Catholic Answers School of Apologetics: Answering Orthodoxy Online Course

The divide between Catholics and Eastern Orthodox is one of the most enduring and misunderstood in Christian history. Many Catholics who encounter Orthodoxy are drawn by its beauty, mystery, and apparent stability—but are often unaware of the theological and historical issues that separate the two communions.

In this course, you’ll learn how to respond to common Orthodox objections to the Catholic faith—claims about papal primacy, infallibility, the filioque, and the role of ecumenical councils—and how to understand the real causes of the East–West schism. You’ll discover how the papacy functioned in the first millennium, how the early councils viewed Rome’s authority, and how the Church Fathers themselves understood the unity of the Church.

Drawing from his own experience as a former Orthodox Christian who returned to full communion with Rome, Michael Lofton guides you step-by-step through the history, theology, and lived experience behind the schism. When you complete this course, you’ll be equipped to explain and defend the Catholic understanding of Church authority and to dialogue charitably and confidently with Orthodox Christians.

Bulk Pricing for Parish or Classroom use is available. Please call our Customer Service Team at 1-888-291-8000 for more information.