Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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: benjaminjohn.substack.com
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Subscribe to our Substack to get regular updates on our content, and other premium content:
➡️ eternalchristendom.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
2:12:07 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
This podcast can also be heard on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
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: benjaminjohn.substack.com
BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITION
Has our content blessed you or those you love? Then please consider becoming a monthly patron for $10/month or more.
➡️ eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron
This apostolate is a non-profit under priestly authority, and all your gifts are tax-deductible. Your generosity makes it possible for us to produce our podcast, research, and written content with excellence, while making it available to the world for free, all for the salvation of souls. It also empowers us to work on even bigger projects behind the scenes (stay tuned).
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
➡️ eternalchristendom.com
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
X: twitter.com/JoshuaTCharles
Facebook: facebook.com/joshuatcharles
Instagram: instagram.com/joshuatcharles
DIVE DEEPER
Check out our “Becoming Catholic” resources, where you’ll find 1 million+ words of free content (bigger than the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:
➡️ eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic
SUBSTACK
Subscribe to our Substack to get regular updates on our content, and other premium content:
➡️ eternalchristendom.substack.com
EXCLUSIVE BOOKSTORE DISCOUNTS
➡️ eternalchristendom.com/bookstore
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
2:12:07 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
This podcast can also be heard on Apple, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
