- Aug 4, 2013
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What authority do the canons of the Church have? I asked this question because I read what appears to me to be an incredibly stupid statement today from a Roman apologist claiming that the canons of the Ecumenical Councils establish the papacy as supreme over the Church. Now of course I don't believe this, but in my usual fashion I'm going to investigate this to disprove his claim. As I'm reading the canons, starting with the 85 Apostolic canons and then moving on to the seven ecumenical councils, I find myself wondering if the thing said in these councils are still binding or can they be modified or changed over the years?
For instance, Canon 7 of the Council of Nicea condemns those who baptize with one immersion. I know that Orthodoxy has continued the triple immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It appears to me that this is one piece of Roman disobedience to the ancient councils in that they sprinkle or pour over the head rather than immerse. I am sure that as I continue to look into the councils I will find other pieces of disobedience on their part.
So again my question is whether or not the council's canons can be set aside or modified according to time and location, as well as the economia or expediency of the Church.
For instance, Canon 7 of the Council of Nicea condemns those who baptize with one immersion. I know that Orthodoxy has continued the triple immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It appears to me that this is one piece of Roman disobedience to the ancient councils in that they sprinkle or pour over the head rather than immerse. I am sure that as I continue to look into the councils I will find other pieces of disobedience on their part.
So again my question is whether or not the council's canons can be set aside or modified according to time and location, as well as the economia or expediency of the Church.