- $599.99
Magisterial Studies Program
- Bundle
- 3 Products
Get the Magisterial Studies Bundle—three university-level courses I teach at a Catholic university, now at a fraction of the cost! Learn the foundations of the Magisterium, its 2,000-year history, and how to evaluate magisterial documents with clarity and confidence. The very same courses offered in the certificate program—now bundled for an unbeatable value (a $899.97 value originally)!
Exploring Theological Questions: Monthly Lecture Series
Accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking explorations of theology.
- $24.99
Can Catholic Doctrine Change? Exploring the Possibility of Doctrinal Reversals
- Course
- 1 Lesson
Can Catholic doctrine change? Explore the concept of doctrinal reversals in this lecture on Nov 29 at 12 PM CT, including Q&A. Can’t attend live? No problem—you’ll have full access to the course anytime.
Courses
- $299.99
How to Evaluate Magisterial Documents
This course trains students to evaluate magisterial documents from popes, dicasteries, and councils, distinguishing their authority and weight. With guided analysis of key texts, you’ll gain tools to understand and engage the Church’s teaching tradition. It’s the same course I teach at the university level—offering a true university education without the high cost.
- $299.99
Introduction to the Magisterium
Introduction to the magisterium allows students to establish a foundational understanding of how teaching authority works within the Catholic Church. This is the very course I teach at the university level, giving you a true university-level education without the university-level cost.
- $299.99
The History of the Magisterium
This course explores the key magisterial interventions of Christian history—covering all 21 ecumenical councils, major papal teachings, and notable local councils. Students will study canons, decrees, bulls, encyclicals, and more across 2,000 years. It’s the same course I teach at the university level, offering a true university education without the university price.
- $79.99
The Seven Ecumenical Councils
Have you ever wanted to learn about the first seven ecumenical councils? From the First Council of Nicaea to the Second Council of Nicaea, these gatherings shaped doctrines that still define Christianity today. Discover the foundations of Christian faith in a journey through history in this new and exciting course!
- $29.99
Encountering the Biblical Manuscripts: History, Transmission, and Challenges
This lecture explores the fascinating world of biblical manuscripts, tracing their history from ancient times to today. We’ll look at how Scripture was copied and transmitted, the challenges that arose in preserving the text, and what these manuscripts reveal about the Bible we read today.
- $29.99
Magisterial Difficulties: Exploring the Tensions in the Documents of the Church
Explore the tensions and difficulties in the Church's magisterial documents. Lecture 1 covers the magisterium, continuity vs rupture, and evaluating documents. Lecture 2 tackles complex issues like salvation outside the Church, the death penalty, religious liberty, and slavery. Gain tools to engage with magisterial tensions faithfully and critically. Includes Q&A, audio download and PowerPoint presentation.
- $29.99
Understanding Papal Infallibility: Its Nature, History and Challenges
Join Michael Lofton for Understanding Papal Infallibility: Its Nature, History, and Challenges. Learn what papal infallibility truly is (and isn’t), its historical development, and its theological challenges. Includes lifetime access, audio download, Study Guide, PowerPoint, and live Q&A.
- $24.99
Can Catholic Doctrine Change? Exploring the Possibility of Doctrinal Reversals
Can Catholic doctrine change? Explore the concept of doctrinal reversals in this lecture on Nov 29 at 12 PM CT, including Q&A. Can’t attend live? No problem—you’ll have full access to the course anytime.
- $19.99
Logical Fallacies in Apologetics
Have you ever wanted a course that breaks down common logical fallacies found in apologetic circles? If so, Michael Lofton has just the course for you! Here you will learn what the most common logical fallacies are and how to spot them in apologetics content.
- $19.99
The Theological Notes: Dogmas, Doctrines and Heresies
Have you ever noticed that certain Catholic teachings are classified differently? For example, some are called "dogmas", and others are called "doctrines". In reality, there are many other classifications to the various teachings that may be found in the Catholic Church. In this course, Michael Lofton offers a crash course on this system that will prepare you to identify a teaching's classification more easily.
Stand-Alone Lessons
- $14.99
No Salvation Outside the Church? A Careful Look at the Catholic Position
- Course
- 1 Lesson
What does the Catholic Church really mean by the phrase “No salvation outside the Church” (Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus)? This course offers a careful and balanced examination of the development, meaning, and nuances of this often misunderstood doctrine—from the early church to Vatican II and beyond. We’ll explore how the Church understands salvation, who may be saved, and the role the Church plays in God’s plan.
- $9.99
A Crash Course on the Council of Constantinople IV (869-870)
- Course
- 1 Lesson
In this stand-alone lesson, we will explore the Fourth Council of Constantinople (869–870), which addressed the controversial deposition of Patriarch Ignatius and the rise of Photius during a turbulent period in East-West relations. Recognized as an ecumenical council by the Catholic Church, it affirmed papal primacy and condemned Photius while issuing disciplinary canons to combat clerical corruption.
- $9.99
Authoritative or Not? Questionable Sessions from the Ecumenical Councils
- Course
- 2 Lessons
Many assume every session of an ecumenical council is automatically authoritative—but is that true? In this lesson, I examine questionable sessions, the heresy of conciliarism, what Vatican I & II teach, and debates over Haec Sancta, Frequens, and Basel. We’ll explore how to discern which acts are truly approved and what this means for the authority of councils.
- $9.99
Does the Magisterium Teach Muslims Can Be Saved?
- Course
- 1 Lesson
In this lesson, we tackle whether the Magisterium teaches that Muslims can be saved through practicing Islam. By examining key post-conciliar documents, we explore how the Church understands salvation, Islam, and God’s mercy—bringing clarity to a complex and often misunderstood question.
- $9.99
The Council of Chalcedon: Christianity's Second Major Split
- Course
- 1 Lesson
Michael Lofton explains the Council of Chalcedon (451), the fierce debates over Christ’s two natures, and why its definition sparked controversy. He unpacks the political and theological fallout, the split with the Oriental Orthodox, and why Chalcedon remains a turning point in Christian history.
- $9.99
The Council of Ephesus: Christianity's First Major Split
- Course
- 1 Lesson
Michael Lofton explores the Council of Ephesus (431) and the dramatic fallout from two rival councils held in the same city. He unpacks the fierce debates surrounding Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, and the resulting clash that shaped Christological doctrine and Church unity.
- $9.99
The Worst Pope in History? Pope John XII and the Council that Removed Him
- Course
- 1 Lesson
Pope John XII, who rose to power as a teenager, became infamous for corruption, violence, and scandal. Deposed by the Council of 963, his story ended violently when he was killed by a betrayed husband. This lesson explores his dramatic rise and fall, the council that ousted him, and how his papacy stands as a cautionary tale in church history.
- $9.99
Was Nestorius Wrongly Condemned by the Council of Ephesus?
- Course
- 1 Lesson
This lesson examines the position of Nestorius of Constantinople both before and after the Council of Ephesus, comparing it to his condemnation at the council. It also explores whether Nestorius was rightly condemned for the heresy of Nestorianism or if the council misjudged him.
Free Ebooks!
Digital downloads
- Free email delivery
Did the Pope Teach That Salvation Through Non-Christian Religions is Possible?
- Download
This free eBook by Michael Lofton explores how the Catholic Church, in the post-conciliar era, appears to teach that Jesus can save non-Christians through the sincere practice of the good found in their own religions. Drawing from magisterial documents and papal teachings, Lofton presents evidence for this view and addresses common objections raised by those who question whether the Church truly teaches it.
- Free
The Path of the Bible: Copies, Changes, and Challenges
- Download
Explore the journey of the Bible from its earliest manuscripts to the versions we read today. This concise guide covers textual transmission, variants, and the challenges of knowing the original text, offering both scholarly insights and faith-based perspectives. Ideal for anyone curious about how the Bible was preserved and transmitted through history.
Answering Orthodoxy - A Catholic Response to Attacks from the East
by Michael Lofton
What if there’s a better Christian religion than Catholicism? One that has true apostolic doctrines, a more beautiful and ancient liturgy, and freedom from all that “pope” baggage―and valid sacraments, too.
That’s what apologists for Eastern Orthodoxy are selling. In a time of uncertainty and confusion for many Catholics, Orthodox challenges to the Church’s history, teaching, worship, and authority structure have been drawing Catholics away in hope of greener pastures in the East.
But those thinking of jumping off the barque of Peter toward the siren song of Eastern Orthodoxy―and for Protestants who’d like Catholicism’s historical pedigree without all the mess―need to think twice.
Michael Lofton, Adjunct Professor
Michael Lofton is an adjunct professor of theology at Catholic Polytechnic University and the Instructor at RT Media. He earned his Master of Arts in Theological Studies (cum laude) from Christendom College Graduate School in 2018, graduating as valedictorian. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in theology at Pontifex University, writing his dissertation on the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Michael is also the founder of the Reason & Theology show, where he has interviewed many leading voices in contemporary theology, and has contributed to Catholic Answers as well as appeared on EWTN, SiriusXM Radio, and Radio Maria.
Testimonial
Tim S.
I had the privilege of taking the Magisterial courses with Michael Lofton as the professor. Michael was incredibly down-to-earth and approachable, always making time to answer any questions I had after each course. His depth of knowledge and resourcefulness on every subject we covered was outstanding, and his teaching style was both engaging and accessible.
The courses were perfect for working individuals like me. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to deepen their faith, learn more about the Magisterium, or those interested in teaching Catholic Theology or Faith Formation. Michael Lofton is an excellent instructor, and his courses are an invaluable experience.
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