Orthodox-Catholic dialogue is just one of the many interesting things that go on at Pontifications, where I'm a co-moderator. You would benefit from perusing it. Use the search function.
My interest in Orthodoxy goes back to my college days, when I seriously considered converting to it. But in the end I decided against that move. Let's just say it had to do with the question of doctrinal development: I found Orthodoxy too "fundamentalist" in that regard. And what had attracted me to it—its liturgy, its iconography, its rich mystical tradition—I found just as readily in Eastern-rite Catholicism. I plan on becoming an an Eastern as distinct from a Latin Catholic once I move close enough to an Eastern-rite church.
This latest installment on your series of development and negation is as splendily done as the previous articles. I can appreciate such a reasoned explanation that takes vast amounts of seemingly disparate data into account. One thing that has always attracted me to Catholicism (and continues to do so) is that harmony of faith and reason such that faith does not require me to believe contrary to right reason. I will admit, however, that I'm sometimes long on the uptake of just what right reason consists of. :)
I'm interested that you've decided to go Eastern Catholic Rite. Byzantine I presume? I, too, love nearly everything Eastern (the Melkites can smother you to the point of asphyxiation with incense) but unlike you, I've made a firm choice to remain a Latin Rite Catholic.
I've thought about going Eastern for a long time. What's stopped me is that, for the last 8 years, I've lived at least 80 miles from the nearest Eastern-rite church. That will change when I move—and move I will, since there are no suitable jobs for me around here and my career prospects, which are finally developing as I had hoped, lie elsewhere.
Mike, Not all Orthodoxy is fundamentalist. Did you go to that blog I sent you a link too? I would encourage you to communicate with that person. He is very smart. I will still give you a chance. You are seeking. I would encourage you to check the Orthodox links on my blog. Regards Oly
I recognize that not "all" Orthodoxy is fundamentalist. That's why I said "most," which reflects my experience offline though not online. I have read the books of Bishop Kallistos Ware, who is not a fundamentalist, and a few of the books of Archpriest Alexander Schmemann, with whom I also had some illuminating personal conversations many years ago. But even non-fundamentalist Orthodox deny that the Bishop of Rome has any right to define dogma for the whole Church apart from an ecumenical council. That's where I part company with them.
I will go check out your article. I have heard that place is an Orthodox Catholic dialogue. What fuels your interest in Orthodoxy?
ReplyDeleteOly:
ReplyDeleteOrthodox-Catholic dialogue is just one of the many interesting things that go on at Pontifications, where I'm a co-moderator. You would benefit from perusing it. Use the search function.
My interest in Orthodoxy goes back to my college days, when I seriously considered converting to it. But in the end I decided against that move. Let's just say it had to do with the question of doctrinal development: I found Orthodoxy too "fundamentalist" in that regard. And what had attracted me to it—its liturgy, its iconography, its rich mystical tradition—I found just as readily in Eastern-rite Catholicism. I plan on becoming an an Eastern as distinct from a Latin Catholic once I move close enough to an Eastern-rite church.
Mike:
ReplyDeleteThis latest installment on your series of development and negation is as splendily done as the previous articles. I can appreciate such a reasoned explanation that takes vast amounts of seemingly disparate data into account. One thing that has always attracted me to Catholicism (and continues to do so) is that harmony of faith and reason such that faith does not require me to believe contrary to right reason. I will admit, however, that I'm sometimes long on the uptake of just what right reason consists of. :)
I'm interested that you've decided to go Eastern Catholic Rite. Byzantine I presume? I, too, love nearly everything Eastern (the Melkites can smother you to the point of asphyxiation with incense) but unlike you, I've made a firm choice to remain a Latin Rite Catholic.
Thanks, Keith.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about going Eastern for a long time. What's stopped me is that, for the last 8 years, I've lived at least 80 miles from the nearest Eastern-rite church. That will change when I move—and move I will, since there are no suitable jobs for me around here and my career prospects, which are finally developing as I had hoped, lie elsewhere.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteNot all Orthodoxy is fundamentalist. Did you go to that blog I sent you a link too? I would encourage you to communicate with that person. He is very smart. I will still give you a chance. You are seeking. I would encourage you to check the Orthodox links on my blog.
Regards
Oly
Oly:
ReplyDeleteI recognize that not "all" Orthodoxy is fundamentalist. That's why I said "most," which reflects my experience offline though not online. I have read the books of Bishop Kallistos Ware, who is not a fundamentalist, and a few of the books of Archpriest Alexander Schmemann, with whom I also had some illuminating personal conversations many years ago. But even non-fundamentalist Orthodox deny that the Bishop of Rome has any right to define dogma for the whole Church apart from an ecumenical council. That's where I part company with them.
Best,
Mike
Mike, yes I agree, the bishop of Rome is the bishop of Rome.
ReplyDeleteSchmemann is above my head. You are blessed to have met him.
Regards
Oly