A question.

[shprdslamb7]

I am what you would call protestant (although I don't like labels), and, I haven't heard of orthodoxy before.

How is orthodoxy different than catholicism?

[Philip]

That is a huge question.

On the surface, Orthodoxy and Catholicism seem very similar, and in many ways, they are. On the otherhand, there are many ways in which Catholicism and Protestantism are more similar than either is to Orthodoxy.

The most obvious difference between Orthodoxy and Catholicism is the role of the Pope. We do not recognize the infallibilty of the Pope. We do not recognize his universal jurisdiction.

We do not have a dogma of purgatory, although many Orthodox believe in an intermediate state between our life here on earth and our life in heave with God. We do not have a dogma of the Assumption of Mary, although every Orthodox I know believes it. We do not have a dogma of the Immaculate Conception since we do not believe in Original Sin as the West does.

After that, things get complicated.

Feel free to ask any questions you still have or pick up a copy of The Orthodox Way (http://conciliarpress.bizhosting.com/the_orthodox_way.html) by Bishop Kallistos (Timothy) Ware.

[Photini]

Before Fall of 2001 I had never heard of the Orthodox Church either. I might suggest that you ask more specific questions, and without having to compare ourselves to Catholicism.

Here's a pretty good article. The Orthodox Faith. (http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/catechism_ext.htm)

[Reader Nilus]

Another good site to check out is Introduction--Especially for Inquirers Orthodox Christian Information Center (http://orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/)
Jeff the Finn

[MariaRegina]

My Orthodox Priest told me that it is often easier for a Protestant to understand and to convert to Orthodoxy than it is for a Catholic. He said that the #1 problem most Catholics have is the papacy. Orthodoxy doesn't have a papacy.

[shprdslamb7]

Thank you guys. At the time, I don't have any specific questions...let me read some of those sites.

[psalm94:17]

Another good site to check out is Introduction--Especially for Inquirers Orthodox Christian Information Center (http://orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/)
Jeff the Finn
What a great site, Jeff, thanks!

[Matthias]

Oh man, we get that question at least once a week; you'd be better of browsing the forum for past topics; this question pops up ALL the time, and we're all just repeating ourselves time and time again...

[Maximus]

Matthias -

Am I going blind, or are you posting in a light sort of purple that I can hardly read?

[Matthias]

You can't read it? Nobody else has complained, so I apologise.

[Maximus]

You can't read it? Nobody else has complained, so I apologise.
I'm not complaining. I was worried about my eyes! ;)

[Matthias]

Heh, well, I apolgise anyway and I'll make sure I change the default colour in the future. :)

[Maximus]

Heh, well, I apolgise anyway and I'll make sure I change the default colour in the future. :)
No apology necessary.

I like the green. It's cool and easy to read. :clap:

[MariaRegina]

You can't read it? Nobody else has complained, so I apologise.

Dear Matthew:

Sometimes in order to read your post, Mathew, I just click the quote button below and voila, it's readable in black and white.

If you use the bold symbol before the message it will be a nice bold purple, which will be easier to read.

[b][color=purple] God bless you Matthew

Lovingly yours in Christ,
Elizabeth

[Matthias]

Interesting...