www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology "Two Different Faiths"

Ok guys I'm going to post another wife inspired question to hear your collective wisdom.


How do you guys deal with the ubquitous Orthodox claim that there are two different Faiths between east and west. Based on the Philioque, but the Philioque is seen as just as "Symptom" by some of a much larger rift. And trying to settle things, with differential Canonical laws etc. and still try to be in Communion with Rome is seen as "disengenious".


One of my short anwers (the better of them). Was I saw this was worked out with contemporary Christological resolutions. I see this as very much like the problem I have being in the Coptic church where we are unfairly accused of being "monophytes" and have had to work hard to articulate what we believe in terms of being "miaphyte".

It seems like much of the hysteria that has come over things like the philioque is generated by the assumption that there are two hypostatis being proposed. Not to mention it violating usual proceedal requirements that are considered sacrasanct for ammending the creed. etc.


Anyway give me your feedback for my situation....

I found this article it is very helpful on this subject....


The Father as the Source of the Whole Trinity
The Procession of the Holy Spirit in Greek and Latin Traditions
by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity


http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Atrium/8410/filioque.html

My plug nickel impression has been that this is a bugaboo and claim made by some Eastern Orthodox (including Bishop Kallistos?!), but that Oriental Orthodox don't give two hoots about the matter. I'm no theologian, this is what I've gleaned from talking with people and reading snippets here and there.I'm gladly open to correction and enlightenment.

That's an interesting perspective Indigo, and I like that term "bugoo". Its been my experience that most of the time Orientals believe they are on the same page with the EO, except when Chalcedon comes up.... When it does the poop can really hit the fan!

But it its quite common for Orientals to say things like "all Orthododx churches are the same" (there isn't much difference between EO and OO). Infact, that quote is an exact one when I
first had a sit down with my Coptic priest and quized them how the Coptic church is different then EO (other then Chalcedon).