(January 10, 2015 at 11:26 pm)Grasshopper Wrote: Ya it's fine. I converted to Orthodox because I found too much rigidity in understanding and interpretation of theological subjects. When there's a central authority on subjects it becomes problematic. I respect the pope alot but can't seem to take one man's or one churches interpretation as true.
For example-
1) catholics believe mary had to be born especially without sin. Orthodox believe it's okay to think she's sinless but it wasn't needed. Since no one is born with sin and can live without sin.
2) other Christians believe sin is an act which god doesn't like and therefore throws you into hell for. But orthodox call sin (amartia) which is " missing the mark" which hampers our progress to perfection/ deification.
3) orthodox hell isn't a place of torture. Orthodox heaven isn't a place in the clouds.
Hell and heaven are in the same plane of existence- this one.
God's presence is seen as beautiful light by believers and fire by the hellbound.
Since believers believe they will rejoice in the light. But since nonbelievers don't believe that light will be painful. Imagine a miner underground for days. When he comes up the light troubles him. Same theory. These depictions of heaven and hell are meant to be allegorical for real life.
4) other differences-condoms aren't sinful in marriage. Sometimes divorces are necessary. But it's only valid if done in church fashion
This was just a summary of differences. Don't think I'm advertising. Thank God we have brains and a choice how to read the bible as we wish. That being said-I take only the latter part of the old testament and the entire new testament as worthy of being read
That's cool. I appreciate your consideration, and it's pretty interesting to read of some of the differences -- I'm not very informed on Orthodox doctrine. Perhaps you could start a thread on it so it doesn't get buried in this topic?
Thanks again for being generous in the face of my mistake.
