Apologia Radio Episode 544: The Pope Faceplants & Remembering Voddie
Date: October 2, 2025
Host: Jeff Durbin with Luke McElroy
Notable guest clips: Voddie Baucham
Episode Overview
This episode of Apologia Radio is a two-part blend of cultural and theological commentary and a tribute to the late Voddie Baucham. The first segment delivers a critical, biblically-based analysis of the newly appointed Pope Leo’s stance against the death penalty, questioning Roman Catholic doctrine and authority in light of Scripture. The latter half warmly remembers Voddie Baucham, highlighting his impact on homeschooling, Christian education, perseverance of the saints, and race.
Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. The New Pope Leo and the Death Penalty
[03:41–20:36]
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Introduction to Pope Leo: The hosts discuss the appointment of Pope Leo, an American from Chicago, as the new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
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Papal Stance on Death Penalty:
- Pope Leo, following the precedent of recent pontiffs, declares opposition to the death penalty, tying it to a broader ‘pro-life’ perspective that also discusses immigration and humane treatment of individuals.
- Audio clip of Pope Leo (paraphrased):
“Someone who says 'I'm against abortion but in favor of the death penalty' is not really pro-life... or for the inhumane treatment of immigrants.”
[04:55]
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Critical Response from Apologia Team:
- Jeff and Luke challenge the logic of equating capital punishment for crime with inhumane treatment, emphasizing the biblical basis for capital punishment and the inconsistency in the Pope's teaching when measured against the Bible and even historic Catholic teaching.
- Jeff Durbin:
"God is both those things [pro-life and for capital punishment]... it's all over the Bible."
[05:31] - Jeff highlights Genesis 9:6, Exodus 21, Leviticus 20, and other Scriptural mandates for the death penalty in certain cases (murder, kidnapping, etc.), arguing these are clear and timeless standards of justice.
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Critique of Catholic Tradition and Papal Authority:
- The hosts challenge the claimed continuity and unity of Roman Catholic tradition, pointing out changes and contradictions in papal teachings over the centuries.
- Jeff Durbin:
“Roman Catholics will always sell you on this idea of a unified tradition... It's just not true.”
[16:54] - The team notes the dangers of cultural influence on church doctrine, expressing suspicion of church authorities who contradict clear Scripture.
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Role of Scripture vs. Church Authority:
- The foundation for Protestantism is reiterated: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone as authority).
- Jeff Durbin:
“How do you correct the modern Pope when he calls God unjust for capital punishment?”
[16:21] - Augustine and Athanasius are cited in support of appealing to the Bible above councils or papal statements.
Memorable Quotes
- Jeff Durbin on justice:
“When it comes to the murder of another human being, the only way on this side of heaven to make it right is you have to have life for life… That's biblical. There's no way around it.”
[09:45] - Luke McElroy (observing Papal inconsistency):
“Apparently the Pope is not in favor of the inhumane treatment of immigrants, but is perfectly okay with treating murderers, rapists, and man stealers inhumanely by throwing them in cages for the rest of their lives.”
[20:16]
2. Societal Impact of Swift Justice
[20:36–23:17]
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The hosts discuss the consequences of leniency in the criminal justice system, specifically allowing violent criminals to remain in society or serve life sentences without capital punishment.
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They argue swift justice according to biblical standards would curb evil—especially crimes like rape, child sexual abuse, and sex trafficking—referencing Ecclesiastes 8:11.
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Jeff Durbin:
“People are emboldened to do evil because you will not do justice quickly.”
[21:50]
3. Tribute to Voddie Baucham
[23:45–36:21]
Voddie’s Legacy in Homeschooling and Christian Education
- The hosts recount how Voddie Baucham deeply influenced Christian families to reclaim education from government schools.
- Key clip from Voddie (Children of Caesar):
“If we continue to send our children to Caesar for their education, we need to stop being surprised when they come home as Romans.”
[25:37] - Voddie breaks down the warped assumptions created by state-run education, referencing Luke 6:40 and dissecting “the question of questions”: “What about socialization?”
“Because the system wants you to be a slave. I'm a free man. My children are mine, not wards of the state.”
[27:31]
Perseverance of the Saints & Salvation
- Clip referencing John MacArthur (via Voddie):
“If you could lose your salvation, you would... How arrogant does a person have to be to believe that it's possible for them to lose their salvation, but they haven’t?”
[29:44]
The Gospel and Humility
- Touching quote from Voddie expressing humility and awe at God’s grace:
“May I never get over the fact that God saved a wretched sinner like me... May I never, ever stop realizing the incredible distance between me and my Jesus.”
[30:44]
Biblical View of Race
- Voddie famously debunked the concept of race as a biological or biblical category:
“Race is actually a social construct... we are all the race of Adam. Amen. One race, one blood. We’re just different shades of the same color.”
[34:41]
And with characteristic humor:
“Learn to be satisfied with the little [melanin] you have.”
[36:14]
Personal Reflections
- Jeff and Luke fondly recall personal interactions with Voddie, his influence on their families, and share resources such as “Children of Caesar” for further learning.
- The plan is announced to continue honoring Voddie’s memory in future episodes.
4. Event & Ministry Updates
[36:21–End]
- Upcoming Events:
- Jeff will be at University of Alabama (October 7th) for a TP USA event on the abolition of abortion.
- Encouragement for listeners to get involved with endabortionnow.com, with reports on saved lives and legislative efforts.
- Technical issues: Brief apologies and shout-outs for support in upgrading equipment.
Detailed Timestamps
- 00:00–02:39: Banter, introductions, food nostalgia, setting the stage
- 03:02–04:55: Introducing Pope Leo, reaction to his pro-life yet anti–death penalty stance
- 04:55–20:36: Deep dive into Roman Catholic teaching vs. the Bible on capital punishment, consequences for justice system, critique of papal development
- 20:36–23:17: Societal impact of justice, Phoenix’s sex offender registry, Ecclesiastes 8
- 23:45–29:44: Remembering Voddie Baucham, homeschooling advocacy, Children of Caesar clips
- 29:44–36:21: Perseverance of the saints, humility before God, biblical doctrine of race
- 36:21–End: Event plugs, ministry appeals, concluding notes
Notable Quotes
“This is why I am happily a Protestant. The Protestant church is still filled with sinners. It is a mess... But we have a standard that we can appeal to and a standard that's supposed to transform us and correct us.”
— Jeff Durbin [16:54]
“Because the system wants you to be a slave. I'm a free man. My children are mine, not wards of the state. The government has no jurisdiction over my children.”
— Voddie Baucham [27:31]
“Race is actually a social construct... We are all the race of Adam. One race, one blood.”
— Voddie Baucham [34:41]
“May I never get over the fact that God saved a wretched sinner like me.”
— Voddie Baucham [30:44]
Tone and Style
- Straightforward, bold, biblically rooted: The hosts do not mince words in their critique of current events or in their affirmation of biblical truth.
- Warm and affectionate: Especially in the tribute to Voddie Baucham, personal stories and humorous asides add depth.
- Irreverent humor: The team often jokes with each other and about topics, reflecting brotherly camaraderie.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode tackles the friction between evolving Catholic leadership (represented by Pope Leo) and timeless biblical principles, especially regarding justice and the death penalty. It then transitions into a heartfelt celebration of Voddie Baucham’s life and biblical teaching, using his own words to spur listeners towards principled education, perseverance, humility, and unity in Christ. The episode is a rich blend of cultural analysis, apologetics, and spiritual encouragement, marked by the hosts' signature clarity, conviction, and affection for their late friend.