You can keep believing that fantasy if you want. We have already established WHY the Council of Florence failed. The Eastern laity wouldn't allow it. You yourself agree that the Eastern laity had to correct the Bishops who were traitors... Apparently, only pig farmers were legitimate theologians during this era... The hatred of things West is well advertised and documented among Byzantium writings - no use in pretending there isn't. This hatred was merely stoked by the encyclicals like the one you posted. Filled with strawmen to beat up the West and the Eastern laity go along, hook, line and sinker, since (as you admit) the East does not desire to know about the West's point of view. Ask an Eastern to DETAIL what the West ACTUALLY believe, and you'd hear a pin drop. Are we really supposed to believe that the typical peasant of 1400 knew ANYTHING about Aquinas except what Father whatever told them??? That is just gullible, through and through. I call them like I see them - I don't belong to the PC police...
Theology has nothing to do with it. It is perception. As long as the East looks down on the West, NO COUNCILIAR agreement has a chance of succeeding at an Eastern synod, as the ignorant Eastern laity (of things Western) wouldn't have it... Old wounds and strawmen would prevent it. Someone like Kosta would repost all the exceptions to the ordinary Western liturgy or your would huff and puff that "It's either you are right or we are right - and we are not wrong"... My exercise has proven that.
I think if you cool down and come back here and read these posts a few days later, you might see that your attitude will not allow a reunion, no matter what is decided at a Council. Some other excuse will be invented and things will go on as before.
If you want reunion, then changes have to take place. The Orthodox are happy with their beliefs.
We are happy with ours, as well. We have gotten along, had Councils, proclaimed doctrines, celebrated the Eucharist, canonized saints, spread the Gospel, etc., without the Eastern Orthodox. The point is not about "happiness" but about fulfilling the Will of Jesus Christ, who desires ALL be as one. If you recall your Nicean Creed, it says the ONE, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Christ's Body is not MEANT to be so divided.
I can see nothing that Rome offers to be attractive.
Well, for us, it's all about those cool hats. If we could only get our hands on them... :>
But seriously, it is not a matter of finding "attractiveness" on union. You are thinking too worldly. Christianity is MEANT to be united with one faith. Only the human condition keeps us separated. Things like pride and misunderstandings.
As for who I speak for, you would be suprised at just how many of the Orthodox faithful feel the same way. I am just a Texan that tends to be more blunt about it.
I know. I wasn't being sarcastic when I said you speak for hundreds of thousands... The problem is the hatred is spread far and wide in the East and you don't see it. Which is why reunion cannot work now. Religious pride must first be admitted before it is overcome.
I'm an Arizonan who also can be blunt, if you haven't noticed by now.
Regards
OK. Question: did you or did you not read the link about the history of the council of Florence? The entire council was ARROGANCE. The Greeks were “over a barrel” and the Latins knew it. They insisted on having everything their way, the creed WITH the filioque in it, etc. It wasn’t a mutual coming together to find an answer, it was coercion to the extreme!
When I say either we are right, or YOU are, I mean that exactly.
Example: Either the Pope is the Infallible Vicar of Christ as you believe, or he is merely “primus inter pares” and Chairman of the Board, Patriarch of the West, as WE believe.
How can you possibly compromise that?
This is not hatred or anger on my part, but just plain REASON. (and I am “cool” as a cucumber!)