Questions about Orthodoxy

[TWells]

Hi, ive been considering becoming something other than Protestant for a while. Having studied Caltholicism for a while im turning now to the Eastern Church and I have some basic questions before I make any trips to the bookstore:

1. How does the Orthodox Church veiw the Septuagint? Ive read that its its 'offical' Bible, if so does it use it as its translation for the Old and New Testaments? Is there a official Orthodox translation similar to the Catholic Jerusalem and New American Bibles? I once saw a used Orthodox New Testament in a used book store that was the NKJV - I thought it odd that they would use a Protestant translation.

2. Does anyone know of any websites that explain (indepth) differences between Orthodox Theology and typical Protestant views of those doctrines?

3. How controlling of personal views is the Orthodox Church? Obviously I dont part ways with the Creeds but for instance, im a orthodox Preterist - would this be a view thats against the Orthodox Church's teaching? All of the Orthodox writings ive seen on eschatology are futurist. Basically would I still be able to differ with opinions on certain issues like eschatology?



4. How does the Orthodox view of the Eucharist differ from the Catholic view?

5. Are there any Orthodox here that were formally Protestants and what was the biggest doctrinal problem you had?

Thanks for any help,

Travis

 

[Peter]

1. How does the Orthodox Church veiw the Septuagint? Ive read that its its 'offical' Bible, if so does it use it as its translation for the Old and New Testaments? Is there a official Orthodox translation similar to the Catholic Jerusalem and New American Bibles? I once saw a used Orthodox New Testament in a used book store that was the NKJV - I thought it odd that they would use a Protestant translation.

Yes, the LXX is indeed the official text. The publishers at Concilliar Press are working on an English translation that should be ready within the next 24 months.

Yes, the Orthodox Study Bible I own is NKJV. According to the editors, it is the best English translation of the NT texts.

 

[Peter]

3. How controlling of personal views is the Orthodox Church? Obviously I dont part ways with the Creeds but for instance, im a orthodox Preterist - would this be a view thats against the Orthodox Church's teaching? All of the Orthodox writings ive seen on eschatology are futurist. Basically would I still be able to differ with opinions on certain issues like eschatology?

Excellent question. I've found different views on many subjects. However, I've found a unifying presence not found any where else. In other words, you don't find clergy or bishops who take public stands against official church teachings. (No openly gay bishops here) There has not been the problem of "conservative" and "liberal" priests and bishops. Within the laity, sure, we hold our opinions on various issues.

If one does not submit to the teachings of the church, however, one must ask why. We trust that our bishops hold to and work from the very core of our faith. And if they say "X", but I say "Y", I am putting my own understanding over that of the Church itself.

Peace.

Peter

 

[TWells]

(No openly gay bishops here)

Thank God.....I actually tried to enter the Episcopal/Anglican Church for a long time but couldnt find a Orthodox Parish or sub denomination anywhere. Ive given up.

 

[Photini]

Yes, the Orthodox Study Bible I own is NKJV. According to the editors, it is the best English translation of the NT texts.

There is a translation out now, The Orthodox New Testament that has been translated by The Holy Apostles Convent. I have heard that this is actually the best translation. It is in two volumes...the Gospels and the Epistles. I am trying to save up my money to purchase it...as each volume costs around 40 dollars I think. I also have the Orthodox Study Bible...which many of the priests and monastics I've talked to about it, say that it is well intentioned, but still has much Protestant flavor to it and in the footnotes. I will be happy to finally have enough to get the other translation.

 

[Photini]

Hi, ive been considering becoming something other than Protestant for a while. Having studied Caltholicism for a while im turning now to the Eastern Church and I have some basic questions before I make any trips to the bookstore:

I pray the Lord God will bless you.

 

[Photini]

.

. Does anyone know of any websites that explain (indepth) differences between Orthodox Theology and typical Protestant views of those doctrines?

Here's an article about Orthodox spirituality compared to other confessions:
http://www.orthodoxfaith.com/spirituality_difference.html

I also like www.fatheralexander.org There's lots of information there.

 

[MariaRegina]

There is a translation out now, The Orthodox New Testament that has been translated by The Holy Apostles Convent. I have heard that this is actually the best translation. It is in two volumes...the Gospels and the Epistles. I am trying to save up my money to purchase it...as each volume costs around 40 dollars I think. I also have the Orthodox Study Bible...which many of the priests and monastics I've talked to about it, say that it is well intentioned, but still has much Protestant flavor to it and in the footnotes. I will be happy to finally have enough to get the other translation.

Dear Photini:

Amazon.com has a special on the two volumes of the New Testament which were translated by Holy Apostles Convent in Colorado. If you order them, Amazon will send them to you without charging postage.

Your sister in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

 

[Alfred M]

Travis,

Speaking as a convert to Holy Orthodoxy, I must recommend to you a book entitled "Common Ground, An Introduction to the Eastern Church for the American Christian". This is absolutely one of the best books on Orthodoxy I have ever seen. The author is Jordan Bajis and the book is available through Light-n-Life Publishing.

Having been Chrismated 5 years ago, I still use this text for reference and inspiration on a very regular basis. I think you would enjoy it and it will answer many questions for you that we all had as we approached Holy Orthodoxy.


In the love of our Saviour,

Alfred

 

[MariaRegina]

Travis,

Speaking as a convert to Holy Orthodoxy, I must recommend to you a book entitled "Common Ground, An Introduction to the Eastern Church for the American Christian". This is absolutely one of the best books on Orthodoxy I have ever seen. The author is Jordan Bajis and the book is available through Light-n-Life Publishing.

Having been Chrismated 5 years ago, I still use this text for reference and inspiration on a very regular basis. I think you would enjoy it and it will answer many questions for you that we all had as we approached Holy Orthodoxy.


In the love of our Saviour,

Alfred

I agree, Alfred, that "Common Ground" is a wonderful book.

 

[MariaRegina]

http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=1240497#post1240497

Please read Michelle's post #49 regarding Eucharist Adoration. Perhaps you will want to respond to it at that thread. Here is a portion of her post. However, it might be best to discuss it here in the Ancient Way.

I would like to offer my opinion that this sound somewhat Protestant to me. We are not forcing it upon the Orthodox firstly and next, we also do not stand in the presence and worship our neighbor because he has Christi living in him.

This question of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a tough one to handle.
It was one of the very questions I had when I entered Orthodoxy, since I was Roman Catholic and was in a monastery where we had perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

One Orthodox Priest said that we believe that God is everywhere present, not just in the tabernacle.

Protestants don't have this struggle. So perhaps that is why Michelle thinks that we Orthodox might hold to Protestant beliefs here.

Remember this whole idea of perpetual adoration is foreign to Orthodoxy. We have the Eucharist reserved in our Orthodox churches. God is present in the Eucharist. Am I missing something?

Your sister in Christ,
Elizabeth

 

[Reader Nilus]

A good book about Orthodoxy and her differences with Western Christian thought is the Illuminating Icon by Anthony Ugolnik.
Jeff the Finn

 

[Alfred M]

Chanter,

It is great to hear that someone else has enjoyed this book as well!
It helped me understand my faith when I personally could not express much of my faith in my own words...if that makes sense.

In Christ's love,

Alfred

 

[TWells]

Hi All,

Thank you Alfred the the book recommendation, ill pick it up. At the moment im reading The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware and im enjoying it. I attended a small Russian Orthodox Church today called St. Anne's with a friend and I enjoyed it alot. I was able to speak with the Priest there will meet him sometime this week to speak somemore.

Thanks.

 

[TWells]

Thanks for the replies, I just thought id let you know that im going to be recieved as a catechumen this Sunday.

Travis

 

[MariaRegina]

Thanks for the replies, I just thought id let you know that im going to be recieved as a catechumen this Sunday.

Travis

Dear Travis:

Congratulations - may you continue to grow in the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Be assured of my prayers.

 

[Matrona]

Thanks for the replies, I just thought id let you know that im going to be recieved as a catechumen this Sunday.

Travis

Bless you, Travis! Congratulations! You'll be in my prayers!

 

[Philip]

Congratulations! You will be in my prayers. My the Holy Spirit continue to guide your journey.

 

[Photini]

Thanks for the replies, I just thought id let you know that im going to be recieved as a catechumen this Sunday.

Travis

 

[artnalex]

Congratulations on your conversion, TWells.