Orthodoxy? Catholic? Or stay where I am?

[GaryTaylor]

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

Makes sense to us too@! Thats why we chit chat often but never argue with theological depth to disturb this time of season as mentioned above, the thinking has pretty much become an unwritten tradition.

Sssh

The sign of the Cross is another aspect that leads to the scriptural understanding, again basic outline.

Homoousios became a consistent mark of Nicene orthodoxy. There is only “us” on this point and historically. They safe guard the Trinity, Incarnation from antiquity.

 

[Cider]

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

I’m not qualified to speak for the Orthodox, since I’m not one. So I’ll say that my understanding is that they believe the keys were not given to Peter alone but to all the apostles. They believe in councils over popes.

I would refer you to the book ( or podcast) Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr Andrew Stephen Damick where he covers the differences between the two churches including universal jurisdiction. I have no so much highlighted that I can’t even make a short list. It’s a lot more than is usually discussed on these boards.

 

[Cider]

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.

I completely understand.

 

[stavros388]

I’m not qualified to speak for the Orthodox, since I’m not one. So I’ll say that my understanding is that they believe the keys were not given to Peter alone but to all the apostles. They believe in councils over popes.

I would refer you to the book ( or podcast) Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy by Fr Andrew Stephen Damick where he covers the differences between the two churches including universal jurisdiction. I have no so much highlighted that I can’t even make a short list. It’s a lot more than is usually discussed on these boards.

I have this book. I do not really find Damick’s presentation of Catholicism to be entirely fair or balanced, to be honest.

 

[Cider]

I have this book. I do not really find Damick’s presentation of Catholicism to be entirely fair or balanced, to be honest.

Not really surprising, if you did you probably wouldn’t be Catholic.

 

[jeriwoods]

I can’t easily get to either a Divine Liturgy or a Mass, so that’s kind of a bind.

Since you have some trouble getting around, it might be more practical for you to continue to make use of other resources for the time being - specifically, online resources and books. I’m not at all familiar with Orthodox resources, but on the Catholic side I can recommend (besides Catholic Answers itself) EWTN (ewtn.com/), the Coming Home Network (chnetwork.org/ - you might find the “Journey Home” videos particularly helpful, especially the interviews with former Anglicans), and books like The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scott and Kimberley Hahn’s “Rome Sweet Home”, and “Drawn From Shadows Into Truth” by Father Ray Ryland (a former Episcopal priest).

I’m sure there are some Orthodox forum members out there who can suggest some good resources on the Orthodox side, as well.

I’ll pray for you, too!

 

[Peter_J]

Thats why we chit chat often **but never argue with theological depth **to disturb this time of season as mentioned above, the thinking has pretty much become an unwritten tradition.

I think that’s true of most Internet forums. One reason I try to balance out my forum-time with time spent reading the official dialogues and similar documents.

 

[czarlazar]

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’m a little late to the party, but…
As an Eastern Orthodox member, the RCC will and does recognize everything you do (sacraments/mysteries) in the Orthodox Church; but the Orthodox would not recognize this if you were in the Catholic Church. Additionally, to solidify my point, the Orthodox Christian can even receive communion and sacraments from a Catholic Priest (although this is not usually allowed by their Orthodox Church).

 

[Peter_J]

I’m a little late to the party, but…
As an Eastern Orthodox member, the RCC will and does recognize everything you do (sacraments/mysteries) in the Orthodox Church; but the Orthodox would not recognize this if you were in the Catholic Church. Additionally, to solidify my point, the Orthodox Christian can even receive communion and sacraments from a Catholic Priest (although this is not usually allowed by their Orthodox Church).

Indeed. Catholics who are unfamiliar with this might compare it to the asymmetrical Anglican-Catholic relationship. (Which is not to suggest that there’s a perfect “Catholics are to Orthodox as Anglicans are to Catholics” analogy, but it is still helpful IMO.)

 

[Vanez]

Since you have some trouble getting around, it might be more practical for you to continue to make use of other resources for the time being - specifically, online resources and books. I’m not at all familiar with Orthodox resources, but on the Catholic side I can recommend (besides Catholic Answers itself) EWTN (ewtn.com/), the Coming Home Network (chnetwork.org/ - you might find the “Journey Home” videos particularly helpful, especially the interviews with former Anglicans), and books like The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Scott and Kimberley Hahn’s “Rome Sweet Home”, and “Drawn From Shadows Into Truth” by Father Ray Ryland (a former Episcopal priest).

I’m sure there are some Orthodox forum members out there who can suggest some good resources on the Orthodox side, as well.

I’ll pray for you, too!

Hi Eruvande,

Jeriwoods has provided good sources here, i also like EWTN. From Orthodox side of sources you can visit

oca.org

If you have an iphone, search at the app store:

• Ancient Faith Radio
• OCN (Orthodox Christian Network)
• Agpeya (this one is a Liturgy of Hours version of a Coptic Orthodox)
• Pray Always (prayers)

Book:
The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware

As the private message that i’ve sent, i’ll pray for you and write your name to be prayed by my priest

if you ever get the opportunity to visit an Orthodox church, don’t miss it! You need to experience it by visiting and not just by reading on internet. I myself have been in your situation (confused of the two), the best thing is …yeah…pray for guidance also, pray so that your family/friends will understand your consideration.

Good luck and God bless!

 

[czarlazar]

Indeed. Catholics who are unfamiliar with this might compare it to the asymmetrical Anglican-Catholic relationship. (Which is not to suggest that there’s a perfect “Catholics are to Orthodox as Anglicans are to Catholics” analogy, but it is still helpful IMO.)

Yes I agree…good point and comparison

 

[Peter_J]

Thanks.

 

[Marie5890]

I know I am late to the thread (been a stressful March). Just wanted to say, that regardless of where you end up, I am of the thought you will be in good hands either way.

Like another has suggested, let the Spirit guide you.

And AFA the Rosary, dont let that stop you from being Orthodox if that is where you are lead. It’s a private devotion that I think is worthy for anyone who is drawn to it.

I have a prayer rope and I love the Jesus Prayer and it’s something that I do. I love it! and the Jesus Prayer is my act of contrition when I go to confession.

orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/comboschini.aspx

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.

 

[Marie5890]

As a convert to RCC, I get where you are at. Honestly, from my POV, good is good, and both are that. Both are Apostolic, both have valid Sacraments, both are Christ’s Church.

Only you can discern where God is calling you. A mix perhaps, Eastern Catholic? I really do like their approach to all the points you have brought up and perhaps at one time could have gone that direction. For me, it was simply where I fit. Our local Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches are very ethnic/culture oriented. I am neither Greek or Lebanese, which is not a criticism, just part of my own discernment.

You will be in my prayers.

Exactly!

 

[Peter_J]

As a convert to RCC, I get where you are at. Honestly, from my POV, good is good, and both are that. Both are Apostolic, both have valid Sacraments, both are Christ’s Church.

Only you can discern where God is calling you. A mix perhaps, Eastern Catholic?

And, of course, let’s not forget those who are Western-Rite Orthodox.

 

[Per_Crucem]

And, of course, let’s not forget those who are Western-Rite Orthodox.

I wish I could find one! Or, rather, I wish there was one closer than airplane distance.

 

[Peter_J]

I wish I could find one! Or, rather, I wish there was one closer than airplane distance.

I know what you mean. Their numbers make the Melkite Catholic Church look enormous.

 

[Eruvande]

Thank you so much everyone for your civil, helpful and informative replies. I hadn’t noticed the warning about Catholic/Orthodox threads before I posted, so was a little nervous when I came back and did notice it, that this thread would go the way of all flesh!! But you have been so kind and thoughtful in your replies, I am truly glad I did post.

I’m going to mass on Saturday, as it is closer, with my husband’s help. Getting to an Orthodox service is more of a challenge for me, as it is many, many miles away and infrequent. It may yet come down to something as simple as geography!

 

[Marie5890]

I dont know if you are familiar with the analogy from St John Paul II when it comes to the Body of Christ, the western and eastern churches.

He talked about “breathing with the two lungs”

lpca.us/breathing%20with%202%20lungs.htm

There are many of us who continue to pray for the bringing together of the “two lungs”. It’s fair and accurate to say that there are some significant theological differences, but we are still the Body of Christ.

Thank you so much everyone for your civil, helpful and informative replies. I hadn’t noticed the warning about Catholic/Orthodox threads before I posted, so was a little nervous when I came back and did notice it, that this thread would go the way of all flesh!! But you have been so kind and thoughtful in your replies, I am truly glad I did post.

I’m going to mass on Saturday, as it is closer, with my husband’s help. Getting to an Orthodox service is more of a challenge for me, as it is many, many miles away and infrequent. It may yet come down to something as simple as geography!

 

[icamhif]

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.

God bless you, Eruvande. I’m on a similar journey, myself.

Whatever you do, keep trusting in Him. Keep trusting that He will guide you. There have been times where I just wanted to “know where to go, right now this second.” But God continues to remind me that patience is a virtue, and that God sanctifies His people over time.

May His peace abide in you, forever.