Would you rather be Orthodox or Catholic?

[MoreCoffee]

If, for some good reason, you were to decide to become either a Catholic or an Orthodox Christian, which would you choose?

 

[Castle Church]

I'm not sure that it really "works" that way. The reason that I have changed denominations in the past is because of a profound change in the way that I view something central to the theology, practices or reality in the church in question. At the moment I can't see being either one. I can't be either for various reasons, so I can't really pick on that I would "rather" be.

Broadly though, I would prefer to be a part of a Western Rite, be it the Latin Roman Rite or a Western Rite Orthodox. The few Eastern service that I have seen or been to are just to "other" for me.

 

[Albion]

That's a toughie. In a way.

What I mean is that Orthodoxy is more orthodox. It is free of the most grievous of the Roman Catholic innovations.

But on the other hand, Eastern Orthodoxy is too esoteric, mystical, etc. for most Westerners, me included. The divine liturgy is beautiful in a way, but remote. And to make it more difficult, almost all (but not absolutely all) Orthodox parishes are strongly ethnic, so if you're not Russian or Arabic, or whatever the focus may be, you're likely to not feel at home, all doctrinal matters aside.

 

[Josiah]

That's a toughie. In a way.

What I mean is that Orthodoxy is more orthodox. It is free of the most grievous of the Roman Catholic innovations.

But on the other hand, Eastern Orthodoxy is too esoteric, mystical, etc. for most Westerners, me included. The divine liturgy is beautiful in a way, but remote. And to make it more difficult, almost all (but not absolutely all) Orthodox parishes are strongly ethnic, so if you're not Russian or Arabic, or whatever the focus may be, you're likely to not feel at home, all doctrinal matters aside.

What he said.

I DO much prefer the "spirit" of Orthodoxy.... the humility, the willingness to embrace mystery, the less focus on self and institutionalism that we see in Roman Catholicism. And some of that which I reject in Catholicism is simply not present in the EOC's (at least as doctrine).

Years ago, when I was still an undergrad, I had a good friend who was Greek Orthodox. And we OFTEN found MUCH common ground. But Albion's point about culture was ever present; she was VERY GREEK, noting worship is in GREEK, the parish has a GREEK festival, the church has GREEK DANCING and language and cooking classes. Well, I'm not Greek. I have nothing against Greek anything (especially Greek food) but... I wonder if the EOC perhaps would be a FAR, FAR bigger force in Christianity if it "shed" the strong cultural aspect? We see that in Catholicism, Lutheranism and really all European churches but it's FAR less omnipresent than what I see in the EOC.


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[MoreCoffee]

I'm not sure that it really "works" that way. The reason that I have changed denominations in the past is because of a profound change in the way that I view something central to the theology, practices or reality in the church in question. At the moment I can't see being either one. I can't be either for various reasons, so I can't really pick on that I would "rather" be.

Broadly though, I would prefer to be a part of a Western Rite, be it the Latin Roman Rite or a Western Rite Orthodox. The few Eastern service that I have seen or been to are just to "other" for me.

Interesting.

I became a Catholic for some theological reasons (the antiquity of the Church, her unity, and apostolic practises) and some liturgical reasons (I like the mass with its emphasis on the Holy Eucharist, its scripture readings, and short homily) and some convenience reasons (it was the nearest Christian church building, the people did not "love bomb" me when I first appeared, and I made friends at my own pace).

I think we all have our own ways of decision making. So, hearing another person's view is interesting.

God bless, @Castle Church

 

[Hadassah]

If, for some good reason, you were to decide to become either a Catholic or an Orthodox Christian, which would you choose?

Hi! Maybe you can entertain my thoughts a moment. This is what confuses me, there is 1 Christianity 1 foundational standard of the 1 God with 3 divine personifications, yet much division?

I once thought of converting to the Greek Orthodox or at least attend mass there instead of my local Catholic Church. The reason was, I noticed many of the priest in the Catholic churches in my area were very effeminate. The Greek church close to me has an older gentleman, masculine and very steeped in his traditions.

I didn't realize the differences between the two. To become Greek Orthodox you have renounce Catholicism. I thought, this is interesting. That set me on a course of studying Christian history and comparing all denominational beliefs. I began looking at dogmas and practices of all and went to the foundation - the bible. Not just the Catholic Canon but all; the Greek Septuagent, Latin Vulgate and the Ethiopian bible and Dead Sea Scrolls. I even read Apocryphal books, I found some interesting things.

I found that each assembly had some unbiblical beliefs, dogmas and practices that were acquired over many centuries. Some things were added that cannot be substantiated by the holy written word and others reject truths another has that could be substantiated by the bible. When I would point that out I would be told it is not their tradition. Yet it was biblical.

Long story short, it isn't complicated. Truth is truth and once shown it, it should be applicable based on the merit of it and never rejected just because another denomination recognizes it and applies it. Pride is annoying.