different idea of grace in Orthodoxy?

[peso73]

I have read the eastern Orthodox have a different definition or way of thinking about grace (from God obviously) ~ can anyone enlighten me on this? If possible without using too many greek words I am curious and have not stumbled upon an answer yet on my Orthodox reading pages…

 

[Deacon_Ed_B]

While I am not able to comment on the Eastern Churches views on grace, it would be important to know what we as Roman Catholics believe that grace is. The best explanation I have had on sanctifying grace was given by a German theologian named Father Mathias Sheeban SJ in a book he wrote in the 1860’s called ***“The Glories of ****]Divine Grace”. * in it he describes it as nothing less than the participation in the Divinity of God himself. This book had a profound effect on me and has given me a deep appreciation of all God has done for us.
Deacon Ed B

 

[Ghosty]

I have read the eastern Orthodox have a different definition or way of thinking about grace (from God obviously) ~ can anyone enlighten me on this? If possible without using too many greek words I am curious and have not stumbled upon an answer yet on my Orthodox reading pages…

It depends on what aspect of Grace your speaking of, and even then it’s all just a matter of different terminology, IMO. Both Latin and Eastern Orthodox affirm that Grace is a real participation in the Divine Nature. They have very different theological language and expression of this fact, however, which can lead to some confusion when one is introduced to the other for the first time.

Peace and God bless!

 

[peso73]

While I am not able to comment on the Eastern Churches views on grace, it would be important to know what we as Roman Catholics believe that grace is. The best explanation I have had on sanctifying grace was given by a German theologian named Father Mathias Sheeban SJ in a book he wrote in the 1860’s called ***“The Glories of ****]Divine Grace”. *

in it he describes it as nothing less than the participation in the Divinity of God himself. This book had a profound effect on me and has given me a deep appreciation of all God has done for us.
Deacon Ed B

Thanks, I will investigate this book ~

 

[StMarina303ad]

I have read the eastern Orthodox have a different definition or way of thinking about grace (from God obviously) ~ can anyone enlighten me on this? If possible without using too many greek words I am curious and have not stumbled upon an answer yet on my Orthodox reading pages…

Read St. Gregory Palmas.

Grace is the Divine Energies of the Most Holy Trinity.

The Holy Trinity within theirself lies the Essence of God - the unknownable - that which only the Father, Son and Holy Spirit can fully be a part of. We, humans and angels, can never know God in his Essence as finite creatures; however, that has to be balanced with St. Athanasius who tells us that God became Man so that man could become god. How is it that we can become God?..It is through the participation in His Divine Energies.

We humans have the potential, being created in God’s Likeness, to become through Grace (Divine Energies) what God is by Nature.

Hope this helps!