www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West How Many Ecumenical Councils?

I am curious about your reluctance to even offer a hint as to why you think you'll get an argument here.

The only think I can guess at is that you somehow equate the conciliarity of Orthodoxy with what is being referred to in this thread as the heresy of conciliarism.

If there is real primatial power and authority in the Orthodox hierarchy then the Orthodox conciliar system is not the same as the heresy of conciliarism.

But I am just guessing.

Mary

Now you've completely lost me.

As I said, "I don't think there is much point in arguing about it [i.e. the quote from Bishop John], especially since I don't really belong on this message board anyway."

Fare thee well.
-Peter.

Gordo,

I don't know whether this will help or not; but let me try to put things in perspective by pointing out that this is the first thread I have participated in in more than 6 months. Hence, when I say that this message board isn't really for me, that's not exactly what you call a spur-of-the-moment thought. (Just the reverse -- I've only recently been thinking that I might possibly want to reconsider my decision to leave.)

God bless,
Peter.

Alrightee ...

I guess that's all then.

So long, and thanks again for sharing your thoughts. God bless,
Peter.

Dear Peter,

Please don't leave - never mind about all those uncharitable types - you have ME!

Don't you think I'm just absolutely loveable?

O.K. I'll see what's happening on the other threads . . .

Alex

I'm assuming, of course, that you're not calling Gordo "uncharitable" (except in a joking fashion). If you were, I'd have to strongly disagree with you.

Peter,

I wasn't really sure how to respond to the post above this one. Again, a lack of response does not constitute an insult. Sometimes people (myself included) don't know what to say!

Thanks for defending me against the "charge" of uncharitableness by our resident Oblate!

Dear Gordo,

I was referring to everyone else OTHER than yourself!

And I'm still just a novice - in more things than one, it would seem ...

Alex

Well!! In this particular thread that would be me!!

Mary

Dear Mary,

You are definitely not included either . . .

Hopefully, I won't get the entire forum on my case . . . again . . .

Alex

Well, I don't really understand why that would be, but at the same I didn't think (or say) that it was an insult. (Perhaps you have a "guilt complex". :))

But on a serious note, let me ask you a question. Since it's pretty clear that you're interested in having a discussion about Ecumenical Councils, I'm wondering just what sort of discussion it should be? Perhaps a "discussion" in which you say, e.g., "There have been 21 Ecumenical Councils." and I respond with "That right, 21." etc? After all, if I were to suggest that there have been any fewer than 21 (or even that some of those 21 were "less ecumenical") that would be -- according to Bishop John -- "a simple rekindling of the old controversy of conciliarism".

(On the other hand, if I am mistaken in asserting that "it's pretty clear that you're interested in having a discussion about Ecumenical Councils", please correct me and accept my apologies.)



Your welcome.

As I was eating supper, it occurred to me that perhaps you meant that you didn't want to share your thoughts, because you were afraid they would offend me. If so, then I think you'll find that I actually am interested in hearing your thoughts and won't be offended -- even if what you have to say is "There's nothing wrong with this forum -- but there's something wrong with anyone who doesn't want to be part of it." (just as an example )

So how about it?

Oh my! Well I will surely do what I can to help!!

hehehe...

BTW what is this thread about?

Mary

I think Mary makes a good point. Much as I like talking about myself (wink) we should all keep in mind that the original topic of this thread is the number of ecumenical councils.