There remains (at least in this context) one more thing to address and consider, that of your own presuppositions. Are you in agreement with the beliefs and practices of the Orthodox church? Then I have to assume that you are already baptized into Christ in the church. If you are not, then you need to ask yourself what particular points you oppose, and why.
There are many, many doctrinal points that can bog down this sort of consideration. And as much as I love a robust doctrinal discussion, that sort of thing will only muddy the process. Differing doctrines can be sorted out later, once the foundation has been examined and corrected, if necessary.
A good understanding of church history will aid much in this consideration. Where we started, how we have progressed and grown and where we currently are will help establish our understanding of the claims of the Orthodox church.
Obviously, the Roman Catholic church is the closest to the Orthodox church, but still far from being in unity with us. The churches of the Reformation are another step removed and that much further from communion. In most cases, simple ignorance of us and church history greatly complicates matters. The evangelical church of another step further away, and the quasi-Christian groups, another step further.
So what am I saying about all of this? No matter where you are, you must ask yourself why you are there, what exactly you are in disagreement about with the Orthodox church and if you are willing to consider all of it and if not, why not?
Some may respond that there is no need to give consideration to the Orthodox church, that there are better things upon which to spend ones time. But a statement as such reveals some terrible presuppositions. Someone cannot disregard the Orthodox church with indifference. The claims we make and the history we hold demands a response. An informed person will either love or reject Orthodoxy. I've seen both. One will hear the claims, learn the history and respond with love or rejection. One cannot respond with, "That belief is okay if it works for you. But it is not where I am at. We are still both faithful Christians." This position is not possible when speaking from an informed position.
So what will you do? We claim to be the one, holy apostolic church. What do you believe and why?
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Presuppositions, part three
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