Exploring the Pillars of Catholicism with Paul Zucarelli and Jesse Romero

Paul Zucarelli has appeared on our series twice before. In episode 18, he shared his remarkable near-death experience, and in episode 82, he and his wife discussed that challenging time and its impact on their family. Today, we delve into a book he co-authored with Catholic evangelist Jesse Romero, titled "One Lord, One Faith, One Church," available at SophiaInstitute.com and Amazon.com.

Motivation Behind the Book

Paul and Jesse were motivated to write this book because of loved ones who have left the Church. It offers a concise and engaging summary of Church history that is hard to put down. I learned things about our Church’s history that I never knew, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of our Catholic faith.

The Importance of Peter and Paul

In Chapter One, titled "Divine Origins Are Necessary," they emphasize the significance of Peter — how he was entrusted with the keys to heaven and given the authority to bind and loose sins. The chapter explores what Scripture says about Peter, his accomplishments, and how others sought his counsel. Rome, the center of the early Church, is mentioned many times in the Bible. Peter eventually returned to Rome, where he was martyred for his faith. The Roman citizen and Pharisee Saul, later known as Paul, played a crucial role in the Church's growth, while faithfully following the teachings of the early Church. The early Church also understood the importance of apostolic succession. Saint Irenaeus, the Bishop of Lyons from 180 to 200 A.D., named all twelve popes after Peter up to his time.

Combating Heresies: Arianism and the Nicene Creed

Throughout Church history, many heresies have arisen, including the early heresy of Arianism, which claimed that Jesus was divine but not equal to God the Father. The Nicene Creed, which we still recite today, was written by a Church council to combat such heresies.

The Bible's Composition and the Reformation

The early Church determined that the Bible consists of 73 books, a decision that stood for over 1,000 years until Martin Luther removed several books that conflicted with his teachings during the Reformation. Luther’s actions led to further divisions within the Church. He redefined concepts of redemption and grace, opposing the Church’s teachings on works of mercy, which led him to exclude the Letter of James and Revelation from his version of the Bible. The Church teaches that man is fundamentally good, though wounded by Original Sin. Luther, however, believed that man’s nature is depraved and evil. He held that even mortal sin would not prevent salvation by grace alone.

Conclusion

In this discussion, we dive deep into the pages of "One Lord, One Faith, One Church" with co-author Paul Zucarelli. Together, we look into the essential truths of Catholic history, the challenges facing the Church today, and the impact this book can have on anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. Don't miss this captivating conversation!