this practice is inherently Roman Catholic. If you're interested in partnering with FACTS an…
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Paul's Long-Lost Letter to the Laodiceans
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43:59On this weekly episode of FACTS, Stephen will discuss Paul's statement in Colossians 4:16 about "the letter from Laodicea." Is this a missing letter that we no longer have access to? Could this actually be the canonical letter to the Ephesians? Or could it be possible we do have this letter but it has been preserved in Latin? Tune-in and find out! …
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Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography
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1:01:11On this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce is interviewing special guest and author, Dr. Holly Ordway, to discuss her recent book: “Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography”. Dr. Ordway offers a detailed exploration of the spiritual and religious dimensions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s life and how these aspects influenced his writings. The book is part biography an…
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On this episode of FACTS, Stephen responds to criticism against Mark's Gospel, alleging that Mark inserted the wrong High Priest into the text when recounting 1 Samuel 21. Prominent scholars such as Bart Ehrman believe this to be an error and have admitted that this specific issue was the beginning of his departure from the faith. Stephen will demo…
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Does the Filioque Belong In The Nicene Creed?
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1:11:50On this episode of FACTS, Stephen is joined by Roman Catholic, Ben Bollinger, to discuss whether or not the Filioque belongs in the Nicene Creed. They will investigate the great debates between the East and West on this subject and why this is such a sensitive debate. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner that receives new…
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Liturgical Worship vs Contemporary Worship
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1:15:27On this episode of FACTS, Stephen is joined by Paul Facey from the Podcast, “The Other Paul”, to discuss the superiority of liturgical worship over against the contemporary models of today. They will discuss the balancing of these two things without the need to dilute the ancient practice of liturgy.If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a m…
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On this episode of FACTS, Stephen is going to journey through the controversial subject of infant baptism. He will investigate the earliest writings of the church to determine the reasoning behind the practice.Here is the giving link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee-b82f-42a7-809e-6b733cec05a7…
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Anglicans And Catholics Entering Full Communion?
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1:23:51On this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce is joined by Roman Catholic podcaster, Steven Alspach (from The Catholic Brothers), to discuss the leaked news of communication between the ACNA and Rome. The news was prematurely released by Anglican reporters and it has left both churches in suspense wondering the details of this potential communion. If you'd l…
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On this episode of FACTS, Stephen will discuss whether or not John's Gospel was done alone or in a group. Could John the fisherman produce such a work of philosophical genius? These are questions Dr. Boyce will answer in the video. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner, here's a link: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=6381a2ee…
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Does God Ever Permit Divorce and Remarriage?
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1:00:10On this episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce is joined by special guest, Fr. Alexander Wilgus, Lead Rector at Redemption Anglican Church. They will discuss a recent article written by Fr. Wilgus in response to those who suggest all remarriages are adulterous marriages. This episode will cover the biblical and historical fallacies that are being made by cler…
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Do Early Writings Help Us Know What Jesus Looked Like?
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34:50On this episode of FACTS, Stephen will investigate statements made by Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Cyril of Jerusalem, Augustine, and others as it relates to the appearance of Jesus of Nazareth. He will also investigate a letter that was possibly written by Roman consul, Lentulus. There will be a brief discussion at the end as to whether or not the S…
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The Church in England Before Augustine of Canterbury
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1:20:21On this special episode of FACTS, Dr. Boyce is joined by Fr. Brett Murphy from Morecambe, UK, to discuss the Apostolic Churches that were in England before the arrival of Augustine of Canterbury. They will discuss the Johannine traditions, Pauline traditions, and other Celtic traditions that were in the area. They will delve into Bede's Ecclesiasti…
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One of the most debated characters in the J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" series is Tom Bombadil. There are numerous theories as to what his character represents in the books. On this episode of FACTS, Stephen is joined by Pastor C.R. Wiley who wrote a book entitled, "In The House of Tom Bombadil", giving his personal thoughts behind the myste…
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If Jesus did not write down his teachings and sermons, how do we know that what we have in the Gospel accounts are actually the words of Jesus? On this episode of FACTS, Stephen will unpack John 14 and 17 and discuss the method in which Christ instituted to distribute his teachings. If you'd like to donate to our ministry or be a monthly partner th…
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