The Roman Catholic Umbrella with Dr. Camden Bucey

Rev. Chris Gordon and Rev. Dan Borvan sit down with Dr. Camden Bucey to discuss the shifting theological landscape of Roman Catholicism. They explore the influence of Karl Rahner, the impact of Vatican II, and how Reformed believers can effectively witness to their Catholic neighbors.

Description:
In this episode, Dr. Camden Bucey, Executive Director of Reformed Forum, joins the studio to discuss the complex and evolving nature of Roman Catholicism in the post-Vatican II era. The conversation dives deep into the philosophical and theological shifts that have allowed the Roman Church to maintain its umbrella, which often seeks to incorporate diverse and even conflicting viewpoints under the authority of the Magisterium. From the "anonymous Christian" theory of Karl Rahner to the modern challenges of secularism and the culture war, Camden provides a clear-headed Reformed critique of Rome’s departure from the clarity of the Gospel.

Beyond the critique, the episode offers practical wisdom for engagement. Camden shares his experiences participating in the Rome Scholars and Leaders Network and the Catholic Theological Society of America, emphasizing the importance of building genuine relationships. By focusing on the core issues of authority and the assurance of salvation, Reformed Christians can move past superficial debates and point Roman Catholics toward the sufficient work of Jesus Christ and the final authority of His Word.

Chapters:
00:03:13 - Introducing Camden Bucey and Reformed Forum’s Mission
00:04:19 - New Publications: Reformed Forum Publishing Update
00:05:41 - Meredith Kline’s Legacy and the Book of Revelation
00:18:57 - Global Missions: Ministry Challenges in Germany and Rome
00:21:41 - The "Umbrella" of Rome: Defining the Roman Catholic Church
00:27:11 - Co-belligerence and the Culture War: Protestants and Catholics
00:29:02 - Post-Vatican II Catholicism: Navigating Modern Changes
00:31:00 - Karl Rahner and the Shift Toward Subjectivity
00:34:52 - Inclusive Grace: The Theory of "Anonymous Christians"
00:40:00 - Philosophical Foundations: Kantian Structures in Modern Rome
00:45:18 - Academic Engagement: The Catholic Theological Society
00:55:00 - Witnessing to Catholics: Authority and the Assurance of Grace

Guest Information:
Rev. Dan Borvan
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

- Dan on X: @danborvan
- Dan's Church: christreformed.org

Dr. Camden Bucey
Camden Bucey is executive director of Reformed Forum and historian of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Camden graduated from Bradley University with a B.S. in Business Computer Systems and an MBA. He worked at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois before moving to Philadelphia to attend Westminster Theological Seminary, where he earned an MDiv and a PhD in Historical and Theological Studies (concentrating in Systematic Theology). In April 2013, Camden was ordained and installed as the pastor of Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois. In July 2019, he transitioned to become an Evangelist of Hope OPC and the executive director of Reformed Forum, which he co-founded in 2008.

- Reformed Forum: reformedforum.org
- OPC: www.opc.org
- HOPE OPC: www.hopeopc.com

Mentions:

- Meredith G. Kline: Reformed theologian known for his work on covenant theology and the book of Revelation.
- Danny Olinger: Author of the comprehensive work on Meredith Kline’s writings on Revelation.
- Jim Cassidy: Author of the study guide on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
- Karl Rahner: 20th-century Jesuit theologian pivotal to the theological shifts of Vatican II.
- Thomas Aquinas: Medieval theologian whose philosophy was adopted as the official philosophy of Rome in 1879.
- Leonardo De Chirico: Reformed pastor in Rome and leader of the Reformanda Initiative.
- Rome Scholars and Leaders Network (RSLN): A gathering of evangelical scholars focused on Roman Catholicism.
- Vatican II: The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) which significantly altered Roman Catholic practice and outlook.
- Bob Strimple: Former professor at Westminster Seminary California who specialized in critiques of Roman Catholicism.
- Catholic Theological Society of America: A professional society for theologians in the Catholic tradition.
- Conclave: Recent film depicting the internal politics of the Roman Catholic Church.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

x: danborvan

Camden Bucey is executive director of Reformed Forum and historian of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. 

Camden graduated from Bradley University with a B.S. in Business Computer Systems and an MBA. He worked at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois before moving to Philadelphia to attend Westminster Theological Seminary, where he earned an MDiv and a PhD in Historical and Theological Studies (concentrating in Systematic Theology).

In April 2013, Camden was ordained and installed as the pastor of Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois. In July 2019, he transitioned to become an Evangelist of Hope OPC and the executive director of Reformed Forum, which he co-founded in 2008. He is married to Erica, and they have three sons.