Collars & Calluses

Bill and Rich discuss why some men move from rootless American evangelicalism toward Eastern Orthodoxy or Roman Catholicism in search of historical continuity and certainty, then frame the core dispute as an authority and epistemology question: Rome’s “Pope says,” the East’s “Church says,” and Protestantism’s “Bible says.” They argue that classic, magisterial Protestantism affirms real church authority and tradition under Scripture while maintaining Scripture as the highest and only infallible authority, distinguishing sola Scriptura from “solo Scriptura.” They recommend Keith Mathison, Martin Chemnitz, Calvin, and Michael Kruger, defend the self-attesting nature of Scripture and an organic recognition of the canon, critique Vincent of Lérins’ canon as romanticized when used to support papal or conciliar infallibility, and address Septuagint vs. Masoretic issues, urging listeners to study further.

Contact: [email protected]; On X: Bill: @wrs2_; Rich: @Vicar1973.

Bill welcomes guest host Kyle Lammott, pastor of Exodus Church in Wichita, to discuss why some families leave Protestant churches for Eastern Orthodoxy, often driven more by culture, aesthetics, authority, and online “ortho bro” apologetics than theology, though rejection of Calvinism is a common stated issue. Bill corrects a prior reference to Joshua Shuping (author of Disillusioned), asks listeners not to contact Matthew Joyner, and recommends Martin Chemnitz’s Examination of the Council of Trent for studying Rome. The episode surveys church history from the 7th century icon controversy and competing “seventh” councils (754 vs. 787), to the Great Schism of 1054, the Crusades’ impact, Russia’s “Third Rome” claim, Orthodox encounters with the Reformation (including Patriarch Cyril Lucaris), and modern jurisdictional fragmentation. They critique Orthodox and Roman exclusivity claims, warn about icon veneration and anathemas, and urge young men to research carefully for the sake of their families.

For questions or comments email [email protected] or contact Bill and Rich on X.

Exodus Church: https://www.exoduschurch.net/

Bill and Rich introduce Collars and Calluses and begin a series shifting from Proverbs to ecclesiology, responding to online “ortho bro” and Roman Catholic apologetics urging Protestants to convert. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience and personal study, they argue that both Rome and the East market stability, certainty, masculinity, and unbroken historical continuity, but that church history is messy, diverse, and contested. They contend Protestantism can affirm true believers and visible-church status in Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy without identifying a single denomination as the true church, and they critique papal and conciliar claims, the Filioque dispute, and selective appeals to church fathers. They preview a historical flyover from the ante-Nicene era through early councils and urge listeners—especially young men—not to convert based on vibes, but to read and do the work.

Continuing their Proverbs series, Bill and Rich focus on speech and the art of persuasion as a dominion tool meant to order life under Christ’s lordship. Using Proverbs 16:20–24, they distinguish persuasion (truthful, for another’s good) from manipulation (as in Proverbs 7), and connect persuasion to leadership, preaching, parenting, courtship, and even self-persuasion (Psalm 42). They highlight practical principles for persuasive rhetoric, including ethos/pathos/logos and four “Cs”: credibility, contrast (folly vs. wisdom), congeniality (gracious speech), and clarity, warning against reliance on force, anger, shaming, and authoritarianism.

Bill and Rich return to Proverbs to address speech as a major theme, emphasizing Proverbs 18:21 that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” They argue words can genuinely harm or heal and that a man’s speech reveals his heart, requires self-mastery, and is essential to leadership, including tone and authority. They ground a theology of language in God’s creative and sustaining speech in Genesis and connect human language to dominion, community, and the breakdown at Babel. They discuss cultural battles over definitions and propaganda, noting how controlling words shapes behavior, and highlight persuasion as a key skill, citing Paul’s warfare of ideas in 2 Corinthians 10. Using Proverbs’ metaphors (water, food, swords, fire), they warn against rash, venting speech—especially online—since words and posts can bring lasting consequences.

For feedback, email [email protected]; Bill is @wrs2_ and Rich is @Vicar1973.

Conference talk by Rich.

A sermon by Bill from Proverbs.

In this episode of Collars and Calluses, Bill and Rich continue their practical counsel for young men by discussing money, vocation, grit, and joy. They argue that wealth is a blessing and a tool of dominion, but warn against loving or idolizing money, urging contentment, stewardship through budgeting (beginning with a tithe), saving, investing, and safeguards like term life insurance; they also stress using wealth to provide for family and support Christian institutions. They encourage men to pursue a calling rather than a mere career, rejecting a sacred-secular divide and viewing all roles—work, husband, father, church member, neighbor, citizen—as God-given vocations with eternal significance. They define grit as toughness, resilience, and persistence needed to face hardship and reject softness. They close by urging men to “have fun,” enjoy God’s gifts with thanksgiving, cultivate interests and community, and appreciate accomplishments.

Bill and Rich return to Collars and Calluses to continue practical counsel for young men, focusing on dealing with anxiety, having a plan, and learning skills. They distinguish normal concern from sinful anxiety rooted in failure to trust God, arguing anxiety undermines character, competence, and confidence and can spread socially, especially affecting leadership in marriage and family. They stress courageous action despite fear, avoiding whining or seeking pity, and using a “band of brothers” for honest problem-solving counsel. They discuss controlling controllables, repenting when anxiety stems from sin, and accepting human finitude and boundaries of responsibility and authority. They then emphasize prudent foresight: setting goals, reverse-engineering plans for discipline, finances, parenting, and marriage preparation. Finally, they urge becoming a well-rounded “Renaissance” generalist, valuing hands-on work, curiosity, travel when possible, basic tools and power tools, and responsible firearm handling.

A conference talk by Rich.