Protestant exploring Orthodoxy.... maybe you can help

[Luigi Barragia]

Hello all. I am new to the forum. If there are any orthodox Christians on this forum, perhaps you can help.

I've recently have become somewhat dissatisfied with the state of the Protestant churches I've been involved with . Which is a topic for another post.

The orthodox church seems so appealing to me. There's something about it that draws me. As a protestant though I have some reservations, that's what I'd like ask about:


1. What must I do to be saved? As far as I know orthodoxy rejects Sola Fide. Maybe it's just my Protestant understanding of Scripture but I can't seem to square Paul's teachings on justification by faith apart from works with anything other than Sola Fide.

How is one saved in the orthodox plan?

2. The icons

Although I will be the first to admit, orthodox iconography is beautiful and compelling, doesn't this violate the commands against graven images? What about Acts 17:29?


I'm sure these are questions you have all heard. But I would like to get a conversation (not debate) going.

Thank you all

 

[Michie]

Here is the Orthodox forum.
The Ancient Way - Eastern Orthodox

They will happily answer your questions there.

 

[The Liturgist]

Hello all. I am new to the forum. If there are any orthodox Christians on this forum, perhaps you can help.

I've recently have become somewhat dissatisfied with the state of the Protestant churches I've been involved with . Which is a topic for another post.

The orthodox church seems so appealing to me. There's something about it that draws me. As a protestant though I have some reservations, that's what I'd like ask about:


1. What must I do to be saved? As far as I know orthodoxy rejects Sola Fide. Maybe it's just my Protestant understanding of Scripture but I can't seem to square Paul's teachings on justification by faith apart from works with anything other than Sola Fide.

How is one saved in the orthodox plan?

2. The icons

Although I will be the first to admit, orthodox iconography is beautiful and compelling, doesn't this violate the commands against graven images? What about Acts 17:29?


I'm sure these are questions you have all heard. But I would like to get a conversation (not debate) going.

Thank you all

On item 2, many Protestant churches, particularly Anglican and Lutheran churches, tend to have iconography, and the basis for iconography and how it does not violate the second commandment is set out in the Seventh Ecumenical Council, the Second Council of Nicea, in 787.

 

[FenderTL5]

Hello all. I am new to the forum. If there are any orthodox Christians on this forum, perhaps you can help.

I've recently have become somewhat dissatisfied with the state of the Protestant churches I've been involved with . Which is a topic for another post.

The orthodox church seems so appealing to me. There's something about it that draws me. As a protestant though I have some reservations, that's what I'd like ask about:


1. What must I do to be saved? As far as I know orthodoxy rejects Sola Fide. Maybe it's just my Protestant understanding of Scripture but I can't seem to square Paul's teachings on justification by faith apart from works with anything other than Sola Fide.

How is one saved in the orthodox plan?

2. The icons

Although I will be the first to admit, orthodox iconography is beautiful and compelling, doesn't this violate the commands against graven images? What about Acts 17:29?


I'm sure these are questions you have all heard. But I would like to get a conversation (not debate) going.

Thank you all

First thing, I'm a lay person, not a priest nor teacher in the Church.
Secondly Michie is correct in saying that the best place to ask your question is here:

Here is the Orthodox forum.
The Ancient Way - Eastern Orthodox

They will happily answer your questions there.

Also The Liturgist gave an excellent answer concerning the Icons here:

On item 2, many Protestant churches, particularly Anglican and Lutheran churches, tend to have iconography, and the basis for iconography and how it does not violate the second commandment is set out in the Seventh Ecumenical Council, the Second Council of Nicea, in 787.

However, that may require a little more exploration on your part.

As for rejecting Sola Fide in our justification; the Orthodox would reject that because scripture itself squarely rejects it, James 2:24.
Secondly, The Apostle Paul was not arguing faith vs works but was rather arguing Law vs Grace. It is by Grace you are saved... (through faith). Faith and works are not at odds but are taken in tandom James 2:14 thru 26, Ephesians 2:8 thru 10 (don't stop reading at the end of vs 9).

Again, I would love to see you ask the question here The Ancient Way - Eastern Orthodox for better answers.