Welcome back to The Perspectivalist. I’m your host, Uri Brito, joined again by my good friend Austin Brown. Our goal is simple: to think more clearly as Christians with Scripture as our starting point.

In today’s episode, we continue our series on the psychology of conversion, turning our focus to Eastern Orthodoxy. We’ll discuss the challenges of tradition, liturgy, and continuity, and interact with Pastor Josh Shooping’s book Disillusioned.

Along the way, we’ll raise some key questions: What does it really mean for a church to claim apostolic tradition? How do we discern between authentic continuity and the “mirage of the ancient”? And what can the early church fathers teach us about these debates?

Let’s dive in.

Resources:

Book: Disillusioned by Josh Schooping

Part 1: In this episode, Pastor Uri Brito welcomes Austin Brown for a thoughtful conversation on the psychology of conversion to Eastern Orthodoxy in the age of social media. They explore the rise of “Twitter conversions,” where personality-driven online voices attract seekers who are weary of shallow evangelicalism and searching for depth, antiquity, or beauty.

Together, they wrestle with the despair and uncertainty that often accompany these journeys, the overwhelming complexity of historical debates, and the temptation to trade truth for aesthetics or novelty. They reflect on the clarity and sufficiency of Scripture, the importance of local church community, and the need for patience and discernment in exploring different traditions.

The discussion offers both pastoral counsel and personal testimony, reminding listeners that truth, not taste, must remain central; that beauty and antiquity are valuable but secondary; and that faith should be nurtured in community, prayer, and Scripture before making life-shaping decisions.

Whether you’ve felt the pull of Rome or the East, or you’re walking alongside friends who are, this episode provides clarity, caution, and encouragement to walk slowly, faithfully, and wisely.