Funny thing is, for me, when I first was discerning Orthodoxy in 2011 (got chrismated 2012, and I'm now an ordained Reader), I was fascinated and concerned with how Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox differed. Nowadays, I think little of these things if at all. My kids (two out of three still) attend a Lutheran school here in town. The Lutherans that run the place are great folks. They value their liturgy, their Bible, their worship, and they're nice folks. I disagree with them on some key issues. Same with Catholics. Two of my dear friends are Catholics. Sometimes I share the disagreement or divergence, but normally not.
I am constantly concerned that I could become that pharisee who obsesses on straining gnats and will let the wounded, sick man pass right under my feet as the Samaritan Protestant or Catholic actually cares for him and does God's work while I judge. I don't want to focus on where others fall short or differ anymore. I tell people I'm Orthodox. If they ask, I explain and am not shy, embarrassed, or afraid to do so. But I don't want to be a show-off or condescending. There's such a fine line with this stuff.
Orthodoxy always impressed and continues to impress me in that it is 100% anti-ecumenism (thumbs up) and yet very kind to other Christian communities. It refuses to give up squat, but it also does not look down on the other sects of Christianity as doomed. We admit we don't know where Protestants and Catholics fit into God's plans. We don't pretend they're damned nor do we feign the ability to assure their salvation any more than our own. We hope for the best for them, pray for them, but don't look down on them. Most Protestants I know I consider holier than me honestly. I'm a joke. On judgment day, many people will be surprised who is getting into heaven.
Another phenomenon that I see with hyperdox folks is the need to trash, belittle, pity, and blast their former churches. I've tried to just look back with fondness on those from whom I learned. My Anglican priest was a great guy. I learned about the Theotokos to some degree from Catholicism along with a piety around confession, the Eucharist, and sacraments. From Anglicanism I learned about worship community, the Bible, and that there can be catholicism without Catholicism.....only the fullness I needed could only come from Orthodoxy.
I think we need an anti-hyperdox greeter in TAW! These new young folks coming in can drive me nuts LOL
Christ is in our mist!
It's nice to chat with other Orthodox on here. I'm beginning to get a taste of how the Protestants differ from us.
I've been Orthodox for 33 years this coming March and it's an eye opener. Orthodox all the way. Nice to meet all of you.
In Christ,
Donna