Where does the Bible say that the church is invisible?

[With_Questions]

They share common dogmas. There are certainly different schools of theology within Orthodoxy, as within Catholicism, and some theological emphases are more prominent in certain jurisdictions than in others (for instance, you are more likely to find “Eucharistic ecclesiology” among the Russians than among the Greeks). But they confess the same articles of faith, if that’s what you are asking. And if you want theological uniformity–there is far more of it among the Orthodox than among Catholics. (To my mind this is not necessarily an argument in favor of the Orthodox–but your mileage may differ.)

As to what “enforces” this common faith–it’s “enforced” by their common adherence to the teachings of the Ecumenical Councils and certain later synods of somewhat lesser authority. This is a matter of consensus and agreement. If one Orthodox jurisdiction were to abandon the common faith, it would no longer be regarded as Orthodox. If you mean something more than this by “enforcement,” perhaps you could explain what.

Edwin

OK…so let me understand…

The Orthodox denominations are not like Protestant denominations where you usually get competing theology.

To be an Orthodox denomination you have to subscribe to a common creed which is defined by the Ecumenical councils.

It sounds like an orthodox denomination is more like the word jurisdiction which you did use here. I am familiar with Greek and Russian; I assume there are more. It sounds like they are similar except for jurisdictions.

I am not sure what holds it together except for common consensus. If one of the denominations were to depart from their common creed, could the remaining denominations somehow excommunicate the one from the communion.

Is my understanding correct?

Assuming that it is, then I am back to the point that if there is one true church and it is not Protestant, it is not clearly distinguishable between the Orthodox and Catholic. I am sure that the best apologetics of both sides can create a convincing case for their own church, which would lead an undecided observer picking through details of interpretation.