Eastern OrthodoxyEastern Orthodoxy

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006 Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Eastern Orthodoxy

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Eastern Orthodoxy

IntroductionIntroductionWorldwide Adherents: c. 220,000,000

Countries: Mostly Eastern Europe and part of Asia

History: Church in East before West 1. Paul was baptized in Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).

2. Believers first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26).

3. Churches in Jerusalem and Antioch before Rome.

4. Earliest centers of Christian were in the East (Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople [Istanbul]).

Worldwide Adherents: c. 220,000,000

Countries: Mostly Eastern Europe and part of Asia

History: Church in East before West 1. Paul was baptized in Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).

2. Believers first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26).

3. Churches in Jerusalem and Antioch before Rome.

4. Earliest centers of Christian were in the East (Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople [Istanbul]).

Religions of the WorldReligions of the WorldTotal Christian 2,133,806,000

Roman Catholics 1,118,991,000

Independents 425,170,000 Protestants 375,815,000 Orthodox 219,501,000 Anglicans 79,718,000

Total Christian 2,133,806,000

Roman Catholics 1,118,991,000

Independents 425,170,000 Protestants 375,815,000 Orthodox 219,501,000 Anglicans 79,718,000

OutlineOutline I. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils C. Divided from Roman

Catholics A. D. 1054

II. Other Beliefs and Practices

I. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils C. Divided from Roman

Catholics A. D. 1054

II. Other Beliefs and Practices

I. Basic BeliefsI. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines (held by all). 1. Human depravity

2. Mary’s virginity

3. Christ’s purity

4. Christ’s deity

5. Christ’s humanity

6. God’s unity

7. God’s tri-unity

8. The necessity of God’s grace

9. The necessity of our faith

10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection

12. Christ’s bodily ascension

13. Christ present intercession

14. Christ’s bodily return

15. The Divine authority of the Bible

A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines (held by all). 1. Human depravity

2. Mary’s virginity

3. Christ’s purity

4. Christ’s deity

5. Christ’s humanity

6. God’s unity

7. God’s tri-unity

8. The necessity of God’s grace

9. The necessity of our faith

10. Christ’s atoning death

11. Christ’s bodily resurrection

12. Christ’s bodily ascension

13. Christ present intercession

14. Christ’s bodily return

15. The Divine authority of the Bible

The Apostle’s CreedThe Apostle’s Creed• I believe [9] in God [6], the Father Almighty, the Creator of

heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord [4]:Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit [7], born of the Virgin Mary [2, 3], suffered [10] under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died [5], and was buried. [He descended into hell.] The third day He arose again from the dead [11].

• He ascended into heaven [12] and sits at the right hand of God the Father [13] Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead [14]. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness [8] of sins [1], the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting [14]. Amen.

• Note: All 14 salvation doctrines are in this Creed .

• I believe [9] in God [6], the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord [4]:Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit [7], born of the Virgin Mary [2, 3], suffered [10] under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died [5], and was buried. [He descended into hell.] The third day He arose again from the dead [11].

• He ascended into heaven [12] and sits at the right hand of God the Father [13] Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead [14]. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic [universal] church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness [8] of sins [1], the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting [14]. Amen.

• Note: All 14 salvation doctrines are in this Creed .

The Nicene Creed (325)

The Nicene Creed (325)• We believe [9] in one God [6], the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven

and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made [4] , of one Being [6] with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation [10] he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary [2, 3] and became truly human [5] . For our sake he was crucified [10] under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again [11] in accordance with the Scriptures [15]; he ascended into heaven [12] and is seated at the right hand of the Father [13]. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end [14]. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified [7], who has spoken through the prophets [15]. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness [8] of sins [1]. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come [14]. Amen.

• *All 14 salvation doctrines plus Scripture (15) are contained here.

• We believe [9] in one God [6], the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made [4] , of one Being [6] with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation [10] he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary [2, 3] and became truly human [5] . For our sake he was crucified [10] under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again [11] in accordance with the Scriptures [15]; he ascended into heaven [12] and is seated at the right hand of the Father [13]. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end [14]. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified [7], who has spoken through the prophets [15]. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness [8] of sins [1]. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come [14]. Amen.

• *All 14 salvation doctrines plus Scripture (15) are contained here.

• The Chalcedonian Creed (451)• Following, then, the holy fathers, we unite in teaching all men to

confess the one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This selfsame one is perfect [3]both in deity [4] and in humanness [5]; this selfsame one is also actually God [4] and actually man, with a rational soul and a body [5].  He is of the same reality as God as far as his deity is concerned [7] and of the same reality as we ourselves as far as his humanness is concerned; thus like us in  all respects, sin [1] only excepted.  Before time began he was begotten of the Father, in respect of his deity, and now in these "last days," for us and behalf of our salvation, this selfsame one was born of Mary the virgin [2], who is God-bearer in respect of his humanness.

• The Chalcedonian Creed (451)• Following, then, the holy fathers, we unite in teaching all men to

confess the one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This selfsame one is perfect [3]both in deity [4] and in humanness [5]; this selfsame one is also actually God [4] and actually man, with a rational soul and a body [5].  He is of the same reality as God as far as his deity is concerned [7] and of the same reality as we ourselves as far as his humanness is concerned; thus like us in  all respects, sin [1] only excepted.  Before time began he was begotten of the Father, in respect of his deity, and now in these "last days," for us and behalf of our salvation, this selfsame one was born of Mary the virgin [2], who is God-bearer in respect of his humanness.

• We also teach that we apprehend this one and only Christ-Son, Lord, only-begotten -- in two natures [4,5]; and we do this without confusing the two natures, without  transmuting one nature into the other, without dividing them into two separate categories, without contrasting them according to area or function The distinctiveness of each nature is not nullified by the union. Instead, the "properties" of each nature are conserved and both natures concur in one "person” [4,5] and in one reality [hypostasis]. They are not divided or cut into two persons, but are together the one and only and only-begotten Word [Logos] of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Thus have the prophets of old [15] testified; thus the Lord Jesus Christ himself taught [15] us; thus the Symbol of Fathers [the Nicene Creed] handed down to us. [It affirms the 15 essential doctrines]  

• We also teach that we apprehend this one and only Christ-Son, Lord, only-begotten -- in two natures [4,5]; and we do this without confusing the two natures, without  transmuting one nature into the other, without dividing them into two separate categories, without contrasting them according to area or function The distinctiveness of each nature is not nullified by the union. Instead, the "properties" of each nature are conserved and both natures concur in one "person” [4,5] and in one reality [hypostasis]. They are not divided or cut into two persons, but are together the one and only and only-begotten Word [Logos] of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Thus have the prophets of old [15] testified; thus the Lord Jesus Christ himself taught [15] us; thus the Symbol of Fathers [the Nicene Creed] handed down to us. [It affirms the 15 essential doctrines]  

I. Basic BeliefsI. Basic Beliefs• A. All 15 Essential Doctrines• B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils

• A. All 15 Essential Doctrines• B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils

The General Councils of the ChurchThe General Councils of the Church• 1. First Council of Nicea (325)

– Condemned Arianism as heretical– Affirmed the Trinity and full Deity of Christ– Asserted that Bishops can only be appointed by Bishops– Excommunication can only be by a Bishop– Bishops have authority only over their own region

• 2. First Council of Constantinople (381)– Affirmed Nicean Creed– Proclaimed Deity of Holy Spirit– United with Eastern Church on the Nicean Creed– Emperor Theodosius founded a Christian State– Paganism was condemned by the State

– Note: The “Theodotian Code” (438) was later modified by the Justinian Code (539) that separated religious and civil matters to State and Church respectively.

• 1. First Council of Nicea (325)– Condemned Arianism as heretical– Affirmed the Trinity and full Deity of Christ– Asserted that Bishops can only be appointed by Bishops– Excommunication can only be by a Bishop– Bishops have authority only over their own region

• 2. First Council of Constantinople (381)– Affirmed Nicean Creed– Proclaimed Deity of Holy Spirit– United with Eastern Church on the Nicean Creed– Emperor Theodosius founded a Christian State– Paganism was condemned by the State

– Note: The “Theodotian Code” (438) was later modified by the Justinian Code (539) that separated religious and civil matters to State and Church respectively.

The General Councils of the ChurchThe General Councils of the Church• 3. Council of Ephesus (431)

– Condemned Nestorianism (2 persons in Christ)

– Called Mary the “the God-bearer” (the “Mother of God”) or better, of Mother of Jesus, the God-Man

• 4. Council of Chalcenon (451)– Condemned Eutchianism (Monophysitism)

– Affirmed the three previous Councils

– Acknowledged an Archbishop over Bishops

– Asserted its authority to excommunicate Bishops

– Gave “New Rome” (Constantinople) the same privileges as Old Rome, saying, Old Rome only had such privileges “because it was the royal city” (Canon 28)

• 3. Council of Ephesus (431)– Condemned Nestorianism (2 persons in Christ)

– Called Mary the “the God-bearer” (the “Mother of God”) or better, of Mother of Jesus, the God-Man

• 4. Council of Chalcenon (451)– Condemned Eutchianism (Monophysitism)

– Affirmed the three previous Councils

– Acknowledged an Archbishop over Bishops

– Asserted its authority to excommunicate Bishops

– Gave “New Rome” (Constantinople) the same privileges as Old Rome, saying, Old Rome only had such privileges “because it was the royal city” (Canon 28)

The General Councils of the ChurchThe General Councils of the Church

• 5. Second Council of Constantinople (553)– Affirmed the perpetual virginity of Mary

– Condemned Pope Virgilius as heretical

– Condemned Arianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Monotholitism, and Adoptinism

• 6. Third Council of Constantinople (680)– Reaffirmed the five prior Councils

– Condemned Pope Honorius for teaching heresy

– Condemned Monothelitism (which affirmed Christ has only one will)

– Called Mary “Our holy Lady, the holy, immaculate, ever-virgin and glorious Mary, truly and properly the Mother of God”

• 5. Second Council of Constantinople (553)– Affirmed the perpetual virginity of Mary

– Condemned Pope Virgilius as heretical

– Condemned Arianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Monotholitism, and Adoptinism

• 6. Third Council of Constantinople (680)– Reaffirmed the five prior Councils

– Condemned Pope Honorius for teaching heresy

– Condemned Monothelitism (which affirmed Christ has only one will)

– Called Mary “Our holy Lady, the holy, immaculate, ever-virgin and glorious Mary, truly and properly the Mother of God”

• 7. Second Council of Nicea (787)– It ruled in favor of icons and venerating images

– It pronounced anathama on all who did not venerate icons

– It made a theoretical distinction between worship of God and veneration of images (not followed in practice)

– [An alternate (iconoclatic) Council condemned it as idolatry]

– Note: These Councils are considered infallible.

• 7. Second Council of Nicea (787)– It ruled in favor of icons and venerating images

– It pronounced anathama on all who did not venerate icons

– It made a theoretical distinction between worship of God and veneration of images (not followed in practice)

– [An alternate (iconoclatic) Council condemned it as idolatry]

– Note: These Councils are considered infallible.

The General Councils of the ChurchThe General Councils of the Church

OutlineOutline I. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils C. Divided from Roman Catholics in A. D. 1054 over the

superiority of Pope and the “filioque” clause (“and of the Son”).

1. Roman Catholic: The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.

2. Eastern Church: The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father [only].

Note: The Bible favors Roman Catholic view (Jn. 15:26; 16:7, 13, 14;

Gal. 5:6), although the Spirit could come from the Father through the Son.

I. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils C. Divided from Roman Catholics in A. D. 1054 over the

superiority of Pope and the “filioque” clause (“and of the Son”).

1. Roman Catholic: The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.

2. Eastern Church: The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father [only].

Note: The Bible favors Roman Catholic view (Jn. 15:26; 16:7, 13, 14;

Gal. 5:6), although the Spirit could come from the Father through the Son.

OutlineOutline I. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils C. Divided from Roman

Catholics A. D. 1054

II. Other Beliefs and Practices

I. Basic Beliefs A. All 15 Essentials Doctrines B. Decrees of the First 7 Councils C. Divided from Roman

Catholics A. D. 1054

II. Other Beliefs and Practices

II. Other Beliefs and Practices A. Held in Common with Roman Catholics

II. Other Beliefs and Practices A. Held in Common with Roman Catholics

1. Infant Baptismal Regeneration [tho by triune immersion]2. Eucharist (Communion) has the real presence of Christ 3. Seven Sacraments (“Mysteries”)4. Order of the Priesthood5. The Authority of Tradition along with the Bible6. Primacy of Bishop of Rome (First among equals) and apostolic succession7. Perpetual Virginity of Mary 8. Veneration of the Virgin Mary9. Bodily Assumption of Mary10. Prayers to Mary and other Saints11. Prayers for the Dead12. No Celibacy for Clergy (except Bishops)13. Episcopal form of Church Government14. Veneration of Icons

1. Infant Baptismal Regeneration [tho by triune immersion]2. Eucharist (Communion) has the real presence of Christ 3. Seven Sacraments (“Mysteries”)4. Order of the Priesthood5. The Authority of Tradition along with the Bible6. Primacy of Bishop of Rome (First among equals) and apostolic succession7. Perpetual Virginity of Mary 8. Veneration of the Virgin Mary9. Bodily Assumption of Mary10. Prayers to Mary and other Saints11. Prayers for the Dead12. No Celibacy for Clergy (except Bishops)13. Episcopal form of Church Government14. Veneration of Icons

II. Other Beliefs and Practices B. Not Held in Common with Roman

Catholics 1. Difference in Approach 2. Difference in Doctrine

II. Other Beliefs and Practices B. Not Held in Common with Roman

Catholics 1. Difference in Approach 2. Difference in Doctrine

Western vs. Eastern Church1. Difference in Approach

Western vs. Eastern Church1. Difference in Approach

Roman Church Eastern Church Christological Pneumatological

(Christ-centered) (Spirit-centered)

Rational Mystical

Analogy Symbology

Earthly Focus Heavenly Focus

The Sacraments The Mysteries

Sanctification Deification

Roman Church Eastern Church Christological Pneumatological

(Christ-centered) (Spirit-centered)

Rational Mystical

Analogy Symbology

Earthly Focus Heavenly Focus

The Sacraments The Mysteries

Sanctification Deification

Western vs. Eastern Church2. Difference in Doctrine

Western vs. Eastern Church2. Difference in Doctrine

Roman Church Eastern Church Accepts Filiogue Rejects Filioque

Accepts Purgatory Rejects RC Purgatory

Accepts Apocrypha Rejects Apocrypha*

Accepts Infallibility Rejects Infallibility

Immaculate Conception Rejects Immaculate Conception

*Apocrypha used devotionally, not doctrinally

Roman Church Eastern Church Accepts Filiogue Rejects Filioque

Accepts Purgatory Rejects RC Purgatory

Accepts Apocrypha Rejects Apocrypha*

Accepts Infallibility Rejects Infallibility

Immaculate Conception Rejects Immaculate Conception

*Apocrypha used devotionally, not doctrinally

NT Ch Roman Eastern Anglic Luth. Reformed Baptist

15 basic Doctrines X X X X X X XFour Creeds X X X X X X XProcess. of Spirit X X X X X XInfant Baptism X X X X XBaptismal Regen. X X X XEpiscopal Govt X X X X*Tradition X X XPriesthood X X X Purgatory X X- X*Immac. Conception X X* Apocrypha X X- X- Icons X X X*7 Sacraments X X X* Transubstantiation X X X*Primacy of Pope X X X*Mary Bodily Assumption X X Venerate Mary X X X* Perpetual Virginity X X X* Prayer to Mary and Saints X X X*Worship of Host X X X*Works needed for Salvation X XInfallibility of Pope X Mary Mediatrix X X*=some X-=non-authoritative

NT Ch Roman Eastern Anglic Luth. Reformed Baptist

15 basic Doctrines X X X X X X XFour Creeds X X X X X X XProcess. of Spirit X X X X X XInfant Baptism X X X X XBaptismal Regen. X X X XEpiscopal Govt X X X X*Tradition X X XPriesthood X X X Purgatory X X- X*Immac. Conception X X* Apocrypha X X- X- Icons X X X*7 Sacraments X X X* Transubstantiation X X X*Primacy of Pope X X X*Mary Bodily Assumption X X Venerate Mary X X X* Perpetual Virginity X X X* Prayer to Mary and Saints X X X*Worship of Host X X X*Works needed for Salvation X XInfallibility of Pope X Mary Mediatrix X X*=some X-=non-authoritative

8. Fourth Council of Constantinople (869)Last of the Councils called by an Emperor

It affirmed the “filiogue” clause (that the Holy Spirit Proceeded from the Son, as well as from the Father)

It condemned the schism of Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople who challenged the filioque clause

9. First Lateran Council (1123)First Council called by a Pope (Callistus)

It affirmed the “Concordat of Worms” (1122) which granted the Roman Pope, not the Emperor, the right to invest a Bishop.

10. Second Lateran Council (1139)Convoked by Pope Innocent II to reform the Church

Condemned the schism of Arnold of Bresia who spoke against confession to a priest rather than to another lay person.

8. Fourth Council of Constantinople (869)Last of the Councils called by an Emperor

It affirmed the “filiogue” clause (that the Holy Spirit Proceeded from the Son, as well as from the Father)

It condemned the schism of Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople who challenged the filioque clause

9. First Lateran Council (1123)First Council called by a Pope (Callistus)

It affirmed the “Concordat of Worms” (1122) which granted the Roman Pope, not the Emperor, the right to invest a Bishop.

10. Second Lateran Council (1139)Convoked by Pope Innocent II to reform the Church

Condemned the schism of Arnold of Bresia who spoke against confession to a priest rather than to another lay person.

The History of the Conflict with RomeThe History of the Conflict with Rome

• 11. Third Lateran Council (1179)– Convened by Pope Alexander III to counter anti-Pope Callistus III

– It affirmed that the right to elect a Pope was restricted to the college of Cardinals

– The vote for Pope must be by 2/3 majority

• 12. Fourth Lateran Council (1215)– Called by Pope Innocent III

– Affirmed Transsubstantiation, primacy of Bishop of Rome, and Seven Sacraments

– Set up Office of the Inquisitors to investigate heresy and turned them over to the State for punishment

• 13. First Council of Lyon (1245)– Convoked by Pope Innocent IV to heal “five wounds” of the Church: 1) Moral decadence of

clergy; 2) Danger of Saracens (Muslims whom the Crusaders fought); 3) Schism with Eastern Church; 4) Invasion of Hungary by Tartars; 5) The Rupture between Church and emperor Frederick II

– Only minor reforms were made

• 11. Third Lateran Council (1179)– Convened by Pope Alexander III to counter anti-Pope Callistus III

– It affirmed that the right to elect a Pope was restricted to the college of Cardinals

– The vote for Pope must be by 2/3 majority

• 12. Fourth Lateran Council (1215)– Called by Pope Innocent III

– Affirmed Transsubstantiation, primacy of Bishop of Rome, and Seven Sacraments

– Set up Office of the Inquisitors to investigate heresy and turned them over to the State for punishment

• 13. First Council of Lyon (1245)– Convoked by Pope Innocent IV to heal “five wounds” of the Church: 1) Moral decadence of

clergy; 2) Danger of Saracens (Muslims whom the Crusaders fought); 3) Schism with Eastern Church; 4) Invasion of Hungary by Tartars; 5) The Rupture between Church and emperor Frederick II

– Only minor reforms were made

• 16. Council of Constance (1413-1418)– Convoked by Pope John XXII to end the great schism of three Popes at once, to reform the

Church, and to combat heresy– It condemned John Wycliffe (in 1415) after his death (in 1384) (His follower John Huss was

burned at the stake)– Claimed that an Ecumenical Council has authority over the Pope– “This Council holds its power direct from Christ; everyone, no matter his rank of office, even if it

is papal, is bound to obey it in whatever pertains to faith”

• 17. Council of Basel-Ferrara-Florence (1431-1437)– Convened by Pope Martin V for union with the Eastern Church [not successful]– It focused on Procession of Holy Spirit, Purgatory, and Primacy of the Pope on which the

Eastern Church temporarily agreed– After Constantinople was taken by Turks (1453) many Eastern Bishops recanted and pronounced

the Council of Basel heretical.– Immaculate Conception of Mary declared biblical and Catholic– [Later declared dogma by Pope Pius IX, 1854]

• 16. Council of Constance (1413-1418)– Convoked by Pope John XXII to end the great schism of three Popes at once, to reform the

Church, and to combat heresy– It condemned John Wycliffe (in 1415) after his death (in 1384) (His follower John Huss was

burned at the stake)– Claimed that an Ecumenical Council has authority over the Pope– “This Council holds its power direct from Christ; everyone, no matter his rank of office, even if it

is papal, is bound to obey it in whatever pertains to faith”

• 17. Council of Basel-Ferrara-Florence (1431-1437)– Convened by Pope Martin V for union with the Eastern Church [not successful]– It focused on Procession of Holy Spirit, Purgatory, and Primacy of the Pope on which the

Eastern Church temporarily agreed– After Constantinople was taken by Turks (1453) many Eastern Bishops recanted and pronounced

the Council of Basel heretical.– Immaculate Conception of Mary declared biblical and Catholic– [Later declared dogma by Pope Pius IX, 1854]