[kosta50]

I agree with everything in the Creed, with the possible exception of the intent of the Baptism clause: "I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins."

Then what do you believe?

OK, then in the Orthodox Church, has the consensus patrum manifested itself since the 7 Councils?

When faced with theological issues that have to be dealt with, we go back to the Holy Tradition (Bible, Councils, Patristic writings, liturgical texts) to make sure we do not formulate something contrary or unknown to the life of the Church as it was from the beginning. Thus, yes, consensus patrum is part of the living Church.

I gather that the Councils proclaimed Dogma, and I'm trying to understand the difference with doctrine. Has doctrine actually evolved in Orthodoxy?

Dogma is a short statement of the truth known to the Church, formulated in response to a specific heresy. The Church knows what is orthodox, otherwise it couldn't recognize a heresy. But dogmatic statements are insufficient to teach.

For instance, dogma is a definition: Christ is fully God and Fully Man. Obviously, this is not enough to offer as a self-evident truth.

Doctrine is used to explain dogma, to support dogma through God's revelation, and to make it 'intelligible' in human terms.

[Forest Keeper]

Kosta: "Heresy, by definition is any teaching that denies the essential elements of the Christian faith, as contained in the Symbol of Faith (i.e. the Creed) finalized in 381 AD:"

FK: "I agree with everything in the Creed, with the possible exception of the intent of the Baptism clause:"

Kosta: "Then what do you believe?"

I believe that I've been called a heretic hundreds and hundreds of times, yet I agree with the Creed, so I'm confused. :)

Thanks for your further comments on dogma and doctrine.