“I’ve built my own faith from spare parts.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Our guest calls it “Frankenstein Christianity”—picking what feels good, discarding what doesn’t. After years of debates and burnout, he unplugged from church, Bible studies, and Christian content altogether… until one unexpected YouTube video on Orthodox church architecture broke through. For the first time, he saw a faith that engages all five senses—where every line, light, icon, and hymn points to Christ.

Hosted by Jeremy Jeremiah, Mario Andrew, James St. Simon, and special guest Eddie G.

Then came his first Divine Liturgy: the “spiritual punch” of incense, the priest turning to ask the people’s forgiveness, and the ancient exchange—“Christ is in our midst.”  “He is and ever shall be.”
He wept: “These people believe Jesus is really here. Why haven’t I been like this?”

Along the way, the so-called “problem areas” (Mary, icons, censers, traditions) snapped into focus. Torn from their purpose they can look foreign; rooted in the Incarnation, they become signposts to the living God. Orthodoxy doesn’t bend to modern preferences—it invites us into ancient, Christ-centered worship that has remained steady for centuries.

In this episode you’ll hear:

How “Frankenstein Christianity” gives way to received, embodied worship

Why faith + works in James 2 describes a living, grace-energized faith

What the Church means by theosis (2 Peter 1:4)—and why it’s not “earning” salvation

How Mary, icons, and tradition function as Incarnation theology, not add-ons

Practical first steps toward a stable rule of prayer (Scripture, Psalms, Jesus Prayer)

Who this is for:
Christians weary of performative spirituality, Protestants curious about the apostolic faith, and anyone wondering if the ancient path might be what your soul has been searching for.

Subscribe to Cloud of Witnesses for more conversations where ancient faith meets real life.

Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdh

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