Orthodoxy? Catholic? Or stay where I am?

[St_Francis]

Why would God call you to a place which is not His One True Church?

Anyway, when I had your question, I had to read a book, *Jesus, Peter, and the Keys to the Kingdom, *which had lots of exigesis by Catholics, Protestants, an Orthodox.

However, I just ran across this article, which explains the Papacy pretty thoroughly. If this article doesn’t explain it thoroughly enough for you, get the book I mentioned above

 

[MartinJordan]

I am really conflicted right now between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Both seem wonderful, but I am finding the differences quite a challenge to understand. I love the Orthodox emphasis on the love of God. Both facets of the Faith have affection for the Mother of God, but I love the Catholic Rosary. I can’t easily get to either a Divine Liturgy or a Mass, so that’s kind of a bind. I’m also not entirely convinced by papal supremacy, even though I have really liked the past three popes.

Oh, I’m just so confused. My protestant friends think I’m out of my mind anyway to be looking seriously at either, and I know no Catholics or Orthodox in real life. The internet and the telly go so far, but I know I need to take further steps and really am conflicted because Orthodoxy and Catholicism, for all their similarities, are also at odds with each other.

I’m going to my Anglican church with my family at the moment and will continue with that until I get the opportunity to do something else (I am disabled and held back from many things) I’ve probably said this before, but I feel a bit like the man Jesus asked ‘Do you want to be healed?’ I want to follow God where He leads me, and feel He has led me to the precipice and I’m not certain at all which direction to take.

Sorry to be boring, I know I have been wrestling with this for a long time, thank you for your patience in reading this.

May you have the strength and courage and of course pray that you make the right decision. Remember Jesus wants unity in his Church.

God bless,

MJ

 

[awsiukiewicz]

I can totally appreciate your dilemma. Last year I was acutally ‘leaning’ eastward as I had become, as many on this site who might have the misfortune to have read some of my previous posts, probably realize, my disenchantment with the contemporary Liturgy. I had/have befriended an Orthodox Priest, who has recently entered a Monastery. I attended Divine Liturgy at his church and was more than surprised to find that the Devine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church parallels the Byzantine Rite in the Catholic Church. you might want to read the history and give some attention to what actually happened in 1054 a.d…,the Papacy, the filioque, and the Apostle’s Creed i.e. from ’
the Father and the Son…instead of just ‘from the Father’…my friend, the good Monk ofcourse had, what seemed, salient arguments for the stance on these points…I too could never abandon the great Marian Devotions which ofcourse are Christocentric…i.e. The Holy Rosary…my personal concerns were what I perceived as the overly Protestantized Liturgy and in many cases a total disrespect for what takes place on the Altar in the Catholic Liturgy…as you review the History…you will discover that the argument that insued as a result of the ‘split’ in 1054 largely was the result of semantics…We as Roman Catholics…as I understand…accept their Sacraments…but they don’t feel the need to accept ours…and…in all respects…for a church that professes to be Orthodox…I could not become a Deacon in their church…because I was married before albeit in a civil ceremony…the Catholic Church freed me to marry because I had never been through a Sacramental Marriage…yet…the Orthodox Church fully recognizes this civil marriage as valid such that I could never become clerical in their church…they also allow divorce, at least once…orthodox ? I am in no way shape fashion attempting to discredit the Ortodox Church…I remain close to my Orthodox Priest friend and we have some great conversations…he is a very leanred man of letters and interestingly enought was acutally entered a Catholic Seminary while in High School and studied for the Catholic Priesthood for several years leaving the Church, alongwith many other Catholic Clergy during Vatican II…do some research…despite everything, I could never leave my Catholic faith…and I can find solace in attending the TLM…as another blogger commented…Pray and let the Sprit guide you…but do some research for yrself…Pax

 

[Eruvande]

Thanks again all I am researching, for sure. I wish it was easy to go up the candle a few notches, but I’m limited in what I can do due to my husband’s opposition and simple geography. So I pray - I join in the mass on EWTN and make a spiritual communion, I pray the rosary, I use the Jesus prayer constantly, and I try and walk in love. I think I must accept that this is not going to be easily solved.

 

[SteveVH]

It’s called Faith Enrichment. At least in the Greek custom

Thanks for this, Isaiah.

 

[St_Francis]

Thanks again all I am researching, for sure. I wish it was easy to go up the candle a few notches, but I’m limited in what I can do due to my husband’s opposition and simple geography. So I pray - I join in the mass on EWTN and make a spiritual communion, I pray the rosary, I use the Jesus prayer constantly, and I try and walk in love. I think I must accept that this is not going to be easily solved.

It seems then that you have two problems: Orthodoxy or Catholicism, **and **how to live out your decision.

I think if you were to call a priest that he might be able to find someone who could give you a ride, unless you are too disabled for that. At any rate, calling the priest, explaining your situation, and asking his advice might (or might not, in these sad days) be helpful.

In the meantime, do not argue with your husband or try to convert him. Pray for him, do little things for him, and try to show by your actions and attitude that your faith is helping you become a better wife for him.

 

[ChurchSoldier]

Thanks again all I am researching, for sure. I wish it was easy to go up the candle a few notches, but I’m limited in what I can do due to my husband’s opposition and simple geography. So I pray - I join in the mass on EWTN and make a spiritual communion, I pray the rosary, I use the Jesus prayer constantly, and I try and walk in love. I think I must accept that this is not going to be easily solved.

I will keep you and your situation in prayer.

 

[Eruvande]

Thanks everyone for being so kind, I really appreciate that you didn’t just run me off the board for being a ditherer. Your prayers are most welcome. God will make a way, I’m confident.

 

[Per_Crucem]

Thanks everyone for being so kind, I really appreciate that you didn’t just run me off the board for being a ditherer. Your prayers are most welcome. God will make a way, I’m confident.

Will definitely pray for you. It should be noted, too, that there are many Latin traditions and devotions that would be considered fully Orthodox, and are acceptable practices. When I was in periods of discernment, I remember an Orthodox priest stating that the rosary is 100% in conformity with Orthodox theology, as well as the Divine Mercy Chaplet. There are dozens, I am sure, devotions that Orthodox practice that would be acceptable to Catholics, too.

I think the important thing to remember, though, is that Catholicism and Orthodoxy are fundamentally different theologically on a number of issues. It isn’t just cosmetic.

 

[Peter_J]

I am really conflicted right now between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Both seem wonderful, but I am finding the differences quite a challenge to understand. I love the Orthodox emphasis on the love of God. Both facets of the Faith have affection for the Mother of God, but I love the Catholic Rosary. I can’t easily get to either a Divine Liturgy or a Mass, so that’s kind of a bind. I’m also not entirely convinced by papal supremacy, even though I have really liked the past three popes.

Oh, I’m just so confused. My protestant friends think I’m out of my mind anyway to be looking seriously at either, and I know no Catholics or Orthodox in real life. The internet and the telly go so far, but I know I need to take further steps and really am conflicted because Orthodoxy and Catholicism, for all their similarities, are also at odds with each other.

I’m going to my Anglican church with my family at the moment and will continue with that until I get the opportunity to do something else (I am disabled and held back from many things) I’ve probably said this before, but I feel a bit like the man Jesus asked ‘Do you want to be healed?’ I want to follow God where He leads me, and feel He has led me to the precipice and I’m not certain at all which direction to take.

Sorry to be boring, I know I have been wrestling with this for a long time, thank you for your patience in reading this.

As a Catholic who participates on both Catholic and Orthodox forums, let me say Good thread.

 

[Cider]

Hi Eruvande

I believe Catholicism and Orthodoxy are very similar, however, for me it comes down to Matthew 16:18 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. (Apostolic Succession). Therefore I believe I will always be Catholic, whether the Church is shining on Mount Tabor or suffering during the Agony in the Garden.

Whether she is surrounded by people being praised as Christ was during His preaching and miracles, Matthew 21:9 “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”, or whether she is alone, abandoned and scandalized like Christ was during His Passion, Matthew 26:62 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?”.

I hope this has helped

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

My problem is that the Orthodox understanding of that scripture makes sense. That scripture alone isn’t a reason to choose Catholicism over Orthodoxy IMO. In the end I chose to become Catholic but mainly because I felt compelled to get baptized and at the time my Orthodox Church options were lacking. I still feel drawn to Orthodoxy and I still struggle with the same questions regarding universal jurisdiction and papal supremacy.

I love both churches. An eastern catholic parish isn’t an option as there isn’t one near me. Currently, my choices are going to a very mainstream Catholic parish ( I’m most at home and was received into the Church at a very traditional parish with the Tridentine mass) or going to divine liturgy at the Greek Orthodox church.

 

[Peter_J]

My problem is that the Orthodox understanding of that scripture makes sense.

Well, I’d think that the Orthodox understanding (as well as the Catholic one) of every scripture makes sense. That’s not a problem, but neither does it mean that the Orthodox are right.

Edit: I realize this post might sound like a case of knowitallism, but I felt it needed saying.

 

[Adamski]

I am really conflicted right now between Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Both seem wonderful, but I am finding the differences quite a challenge to understand. I love the Orthodox emphasis on the love of God. Both facets of the Faith have affection for the Mother of God, but I love the Catholic Rosary. I can’t easily get to either a Divine Liturgy or a Mass, so that’s kind of a bind. I’m also not entirely convinced by papal supremacy, even though I have really liked the past three popes.

Oh, I’m just so confused. My protestant friends think I’m out of my mind anyway to be looking seriously at either, and I know no Catholics or Orthodox in real life. The internet and the telly go so far, but I know I need to take further steps and really am conflicted because Orthodoxy and Catholicism, for all their similarities, are also at odds with each other.

I’m going to my Anglican church with my family at the moment and will continue with that until I get the opportunity to do something else (I am disabled and held back from many things) I’ve probably said this before, but I feel a bit like the man Jesus asked ‘Do you want to be healed?’ I want to follow God where He leads me, and feel He has led me to the precipice and I’m not certain at all which direction to take.

Sorry to be boring, I know I have been wrestling with this for a long time, thank you for your patience in reading this.

I explored every chrsitain tradition and I rejected orthodoxy because it was mono cultural and had some of the same disunity problems as Protestantism along with no continuous church councils lacking authority

 

[Peter_J]

Sigh

 

[Isaiah45_9]

Sigh

It was good while it lasted…

 

[prodromos]

Sigh

It’s Lent, so I’m trying to avoid stupid fights like this, plus threads like this lend themselves easily to the charge of proselytizing by Orthodox members, so another reason not to speak.

 

[Eruvande]

If the mods feel it is appropriate I am happy for the thread to be closed, I’ve had some useful advice and don’t want this to turn into a slanging match.

 

[jackydarapper]

I would suggest you to read Scott Hahn’s Rome Sweet Home. I believe that should help you.

ignatius.com/Products/RSH-P/rome-sweet-home.aspx

 

[josh987654321]

My problem is that the Orthodox understanding of that scripture makes sense…

Hi Cider,

May I ask what the Orthodox understanding of that scripture is?

My very limited understanding (I don’t know much about the Orthodox Church) is pretty much ‘One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church’ I believe Christ founded one Church, thus I don’t really understand the denominations, it’s all too complicated for me, ‘One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church’ makes sense for me.

I hope this has helped

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

 

[GaryTaylor]

Hi Cider,

May I ask what the Orthodox understanding of that scripture is?

My very limited understanding (I don’t know much about the Orthodox Church) is pretty much ‘One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church’ I believe Christ founded one Church, thus I don’t really understand the denominations, it’s all too complicated for me, ‘One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church’ makes sense for me.

I hope this has helped

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

Off the top of my head I would suggest the Nicene Creed in either Church is a basic outline to the scriptural typology.