ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Bill and Rich introduce Collars and Calluses, a “working theology for young men,” then conclude their series addressing Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism by focusing on praying to Mary and the saints, which they say is drawing some Protestant young men online. They outline how these traditions venerate and petition canonized saints—especially Mary as “queen of heaven”—framing it as part of the communion of saints and citing Hebrews 12, Revelation, and the Transfiguration. Rich argues the practice is non-apostolic, lacks biblical warrant, is forbidden as contacting the dead, and implies divine attributes like omniscience/omnipresence, making it idolatrous; Christians should pray directly to God through Christ. They discuss Marian doctrines (sinlessness, Immaculate Conception distinctions, perpetual virginity, Assumption), affirm “Theotokos,” warn against excessive Marian prayers, note typology (Mary as Ark/new Eve) with limits, and emphasize honoring Mary rightly and the virgin birth’s gospel meaning.
Contact: collarsandcalluses@gmail.com. X: @wrs2_ and @Vicar1973.