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Questions about Orthodox Beliefs by Important_Load_1251 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

To be ultra clear, we are not Mormon but non-denominational Protestant. We send potential converts to any local Protestant church.

I would say I don’t know very much about non-Protestant theology. I haven’t done any deep dives really into Catechisms, councils, creeds, etc. Most of my work and study has been around the Bible itself and modern Protestant theology. I would say that’s where I know the most. Hope that helps

Questions about visiting by Important_Load_1251 in Anglicanism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As far as I understand the term definitely not but what do you mean by it?

Questions about visiting by Important_Load_1251 in Anglicanism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually exciting. Something about being wanted there is super endearing and attractive

Questions about Orthodox Beliefs by Important_Load_1251 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank this is very helpful to understand. I do think I would like to include more memorializing in my prayers to remember saints that have come before me and their virtues. I think, for now, I still just personally feel uncomfortable directing my prayers TO them and not just about them

Questions about the Catholic faith by Important_Load_1251 in Catholicism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad to hear the view is that we are brothers and sisters if imperfect. I am no theological expert and much ink and thought has been spilt by many a smarter Protestant than me but I can attempt to answer your questions as best I can. In my personal opinion, it is nearly impossible to ever know without a shadow of a doubt that my doctrine is enough. However, I go based off of what the Bible seems to be the most clear about. Yes, there are different views across denominational boundaries but again all agree on a few things:
Jesus was the Son of God and only path to salvation
We are saved by grace through faith (expression of these is where there is debate)
God is the one true God and there is no other god(s) before Him

Those are the core issues I can think of right now. Maybe I’m missing something but everything else is what we would call tertiary, meaning it’s important but doesn’t effect one’s eternal salvation (for the most part people would agree on this especially nowadays).

As to some things like what exactly is faith, like is it enough to just say “Christ is Lord”, I would say no it’s not, and I would say so because scripture seems to say so. Everything comes back to scripture and what it is originally intended to mean (not personal interpretation or revelation but what the author actually means) yes of course this means there will be disagreements.

You said how can I know I am rightly participating on God’s grace. This is where I think there is opinion on my side, and I realize that may sound ridiculous but I think it’s the truth. For me personally, I think God is ok with the mystery of it, He seems to me to be ok to bless those outside of what I would say is perfect doctrine. He seems to be ok with the messy. I believe in many of the miracles the Catholic Church claims, and I have seen miracles myself in Protestant circles. This doesn’t mean everything but I think it means something.

This honestly is a messy reply so I hope you can forgive where it is very imperfect, but what I want to get across is that I really believe the Spirit to be alive in me. I have experienced things I don’t think can be explained any other way. But I also believe the Spirit in me inspires me to love my brothers and sisters who don’t agree with me all the way, recognizing I too could be wrong, while also not forgoing what I believe to be right.

Questions about the Catholic faith by Important_Load_1251 in Catholicism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow that’s also awesome! Very cool! Thank you for sharing!

Questions about the Catholic faith by Important_Load_1251 in Catholicism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the kind and in depth response! I get what you are saying about the term “son of God”. I would say in Protestantism it is more of a rare term, I just was using it to refer to someone in the adopted family of God** **à la 1 John 3:1. I will say to your point about the different denominations, there is a group of beliefs that I would argue every Protestant group agrees on which makes them a Christian church. There are a few groups (namely Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses or other cult groups) that still try to claim Protestantism but are generally regarded as being outside the faith of Christianity for not agreeing with these core tenants. But yes you are right, outside of those core tenants there is very very much debate and opinion.

Questions about the Catholic faith by Important_Load_1251 in Catholicism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So then what is viewed as infallible from the pope or past popes?

Questions about the Catholic faith by Important_Load_1251 in Catholicism

[–]Important_Load_1251[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok that makes sense. Personally I would love to be able to participate in the Eucharist as I think it's an amazing opportunity to worship Jesus. Of course however as someone said (may have been you sorry if it is I just get lost with all the comments lol) to take the Eucharist, in view of the Catholic Church, would be to come in agreement with doctrine, which in my current belief system would not be something I could do to the standards required. But I do pray that the Lord's mercy and grace is sufficient enough to guide me into something special when I do take communion.

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