Praying to Saints: Diminishing Christ by Intercessory Prayer? | Ask David Latting and Orthodox Luigi

Cloud of Witnesses Radio

Ever wondered why Orthodox churches are filled with icons while Catholic ones aren't? This fascinating conversation with David Latting and Ben Langlois (Orthodox Luigi) takes us deep into the heart of Orthodox Christianity and its distinctive practices.
The discussion uncovers how icons serve as "windows into heaven" for Orthodox believers—not just beautiful art, but portals into the divine realm. Langlois explains the theological reasoning behind the two-dimensional nature of icons, tracing this tradition back to the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 CE. For those curious about Christian history, the episode offers a refreshing perspective on how the ancient Church used visual imagery to teach biblical stories to illiterate believers, challenging common misconceptions about scripture access in early Christianity.
One of the most enlightening segments addresses the Great Schism between Eastern and Western Christianity. Rather than a simple split in 1054, we learn how the separation evolved gradually over centuries, with fascinating insights into how the pre-schism Western Church was considered Orthodox despite cultural differences. This nuanced historical understanding helps bridge denominational divides and fosters appreciation for shared Christian heritage.
The conversation doesn't shy away from difficult questions, including a thoughtful Protestant concern: "Why would I give my attention to anyone but Jesus?" The response offers a compelling parallel between asking friends for prayer and requesting intercession from saints, demonstrating how Orthodox veneration practices ultimately maintain Christ's centrality while honoring the communion of saints across time.
Whether you're deeply familiar with Orthodox traditions or completely new to them, this episode will transform your understanding of Christian worship, history, and theology. Subscribe to Cloud of Witnesses for more thought-provoking conversations that explore the depth and richness of Christian faith across traditions.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Orthodox Conversation (00:00:00)

2. Orthodoxy as Pure Christianity (00:01:21)

3. The Great Schism of 1054 (00:03:39)

4. Icon Tradition in Eastern Orthodoxy (00:06:14)

5. Veneration and Protestant Concerns (00:09:53)

6. Episode Closing and Patreon Promotion (00:13:02)