This isn't even remotely true of Orthodox theology. Such dogma as exists, exists because the People of God have accepted it and lived it out, ...
Yes, I was speaking much more of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. I see it as claiming and exerting authority despite what the laity may believe. On the L&E thread I posted some statistics (polls) showing the RC Church in disagreement with a majority of the laity on issues such as contraception (overwhelmingly), marriage dissolution, and (I think) clerical celibacy.
"On the L&E thread I posted some statistics (polls) showing the RC Church in disagreement with a majority of the laity on issues such as contraception (overwhelmingly), marriage dissolution, and (I think) clerical celibacy."
I am very surprised at the last two.
Was that polling world wide or just here in the US?
Could be but that is a mere indication that western modern culture is profoundly at odds with Christianity.
the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light: for their works were evil. (John 3:19)If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you (John 15:18f)
the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. (1 Cor. 3:19)