After about two years on the job, Pope Francis — the Jesuit pontiff from Argentina — continues to capture the popular imagination of Catholics and non-Catholics around the world. His direct way of communication and simple style of living enamor him to many. We invite Dr. R.R. (Rusty) Reno, editor of First Things and former professor of theology at Creighton University, to discuss a recent article he wrote for Christianity Today entitled “Pop Francis: From Secular Journalists to Charismatic Christians, Why So Many of Us Are Taken with the Jesuit from Argentina.”
We start out the discussion with a little revelation about Rusty’s own spiritual journey noting that he recently converted to Catholicism from his former Episcopal upbringing, similar to recent guest Jim Tonkowich. Our opening comments also include a deep theological exploration of whether dogs go to heaven, as Pope Francis was reported to have said. Tony plays his Protestant trump card by noting that none other than Martin Luther declared our canine companions will have golden tails in the Kingdom to come. Dr. Reno reassures Tony that Catholic theology holds a special place for all God’s creation, a point that helps put Rocky Barkington (the RoR mascot) at ease.
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