[OPEN] Questions from non-Christians

[Orthosdoxa]

I have been pm'd by a member who is not a Christian, but who is interested in looking into Orthodoxy. Her name is Katie. My understanding is that non-Christian members can post in these congregational fora if a member starts an [OPEN] thread for them, yes? So here it is, and perhaps Katie might like to join in the here, ask a few questions, or whatnot.

Welcome Katie!

LK

 

[kamikat]

How's that for a title? That way, maybe we'll get some more traffic.

 

[NyssaTheHobbit]

I welcome Katie, too! I hope she comes in here.

 

[MariaRegina]

All the food questions (fasting and feasting questions) can be addressed in the sister thread next door.

The Ancient Way [Open] Cafe

That way we who are trying to lose weight can avoid the temptation.

 

[Katie7725]

Hi guys, here I am!

 

[Katie7725]

I have a question, what's the main differences between Catholic and Orthodox? I have a Catholic friend so I am curious.

 

[Shubunkin]

Welcome Katie!

 

[wmc1982]

Hi guys, here I am!

Hey Katie

 

[Katie7725]

hi guys how are you doing?

 

[scraparcs]

I'm still trying to figure out the Catholic-Orthodox differences also. So far they seem so close that I don't see why I shouldn't just be Catholic since I'm more used to it?

 

[wmc1982]

hi guys how are you doing?

I'm great Katie, how are you? Having a good weekend?

 

[Forest]

I'm still trying to figure out the Catholic-Orthodox differences also. So far they seem so close that I don't see why I shouldn't just be Catholic since I'm more used to it?

I have been looking at this for over a year now, and would say that the theology differences are HUGE, covering almost every topic.

 

[wmc1982]

I'm still trying to figure out the Catholic-Orthodox differences also. So far they seem so close that I don't see why I shouldn't just be Catholic since I'm more used to it?

There are differences in some key beliefs. I'm still protestant, but I have looked some into Eastern Orthodox. A member could explain those differences better than I could though.

 

[Katie7725]

I am having a great weekend, just chillin

 

[MariaRegina]

http://www.christianforums.com/t5657050-a-new-cf-an-old-vision.html&page=1

Look here. Soon all threads will be OPEN. No more strict CO areas.

 

[wmc1982]

I am having a great weekend, just chillin

thats good.

This page might help with some of your questions.

http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/reading/ortho_cath.html

 

[mariposa1127]

What I wanted to say has already been posted.

 

[Orthosdoxa]

Hey Katie!

There are many differences, but I'll start with just a few.

When Christ started the Church, there were no hundreds of "denominations" - just the Church, and various schismatic groups, most of which died out. The five Sees (meaning the head bishops who oversaw their flocks) were based in Rome, Jerusalem, Constantinople, Alexandria, and Antioch. In 1054, the bishop at Rome broke away from the other 4 bishops over a dispute of papal authority and the wording of a creed. (more on that later) Since then, Rome has continued to grow further away from us, decreeing as dogma things we do not believe, such as purgatory, Mary as co-redemtrix, and other things.

Our priests are often married, theirs aren't. We commune babies, they don't.

That was a waaaaaaaaay oversimplified, but maybe it opened the door to understanding. I would imagine that this is all a little overwhelming to someone from a nonreligious background.

 

[scraparcs]

Well, to be honest, even from a cursory reading I can tell that I am much more likely to investigate the Roman Catholic church.

I'd like to see how Orthodoxy is practiced though, so I suppose I ought to stop by the Divine Liturgy a time or two?

 

[NyssaTheHobbit]

Oh, yes, definitely, stop by. Also, here is an excellent page run by the Orthodox Church of America, with a Q&A:
http://oca.org/OCIndex.asp?SID=2