Show notes
What does the Bible actually say about the Orthodox Church, apostolic authority, praying to saints, icons, baptism, salvation, and the claim that Orthodoxy is the historic Church founded by Christ?In this episode, Alex Sorin joins Nephilim Death Squad for an extended discussion and defense of Orthodox Christianity. Alex is an Orthodox Christian and lawyer who explains how studying Scripture, church history, and the early Church Fathers ultimately led him from a Romanian Pentecostal background, through Baptist theology, and into Eastern Orthodoxy.The conversation examines some of the biggest disagreements between Orthodox Christians and other Christians, including whether salvation is found exclusively within the Orthodox Church, apostolic succession, baptism, confession, church authority, and the relationship between faith and works.They dig into John 20 and Christ giving the apostles authority to forgive and retain sins, Matthew 18 and the language of binding and loosing, Matthew 23 and the Seat of Moses, Revelation 3:9 and the distinction between worship and veneration, John 11:25 and the resurrection, Romans 2 and Revelation 20 on judgment according to deeds, Galatians 5 on factions and division, Ephesians 1 on the Church as the body of Christ, and Hebrews 8 on earthly symbols reflecting heavenly realities.Alex also explains the Orthodox understanding of saints, intercessory prayer, praying for the dead, the Eucharist, Mary, her sinlessness, why Orthodoxy rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, Orthodox bishops and priests, Divine Liturgy, Sacred Tradition, ecumenical councils, and why Orthodox iconography looks so different from Western Christian art.The discussion eventually turns toward modern Orthodox internet culture, Jay Dyer, Andrew Wilson, Owen Benjamin, debate culture, the Trinity, political converts to Orthodoxy, accusations of heresy, and whether aggressive apologetics can sometimes push people away from Christianity rather than toward Christ.Where do you land? Is Eastern Orthodoxy the historic continuation of the apostolic Church, or have later traditions added unnecessary barriers between Christians and Christ? Let us know in the comments.► Subscribe for more Biblical analysis, Christian worldview discussions, and conspiracy research through a Biblical lens.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere podcasts are available.00:00 Intro01:03 Business Upfront & Brohemian Grove02:10 Meet Alex Sorin04:10 The Twitter Feud Over Orthodox Christianity05:02 Salvation in Orthodox Theology06:05 Apostolic Authority: John 20 & Matthew 1808:39 What Is a Saint?10:07 Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?12:21 Orthodox Baptism Controversy17:48 Alex Sorin's Pentecostal & Baptist Background20:00 Church Fathers & Conversion to Orthodoxy25:17 Veneration of Saints & Revelation 3:928:05 Worship vs Veneration Explained31:23 Can You Be Saved Outside the Orthodox Church?34:55 Apostolic Succession & the Seat of Moses40:15 Jesus Christ, the Cross & the One True Church43:21 Is the Church a Visible Institution?44:56 Galatians 5, Factions & Church Division46:49 The Eucharist, Praying for the Dead & Salvation48:04 Final Judgment: Revelation 20 & Romans 250:58 John 11:25 & the First Resurrection52:08 Baptism, Faith & Obedience54:30 Faith and Works in Orthodox Christianity55:19 Raising Children to Follow Christ59:47 Is “Online Orthodoxy” Real?61:46 Mary & the Immaculate Conception65:01 Bishops, Celibacy & Church Leadership68:57 Bible Study, Catechism & Orthodox Evangelism70:17 Divine Liturgy, Tradition & Ecumenical Councils72:46 Why Orthodox Icons Look So Different77:02 The Meaning Behind Orthodox Hand Symbols80:09 Why Disaffected Men Are Drawn to Orthodoxy84:37 What Actually Makes Someone a Heretic?86:20 Jay Dyer & Orthodox Debate Culture94:27 Owen Benjamin, the Trinity & Debate99:47 Can Christian Debate Push People Away From Christ?105:29 Sacred Icons, Symbols & Hebrews 8107:42 Final Thoughts & Alex Sorin Links108:50 OutroBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: [email protected] — Stay dangerous.