How do most Eastern Orthodox view the Origins debate?

[graphite412]

How many saints in the past century accepted evolution?

I won't comment much but to say that I don't know of a single one that accepted it, but there are tons of them who in the strongest language condemn it. Saint Paisios of Mt. Athos is such an example. I also came across anti-evolutionary talks when reading Fr. George Calciu, who was a modern confessor from Romania who spent his last years in the USA.

 

[gzt]

Another site dedicated to issues surrounding this is BIO-ORTHODOXY

He presents the issue from all sides, drawing primarily from primary sources. He's most interested in simply collecting what people say.

EDIT: of course, the author himself writes articles on his own, such as this one: BIO-ORTHODOXY: A Response to the Teaching of Saint Paisios on Evolution

 

[All4Christ]

So the ultimate answer is that it can be a very controversial topic - especially here on TAW One view is more traditional and the other more modern, but either opinion won’t bar you from the Chalice.

Going beyond that, we are close to debates...which should go to St Justin Martyrs.

 

[gzt]

So the ultimate answer is that it can be a very controversial topic - especially here on TAW One view is more traditional and the other more modern, but either opinion won’t bar you from the Chalice.

Going beyond that, we are close to debates...which should go to St Justin Martyrs.

Well, depends on how you define "traditional".

 

[All4Christ]

Well, depends on how you define "traditional".

Sure. Let me explain my perspective on the word

I lean towards OEC myself, though I am not dogmatic about it. I actually don’t think my view (OEC) is the most traditional, considering that most of the Church fathers thought the earth was about 6000 years old. There were some early church fathers who didn’t believe in the 6 day creation (instead they believed it was instantaneous), but I don’t know of any church fathers that teach the current theory of evolution I’ve seen promoted by Orthodox Christians - or OEC for that matter.

I’m not stating this to debate, but rather to explain what I mean by “traditional”.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

 

[truefiction1]

Is it true that no saint accepted evolution?

There are probably a lot of "everyday saints" who don't have a problem accepting evolution. It's generally not a big concern of theirs, however. They are too preoccupied with worshiping God in spirit and in truth, and adhering to that religion that is undefiled before the Father. We should be careful not to let anything distract us from repentance and prayer, especially useless debating over things.

 

[Jackson Cooper]

So the ultimate answer is that it can be a very controversial topic - especially here on TAW One view is more traditional and the other more modern, but either opinion won’t bar you from the Chalice.

Going beyond that, we are close to debates...which should go to St Justin Martyrs.

Where is St Justin Martyrs? Is that another forum?

 

[Jackson Cooper]

Sure. Let me explain my perspective on the word

I lean towards OEC myself, though I am not dogmatic about it. I actually don’t think my view (OEC) is the most traditional, considering that most of the Church fathers thought the earth was about 6000 years old. There were some early church fathers who didn’t believe in the 6 day creation (instead they believed it was instantaneous), but I don’t know of any church fathers that teach the current theory of evolution I’ve seen promoted by Orthodox Christians - or OEC for that matter.

I’m not stating this to debate, but rather to explain what I mean by “traditional”.

There are really 2 main sides to the issue. Those that believe Genesis and Job give an account of natural history, and those that don't. OEC and YEC both typically believe that they do give a natural account, but interpret the times differently. Evolutionary Creationists don't think Genesis is giving an account of natural history at all.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Where is St Justin Martyrs? Is that another forum?

It's a subforum of The Ancient Way. You should see it at the top of the page, or use this link.

St. Justin Martyr's Corner: Debate an Orthodox Chr

 

[All4Christ]

AMBASSADOR HAT

Please post further comments in the linked thread below. I am locking this thread so that the discussion continues in one location.

How do most Eastern Orthodox view the Origins debate?