The value of other denominations...

[pax_christiana]

Hi all, I've been reading a lot of this section recently but have only joined the forum today so be kind.

As an Anglican who is very interested in the Orthodox faith, I was wondering what you think the validity of other denominations are? In your opinion are other denominations holding onto parts of the truth (as if holding onto broken pieces of a wrecked ship) as opposed to knowing all (being on a fully functioning ship) OR are they completely useless?

What do you think our our communion service? Do you believe that it is of no worth (as I presume you do) and as such, that the feelings I perceive during such things are false? Have I in fact received no grace at all during my life?

I'm not trying to be confrontational but I would like to know your position on such things. How about people who have never heard of the Orthodox Church?

Thanks,

Pax

[Lukaris]

Many of us (like myself) have converted to Orthodox Christianity and hold our formation in former Christian churches as a blessing and realize that God searches the hearts of all. While theology can be a loaded topic in discussions, we must also realize that other Christians (&non Christians) are in Christ in ways only the Holy Spirit knows and to judge we condemn ourselves. For example, if a Moslem becomes an Anglican (as in the faith like CS Lewis witnessed) it is truly something to rejoice. Just my 2 cents.

[ProScribe]

As an Orthodox Christian I study about religion in general. I like to study and learn about the Roman Catholic Church and other mainstream Churches that have authentic history. One thing I know about Orthodoxy is that it preserves the true and original meaning of the Nicene Creed. There are many groups,sects,and denominations but only One,Holy,Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
. .

[Rowan]

Personally, going to a Lutheran church helped me to appreciate liturgy, creeds, and the idea that maybe praying to Mary was "not so bad".

[Kreikkalainen]

Welcome! :wave:

What do you mean "be kind"? We are always kind. Except of course when we get nasty :P.

My (serious) answer to your questions: God administers His Grace, God is the Judge, God knows. The Sacraments necessary for our salvation, He has granted them down on us; the wisdom to know what happens elsewhere, *that* He hasn't given to us,

Personally, I actually like your wrecked ship metaphor.

[Macarius]

There is much value in the other denominations of Christianity - indeed even in the other religions of the world, in so much as they contain the Truth they contain Christ.

Christ is the Truth - anyone seeking Truth is seeking Christ. We believe that we are the body of Christ - that we are the pillar and ground of the Truth. In other words, we believe we are Orthodox.

That isn't mutually exclusive with other faiths being partly or even mostly orthodox. It is, concievably, possible that another denomination HAS the Truth. Because of this, we are "agnostic" towards the salvation of other faiths. Can God save someone through them? Absolutely. God can save whomever He wills to save by whatever means He chooses to use.

In Christ,
Macarius

[Mary of Bethany]

Welcome, pax. :wave:

I grew up Baptist, then spent 10 years in the Anglican Catholic Church before being brought into Orthodoxy.

Since most of us are converts from other Christian denominations, I doubt you'll find anyone here who would think for a moment that other churches hold no grace or truth. We've seen/known too many people, including our own parents & families, who were sincerely seeking and following Christ with the light they had. The Holy Spirit works wherever we are to draw us to Christ.

Unfortunately, for the last 1,000 years in the West, there has been almost no exposure to the Orthodox Church, but that doesn't mean that Christ abandoned us. And now that the Orthodox Church's presence is becoming known, many, many people are being drawn into the fullness of the faith. Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

Mary

[rusmeister]

Personally, the dartboard analogy works for me. Orthodoxy is the bullseye (the fulness of Truth), but RCC and trad. Anglicans are really close, Lutherans almost as much, other Protestants further out, and so on. Any move towards the center is an improvement!

God saves whom He will. But we are responsible for what we know and what is given to us.

[Monica, child of God]

Other denominations that are actively serving in impoverished communities and minstering to people in prison have lots of value.

M.

[Kolya]

Personally, the dartboard analogy works for me. Orthodoxy is the bullseye (the fulness of Truth), but RCC and trad. Anglicans are really close, Lutherans almost as much, other Protestants further out, and so on. Any move towards the center is an improvement!

God saves whom He will. But we are responsible for what we know and what is given to us.

I like that analogy! Well spoken.:thumbsup: