Theological doctrines like Original Sin. The juridical definitions of Christ’s death in the west.
Orthodox do not pray the rosary, however they do have prayer beads, a string of 100, on which they repeat, “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” A worthy prayer I’ve incorporated into my rosary prayers.Generally these threads devolve pretty fast from the intended OP. God willing, I’d like to slow down that process as much as possible.
Toll Houses vs. Purgatory is not really an issue. The Toll Houses is a theory which is not universally accepted by the Orthodox; in fact many condemn it as a heresy. While not explicitly using the word “purgatory” the Orthodox do have a concept of a continued theosis/divinzation that continues after death. Primarily what tends to be rejected by the Orthodox (and incidentally we Eastern Catholics as well) is the notion of purgatory being a place of pain and suffering, a sort of “temporary Hell.” This notion of purgatory is not even completely accepted in Roman Catholic theology and mysticism.
In actual fact the Orthodox do have a Rosary that is considered to be the ancient roots of the Latin Rosary. It is typically called the “Prayer Rule of the Theotokos” and was encouraged as a Rule of Prayer by St. Seraphim of Sarov (one of the greatest of the Russian saints). This Prayer Rule has been prayed on the Holy Mountain of Athos for Centuries. Some believe that St. Dominic learned it from trips that he made into the Christian East, adapted it, and popularized it among Roman Catholics.
Sadly I have not come across any documentation to prove this, but such a theory does exist. However, whether or not the Latin Rosary comes from the Prayer Rule of the Theotokos practiced in the East, the Prayer Rule of the Theotokos is still a very ancient tradition in the East, dating back I believe to the 8th Century.Mindsets and approaches to the one Faith have differed in the East, the West and the Orient throughout the entire history of the Church, even during the time of union. What matters is not that we agree in our mindset, approach and emphasis, what matters is that we agree in essence, the essentials of our Faith. Whether or not Catholics and Orthodox do agree is not a matter for this poor sinner to concern himself with (although personally I believe we do agree in essentials; hence I’m an Eastern Catholic and not an Eastern Orthodox).Generally these threads devolve pretty fast from the intended OP. God willing, I’d like to slow down that process as much as possible.
I would say, personally, that there is a completely different mindset at play in both churches. In Orthodoxy, asceticism (fasting, prayer rule, spiritually etc) is much more emphasized than in Western confessions (Orthodox tend to lump Catholicism and Protestantism together because they are more alike than different). Ecclesiology is also very different, as is our idea on ‘doctrinal development’ (which we reject).
The two issues you have listed are major, but ultimately, I believe there are completely two different mindsets in both groups. My opinion, and the opinion of most of the clergy and laity I have met when discussing the issue say that Rome’s mindset would have to return to its Orthodox roots. We must have the same mindset and beliefs if we are to resume communion with one another. At present, we don’t have that.
In Christ,
Andrew
I’m not sure this is an issue. Benedict had commented on this in “Light of the World”. Its understood the Bishop of Rome is the “proto” as defined by the Council of Nicaea. There no issue with that.
- The Pope’s role as heir to the seat of St. Peter(JK)
The EO are independent autocephalous Churches and there is a fear that re-union with Rome may cost them at least a degree, if not much more, of this independence. And why take the chance, when there isn’t really reason that motivates most Orthodox to wish to do this?
Funny
Yep. There is a huge difference between the two when it comes to divorce and remarriage.
Good stuff. Thanks.Generally these threads devolve pretty fast from the intended OP. God willing, I’d like to slow down that process as much as possible.
I would say, personally, that there is a completely different mindset at play in both churches. In Orthodoxy, asceticism (fasting, prayer rule, spiritually etc) is much more emphasized than in Western confessions (Orthodox tend to lump Catholicism and Protestantism together because they are more alike than different). Ecclesiology is also very different, as is our idea on ‘doctrinal development’ (which we reject).
The two issues you have listed are major, but ultimately, I believe there are completely two different mindsets in both groups. My opinion, and the opinion of most of the clergy and laity I have met when discussing the issue say that Rome’s mindset would have to return to its Orthodox roots. We must have the same mindset and beliefs if we are to resume communion with one another. At present, we don’t have that.
In Christ,
Andrew
Recent? Or more ancient?
Does this reflect the ethnic or nationalistic nature of the Orthodox Churches?
This could be overcome with some effort. But, honestly, do I need to know about the Orthodox saints anymore than I need to know about some saint from the Phillipines? Every saint has his or her devotees…and private devotion should be just that…private.
Fasting is a discipline and not a doctrine. The reunited church could easily allow for differences along these lines in different rites. Agreed?
Ah, yes…I had forgotten about that. A big deal on a practical level.
