www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West How the divisions will finally be healed (one theory)

I got this idea while reading the thread about Frederica Mathews-Greene. She converted from the Episcopalian church to the Orthodox church, which seems to happen a lot with Protestants.

So - here's how it's gonna happen: more and more Protestants, unable to make the final leap to Catholicism, yet strongly attracted to the historic and apostolic Church, will convert to Orthodoxy. This will become a major phenomenon.

Then - one fine day when we've got as many of them as we can possibly get - the Catholic and Orthodox Churches will finally hammer out an agreement to end the Schism - and voila! The Christian Churches will all be united, in one fell swoop! They won't know what hit 'em!

Hey - it could happen!

Hello Dolly!

Very interesting . . .

I myself see a growing rift between "Conservatives" and "Liberals" in the various Churches.

Ultimately, as I see it anyway, the "push" factor of growing liberalism will bring conservative (true Church believers!) together.

Alex

The only problem is that the one thing some of these converted Protestants bring with them into Orthodoxy is anti-Catholicism...
-Daniel

Dear father Daniel,

Yes, indeed but I hope you are not referring to ROCOR, because I don't like anyone mean-mouthing them!

And I've met some converts to traditional Latin Catholicism who have nothing "unschismatic" to say about the Orthodox either!

I guess they figure there's nothing to say about those who have deliberately come out from under the Vatican's jurisdiction that was directly established by the Apostles!

Alex

I think Alex is right (but what do I know?).

Christianity is quickly splitting into "liberal" and "conservative" factions. I think we see even conservative Protestants "teaming up" with Catholics and Orthodox on moral issues nowadays in the U.S. and, I suppose, elswhere.

Logos Teen

Indeed, Garrett.
I cerainly feel unity with anyone holding fast to their faith in the face of secularism. That's why I am so ecumenically minded toward everyone from Pentecostals to Orthodox to traditional Anglicans but don't consider ecumenical efforts with the liberal Protestant denominations to be worth the bother; they are apostates, and should be named as such.
-Daniel

Dear Teen Logo,

I think you know a great deal, Friend!

Alex

Dear Daniel:

"Apostates" might be too strong (and probably incorrect) to our liking!

How about "misguided?"

Amado

Dear, in Christ, Theist Gal!

May it come true, and soon! I have just one caution, lest we think that any earthly plan will work.....

It is God who will heal the Churches, and restore unity to his holy bride. It is he who grants forgiveness and reconciliation in the Church.

Our conversion (to holy orthodoxy - or the true faith, if you prefer) is his work in us. And everyone (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) is receiving the same call daily.

Let us pray that we all hear, and obey!

the unworthy,

Elias

Bless, Father Elias,

You are posting frequently today!

Perhaps it is because tomorrow is the Old Calendar feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel?

Perhaps YOU are being called to something here as well . . .

Alex

Dear, in Christ, Alex,

It is God who blesses you!

A very blessed feast of the Mother of God of Carmel! May she enfold you always, in the mantle of her protection.

the unworthy,

Elias