Can Orthodox Learn from Protestant Theologians?

[All Becomes New]

Hey, just a simple question but I am wondering if priests and such ever read Protestant theologians at all or if it is all completely separate.

Thanks for any answer.

 

[ArmyMatt]

as a priest, yes I do. it helps me find common ground and helps when highlighting where we believe them to be in error, rather than making false assumptions about them.

I love to read CS Lewis, and just finished Alistair McGrath’s Christian Reader.

 

[ArmyMatt]

plus, I will add that if any non-Orthodox Christian says something true or could be defined in a true way, Orthodoxy will use it because it’s fundamentally Orthodox.

 

[All Becomes New]

plus, I will add that if any non-Orthodox Christian says something true or could be defined in a true way, Orthodoxy will use it because it’s fundamentally Orthodox.

Besides the fact that this is assuming the consequent, I have a thread you may be able to use. Perhaps. We will see. I'd love to get your thoughts on this thread I made either here or in that thread.

Here it is:

Not Quite Calvinist.

I'd like to lay out my view of soteriology. I will start by giving a general summation of my view and then color it up with scripture. I asked Grok, the AI for X and this is how it summarized my view of soteriology based on articles I have written which I fed to Grok. This is what it...

www.christianforums.com

 

[germo155]

as a priest, yes I do. it helps me find common ground and helps when highlighting where we believe them to be in error, rather than making false assumptions about them.

I love to read CS Lewis, and just finished Alistair McGrath’s Christian Reader.

Or is it best to learn and read bible and ask Holy Spirit? We protestants trust Holy Spirit and read the Bible and ask wisdom. Coz Bible say that Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth, not some, but it all truth. I dont know how it is with you guys?
Iam here to learn, why protestants move to Ortodox, to seek emotion? Boredom? Or what I miss out? Experiences? I have been 1 time in church, when o got babtized and after that I didn't go there, it was now about soon year ago. I do need good church, but also that we can read Bible and ask questions, is it so in ur church, or you have church fathers who we have to submit?

God bless

 

[ArmyMatt]

Or is it best to learn and read bible and ask Holy Spirit?

so what did the Church do during from 33 until 50 AD when there was no NT written at all, and what did the Church do until 407 when it finally had a canonized Bible?

Coz Bible say that Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth, not some, but it all truth. I dont know how it is with you guys?

to the Church prior to the Bible being written.

Iam here to learn, why protestants move to Ortodox, to seek emotion? Boredom? Or what I miss out? Experiences?

all kinds of reasons, but hopefully because they realize Orthodoxy teaches the Truth.

I do need good church, but also that we can read Bible and ask questions, is it so in ur church, or you have church fathers who we have to submit?

yes we submit to the Fathers, but we also are encouraged to read the Bible and ask questions. those are not mutually exclusive.

 

[All Becomes New]

@ArmyMatt, do not be dissuaded by the title of my thread. It is as close to something Calvinists would agree with as it is to something I think you might agree with. It is a bad title.

 

[ArmyMatt]

@ArmyMatt, do not be dissuaded by the title of my thread. It is as close to something Calvinists would agree with as it is to something I think you might agree with. It is a bad title.

nothing in the title would dissuade me.

 

[All Becomes New]

nothing in the title would dissuade me.

Would you indulge me? I believe I have uncovered a hidden gem that has always been there.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Would you indulge me? I believe I have uncovered a hidden gem that has always been there.

sure, what do you want me to go into? I’ll do my best to answer any questions you have.

 

[All Becomes New]

sure, what do you want me to go into? I’ll do my best to answer any questions you have.

I'd just like to know if you think my theology there is tenable according to you. Maybe point out where you think I am in error? Maybe tell me where I am right? Just looking for general feedback. Been working on this for quite a while trying to unravel the thread of what started as asking the question, "Why does Paul say in Ephesians in 1:13; 2:22 'In Him you also'.?"

 

[ArmyMatt]

I'd just like to know if you think my theology there is tenable according to you. Maybe point out where you think I am in error? Maybe tell me where I am right? Just looking for general feedback. Been working on this for quite a while trying to unravel the thread of what started as asking the question, "Why does Paul say in Ephesians in 1:13; 2:22 'In Him you also'.?"

well, that depends on you. Protestantism is a many faceted thing, and even non-denominational Christians disagree on fundamental teachings.

 

[All Becomes New]

well, that depends on you. Protestantism is a many faceted thing, and even non-denominational Christians disagree on fundamental teachings.

I might question your use of the word "fundamental" here. What is fundamental is the deity, death, and resurrection of Christ. That is the middle of the spider web. Everything branches out from there.

I'd say what it depends on is what the text(s) in the Bible mean. There is always a correct answer even if there is more than one answer.

But I am asking what you think as an Orthodox priest.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I'd say what it depends on is what the text(s) in the Bible mean. There is always a correct answer even if there is more than one answer.

correct, so what is the proper interpretation of the biblical texts?

that’s where we gotta start it sounds.

 

[All Becomes New]

correct, so what is the proper interpretation of the biblical texts?

that’s where we gotta start it sounds.

I'd say it starts with what the text actually says, what the words mean, and such. Then you look at the surrounding context to get an idea of the bigger picture. Then you look at what the overall message of the book is. Then the author (if applicable). Then perhaps the theme you are dealing with. Then the cultural context at the time and what others have said about the passage.

That's how I see it anyways.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I'd say it starts with what the text actually says, what the words mean, and such. Then you look at the surrounding context to get an idea of the bigger picture. Then you look at what the overall message of the book is. Then the author (if applicable). Then perhaps the theme you are dealing with. Then the cultural context at the time and what others have said about the passage.

That's how I see it anyways.

where does God fit into this equation? the problem is, from our POV, is that everyone does this and folks come to radically different interpretations.

so there has to be something else.

 

[All Becomes New]

where does God fit into this equation? the problem is, from our POV, is that everyone does this and folks come to radically different interpretations.

so there has to be something else.

People are not all equal. Some people are better at interpreting the Bible than others. What is this based on? Revelation, discernment, careful study.

If you read my thread you might get a better idea of how I see this issue which we as of yet have not gotten to.

 

[ArmyMatt]

People are not all equal. Some people are better at interpreting the Bible than others. What is this based on? Revelation, discernment, careful study.

If you read my thread you might get a better idea of how I see this issue which we as of yet have not gotten to.

through what mechanism does God reveal things to man?

 

[All Becomes New]

through what mechanism does God reveal things to man?

I'd say a big part of it is our reception to it. You'd be able to understand that from the thread as well.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I'd say a big part of it is our reception to it. You'd be able to understand that from the thread as well.

how about what has God established to reveal things to man?