I just realized I have majorly veered off my own topic... lol... I was going to delete that last post and start a new thread and entitle it Orthodox view on Protestants (Baptists). But I cannot delete it...
Given the topic; I don't think it totally out of line. As I understand it, you are a protestant looking for the differences in Roman Catholicism and EO. The next step in that is to compare/Contrast that against your own understandings.
Thanks... looks like catechisms don't contain everything in confessions.
I am sure I can find protestant denominations that differ on points here but for simplicity I will be associating Baptists specifically with Protestants...
So the main differences between Orthodox and Protestant Baptists are:
1) Sola Scripture
2) Viewing the Holy Trinity through the lense of the filioque
3) View of Original Sin and the Atonement
4) Requiring the person being baptised to be old enough to make a conscious choice
5) Apostolic succession and tradition not recognized
6) Salvation through Faith alone versus Faith and works
7) The Eucharist and Baptism being Symbolic
On a latter note, I was reading through that catechism and came to the conclusion that many churches today, even though they call themselves Baptists, do preach something different on at least one point. I see that, even with the Roman Catholic church at times; if the teaching is bad enough these churches and priests will get excommunicated. Nothing like that with Baptists. If Orthodox allows the local bishops certain independent power, the Baptists allow the locals an enormous amount of independent power. To the point as to whether excommunication is at all used. So perhaps I should put excommunication in that list... Although, I do think that excommunication with Baptists does exist but only when extreme like allowing gay marriage.
Your enumerated items 6 and 7 need further clarification.
In item 6, I don't see EO fitting the typical faith vs faith and works discussion you see in differing protestant groups. EO would also hold fast to Ephesians 2:8-10, "It is by Grace you are saved through faith.."
The difference is in the way some of those words are understood. ie What is "Grace?"
In the Baptist churches I attended for 50 years, Grace was viewed more akin to being
mercy on steroids. Grace being a hyper version of mercy (I can give illustrations if needed).
In Orthodox understanding, Grace is the energies and working of the Holy Trinity.
Secondly, what is "Faith?" Not in all cases but in most, Baptist would define faith as deeply seated belief or perhaps simply quote Hebrews 11:1 and stop there.
Orthodoxy would also point to the book of James as a definition of faith, that being a "living faith" that encompasses more than mere belief but how one responds and acts on that belief.
With that in mind, Ephesians 2:8 can be understood differently, "It is by God's energies/working you are saved, through a living faith.."
The saving is all God, but God responds to our sincere, living faith. Works in and of themselves are useless, but are necessary if the faith is real.
The only time in Holy Scripture the word alone follows the word faith, as-in "
faith alone," is in James Chapter 2 (emphasis added) "
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith apart from works is barren?
..You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
In item 7, what you said is not untrue. It is incomplete. The Orthodox Church is Sacramental. Baptist churches are not. The Eucharist and Baptism are two (very important) Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Baptist reject Sacraments altogether and refer to the Lord's Supper and Baptism as "ordinances" of a symbolic nature.
The Orthodox Church is Liturgical, Baptist are not.. so the list could go on.
I am not the best source for comparing/contrasting everything Catholic/Protestant vs Eastern Orthodoxy. However, there is a great reference that respectfully does just that. It is written from an Eastern Orthodox perspective.
Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy - Discover how Orthodox Christianity and non-Orthodox doctrine differ and why it matters to your spiritual journey.
I can recommend the book very highly. If, on the other hand, blog or podcast is more to your liking most of the material is available
here: Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy podcast (note: the episodes are in reverse order, with last one at the top of the page)
On the thread topic, you could isolate the various faith groups you are most interested in. The section on RC is in 4 parts (Rome 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), however, I do think the Introduction and History are prerequisite (my opinion).
Godspeed your journey.
