Orthodox Christianity

[Riven]

So out of all of the different denominations, Orthodox Christianity is the one that I keep returning to with a mild interest in learning more.

Well, I just thought I would share because it's a Christian forum and everyone has opinions. So please feel free to share your thoughts.

 

[Matthias]

So out of all of the different denominations, Orthodox Christianity is the one that I keep returning to with a mild interest in learning more.

Eastern or Oriental?

What’s the attraction for you?

 

[Riven]

Eastern or Oriental?

What’s the attraction for you?

Eastern.

Well, for one, they're beautiful. My only experience with church was one that was nondenominational, and it was just a building with a stage and a cross in the middle.

The music was the sort of typical pop-rock worship songs with electric guitar, drums, etc. I never liked that worship style at all. The songs are corny and a bit cringe, in my opinion.

Then there was some from the bible, and the pastor would choose a topic to talk about. It all seemed so... bland. It's like, are we worshipping God here, or tax exemption laws? Lol.

I've never attended an eastern orthodox church service before. So I can't say I know firsthand what they're like. But I have looked up solve YouTube videos, and like I said, it's quite beautiful. I rally enjoy the hymns. Sometimes I just listen to then on their own.

But most of all, I like their priests. They give off a good vibe. As a man, I think most churches seemed to be geared towards women. At the church o mentioned earlier, the women made up over 50% of the attendees. And they were the ones that were the most into the services. You could tell that the guys just weren't really into it.

The fact that you have to stand throughout the service in an orthodox church is interesting. That one I would have to try for myself to see if I like it or not.

Other than that, I haven't done a deep dive on how they differ from Catholicism. Although I know they don't recognize the authority of the pope. But neither do I, so...

 

[rafaelakutch]

Eastern.

Well, for one, they're beautiful. My only experience with church was one that was nondenominational, and it was just a building with a stage and a cross in the middle.

The music was the sort of typical pop-rock worship songs with electric guitar, drums, etc. I never liked that worship style at all. The songs are corny and a bit cringe, in my opinion.

Then there was some from the bible, and the pastor would choose a topic to talk about. It all seemed so... bland. It's like, are we worshipping God here, or tax exemption laws? Lol.

I've never attended an eastern orthodox church service before. So I can't say I know firsthand what they're like. But I have looked up solve YouTube videos, and like I said, it's quite beautiful. I rally enjoy the hymns. Sometimes I just listen to then on their own.

But most of all, I like their priests. They give off a good vibe. As a man, I think most churches seemed to be geared towards women. At the church o mentioned earlier, the women made up over 50% of the attendees. And they were the ones that were the most into the services. You could tell that the guys just weren't really into it.

The fact that you have to stand throughout the service in an orthodox church is interesting. That one I would have to try for myself to see if I like it or not.

Sprunki Game​

Other than that, I haven't done a deep dive on how they differ from Catholicism. Although I know they don't recognize the authority of the pope. But neither do I, so...

I totally get where you’re coming from! Your experience with the nondenominational church sounds… well, familiar. It’s interesting how different the atmosphere and focus can be compared to Eastern Orthodoxy. The aesthetic aspect is a big draw for a lot of people, myself included. The beauty of the iconography, the vestments, and the chanting create a truly immersive and spiritual experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. I also agree about the music; the hymns are so much richer and more meaningful than the pop-rock worship style. There’s a depth and history to them that really resonates.
The male-female dynamic you mentioned is also something I’ve observed. It’s true that some churches can feel geared more towards women. The Orthodox Church, with its emphasis on tradition and its more masculine imagery (the bearded priests, the strong patriarchal figures in the icons), seems to appeal more to men, or at least offers a different kind of spiritual connection that they might find more engaging.
The standing thing is definitely something you have to experience for yourself. It can be challenging at first, but I’ve found that it actually helps me to stay more present and focused during the service. It’s a physical act of worship that engages the whole body.
As for the differences from Catholicism, you’re right about the Pope. That’s a major point of divergence. But there are also other theological and historical differences that are worth exploring if you’re interested. Overall, it sounds like you’re drawn to the Orthodox Church for some of the same reasons many people are: its beauty, its tradition, and its unique spiritual atmosphere. It’s definitely worth checking out a service in person to see if it resonates with you!

 

[Matthias]

So out of all of the different denominations, Orthodox Christianity is the one that I keep returning to with a mild interest in learning more.

Well, I just thought I would share because it's a Christian forum and everyone has opinions. So please feel free to share your thoughts.

Book recommendation.

And God Created Lenin: Marxism vs. Religion in Russia, 1917-1929, written by Paul Gabel.

You won’t become a fan of Marxism but you will learn more about Orthodoxy and it will affect your level of interest.

 

[Riven]

Book recommendation.

And God Created Lenin: Marxism vs. Religion in Russia, 1917-1929, written by Paul Gabel.

You won’t become a fan of Marxism but you will learn more about Orthodoxy and it will affect your level of interest.

In what ways?

 

[Matthias]

In what ways?

Shockingly negative ways.

 

[Riven]

Shockingly negative ways.

Well, who am I to judge? Oh, right. I'm Riven. It's what I do.

Anyways, you know, the Orthodoxy is very foreign to me. But at least on the surface, they're the only denomination that's actually trying to appeal to men and not just bring them into the fold as servants of Christ, but also KEEP THEM.

When men leave the church, the church dies. It may not physically die, but it is spiritually dead, and it's days are surely numbered. It'll remain on life support and barely get by on women who are in love with the image of Jesus, and concerned well wishers of various sorts.

 

[Aunty Jane]

@Riven Anyone who explores the history of the orthodox “Catholic” church (of any nationality) will be appalled at their departures from the teachings of the church that Christ and his apostles started.

Only when you know what Jesus and his apostles taught, can you begin to see the departures clearly....introduced gradually over the centuries......the installation of the pope in the Roman branch is only one departure...there are hundreds more that go way back to the beginning of the second century.

An apostasy was foretold and it was beginning at the end of the first century, whilst the apostles were still alive...it was they, along with their Lord, who warned of this coming travesty.....the devil would plant imitation “wheat” in the world, and pass it off as the real thing. The majority would fall for it. (Matt 7:13-14)

If all you are looking for is to have your emotions manipulated, then any stained glass church with beautiful decor and icons will attract you, as will the chants of monks singing in harmony, sound appealing....and “religious”. There were no “monks” in first century Christianity...no monasteries and no nuns either.

The church that Jesus started had no temples or grand cathedrals....it had no earthly priesthood dressed in distinctive garments and strange hats. No imagery was permitted as it led to idolatry.
There were no titles to distinguish members of a hierarchy. All were in equal standing before God.
It had no repetitive rituals or prayers...no holy water, no infant baptism, no elevation of Mary as “the mother of God”, and no immortal souls or a “hell” for roasting sinners forever, with no way to repent.

There was no justification for Christians to enter military service because Christ taught us to “love our enemies”(Matt 5:43-44)....and to do no harm to our brothers in Christ. (1 John 4:20-21)

When the world goes to war, what is the first thing sacrificed to it....our Christian neutrality....being “no part of the world” (John 18:36) means not being part of its wars and political affairs.
When “Christians” in the military take up arms to kill their own brothers on the opposing side...whose side does God take?

The war between Russia and Eukraine is fought under the shadow of two “Orthodox” churches...so when they kill one another, how are they not working against everything that Christ taught? (1 John 4:0-21)

“All that glitters is not gold”.....all that masquerades as “Christianity” isn’t either...

If you have no basis for comparison, then you will buy whatever they are selling (with the right marketing).....designed with what might appeal to you.....that is not what Christianity is, and never was.

 

[Matthias]

“… tradition trumped comprehension.”

(Paul Gabel, And God created Lenin: Marxism vs. Religion in Russia, 1917-1929, p. 291)

Still interested @Riven?

 

[Riven]

“… tradition trumped comprehension.”

(Paul Gabel, And God created Lenin: Marxism vs. Religion in Russia, 1917-1929, p. 291)

Still interested @Riven?

To be fair, the Soviet Union is no more.

 

[Matthias]

To be fair, the Soviet Union is no more.

The Russian Orthodox Church remains and tradition still trumps comprehension in it. With your keen intellect, I wouldn’t think you would have continuing interest in that kind of religion once you learned more about it.

 

[Riven]

The Russian Orthodox Church remains and tradition still trumps comprehension in it. With your keen intellect, I wouldn’t think you would have continuing interest in that kind of religion once you learned more about it.

I haven't learned about it yet. We may yet agree on this matter in the future.

 

[Matthias]

I haven't learned about it yet.

Study a person, a people, an industry, a government, a business, an organization, a church under pressure to find out what they‘re truly about. That’s one of the reasons that I’m reading (and recommending) And God Created Lenin. It won’t be the only book that I‘ll read about Orthodox Christianity, nor about Marxism.

We may yet agree on this matter in the future.

 

[Matthias]

I haven't learned about it yet.

I can’t picture you getting into this.

 

[Matthias]

I haven't learned about it yet.

Thanks to you, I’ve begun watching this series.

 

[Matthias]

From my X / Twitter “For you” feed this afternoon -

“So many people believe the lies of the catholic and protestant churches …

‘You have to be EASTERN or GREEK or from RUSSIA to be Orthodox!’ …

What they won’t tell you is that Orthodoxy is the ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH …

Millions around the world are converting”

(THE ORTHOCHAT)

https://x.com/theorthochat/status/1987583716198404434?s=61

What the Orthodox Church is asserting should be examined. Test the spirits (1 John 4:1).

 

[Matthias]

From my X / Twitter “For you” feed this afternoon -

“Why is it not permitted to have joint prayer?”

https://x.com/orthodox_33ad/status/1998577557227389342?s=61

Chrisitianity seriously divided. Orthodox Christians aren’t supposed to have joint prayer with Catholics and Protestants.

The Canons of the Orthodox Church forbid ecumenical prayer.

Can Orthodox Christians Pray With Non-Orthodox?

Can Orthodox Christians pray with the non-Orthodox? Delve into the Church’s teachings and the implications of ecumenical prayer.

www.saintjohnchurch.org

 

[Prycejosh1987]

I do not know what Orthodox christianity is. I am a baptist at heart, but i go to a pentecostal church. I preach as a non denominational christian though.

 

[Aunty Jane]

I do not know what Orthodox christianity is. I am a baptist at heart, but i go to a pentecostal church. I preach as a non denominational christian though.

Can you define a “non-denominational Christian” for me please.....