CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOM

In this episode, we interview our friend and convert from Eastern Orthodoxy, Ben Bollinger. He explains why Eastern Orthodoxy is "close, but not it." We focused especially on the papacy and Purgatory. Ben has a great love and respect for the Eastern Orthodox, with whom he encountered not only many great and profound truths of the faith, but joyful and edifying fellowship. As good as these things were, however, he explains how Eastern Orthodoxy does not enjoy the fullness of truth and communion found in the Catholic Church.

You can read Ben's many great writings on the Catholic Faith at his Substack: https://benjaminjohn.substack.com/

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CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro and Guest Bio

09:53 - Steelmanning the Orthodox Case: Starting with Scripture

12:42 - The Keys, Typology, Matthew 16, Isaiah 22

24:18 - St. Cyprian and the Patristic Case for Unity

36:02 - The Leadership of St. Peter at the Jerusalem Council

51:58 - Papal Claims: Infallibility, Universal Jurisdiction, and the Councils

01:01:45 - Orthodox Claims, and the "First Without Equals" Debate

01:42:06 - Other Issues: Original Sin, the Filioque, and Purgatory

02:12:07 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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