In this season finale, we discuss why Christian marriage is a lifetime vocation of mutual sacrifice, order, and holiness. We also trace marriage from Genesis to Revelation and examine its form and ministers—hints: the couple, not the priest. We discuss Ephesians 5, the concept of the "domestic church," typical obstacles and annulments, and how love counters the self-centeredness of our culture. Additionally, we recommend the fantastic book "Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this special episode, Bishop David Haines, Missionary Bishop of the Anglican Province of America, shares his journey from England to South Africa and the U.S., as well as his call to ministry. Learn about the vital work of indigenous clergy in Ecuador, Haiti, India, and the Philippines, and how the APA’s Lenten Appeal supports schools, churches, and cemeteries. Hear firsthand about the cultural challenges, mission partnerships, and the global spread of the Gospel. For more information and to ...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this special episode, we're once again excited to have our Bishop Chandler Holder Jones join Mining the Mysteries to explain the four orders of the church: episcopate, presbyterate, diaconate, and laity. The discussion covers the biblical basis for this structure, the importance of order, the difference between ontology and functionality in ministry, and addresses concerns about clericalism and accountability within the church.
May 13, 2025•51 min
What are Holy Orders, and why does the Church ordain clergy through the laying on of hands? In this episode, we dig deeper into the scriptural foundation and tradition behind the roles of bishops, priests, and deacons. We discuss apostolic authority, the qualifications for those called to pastoral ministry, and the comfort found in the ordered structure of the Church. This episode is especially helpful for those from non-Catholic or evangelical backgrounds seeking to understand this often-misund...
May 06, 2025•58 min
In this episode, we discuss Confirmation – what it is and how it follows Baptism. We talk about how it's this key moment where the Holy Spirit gives us strengthening grace, helping prepare us for a life of witness. We also explore the origins of the term "Ordination of the Laity," tracing it back to scripture, and examine why it is so vital for transforming believers into active "doers of the word," not just hearers.
Apr 30, 2025•41 min
This is the second part of last week's discussion on the Holy Eucharist.
Apr 22, 2025•54 min
This episode of our catechesis series focuses on the Holy Eucharist. We explore the connection between the Eucharist and Passover, explaining how Christ fulfills the Passover tradition as the Paschal Lamb. We discuss the fourfold action of the Eucharist and how John's Gospel provides teaching on this sacrament, particularly in the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus' discourse on being "the bread of life."
Apr 15, 2025•35 min
In this special episode, we welcome back Bishop Chad Jones to explore the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787 AD). Bishop Chad explains this council's historical context, theological significance, and its definitive stance on the use of sacred images in Christian worship. We discuss how the council addressed iconoclasm (the rejection of religious images) and affirmed that images are not merely optional but necessary for Christian worship because of the incarnation. We also cover practical applicatio...
Apr 08, 2025•49 min
In this special episode on baptism, we explain how the sacrament is ultimatley God's work rather than just a personal decision. Our conversation also examines baptism as spiritual rebirth, our identity in Christ, and why the Church baptizes infants. We clarify that while baptism does indeed regenerate and transform us, it's not "pixie dust" that works without ongoing commitment. Parents have a crucial role in raising their baptized children in faith—we discuss the real consequences when a genera...
Apr 01, 2025•45 min
Join us for a special episode with Father Sean McDermott, Rector of All Saints Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. Drawing from his experience as a priest, educator, and father of five, Father Sean offers practical wisdom on raising children in the faith. We discuss how to meaningfully involve kids in church life, create an atmosphere of faith at home, and connect with young people despite our own insecurities. Father Sean unpacks the theological foundations for welcoming children as full membe...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, we continue our discussion on the sacrament of baptism.
Mar 18, 2025•44 min
In this episode, we begin discussing the sacrament of baptism.
Mar 11, 2025•50 min
In this episode, we discuss the concept of the resurrection of the body and the promise of everlasting life. We move beyond common misconceptions that simplify resurrection to just a spiritual existence. We also talk about why early Christians referred to death as "falling asleep."
Mar 04, 2025•46 min
In this episode, we discuss the forgiveness of sins and the topic of justification, comparing different theological perspectives on grace and faith.
Feb 26, 2025•50 min
In this episode, we continue our discussion about the Holy Spirit and His role in the Church. We explore the true nature of the Church—not just as a building or an institution, but as St. Paul describes it: "the pillar and foundation of truth." We also dig deeper into how the early Christians viewed the Church as both a Mother and Ark, serving as the vessel of salvation established by Christ Himself. Furthermore, we explore how the Holy Spirit works through the Church to unite God's people into ...
Feb 18, 2025•47 min
In this episode, we discuss the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is not simply a force but a distinct person of the Trinity, present throughout all eternity. We also explore how the Holy Spirit works through tangible means like baptism and scripture rather than solely through emotional experiences while also touching on historical theological debates about the Spirit's nature.
Feb 11, 2025•44 min
In this fifth episode of the Catechesis series titled "I Believe in God the Son, Part Three," Father Miller and Father Randall explore Christ's role as Judge. Starting with a brief revisit of Christ's Ascension and its connection to the Exodus narrative, they dig into how Jesus serves not just as King and High Priest, but also as the ultimate Judge. Looking at key biblical texts from Revelation 22, Luke 12, and Titus 2, they discuss the balance between Christ's authority as Judge and His mercifu...
Feb 04, 2025•27 min
This is part 2 of last week's episode.
Jan 28, 2025•46 min
In this episode, we discuss our Lord Jesus Christ through the lens of the Nicene Creed. We look at early church heresies like Arianism and Nestorianism and discuss Jesus's divine sonship, the virgin birth, Mary's role as Theotokos, and why these theological concepts matter for Christian faith and worship.
Jan 21, 2025•41 min
As we continue our study on catechesis, we're digging into what it means to say, "I believe in God the Father Almighty." We will talk about how the Christian faith rejects ideas like pantheism, deism, and "faith in faith." Instead, it proclaims a God who is both beyond and present in everything. We'll talk about how the Creed helps us understand who God is, why it's important for our daily lives, and how we can share this truth with others.
Jan 07, 2025•43 min
We hope you enjoy this special Advent episode! Please note that we will not release any new episodes for the next two weeks, as we will all be busy celebrating Advent and Christmas. We will return on January 7, 2025. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! In Christ, Fr. Miller, Fr. Randall, and Stu
Dec 17, 2024•32 min
This episode kicks off the start of our new series on Catechesis.
Dec 10, 2024•33 min
In this episode, we are excited to have our presiding bishop, Bishop Chandler Holder Jones, affectionately known as Bishop Chad, with us once again. Today, we will discuss the question: Does the Book of Common Prayer speak against the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist?
Dec 03, 2024•54 min
This week, we have a special episode where we answer listener questions!
Nov 26, 2024•51 min
In this final episode on the liturgy, we will examine how God’s people respond after receiving the sacrament. This episode will explore our call to become what we partake of – the blessed body of Jesus for the world.
Nov 19, 2024•47 min
In this episode, we're digging deeper into the very heart of the liturgy: the Eucharist. Specifically, we're exploring how the Eucharist connects us with Christ, our Paschal Lamb, and what that means for us in our everyday lives.
Nov 12, 2024•53 min
On this special episode of Mining The Mysteries, we are excited to share an interview with Fr. Mark Perkins, the Chaplain and Assistant Headmaster, and Mr. Thomas Fickley, the Headmaster and Founder of St. Dunstan's Academy. This traditional Anglican boarding school is located in Central Virginia and is set to open its doors in the near future. St. Dunstan's Academy aims to educate and train young men who are entering high school by helping them develop a rule of life that includes the Eucharist...
Nov 05, 2024•55 min
The Lord's Prayer sums up the entire intention of the Mass. It looks forward to the future consummation of God's Kingdom in the life of the world to come and recalls the present-day blessings of God's people in the here and now. In this way, the Lord's Prayer could be said to have one foot planted firmly in the present and another foot planted firmly in the future.
Oct 29, 2024•33 min
We are recording this podcast on October 18th, the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist. St. Luke was not only an evangelist and the author of the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles, but he was also an iconographer, historian, and physician. Today, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Matthew McCarthy, a physician and a Christian in the Anglican tradition, to explore the intersection of faith and science as it relates to questions of life, living, and death.
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 23 min
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the liturgy, focusing on the biblical, historical, and theological aspects of worship. We dig deeper into the meaning of our Lord's sacrifice and our response as we examine "The Consecration" within the liturgy. Join us as we discuss how we were created for sacrifice and thanksgiving.
Oct 15, 2024•49 min
