About this episode

Todd Friel discusses the intersection of evolution and compassion, purgatory in Catholicism, and the differences between the Gospel and religious works.

It’s Witness Wednesday! Why should we care about people we’ve never met? At Georgia Tech, Todd challenges students to explain compassion from an evolutionary worldview, then talks with a Catholic student about purgatory, repentance, and what separates the Gospel from religious works. Segment 1 • Why should you care about someone suffering 5,000 miles away? • Can evolution provide a consistent reason for compassion and self-sacrifice? • You don’t have to evangelize like Todd—find your own “fishing hole” and start with one person. Segment 2 • A Catholic student admits God isn’t the number-one affection in his life. • If we’ve broken God’s law, should we expect heaven—or judgment? • Is purgatory the answer to our guilt before a holy God? Segment 3 • Knowing Jesus died on the cross isn’t the same as being born again. • What do repentance and faith actually look like? • Todd explains the crucial difference between the biblical Gospel and trying to earn salvation through religion. Segment 4 • One student thinks Christianity is basically karma: do good and good will come back to you. • “I’m not that awful of a person.” But what does God’s standard reveal? • Christianity isn’t about good…

People in this episode

Host: Todd Friel

Guest: Catholic student

Topics covered

• evolution and compassion
• purgatory
• Gospel vs. religious works
• Christianity
• repentance
• faith

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Georgia Tech

More episodes of Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

• Is Church Attendance Optional? + Healing From Church Hurt + Britain’s Shocking “How to Behave” Migrant Guide · September 10, 2026 · 55 min
• Time to Abandon Christian Nationalism? + $17 Million From Child Sponsorships + Raves at St. Paul’s Cathedral · September 8, 2026 · 55 min
• The Truth About the Crusades + The Biggest Struggles Christians Face + What NOT to Say to Someone Who’s Hurting · September 7, 2026 · 55 min
• Mailbag Friday: “Make Evangelism Great Again” Merch? + Leaving a Church Over Hillsong? + The Book of Enoch · September 4, 2026 · 55 min
• Kids Being Pushed to Transition + The “Transition or Die” Lie + How Transgender Ideology Spreads · September 3, 2026 · 55 min
• Can Christians Explain the Gospel? + Is Abortion Ever Justified? + Are People Basically Good? · September 2, 2026 · 55 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Wretched Radio with Todd Friel podcast page.