Posted on 01/27/2007 6:12:35 AM PST by NYer
"Are you saying that Orthodox or Orthodox Christian is not how you would refer to your church had Rome not arrogated to itself the term Catholic Church?"
The quick answer is "sort of". Prior to the Great Schism, the Fathers always referred to The Church as simply "The Church" or "The Catholic Church" or earlier, the "catholic church". All of the Fathers also referred to the Faith as the "orthodox faith", or spoke of "orthodoxy". Since the Schism, the West has used "Catholic", the East generally but not always "Orthodox", but we both still say that we believe in "one, holy, catholic and apostolic church" in conformity with the Creed the Fathers established at Nicea.
"Thanks. Have to go now - I'll check back later, but what would the East prefer to use? This is a new concept for me."
Well, for now I suspect we'll all stick with what we have done for the past 1000+ years! :)
After a reunion, one would hope we would go back to the old ways, The Church of Rome, The Church of Constantinople, The Church of Moscow, etc,. I suspect we would have to use The Catholic Church or The Church given what the rest of the world says nowadays, but for me, personally, I guess I'd like to see The Church or the catholic church.
I know one millionth of what you guys do about the schism, but to me there seems to be so much bad history, bad blood and bad theology between us, I get depressed about the possibility of reunion.
Then I look at what I know of the spirituality and it occurs to me that if there is a reunion, maybe it will come through the spirituality, through the contemplatives and monastics.
This is where the heart and soul of both Churches are and also where the greatest common ground, similarities are. To my eyes, they look as though there never was a schism.
At least, this gives me the most hope from what little I know about the challenges.
That's one of my closest friend's favorites. I never got around to it, but I'll make a special effort now. thanks..
And thanks very much for your replies.
Excellent.
Thank you for the link also. A wonderful gift.
Reading all posts with interest.
Would it be safe to assume the Reformation was a “Tower of Babel” in the Christian world?
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