🎙️ The Perspectivalist Podcast

Episode Title: Canon, Clarity, and Claims of Certainty: Protestantism vs. Orthodoxy

Summary:
In this episode, Austin and Uri continue their series on the psychology of conversion, diving deeper into the claims of Eastern Orthodoxy—particularly on canonical authority and private judgment—as well as the nature of biblical interpretation within the wider Christian tradition.

Key Points Covered:

• Orthodox Claim on Canonical Authority
  Eastern Orthodoxy asserts that the Bible is recognized through the Church’s “faithful memory” or holy tradition, rather than being self-authenticating. Protestants argue instead for the clarity and authority of Scripture itself, upheld by the Spirit working through the Church.

• Private Judgment Debate
  Orthodoxy criticizes Protestants for reliance on private interpretation, pointing to "20,000 denominations" as evidence. But we challenge this narrative by noting that inescapable diversity and interpretive variance exist within Orthodoxy as well.

• Impressionism in Orthodoxy
  Drawing from Joshua Schuping’s Disillusion [Book Link], the episode explores both “high” and “low” impressionistic styles of interpretation in Orthodox circles—proving the charge of individualism cannot be laid solely at Protestant feet.

• Inescapability of Human Judgment
  Whether Protestant, Orthodox, or Catholic, all believers must wrestle with history, authority, and interpretation. We quote Robin Phillips’s excellent critique of Orthodox epistemology in Eastern Orthodoxy and the Lure of Epistemological Romanticism [Article Link], which highlights this unavoidable human condition.

• Challenges for Orthodox Unity Today
  Uri highlights practical and moral divergences among Orthodox jurisdictions (e.g. Ukrainian vs. Russian churches), raising questions about the practicality of universal conciliar authority in modernity.

• Biblical Witness to Clarity and Sufficiency
  The episode closes by grounding the Protestant view of Scripture in key biblical texts such as Luke 1:1–4, John 10:27, and 2 Peter 3:15–16.

“The quest for certainty is deeply human—but when we seek it beyond the sacred Scriptures, we multiply complexities. Sola scriptura is not isolationist: it’s an invitation to submit to the voice of God, amidst the counsels of the faithful.” – Uri Brito

• Disillusion: A Pilgrimage through Orthodoxy, Catholicism & Evangelicalism by Joshua Schuping – [Amazon Link]

• Eastern Orthodoxy and the Lure of Epistemological Romanticism by Robin Phillips – [Article Link]

• 1 John 1:1–4, Luke 1:1–4, 2 Peter 3:15–16 – [Bible Gateway]

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

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.

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.

In this episode, we’re talking about the Lordship of Jesus—not as some abstract, future hope, but as a present, concrete reality. Too often, modern evangelicalism has reduced Christ’s Lordship to the realm of private salvation, personal piety, and quiet devotion. But the Bible paints a much bigger picture.

Paul tells us in Romans that Abraham was promised the world as his inheritance. Salvation is cosmic. Christ’s resurrection victory is undoing sin across creation. And as Abraham Kuyper famously said, there is not one square inch of human existence over which Christ does not declare, “Mine.”

When we treat Lordship as merely individual, we lose courage, we retreat into privatized religion, and we avoid confronting the idols of our culture. But when we confess that Jesus is Lord over family, church, state, and the whole created order, then our faith takes flesh. It marches, sings, builds, and leaves an imprint of righteousness wherever it goes.

This is no Gnostic mantra. “Jesus is Lord” is our dogma, and it means the earth belongs to Him and His people. The spoils of His victory are not hidden away for later—they are for His church to claim here and now.

Omnia et in omnibus Christus. Christ all and in all.

Welcome to The Perspectivalist

Today, I’m honored to host Reverend Grant Castleberry—Marine officer turned pastor, currently finishing his dissertation on Martin Lloyd-Jones. We gather to reflect on John MacArthur, a towering figure in pastoral longevity and biblical faithfulness.

Grant’s personal encounters with MacArthur go beyond admiration—they shaped his call to ministry and introduced him to Reformed theology. From late-night radio sermons after high school football practices to transformative theological tapes like Chosen for Eternity, MacArthur’s influence was profound and life-altering.

In our conversation, we explore:

• How conviction and clarity drove MacArthur’s preaching

• The weight of biblical authority and expository rigor

• The rare gift of decades-long pastoral ministry

• Personal reflections: the kind, humble man behind the pulpit

Join us for a meaningful tribute to a faithful pastor whose legacy continues to influence Christian ministry and leadership.

Welcome to The Perspectivalist, where we help you think more clearly as a Christian by grounding all of life in the normativity of Scripture.

In this episode, host Uri Brito sits down with Ryan Lauterio, studio artist, theologian, and founder of the Maker Institute—an initiative dedicated to rethinking art, design, and creativity from a distinctly Christian and Kuyperian perspective.

They explore the often-neglected relationship between theology and the arts in the Protestant tradition, the dangers of idol-fearing disengagement, and how reclaiming beauty and craftsmanship can harmonize the poetic and the practical.

Ryan unpacks the theological backbone of the Maker Institute and the importance of cultivating imagination as part of the cultural mandate—whether you’re a painter, a father building a Hobbit hole, or a homeschool parent raising the next generation of makers.

Tune in for a conversation that challenges assumptions, broadens categories, and inspires faithful creativity rooted in the lordship of Christ over every square inch.

• The Maker Institute – Learn more about the fellowship programs, theological integration, and opportunities for Christian artists:
  https://www.makerinstitute.org

• Maker Christian Art & Design Education (K–12 Curriculum) – A biblical, integrative art and design platform for homeschooling families and Christian educators:
  https://www.mademakers.com

• Remnant Church Richmond (Partner Church) – Learn more about the local church community supporting the Maker Institute's efforts:
  https://www.remnantrva.com

🎙️ Episode Overview

• Podcast: Perspectivalist S6 E3

• Host: Uri Brito

• Guest: Dr. Scott Aniol, Executive VP at G3 Ministries

• Location: Church of the Redeemer, Monroe, LA

• Occasion: 12th year of Jubilate Deo Music Camp

🔗 G3 Ministries Website
🔗 Scott Aniol's Author Page
🔗 Jubilate Deo Music Camp

• Dr. Aniol shares his long-term involvement with Jubilate Deo and the shift from traditional VBS to Bible and Music Camp.

• Camp includes folk dancing, choral singing, and music literacy through dance.

• Emphasis on beauty and coherence in worship rooted in theology, especially starting from childhood.

• Initial hesitation from some Christians about dancing due to secular connotations.

• Folk dancing is a joyful and wholesome expression of faith and embodiment of Psalmic worship (e.g., Psalm 149:3).

• Dance is viewed as an overflow of Sunday liturgy, not a replacement of it.

• Raised in a musically and theologically rich environment.

• Influenced by Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis, emphasizing beauty, truth, and goodness in worship.

• Pursued theological reflection on art, music, and liturgy across evangelicalism.

• The unchanging liturgy of the church offers stability amid cultural and social media volatility.

• Warning against virtual ecclesiologies and the danger of losing real, embodied church community.

History & Mission

• Started in 2013 as a local church conference led by Josh Buice at Pray’s Mill Baptist Church.

• Grown to include:

  • G3 Press – publishing theological books and devotionals
    🔗 G3 Books

  • G3 Plus – streaming platform with sermons, lectures, and courses
    🔗 G3+ Streaming

  • G3 Church Network – ~215 churches subscribing to 1689 Baptist Confession
    🔗 Church Directory

  • Family worship resources, theological journals, and more.

Leadership Transition

• Josh Buice's resignation handled with transparency and speed, widely praised by constituents.

• G3's structure allowed it to continue uninterrupted, avoiding personality-centered collapse.

New Logo & Vision

• Rebranding started before the resignation but accelerated after.

• Vision Statement published to affirm the continuity and a renewed commitment to resourcing the church.

🔗 G3 Renewed Vision Statement (2025)

• Emphasis on:

  • Unity over competition in the evangelical world

  • Collaboration among ministries and local pastors

  • Spotlighting faithful unknown pastors (e.g., David DeBruyn in South Africa)

• Addressing the problems of celebrity culture in evangelicalism:

  • Not faulting godly men like MacArthur, Piper, or Voddie Baucham

  • Critiquing the culture that idolizes them

• The most important ministry: faithful local presence—family, church, liturgy.

• Social media should be a tool, not a substitute, for embodied Christian life.

• G3 remains committed to Scripture-rooted, theologically rich content for families and churches.

🏕️ Music & Liturgy💃 Dance in Christian Life📖 Aniol’s Theological Background🏛️ Church Stability vs. Cultural Shifts📡 G3 Ministries: Past, Present, and Future🔄 Future Direction✝️ Final Reflections

In this episode of The Perspectivalist, Pastor Uri Brito welcomes Rev. Benjamin Glaser of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) to talk all things ARP—from its rich confessional heritage to its present role in the American ecclesiastical landscape.

🔹 Topics include:

• 📜 The history of the ARP — How a 1782 merger formed one of the oldest continually operating Reformed denominations in North America.

• 🏛️ Synodical polity explained — Why the ARP remains a Synod, and how its governing structure encourages fellowship and simplicity.

• 🔐 The visible church as Christ’s appointed institution — A defense of the church’s organic, not optional, role in God's kingdom.

• 🚫 The modern drift toward anti-discipline and DIY ecclesiology — What happens when Christians disconnect from accountability and structure.

• 🕯️ Worship and sacramental practice in the ARP — From exclusive psalmody and grape juice to a revival of weekly communion and wine.

• 🤝 Fraternal relations with OPC & beyond — Encouraging signs of confessional renewal and partnership among like-minded churches.

• ✍️ Rev. Glaser’s essay on the visible church
  → Read the Substack article here

• 🏛️ History of the ARP Church
  → Visit the official ARP Church website

• 🤝 NAPARC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council)
  → Learn more about NAPARC denominations

“The church is not an accident or a pragmatic structure—it is the ordinary means Christ uses to draw and mature His people.” — Rev. Benjamin Glaser

In an era when many young Christians are drawn to atomized, personality-driven spirituality, this conversation serves as a timely call to embrace the visible, historic, and confessional church. Rooted in Scripture and governed by wisdom, the church remains God’s chosen vessel to disciple the nations.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Season 6 of the Perspectivalist! Today, I’m joined by Mr. Jarrod Richey, Director of Music at Church of the Redeemer in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Academic Dean of the Redeemer School of the Arts.

This past year, RSA launched its first-ever Arts Certificate Program, designed to equip students in the creative arts through a distinctly Christ-centered lens.

In our conversation, we discuss what exactly the creative arts are, how this program distinguishes itself from typical fine-arts degrees, and why something like this is so necessary, not just in Louisiana but in the broader Christian community, including those in the CREC.

We also cover the kind of students who thrive in the program, what success has looked like after year one, and how you or someone you know can apply.

To learn more, visit RSALA.org or email [email protected].

Note: I would like to extend my gratitude to Perspectivalist resident musician, Mr. George Reed, for the introduction and outro, and to Mr. Leo Ehrenstein, who designed our new logo.

The CREC has been growing significantly in the last few years. As a result, some have been striving to ensure that our signals align and that our work is not lost among the plethora of online options.

Dr. Jeffery and others have worked to streamline our resources, making it easier for people to find us in the U.S.

I hope this episode will enlarge this vision and that many will have a better sense of the locations of our churches and perhaps even consider joining them.

Steve and I offer salient pastoral advice towards the end of the podcast. So, listen to the end!

You can find the project here: https://allsaintskirk.com/hotspot/