From the Vault: "Our Duty to Improve (#420)

EPISODE · Dec 31, 2025 · 33 MIN

From the Vault: "Our Duty to Improve (#420)

from Considering Catholicism · host Greg Smith

As New Year's Eve approaches and many of us think about resolutions, we're pulling a classic episode from the vault: "Our Duty to Improve." In this candid conversation recorded a few years ago, Greg and Ed the Protestant reflect on a question that's both practical and deeply doctrinal: Does God expect us to become better versions of ourselves? Drawing from Scripture (like the Parable of the Talents), the idea of stewardship, and their own experiences in evangelical and Catholic circles, they challenge the popular notion that "God loves you just as you are" means there's no call to grow, mature, or change. They talk about sanctification not as optional self-help, but as a real responsibility to steward well the time, body, relationships, and opportunities God has entrusted to us. It's a timely reminder that salvation by grace is the starting line—not the finish—and that authentic Christian life should produce visible fruit over time. Perfect for anyone making (or rethinking) New Year's resolutions through the lens of faith. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out "Faith and Works, Part 4: A Call to Growth": https://www.patreon.com/posts/faith-or-works-4-139944861?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: [email protected] • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who’s curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

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From the Vault: "Our Duty to Improve (#420)

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Center for Evangelical Catholicism Center for Evangelical Catholicism The Center for Evangelical Catholicism is a nonprofit South Carolina-based religious corporation, faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and dedicated to the Church’s call for a new evangelization. The Center seeks to form evangelical Catholics through publishing, providing evangelization opportunities, offering adult education programs for the laity, and supplying continuing education for the clergy. Considering the Cinema Jason Pyles Considering the Cinema is a podcast about movies (including HORROR movies) and film criticism, hosted by film critic Jason Pyles (aka "Jay of the Dead"), from Salt Lake City. This audio podcast has no set release schedule or topical format, but its focus is movie news, film theory, movie trivia, cinema history, movie reviews and film criticism. The Catholic Talk Show Ryan Scheel, Ryan DellaCrosse, & Fr. Michael Nixon The Catholic Talk Show with Ryan Scheel, Ryan DellaCrosse, & Fr. Michael Nixon -- Informative & fun conversations on faith, culture & Catholicism. New episodes weekly. Godsplaining Dominican Friars Province of St. Joseph Welcome to Godsplaining: a podcast featuring contemplative preachers and their contemporary age. Considering topics philosophical, theological, cultural, and beyond, Godsplaining presents ideas from the Church’s tradition and brings them to bear on our lives’ most urgent questions. Each week, join the Dominican friars as they muse on all things Catholic.
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