The Sacramentalists

In this bittersweet episode of The Sacramentalists, we say (mostly) farewell to our co-host, Fr. Wesley. As he steps back from regular podcasting to focus on doctoral studies, parish life, and family, we reflect on the journey of the show, memorable episodes, and what it’s meant to pursue beauty, truth, and sacramentality together.Joining us is the other co-founder of the pod, Myles Hixson, who helps us send Fr. Wesley off with good humor, deep gratitude, and a few theological tangents.

In this episode of The Sacramentalists, Frs. Creighton and Wesley welcome New Testament scholar Dr. Matthew Bates to discuss his provocative new book, Beyond the Salvation Wars: A New Vision of the Christian Life.Bates argues that many of our debates about salvation—whether framed in terms of “faith alone” or “works righteousness”—have become theological dead ends. In their place, he offers a fresh and deeply biblical model centered on allegiance to Jesus as King, which he contends better captures the shape of the gospel and the fullness of the Christian life.We explore the implications of his proposal for sacraments, church unity, and discipleship, as well as the strong reactions it’s provoked from Reformed critics. Does allegiance theology open the door to a more sacramental faith? How does it help us move beyond stale binaries and recover a truly catholic vision of salvation?We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

In this special crossover episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast and The Classical Mind Podcast, we dive deep into St. Bonaventure’s The Journey of the Mind to God—a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that maps the soul’s ascent to divine union. Together, we explore Bonaventure’s vision of contemplation, the role of intellect and love in knowing God, and the ways in which his thought is deeply sacramental, drawing from both Scripture and the broader Catholic tradition.Join us as we discuss the structure of Bonaventure’s journey, the influence of St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, and how this medieval classic speaks to modern Christians seeking a deeper, more mystical encounter with God. Whether you're new to Bonaventure or a longtime admirer, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see creation, reason, and revelation as pathways to divine illumination.

Should Christians read Plato? How does a Rule of Life help us learn? Can AI replace classical education? We delve into these and other questions with Dr. John Mark Reynolds. Dr. Reynolds is the President of the Saint Constantine School and author of many books, including When Athens Met Jerusalem: An Introduction to Classical and Christian Thought. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Those who have followed the podcast for a while know that we love to support those who make solid catechetical and didactic material for kids! In this episode, Fr. Creighton and Fr. Wesley sit down with Fr. Paul Sterne, the chaplain at St. Theodore's Anglican Chapel and the C.S. Lewis Student Center at the University of South Carolina, to discuss his book(s) The Littlest Acolyte Presents the The Liturgy Trilogy. Listeners, your two assignments are to buy one copy of the book for a child in your family and get another one for your parish library! You can buy Fr. Sterne's book here: https://theparishpress.com/products/the-littlest-acolyte-presents-the-liturgy-trilogyWe would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

In this episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast, Frs. Creighton and Hayden welcome Fr. Greg Peters, professor of medieval and spiritual theology in the Torrey Honors College at Biola University and the Servants of Christ Research Professor of Monastic Studies and Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, to discuss his new book, Anglican Spirituality: An Introduction. Fr. Peters offers a rich exploration of how Anglican Christians can embrace a vibrant spiritual life centered on the threefold rule of Daily Office, Holy Eucharist, and Private Devotion. We delve into how Anglican spirituality is deeply rooted in the Book of Common Prayer and Holy Scripture, emphasizing how the Daily Office forms disciples through the Word of God, the Holy Eucharist transforms the inner self through divine grace, and personal devotions prepare hearts for deeper communion with God. Fr. Peters also shares insights into how this spiritual vision equips the Church for mission, moving beyond individualistic practices to a shared journey of faith. Whether you’re new to Anglicanism or a seasoned disciple, this conversation offers practical and theological guidance for cultivating a spiritual life that glorifies God and strengthens the Church. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Join us as we close out our Fall 2024 Season with a Live Q&A!

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Join Fr. Creighton, Fr. Hayden, and Fr. Wesley as they delve into the wisdom of Boethius with special guest Dr. Thomas Ward, associate professor of philosophy at Baylor University and author of the new book, After Stoicism: Last Words of the Last Roman Philosopher.

Boethius, a Roman senator and philosopher unjustly imprisoned in the 6th century, penned The Consolation of Philosophy while awaiting execution. This profound work explores themes of fate, free will, good and evil, and the nature of happiness. Dr. Ward's book serves as an accessible and engaging guide to this timeless classic, helping modern readers unlock its enduring relevance.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Insights into the life and times of Boethius and the historical context of The Consolation of Philosophy.
• A breakdown of the key philosophical arguments and ideas presented in the book.
• Dr. Ward's unique perspective on how Boethius' work can speak to the anxieties and challenges of contemporary life.
• Reflections on the intersection of philosophy and Christian faith in Boethius' thought.
• A lively discussion on the enduring power of The Consolation of Philosophy to offer solace and wisdom in times of adversity.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life, offering listeners a deeper understanding of Boethius' masterpiece and its enduring relevance for today.

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

In this episode, Fr. Wesley sits down with Dr. Brad East, associate professor of theology, for a captivating conversation about his new book "Letters to a Future Saint: Foundations of Faith for the Spiritually Hungry." Discover how this book offers a roadmap for those seeking a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful spiritual life.

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

In this episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast, we’re joined by Archbishop Mark Haverland of the Anglican Catholic Church to discuss the complex relationship between clergy and politics. We explore the distinction of offices and the clergy's responsibility to be pastors instead of politicians. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on faith, leadership, and the intersection of religion and politics. If you'd like to read more about Abp. Haverland's thoughts on clergy and politics, check out his blog posts: -Clergy and Politics: Revised and Reposted (https://anglicancatholicliturgyandtheology.wordpress.com/2022/11/24/the-clergy-and-politics-revised-and-reposted/) -Politics and Church Growth (https://anglicancatholicliturgyandtheology.wordpress.com/2020/10/26/politics-and-church-growth/) We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

In this episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast, we explore why concupiscence is not considered sin from an Anglo-Catholic perspective. Join us as we define concupiscence and sin, examine scriptural distinctions between inclination and willful sin, and delve into teachings from Church Fathers like St. Augustine and theologians like St. Thomas Aquinas. We discuss how concupiscence, though a remnant of original sin, is an involuntary inclination rather than a conscious act against God’s will. This episode brings clarity to a nuanced theological topic and highlights how grace and sacraments aid in our struggle with human inclinations. Perfect for anyone interested in understanding the Anglo-Catholic approach to human nature, original sin, and moral theology!

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Discover the transformative St. Michael's Conference Southwest! On this episode, Frs. Creighton, Hayden, and Wesley chat with Fr. Joseph Francis and Allison Reimschussel, who share their profound vision for this powerful conference. Fr. Francis and Allison will shed light on the conference's key theme, liturgical and non-liturgical activities, and impactful moments. If you would like to learn more about the St. Michael's Conference SW, check out their website here: https://stmichaelsw.org. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Join the Sacramentalists podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of Duns Scotus with renowned scholar Dr.Thomas Ward. In this episode, we explore Ward's insightful book "Ordered by Love," uncovering the profound implications of Scotus's theology for our understanding of God's love, creation, and the Sacraments. Discover the beauty and relevance of medieval thought for the modern Christian journey.

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most important human person to ever live. Given her prominent role in the Christian faith, there has been a proliferation of titles for her that reflect various aspects of the Gospel story. Join us today as we sit down with Bp. Chandler Holder Jones, the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Province of America, as we draft our favorite titles for the Mother of God!

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

On today's episode, Fr. Wesley sits down with Dr. Joshua Jipp to discuss his book Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vision of Human Flourishing in Christ. Dr. Jipp is the Director of the Henry Center for Theological Understanding and Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In this insightful discussion, they explore how the Apostle Paul's teachings offer a compelling vision for human flourishing in Christ especially in light of conversation with ancient philosophy and modern positive psychology, revealing surprising parallels and unique insights. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Join The Sacramentalists podcast as they dive deep into Scripture with Fr. Wesley Hill, Episcopal Priest and Associate Professor of New Testament at Western Theological Seminary, exploring the rich theology and practical wisdom of the Book of Ephesians. Discover how this ancient letter speaks to modern Christians, offering guidance on faith, relationships, and spiritual warfare. Whether you're a seasoned theologian or new to the Bible, this episode promises profound insights and inspiration for living a sacramental life. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Dive deep into the heart of the Beatitudes with the Sacramentalists podcast! This episode explores the profound spiritual teachings of Jesus, offering insights into how these blessings can transform your life and bring you closer to God. Join us as we unpack the rich symbolism and meaning behind each Beatitude, uncovering the hidden truths that can lead to a more joyful, fulfilling Christian life. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on one of the most beloved passages of the Gospels. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

The medieval period was one of the most exciting for theology. On today's episode, Frs. Hayden, Wesley, and Creighton each draft their top three medieval theologians (we define that as 500-1500). Who do you think won? In the comments below, tell us who your favorite medieval theologians are! We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Joseph Ratzinger was one of the most prolific and significant Catholic theologians of the 20th century. Given his important roles in the Roman Catholic Church, he was involved in some of the formative conversations about Holy Orders. On this episode, we have returning guest Sr. Sara Butler to discuss Ratzinger's theology of Holy Orders and how it interacts with and differs from Protestant theologies of ministry, especially in relation to the divisive question of Women's Ordination.

Sr. Sara Butler is a member of the Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity. She has a PhD and STL in Systematic Theology and has taught at two archdiocesan seminaries in Chicago and New York. She has published many scholarly articles and has written a book called The Catholic Priesthood and Women. John Paul II appointed her to the International Commission in 2004 and Pope Benedict extended her appointment and named her a theological expert for two World Synods of Bishops and a consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization. She is the Professor Emerita of Dogmatic Theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Of interest to many of our listeners, she served as a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the USA from 1973-84 and from 1992-2004.

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Dr. Brian Ballard is an assistant professor of philosophy at Concordia University in Irvine. He studied at the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently writing a book on the meaning of life and the spiritual dimensions of engaging with nature. His research focuses on emotions and their moral and epistemic value, human rights and their grounding, the ways God's existence would or would not make our lives go better, and the moral status of AI and its uses​. Today, he joins Frs. Hayden and Wesley to discuss the idea of enchantment. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

The book of Habakkuk is a short and often-overlooked book that is wrought with incredible theological depth and complexity. Through this episode, Frs. Creighton, Hayden, and Wesley delve into the profound themes of faith, justice, and God's mysterious ways and unpack the rich theological insights hidden within the verses of this Old Testament book while exploring Habakkuk's relevance for contemporary believers, revealing timeless truths that resonate across the ages. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

The Sacrament of Unction is administered to those who are sick when a priest anoints them with Sacred Chrism. In this episode, Fr. Hayden and Fr. Wesley discuss the biblical, historical, and practical aspects of this beautiful but perhaps less-visible portion of the sacramental life. We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Confirmation has often been called a Sacrament looking for a theology. How is an Anglo-Catholic approach to Confirmation different from those of Protestant traditions? What is its purpose? Why do we need it? Fr. Hayden and Fr. Wesley explore these questions and more in today's episode! We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

It's easy to theorize and speculate about angels and demons. But what do you do when you actually encounter demonic activity in your home or parish? Fr. Creighton and Fr. Hayden find out by sitting with Fr. Matt Harlow, the Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of the Eastern United States of the Anglican Province of America, as he recounts an experience they had at his parish, Christ the Redeemer in Warner Robins, Georgia.

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

In this short episode, Frs. Wesley, Creighton, and Hayden draft their favorite three editions of Scripture! Who do you think won?? We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

The end is nigh!

What should Christians expect about the end times? This has been the cause of much speculation by Christians of various traditions...some good, and some not so good. In this episode, Frs. Creighton, Hayden, and Wesley sift through the biblical data as they look at various approaches to eschatology.

We would love to hear from you! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

On today's episode, we answer some questions provided by listeners! We've had a great season and we'll be looking forward to a great 2024 with you! Be sure to like the social media accounts for Fr. Creighton's new parish, St. Hilda's Anglican Catholic Church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554410339422 As always, you can find us on Patreon: patreon.com/thesacramentalists

Advent is upon us! In this episode, we offer six tips for having a good Advent season as we anticipate the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What are some things you do to observe this season? You can send your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter ⁠@sacramentalists⁠. If you want to dive deeper and enjoy dialoguing with others about content on the Sacramentalists, check out our Facebook discussion group ⁠here⁠.⁠ ⁠Be sure to join our ⁠Communion of Patreon Saints⁠ for only $5 a month!

Confession is an important Sacrament by which God forgives our sins. For some, though, making a confession can be scary or daunting. In today's episode, Fr. Hayden, Fr. Creighton, and Fr. Wesley talk about some ways you can prepare to make a good confession. Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Fr. Hayden and Fr. Wesley sit down with Danielle Hitchen, founder of Catechesis Books, to discuss her newest book, Sacred Seasons: A Family Guide to Center Your Year around Jesus. It's a beautifully done book that's perfect to buy for your family as we get closer to Advent! Get a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Seasons-Family-Center-Around/dp/0736986170 Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Explore the theological virtues with The Sacramentalists podcast. In this episode, we dive into the core principles of faith, hope, and love that shape our spiritual lives. Discover how these virtues interact with the cardinal virtues and what bearing they have on the Christian life. Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

BIG NEWS: The Sacramentalists Podcast is once again a trio! We're thrilled to announce that Fr. Hayden Butler, Associate Rector of St. Matthew's (ACC) in Newport Beach, California is joining the podcast as a co-host! For our first episode with Fr. Hayden, we're talking about the Cardinal Virtues: Temperance, Fortitude, Justice, and Prudence. These "hinge" virtues are the foundation of all other virtues. Join our conversation as we delve into these timeless habits of the soul that continue to shape our understanding of morality and guide our lives. Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Discover the profound insights of Patristic theology with The Sacramentalists! In this video, Fr. Creighton and Fr. Wesley explore the 'Top 10 Works of Patristic Theology,' delving into the writings and teachings of early Christian theologians. Gain a deeper understanding of the foundational ideas that shaped Christianity and continue to inspire believers today. Subscribe now for a rich exploration of Patristic thought! Who do you think won the draft? What works would you include that we omitted? Let us know in the comments! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Join The Sacramentalists podcast as we delve into the Scriptural richness of the Book of Ruth with a special guest, Archbishop Mark Haverland, the primate of the Anglican Catholic Church. In this episode, we explore the timeless themes of lovingkindness, faithfulness, redemption, and God's providence as revealed in the pages of Ruth. Don't miss this insightful Scriptural journey with our distinguished guest. Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

Dive into the depths of spiritual struggle as we explore the ancient concept of acedia. In this episode, we delve into the roots of this spiritual struggle and its relevance in our modern lives. Join us as we navigate the challenges of listlessness, discontent, and restlessness, offering insights on how to overcome acedia through the lens of sacramental living. Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

What are the Seven Deadly Sins? How can they affect us and why do we need to avoid them? Find out in our first episode of the fall season! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

John Norris was an Anglican priest and philosopher who lived from 1657-1711. He was an Oxford Christian "Platonist" and wrote many works including Reflections upon a Late Essay Concerning the Human Understanding which was a critique of John Locke and An Account of Reason and Faith in Relation to the Mysteries of Christianity which was a response to the deist John Toland. This recording is of his Discourse of the Natural and Moral Union of the Soul with God.

If you want to read the text for yourself, you can find it here: https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/MYe-1oxeyBEC?hl=en&gbpv=0

This discourse is read by friend of the podcast Austen Haynes. Thank you for all your work, Austen!

Be sure to send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

This is the season finale for the Sacramentalists! With a few exceptions, we will be back in August/September! Send us your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month.

The Radical Vocation Conference is an Anglican conference hosted at Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, TX from September 21-23, 2023. Fr. Wesley sits down with Fr. Christopher Beeley, the rector of Church of the Incarnation, to preview the conference. You can register for the conference here: https://radvoco.org To find out more about Dr. Beeley and Church of the Incarnation, check out their website: https://incarnation.org You can send your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month: patreon.com/thesacramentalists

Discover the depth and significance of the Invocation of Saints in this Sacramentalists Short. Delve into the rich theological foundations surrounding the practice of invoking saints in Christian worship. Join us as we explore the nature of secondary causes, the Christological unity of the Church, and the potency of prayer. Gain a deeper understanding of this ancient tradition and its significance in the sacramental life of the Church. You can send your feedback and questions to thesacramentalists@gmail.com or reach out to us on Twitter @sacramentalists. Be sure to join our Communion of Patreon Saints for only $5 a month: patreon.com/thesacramentalists