Search results

This is my own speculative framework for reconciling the evidence for evolution with the biblical truth of an historical Adam and Eve. This is just a brief sketch of the position, I plan to greatly develop this view in a proper essay when I get the time. First off, what does the science tell...

So looking at the potential candidates this upcoming election, I've concluded that I will not be voting. I know voting is in a real sense a civic duty, and this is not an easy decision to make. Unfortunately, when voting for either candidate entails endorsing moral evil, it makes more sense for...

How exactly do Lutherans understand "The Church"? Roman Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity are both big on this notion, and believe they are the "true" Church, even in the sense of an institution, established by Christ and traceable back to the first century. Reformed protestantism on the...

Is the OCA constituted as a specifically American Orthodox Church, or is it also kind of an ethnically-oriented Church? I know it originates from the Russian Orthodox Church, but I'm thinking it is autonomous right? I'm basically an American mut with no sense of ethnic identity at all, so I'm...

Can one adhere to the Eastern Orthodox theological understanding, and yet remain in communion with the Catholic Church? I know about the Eastern Rite, but I'm not sure to what degree they are compelled to accept Roman Catholic definitions and dogmatic statements. For example, can one reject the...

Alright so at first I was really thankful for the Sacrament of reconciliation, and I know the grace and healing it gives us. But you know, the standard of life is so high, I find myself failing frequently. Whether its masturbation, sex with my gf, or hitting a joint with my coworkers after my...

Let me start by saying that I am in love with Orthodox theology and spirituality. I've been learning a lot about eastern Christianity for a while now and it really does resonate with me a lot. Beyond that I'm actually very put off by certain theological formulations of the Latin Rite of...

I know Mary plays a big role in the faith. I accept all the Marian doctrines. That being said, I personally lack any kind of Marian devotion and she is really not an object of my prayer life at all. Sometimes I feel like the black sheep of the family in a sense. Again I "get it" intellectually...

If two people are married in the Roman Catholic Church, and then later on one or both of them convert to Orthodoxy, is that marriage seen as valid? Is the couple married in the eyes of the church or are they living in sin?

I have really struggled with the church's teachings on sexual issues, I really have. I get it and understand it all intellectually. One slight problem... I have no sexual self-control. I have struggled with this for years, through tears and agony, repentance and prayer, everything. I just...

This is really getting to me. From my study of Catholic history, and the contemporary Catholic Church, it seems that the notion of Papal Infallibility cannot possibly be true. Correct me if my reasoning is fallacious. Let me elaborate my point here. Many prior popes have authoritatively...

I know there is room within the church for different conceptions of Hell. What we all agree on is that those who die in unrepentant grave sin experience it, that it is forever, and that it is tormenting. Beyond this though, how do you all view it? Personally I resonate with the eastern view of...

I think this is a safe place for us to contemplate where we may disagree with Rome on certain issues. I'd like to know where those of you who identify as "liberal" Catholics may disagree with the official line. Personally I have problems in three main areas: Purgatory/Indulgences, Mortal/venial...

I know I've posted a lot of threads here lately, so I apologize in advance if I'm getting annoying or anything. I just have a lot of questions about the faith that I'm not finding much in the way of satisfactory answers to. Let me preface this by saying that I "get" the Marian doctrines. I...

I'm really having a hard time wrapping my mind around "indulgences". The whole concept seems predicated on this notion of purgatory as some kind of system of vindictive punishment. If I'm not mistaken, indulgences are given by the church to remit "temporal punishment" due to sin. Right? Well is...

I've come to a point in my life now where I want to join a local parish. I anticipate getting married without about a years time, maybe less, and I wish to have the wedding at this local parish. It will be necessary for me to be a member, which I should be anyway. Here's the problem: I was...

Let me preface by saying that, having studied church history, and being Catholic, I can readily accept the fact that the Orthodox Church is valid in terms of Apostolic succession. In fact I really hate that there is a separate between the See of Rome and the Eastern Bishops, and I'm sure it...

Well last night was my first time back at mass in well over ten years. I must say it was an amazing experience. I did not partake of the Eucharist because of unconfessed sin in my life, but I do hope to undergo confession and the Eucharist next time. Having known nothing but nondenominational...

So I was born into a Catholic family, baptized as an infant, was catechized, and I remember receiving first communion, so I'm assuming I was also confirmed though I don't really remember it. I dropped out of the church for a long time and became an atheist for much of my life, until I truly...

As I've been exploring the faith of my childhood, which I've found myself being increasingly drawn to, I'm having a real struggle with this whole "mortal/venial" sin dichotomy. I have heard it stated clearly that the Church does not pronouce judgement on anyone and does not make any claim as...