www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Benefits Of Reunion

To All,

It does no good to point fingers or blame one communion or another about past mistakes. Whoever did the least heinous crimes, it still doesn't prove they are the Church. So what's the point of reminding everyone that Latins sacked Constantinople or that Constanipolitans destroyed Latin churches or trampled our Lord. It really doesn't matter because both are at fault.

Logos Teen

Dear Michael,

You raise a crucial point here!

We must return "ad fontes" which, in our case, means the Fathers and Patristics.

The more we examine the Fathers and the life of the early Church of the first millennium, the more we'll understand our divisions less in terms of "Catholic vs Orthodox" and more in terms of how each of our respective Churches has or has not remained faithful to the life of the once united Church of the Fathers.

I believe that once that occurs, we may be surprised as to how quickly unity between East and West will occur!

(Is it just me or are people picking on you lately here?)

Alex

Dear Michael,

When I stated the following:

"Do you or anyone else realize, that if that were to happen, the RCC would simply dissolve or break into a million pieces because of the people's objections. Is that what you want?"

It was because I was thinking of the reaction that the Orthodox would have if it was to change and become Latin and all it espouses. Let's not forget the Old Calenderists...and that was simply a change in the dates.

You said:

"If you truly believe this and you are correct about this, then it would mean the RC is in a lot worse shape than anyone (especially me) has expected. Surely you agree that Christ and the Holy Spirit will be with us to the end of the age."

I say:

Yes but the Holy Spirit works through the hearts of men, and has always done so in accordance to that which they are able to understand. In other words, through their 'cultural' reasoning, nurturing, etc.

You are saying that the Holy Spirit should only work through men's hearts if they are within a certain 'cultural' comprehension. Sorry! We are all different!

You quoted my as posting:

"Now tell me, what good would that be to the souls of all those people, and to those that are under their umbrella in undeveloped nations. Not to be polemic, but are those things ever taken into account, or was the comment made flippantly for who knows what reason? Certainly it was not practical or productive"

I meant:

What would happen to those that are helped by the various RCC orders such as the Franciscans? Let's not forget the RCC is probably the largest charitable organization in the world. So tell me?

You said:

"I meant what I said, no matter how you took it. It should be obvious by now that unless the Roman Catholic church changes it's ecclesiology and (through it's teaching) becomes recognizeably Orthodox, there will be no reconciliation."

I say:

You seem to speak as someone that has great authority in these matters. I would like to ask you, what is your comprehension of 'Orthodox'?

Zenovia

Thank you brother.

I am taking an opportunity to say what I think, I expect a few jabs, it's not so bad. This place is about exchanging info and ideas, we can all be friends regardless. I like everyone here.

Love in Christ,
Michael