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To: kosta50; annalex; jo kus; Kolokotronis
Yet, individual Fathers can always say things that are not doctrinal or dogmatic, but are presenting hypotheses (theologoumenna), religious opinions, instead. It is important to state that this is so, lest it be misconstrued as the teaching of the Church.

Yes, and I appreciate reading what they have to say anyway, along with the heads up. I haven't perceived any problem with this across the threads. I just wanted to confirm the general principle of quoting from established authority unless otherwise indicated.

11,389 posted on 03/17/2007 4:07:41 AM PDT by Forest Keeper
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To: Forest Keeper; kosta50; annalex; jo kus

"Yet, individual Fathers can always say things that are not doctrinal or dogmatic, but are presenting hypotheses (theologoumenna), religious opinions, instead. It is important to state that this is so, lest it be misconstrued as the teaching of the Church."

Let me add that theologoumenna are generally the sort of speculations which may be held so far as the Church is concerned. But there are speculations which cannot be held, like the universalism of Origen which +Gregory of Nyssa picked up to an extent or the speculations of +John Chrysostomos that Panagia sinned in her lifetime. The best example of a theologoumennon which is acceptable is likely the belief in the bodily assumption of the Theotokos after her death. This is not a dogmatic belief among the Orthodox as it is among the Latins, but there is no proscription of the belief and indeed the overwhelming number of Orthodox ascribe to it and the Synaxaria for the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on Aug. 15 speak of it.


11,390 posted on 03/17/2007 4:19:35 AM PDT by Kolokotronis (Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!)
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