What Do Orthodox Christians Believe? (And Why I Care)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2021
- I'm a Protestant and I'm learning about the Orthodox Church from Father Paul of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you missed the first half of our conversation, you can check that out here:
• A Protestant Learns Ab...
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The Orthodox emphasis of sin as sickness and Christ as healer has always held great appeal for me.
"The Church is a hospital and not a courtroom" is a popular quote of the Orthodox
Thats probably the least appealing aspect to me, since scripture is so filled with emphasis on the guilt and judgment which results from sin.
@@JRMusic933 scripture is also full of mercy, Healing and being saved.
@@JRMusic933 Jesus is the Samaritan that saves us from being left for dead on the side of the road, the church is the inn that brings us back to health. Death is a mercy so that we do not live in our sin for eternity just like sleep is a mercy and a reprieve from our much toiling lives. The legal part of salvation has truth to it, but it’s not whole. It’s seriously lacking the whole point of what the church is supposed to be, a hospital. Church isn’t there to save us, only Jesus can do that, but Jesus leaves us in the churches care to heal us from our infirmaries.
@@popepiusix7444 yes, both not one or the other
Hi Matt, My name is Fr. Moses, I am a priest in the Orthodox Church in America. I was raised Protestant(evangelical free) and converted to Orthodoxy in my early 20s. I want you to know that I appreciate your approach and sincerity to all these questions. You are honest and willing to listen, and yet still ask the difficult questions. God bless you and your family, may He grant you many blessed years!
Hello Fr. Moses,
I am an EFCA Protestant, and I was wondering, what brought you to the Orthodox Church?
@@letadesanto6825 It might be Fr. Moses Berry - I hope it is! - if you search for him one of the first videos that pops up is called "African American finds the Orthodox Church" and he explains what brought him to the Orthodox Church.
@Bartholomew Roberts throwing a word heretic like you are a theological god that knows the depth of Lutheran doctrine and depth of Orthodox doctrine(speaking as reformed who studied mentioned theological differences). God has His elect within every Trinitarian church that exists that follows the first four ecumenical councils. You are judging a Church by it's members, not by depth of it's teachings. "Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."
Epistle to the Smyrnaeans - St. Ignatius of Antioch.
It's not the other way around.
There is a strong link between Evangelical protestants, and the Orthodox faith. Evangelicals are 'true believers' and earnestly are searching.
@@ViolenceGrants aj ne seri!
“It’s not my place to judge where you are in your relationship with Christ.”
What a breath of fresh air to hear such humility!
That's Orthodoxy.
@@brotherbrovet1881 nah mate orthodox will always be better ☦️
@TVOG BACKUP God likes hip hop
Each Christian should be honest enough to assess their relationship with our heavenly father. From bad to great.
@@bubbabubbie1 maybe. But dont u think that we have some godamn obligations or at least to give some respect. Not hip hop. Byzantine music
As a Protestant I didn’t know how much I was missing in my faith, until I started researching Eastern Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is not easy, but it is true. The fullness of Orthodoxy can only be realized by experiencing it…reading about it and watching TH-cam videos will never compare to living the Orthodox life. God bless y’all!
True my friend ☦️
You're not protestant
@@Kabodtube123 why?
@@Kabodtube123 why? because you left orthodoxy for Protestantism? And look protestants are interested in orthodox church.
I tried to go to a Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia for two months. Everyone was very friendly. I only attended the Divine Liturgy. I wanted to attend a different service with my family. I went to a feast day celebration for St. John of Shanghai on a Friday evening. Immediately I got bad stares since it was a small service. I was actually told I could leave anytime I wanted. My daughter and wife where there. It was quite shocking. First church I have ever been asked to leave. The Orthodox can work on being more welcoming to outsiders. My wife and I were very saddened by this event.
I was brought up protestant and have been researching the Orthodox Church and I am thinking of converting. Please keep me in your prayers.
Visit Mt.Athos
Welcome
We are waiting for you my friend. We need more fighters for Christ God who will witness to our brothers and sisters. God with us, God with you.
I am interested to hear an update from you and if you've converted. As of a few days ago I have been looking deeply into the Orthodox Church and having been raised protestant my entire life and much of the time being deeply reformed.
May God bring you to our Church. sending prayers
“Acquire the spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved” - St. Seraphim of Sarov.
And bears will be your friends 😂
@@devonjosiah7308 hahaha what a based Chad
@@devonjosiah7308 we can only hope! 🤗☦️
@@ThomasG_Nikolaj he is indeed
@@RachelLovelace amen 😂
I was an atheist for about the past 20 years, but for the past 5 years, I’ve had this unshakable feeling that I was being called back to God. Now I don’t know where I belong within Christianity.
Do some research and reading and talk to some Priest and Preachers. Find the religions that speaks to you in this time in your life and brings you closer to GOD. No one religions is "right" or "perfect" You are on a wonderful journey and I hope you live in the Fullness of Humanity and develop an awesome relationship with GOD.💫
As a Catholic convert from Protestantism, I pray for unity with all our churches because that’s what Jesus wants from us. This is why I appreciate this channel so much. It opens up our minds to understand each other which leads to productive conversations. I have hope!
You leveled up once, now level up again by going to orthodoxy 😊
Being Catholic is close to jesus than protestant. I believe that Protestantism is heresy.
Come back home.
I respectfully disagree. I think religion, no matter where you stand, is not what it’s about, it’s about a personal relationship. The WORLD wants a one world religion and that will be the end.
@@sprc155wow, that awful presumptive that you are right and everyone else is wrong. 🤦♀️
I remember the second time going to the Divine Liturgy, thinking to myself “why am I going back? This is so weird” and now the Divine Liturgy gets more and more beautiful every time I go
I've been having that same thought for thirteen years! The beauty doesn't fade. The depths of the Orthodox faith in Christ is unlimited.
@@noahjohnson2611 that’s good to hear! Many years to you and your family!
17 years for me and "the taste goes deeper and deeper every time"..
There is absolutely no experience on earth that can compare to the moment the Eucharist hits your tongue. Sublime, transcendent, humbling.
Been to two Liturgies so far! One in a Russian parish and one in a serbian parish (service was in English at the serbian parish). It was so good
I’m actually inquiring into the Orthodox Church currently! I feel so welcome there that I’ve never felt in a Catholic or Protestant church!
I recommend Fr. Josiah Trenhams videos Rock and Sand part 1 and 2 he is former reformed taught in seminary by RC Sproul who became Orthodox Priest so a lot of his answers in that will help you. I also recommend reading really anything by Fr. Seraphim Rose, but a good starting point is "The Soul after death" if you start with those it will help you immensely.
.
Those helped me immensely when I was inquiring prior to becoming a catechuman.
Welcome to the Orthodoxy!
@@jeremy2720 wtf kkkkkkkk i dont know how you learned this kkkkkkk
@@jeremy2720 No idea who told you this but you are wrong. The biggest schism happened between these two churches. Anyway no Pope isnt the figurehead of Orthodoxy.
Same thing happened to me but I went to a Protestant church and felt more welcome than the cold Orthodox Church
I’m starting my catechism in the Orthodox Church tomorrow, I’m so excited to begin my journey in the one true church! The people of this church are so welcoming and kind, the church was there when I was at a very low point in my life and I will forever be grateful ❤️☦️
Is it true that without venerating ikons there is no salvation?
It's interesting that everyone say they are part of the one true church ..😂
@@synthesaurus you have to understand that no one is venerating ikons just for the sake of doing it. Is not a necessary thing, but is there to help. A lot of miracles can happen when you interact with an ikon of a saint when you really believe that his spirit can intervene in your life to help you. Just a note: all the help that you'll receive will be for your salvation because that's the ultimate goal. Just get one, saint Mina for example, or Jesus and put it in your car, or house. You'll understand quite quickly what is all about.
"welcoming and kind" LOL
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
I’m a cradle Orthodox Christian and this is AMAZING. It’s so difficult to “translate” our position to a western minded Christian and he did a great job! This is now on my permanent playlist in order to spread the depth of the Faith. Thanks for doing this video!
Hi, I would be very interested in this playlist! Im an inquirer.
You don't just believe the tenants of Eastern Orthodoxy you have to live Eastern Orthodoxy. It is a way of life that teaches you how to be a citizen of heaven.
Yes. Orthodoxy is not a body of knowledge, but a way of life.
@@Basile_KW Perfectly stated, Brother.
Tenets
Yes, experience is the word …
Christianity itself is a way of life. It can’t be reduced to a few tenets that you just mentally ascent to.
Thank you for this interview. As a Protestant oriented (American) Christian, who has spent most of the last 30 years in Orthodox Christian Eastern European countries, this was very interesting. One thing I admire about the Orthodox Church in this part of the world: How they helped keep faith alive during persecution and the repressive atheistic regimes for 40 to 70 years of 20th century (depending on the particular country).
Atheism grows but declines. Its really strange.
I also am thankful for their perseverance throughout history
Thanks for bringing this up
I just finished typing a similar response. Part of the tradition of the Orthodox church is the remembrances and recollections of wars fought, both ancient and modern, to preserve the Orthodox faith. As an Orthodox Christian, it seems to me that most protestants think of martyrdom in a purely ancient context; for many Orthodox it is much more personal. Just something to keep in mind.
It's sad that atheism is actually starting to take off again but in the whole west even in America. I saw a statistic that showed that now less than half of the whole US population is religious.
@@Kevin-lw2gl people wanna become there own God but when Jesus comes we will be free from sin
I converted to Orthodoxy a few years ago from the Protestant faith of my youth. I am grateful for the many wonderful Protestant people and all that they gave me, but I am now home.
Amen
How can someone be come a Orthodox priest 🙏🏻
Hi, as a Protestant considering Orthodoxy, both of you did an amazing job at explaining all of this stuff, and having honest conversation. Thank you both!
Welcome brother, whenever you feel is the right time.
@@altab3dstudio53 It’s been a year, and I’m happy to state, I’m a catechumen!
@@ryrocks9487congratulations 🎉
You should become a orthodox if thats what you feel, but do not believe they’re doctrine. and that is Faith+Works.
and that is just absolutely not true we are always saved with true pure faith alone. Not of works lest any man should boast. All the glory of salvation goes to God.
@@xHollow. That’s actually not what the Orthodox Church teaches! We don’t earn out salvation, and it’s not some magic formula of faith+works.
Only God grant’s salvation, but since we have free will he only saves those who cooperate!
I am a former Baptist minister, seminary trained and the whole nine yards. I became an Orthodox Christian 17 years ago. The longer I am Orthodox the more I see how beautiful and holy and right is the original, true Church is and how - in spite of my appreciation for my upbringing - the myriad of man-made attempts at re-inventing the church fall short. I don't mean this in any disrespectful way. I say it from a desire to witness to the truth. Thank you for these videos. I have thoroughly enjoyed them.
May I recommend to you the Bible Study podcasts "The Whole Council of God" by Father Stephen De Young? He is a former pastor from the Reformed tradition who is now an Orthodox priest and a true biblical scholar, holding a PhD in Biblical Studies. His Bible studies are outstanding and are helpful in understanding many of the differences between Orthodox and western beliefs (although this is not their main purpose).
How can the Orthodox be teaching the truth when they promote Christmas, Sunday worship and infant baptism? None of these are scriptural......
@@sassy3923 depends on your hermeneutics. Christians and Easter (called pascha or Passover in the Orthodox Church) aren’t pagan copy overs. Infant baptism is a legitimate thing.
@@DF-ei9kc Can a baby repent of sin?
@SpongeTom Trianglepants Repent from what? Show me from Scripture where Christ was born on December 25th?
@@sassy3923 No one knows when exactly Jesus was born. There's nothing wrong with picking a day to honor His birth. Honestly, we should be honoring it every single day, as well as His death, burial and resurrection.
You should visit an Orthodox monastery. 👍☦️
I second this. Orthodoxy is not just a bunch of rational arguments/beliefs you need to experience the fruit of it too.
One thing that is difficult for some because of their blessed level of intelligence, is to just be. Just be orthodox. Pray the prayers, attend the services and be humble. While I struggle with the latter I’m not afflicted by the former!
👍👍👍
@@Orthoindian Exactly. Separating the mystical from Orthodoxy (theory) to try to explain it to other Christians is a big mistake. Orthodoxy without the mystical... isn't.
this! Monastery is the backbone of Orthodoxy
I grew up Jehovah's Witness and after leaving that found my way to Orthodoxy. One thing I appreciated coming into the Orthodox church was it's emphasis on We don't do this to get to heaven, to get something for me out of it. We do this to attain theosis or to become like Christ, spiritual healing, to imitate Him (love in all we think and do) and to become one with Him. As such the result will be going to heaven but it's not THE point. One awesome book I love that deeply explains the way Orthodox think and how it's unique (and some the same) than the rest of Christianity is Thinking Orthodox by Dr Constantiniou. Mind blowing. BTW LOVE your series. SO interesting and enlightening to see how other branches of Christianity and other religions think and believe. Keep up the awesome work you do! Thank you!!
I was raised as a JW as well, but I never officially became one. In my early twenties I became SDA and remained one for five years. I'm currently Protestant(Reformed Baptist), but I'm looking into Orthodoxy. In my country there's only Ethiopian and Russian Orthodox Churches. I'm trying to understand the Oriental/Eastern divide. I'm thinking about converting, but I want to take my time to understand the faith. Pray for me.
The first impression I got of the priest was "what a great role model"! Whether you are protestant, orthodox, chatholic etc. it's pretty evident that this man knows what he is talking about, is very respectful, very humble, has a lot of patience and wisdom and is very open to discussing and sharing his views. This is the essence of orthodoxy in my opinion and this man resembles it perfectly. What a great discussion.
Best series yet. Do more with him if you get a chance.
I could watch hours of this stuff.
Yes! Excellent!
Look up ancient faith radio and find Fr. Thomas Hopko. He passed a few years ago, but his podcasts and videos are sooooooo good and explain so much.
I love Orthodoxy
@@RachelLovelace Thanks for the source. St Justin Popovich's essays are also good.
"Too often modern Christians forget that the Church is not just an institution, but the Kingdom of God that is here but is still to come. The Church is described as the Bride of Christ. We are betrothed to Christ. The second coming is the wedding day and the final consummation. Therefore, we live this present life in two dimensions: as saved and yet hoping for salvation; as betrothed to Christ and yet in anticipation and anxiety for the consummation of the marriage; as joyful and yet penitent; as having everything and yet possessing nothing; as living in this world and yet “having here no continuing city”; as in the world yet not of the world; as being members of Christ’s Church, receiving the new life of baptism and eternal life in the Eucharist; and yet as striving to be made worthy of the Kingdom to come. This double character of Christian life is absolutely essential to the Church’s spirituality and role within society. "
- Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou
Wow, I have become a fan of Father's but hadn't heard/seen this quote. So powerful speaking to truth.
Probably the best thing I’ve read this year.
Bless you for sharing this 🙏🏽
@@theuncomfortabletruthpodca5177 Thank you for your comment. After being on the fence about Orthodoxy for a long time (Formerly Protestant), after reading that quote, it was game over for me. It was literally a turning point in my life a few years ago. I could no longer "put things off".
Please share it when you can as well!
This is a beautiful quote and indeed conveys something that feels right to me. However, it must be noted that this is not a universally held Orthodox position. The switch from "His kingdom is" to "His kingdom will be" is one that, among other attempts to synchronise with the Constantinopolian position by the Russian Orthodox church, caused a great schism. Many of the Russian Orthodox Old Believers hold to the former view and even those that do not (for complicated reasons) acknowledge it to be church tradition, and reject the change as a fit of prideful theological inventionism. I think the reason the quote *feels* right, despite the position being ahistoric, is that it conveys the essence of the experience of striving and yearning for theosis.
@@paulie-g I am not sure I understand what it is you are communicating. Can you clarify what the issue is you have with the quote. You noted a difference (or change?) between "His Kingdom is" and "His Kingdom will be" in the quote, but, when I re-read it, it is clear that the Kingdom is both now and is to come. This point is not new in Orthodoxy.
It is so nice to see a Protestant having an open discussion about the Orthodox Church instead of attacking it like so many Protestants do. Thanks for these videos. I was Roman Catholic and converted to the Orthodox faith.
The church started with Jesus and not Martin Luther. Even if you don't agree with Orthodox theology at least try and understand it as you do. It is the history of the Christian faith.
most Protestants I know don't even know the Orthodox church exists
I don't think the claim from Lutherans is that the church started with Luther. All Luther did was call out the Catholics for corrupting the word. He just brought the focus back to Christ and salvation by grace alone not good works.
@@bigniftydude This is correct. I'm not even Lutheran and I know this. I also think it necessary to point out that saying teachings are wrong is not attacking.
Orthodox Christians even most catholics attack Protestantism. Not the other way around, “those” who do do that are not really a protestant. we are all about having a relationship with god you guys follow religion we tend to follow God more often then not
No one says Christianity or "the church" started with Martin Luther. I have been in a few different Protestant denominations, and never heard anyone talk about Orthodoxy except when I brought it up. Most people have no idea. There may be some talk online though.
Hey Matt! I'm another Orthodox Priest, and I just wanted to say that I really appreciated this series of videos you did with Father Paul, and also your videos in general. It's really refreshing to see someone like you interested in exploring how other Churches teach the faith and worship God and approaching everything from an honest and friendly angle.
I was considering joining the Orthodox Church. If I only speak English and Icelandic, will i be able to understand your masses? I am just worried that if they are in Old Slavic I will not understand what is going on
What do u call these men of God instead of father? Jesus Christ said call no one your father. U hav a father in Heaven
@@surzhyk1392many Orthodox churches do services in English. The tradition of the Orthodox Church is to worship in the language of the people. If you live in Iceland, the services at local churches might even be in Icelandic!
This has been a great series. As an Orthodox Christian I'm always looking for good accessible resources that explain what we believe, and the overall quality of this one, and the great questions you've brought, has made it my new favorite. Keep it up!
Here's an idea: visit an Orthodox monastery! You'd be surprised how many there are in the US. St. Anthony's in Arizona and Holy Cross in West Virginia would be great places to visit.
Or visit an orthodox monastery where it all began 😉
@@ragael1024 In Egypt?
@@AlexSaavy I thought Orthodox began in Byzantine? Or Roman with the Catholics
@@racingace9959 Catholicism started in Jerusalem :) As did Orthodoxy considering we were the same Church that Jesus founded once
@@someman7 christianity started in Jerusalem, as a sect of Judaism(i think). But orthodoxy was in the Eastern Roman Empire. Mainly Greece today. Don't think there r ppl more orthodox than orthodox greeks these days.
As an Orthodox Christian who used to be Protestant, I get the best and the worst of it from both sides. Thank you for being fair, for being charitable, for treating us as real people and fellow Christians rather than... some of the rest of what I see both online and irl... it’s refreshing, so thank you. Another really good place to learn about Orthodoxy and especially the way we interpret and read scripture, would be the Orthodox Study Bible, tons of notes and cross references and articles in there that gives you basically a crash course of how we comprehend the same scripture we all read and love. Thank you again for this, this interview helped me learn maybe how to articulate my own faith better and again I really appreciate the fair approach. You’re awesome, God bless.
@Stone Roses has your life been planned out? Or were we created by a God who gave us free will? The Satan made his choice and will continue to do so till he enters the lake of fire at the end of this age. Satan doesn’t make people do evil things, he turns them from God
@@BrandonRocksSauce
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:33 ESV
People try to put God in a box. He uses people who do not even know him. I follow the scriptures how I read them. I follow the commandments and have faith in the Messiah. It’s what scriptures say too me so I am obedient to Gods Word, not what man made religion wants to interpret it as in its various doctrines into the thousands now of differing interpretations. It’s my responsibility to hear and obey God, not man made interpretations.
I also do not see Jesus (Yeshua) as God but as a Prince of the Kingdom, a Prophet like unto Moses. There are too many scriptures, prophecies and Yeshua’s own Words that the Father is his God and our God and he did not claim to being God. Power and authority was given to him. God does not need power and authority given too him.
@@mik3ymomo Jesus said that those who had seen Him had seen the Father.
@@NovelistVampireGirl Jesus also said he came to speak the Words of the Father and not of his own. So he was Gods representative. When you speak to and hear from the Representative of an authority you speak and hear directly as if it was that authority. He said there was one greater than him “The father who was in Heaven”. The Doctrine of the Trinity is 3 parts equal God which counters Jesus own words. Also when he asked the Apostles who people say he is and who they believe he is; Peter said he was the Son of the living God. Jesus did not correct him and tell him he was actually God. He said the Holy Spirit had revealed that too him. If God is 3 then why don’t we know the name of the Holy Spirit? We know the name of God, we even know the name of the Son. We also know that when Heaven and Earth are destroyed we go to be with the father and the lamb forever. Why no mention of the Holy Spirit? Seems there is a problem with the concept of the Trinity. Also it’s been found that the Catholic Church added verses to the book of John to forward the Doctrine of the Trinity.
As a cradle Catholic, I was always told that the church was a “hospital for sinners”.
I see people are recommending you visit an Orthodox monastery, I cannot agree more! The monastery is where Holy Tradition is given life in its purest form, a well of living water for the faithful.
0:35 Heterodox 2:13 The Tragedy of Christianity: Core Agreement, Disagreements in Profession
4:01 Salvation 7:31 God and Man, Divine and Human 9:14 Sin and Healing 24:07
11:16 Repentance, Grace, Faith 13:00 Scripture
17:44 Trust
21:04 St Maximus The Confessor
22:32 Can The Church Be Wrong? No, can members be wrong, yes.
24:58 Prophecies and errors
26:20 Inquirers
28:00 Catechuman (commitment) 28:47 29:31 Baptism
31:40 Working through Ideas 33:10 It was not a debate, it was a learning session
37:55 Tension and Release
Username checks out
Surah an-Nisa'171 O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah 'Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
@@hamzawassim-wr6we you want us to leave the word of God (jesus Christ) and believe words of satanic prophet (peace be upon him)😂😂 who came after jesus' disciples by 6 or 7 centuries. And you want us to leave the testimony of eyewitnesses and believe an illiterate person who did not even see Christ.
@@eng.menareda2108I wonder who relied on his salvation from distorted books
@@eng.menareda2108It is well known that the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) chose the four Gospels approved today by Christians from among more than seventy Gospels. In that is the non-opposition of those Gospels to what they adopted to say that Christ, peace be upon him, is the divinity of Christ and that he is the Son of God.
Of course, this saying did not gain the approval of the majority of the conferees, for it was opposed by a great number of them, except that the power of the Roman sword settled the dispute in favor of those who went to say the divinity of Jesus, peace be upon him, and made the opponents heretics and innovators, knowing that they are the majority, and among them are a number of monotheists who called for the oneness of God, not His partner, and that Jesus, peace be upon him, is the servant of God and His Messenger.
Thus, the power of the Romans eliminated these opponents, especially the monotheists among them, with persecution and displacement, so their doctrine did not spread, but with the passage of time it waned until it became today - as it appears - without followers. We will try here to convey some of the positions of the ancient Christians who judged these Gospels or some of them to be distorted and forged so that the fair-minded person will see that Muslims are not the only ones who took the position of the skeptic and the accused regarding these Gospels.
As an Orthodox Christian who converted from Protestantism about nine years ago, I want to just say thank you for putting so much time and energy into honestly trying to make sense out of the Orthodox faith. I’ve been watching your videos since before you began doing anything about Orthodoxy, and have always appreciated how you always try to do justice to everyone’s beliefs. May God bless your efforts, and thanks for all your hard work on these videos!
why did you leave the Protestant Church?
@@starlightmckennah5241 I became interested in Church history, and began to research the early Church (it’s worship, beliefs, and practices). This led me to explore various Christian bodies, including Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy. Ultimately, the Orthodox worship and life drew me in. I wasn’t upset about anything in my Protestant upbringing. I was just looking for deep roots and continuity with the early Church, and I believe I’ve found those things in the Orthodox Church.
@@brentjones6113 Thanks for answering my question brother. It's helpful because I'm searching for a Biblically rooted church and community to join 🙏
@@starlightmckennah5241 God bless you in your journey!
@@brentjones6113 You're correct, cause Orthodoxy was the first. Welcome to Orthodox community brother, even if I am a bit late LOL.
As an Orthodox Christian, I appreciate your honest approach to understanding.
Thank you for these videos. My journey in Christ began in Lutheranism, and with my mom teaching me to pray each night as a child. I honor that beginning. We all gotta start somewhere. I'm Orthodox 3 years now, and my elderly mom (my first teacher in the faith) joined me last August. Life in the world is tough, but life in Christ and in His Church is awesome. Best wishes to you and all people who seek to love and follow the Lord.
I’m not Orthodox but this is one of my favorite videos of yours. The father here is really intelligent and well educated. I bet it was hard to end the convo and not go on forever. Thanks for the video.
Please become orthodox christian
Cmon home! Standing room only since 33ad!
Intelligent and well educated?? Really?? He can’t even say that salvation is by faith alone literally the Paul’s gospel. And he’s talking about there are some things we consider. Wait what??
@@Watermelon-dj8be OK there are only 4 gospels and as you know, Paul's writings aren't them. Paul's writings and the other books aren't on the same level as the 4 gospels. We don't view the gospels through the lens of Paul but the other way around. Also please show where "faith alone" is in the bible, and in what context this would mean? Lastly what is your idea of salvation? And just because you have a different opinion doesn't make you correct. I would challenge you on where you got your interpretations of tour points from?
@@frankherbert6476God revealed the gospel to Paul cuz Jesus was the Passover land according to Jewish feasts.Ephesians 2:8-9 and youtuber mentioned it and the priest said we have blah blah
I don't normally write comments on the Internet and usually avoid reading them because they are nearly always a sinkhole of complaint and accusation; however, I feel compelled to leave a comment for you Matt. Your gracious attitude and that of so many of the people you've interviewed, including Father Paul, have filled me with hope for for the Church in America. What you are doing is healing for all of us. It is so rare to listen to understand, to not feel the need to push one's own opinions and disagreements. What you display in your videos and particularly in this series is beautiful. It shows us how we ought to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as with the world at large. Thank you for bringing light into the darkness of our polarized world, for engaging with humility and gentleness where these values seem to have been lost in our society, and for being real and at times vulnerable about your own perspective and feelings. You are accomplishing exactly what you set out to do and I for one am thankful for it. Keep up the great work Matt!
Also, I appreciate you going into depth on some of these interviews, as a superficial overview isn't nearly as helpful as indepth discussions on issues of importance, though you may need to change the title of your podcast. :D
He's utterly amazing. The sincerity is fantastic. I really appreciate him.
As a Pentecostal who continues to learn about the various facets of faith, this interview was amazing. So much to grapple with.
Thanks a million!! I’ve chosen Orthodoxy a short while ago but learning more of it through your videos just helps to cement my choice even more!! I’m attending the Greek Orthodox Church in Singapore. Thanks for sharing!!
interesting.
Many who marry into the Greek Orthodox church drop out part way through the catechism.
They get sick of jumping through hoops to be a (barely tolerated) honorary Greek who will never be a 'real' Greek. The same with Russian Orthodox. The Catholic church means just that Catholic=universal. The devil knows the real church he is attacking it from all sides and within these days.
This was THE best interview. As a Roman Catholic, we are sitting on the fence for each tradition. If anyone did not have a open mind to this, They should question their own faith. God bless you and Fr. Paul.
I am a Byzantine Catholic and my church looks just like this.there are 23 other Catholic Churches that comprise the Catholic Church besides the Roman Rite
Stop respecting orthodox christians they literally mock you all the time they clown on you and act like you arent human
Matt, I am very interested to hear your thoughts on the Eucharist. I used to believe it was only a symbol, but after reading John 6 in light of the early church fathers I am now convinced there is a real change and it is not just a symbol.
Yes. He said "And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them saying "This is my body, given for you, do this in memory of me" and God doesn't lie.
Truth Unites did a video on that which is called something like Francis Chan on the Eucharist or something like that...
Truth Unites overall is a great channel
@@Fiona2254 my issue with that mindset is that it ignores other places in the Bible where God or Christ used turns of phrase and metaphor etc. See God talking to Job's comforters and Jesus calling herod "that old fox" did that mean from that point on that King Herod was a literal fox?
@@paulhenderson5399 That's why early interpreters of the Bible are so important for Orthodox tradition. St. Ignatius of Antioch was a disciple of John, the writer of the gospel, the epistles, Revelation, etc. You can read Ignatius' epistles and see him clearly call the Eucharist "the medicine of immortality" and believing in the real presence of Christ within it. All early Christians believed the Eucharist to be the real deal. Our entire liturgy is centered around it and has been for 2000 years.
@@paulhenderson5399 Consider this. Our Lord says "this *is* my body" that is an affirmation and a confirmation within the statement. Whereas "that old fox" is not in the same manner.
As an Ethiopian Orthodox I listen Fr. Paul as I am listening to one of the best preachers in my language
Thank you for showing what we have in the language many can understand. God blessings to you and your family!
As a Protestant, I was thoroughly captivated by this Interview from beginning to end. I am learning as much as I can about Orthodoxy and Catholicism because I want to understand my brothers and sisters in Christ and just love on them. Father Paul was just amazing! Matt, you did pretty well too! 😊
Are you prepared to worship Mary? Are you prepared to break one of the commandments & worship icons?
You don't worship the icons, you admire them and their work. Significantly different.@@jemthomas7915
@@jemthomas7915
I understand your concern, coming from a Protestant background myself, but there is a difference between an idol and an icon, especially in the pre-Christian world (the world where the 10 commandments were written) where idols were thought to literally contain the god inside of them, and were thus worshipped by giving sacrifices to, performing (sometimes violent) orgies in front of, and other terrible things. This is what happened with the Golden Calf. An icon on the other hand, is a picture of a loved one such as Jesus (or Mary, or some other saint/hero of the faith that is worth learning from). These we honor because we believe that by honoring the icon, we honor who the icon represents. This is similar to how we might treat a photo of a dear family member with respect and might even kiss if we miss the person depicted.
Here, it is important to differentiate worship and veneration (honor). Worship is an act of sacrifice (like the Eucharist) that we do to devote ourselves to God. Veneration is honor given to someone who deserves honor. God deserves more honor than anyone, but it also is fair to say that there are people that deserve honor as well because of what they have done for Christianity. Mary is a good example because she submitted to God, carried Jesus in her womb for 9 months, and raised him to maturity (and considering Jesus is perfect, it's fair to say she did a decent job). She is the person who knew Jesus best in the world, and an excellent example of how we can submit ourselves to Christ and serve him.
The other thing that you probably disagree with is prayers to Mary and the Saints. We need to clarify that we don't pray to them like they are another god, but rather we ask them to pray for us in the same way I can ask you to pray for me. The reasoning behind this is that Christ has destroyed death, and we are not separated from the body of Christ by death. Because those who die in Christ are still alive and with him now, and we are also with Christ here on earth, we have a connection to them. We are also encouraged to pray for each other, and that the prayers of righteous people are very effective (see the book of James). For this reason, why wouldn't we want to have prayers from the people who are heroes and geniuses of Christianity? It is a wonderful gift of God's grace.
If you want to go more in-depth, the Lord of Spirits podcast has some very good episodes on icons, Mary, the roles of saints, and other things you might have questions about. May God bless you, friend!
It's really cool seeing other people take an interest in Orthodoxy, was an incredibly respectful and peaceful talk and it's wonderful hearing such respect for other Christian beliefs, we're all brothers and sisters in Christ and we all have much to learn, God bless you!
Thanks for this. I've recently become Orthodox from being a Baptist, and I never looked back. It's so fulfilling. It's such a rich Tradition and it's so in depth. Something lacked in Protestantism is how shallow it is (no offense, I respect you a lot, just speaking from personal experience.) But there's just so much wisdom and depth.. it just makes so much sense. God bless you
I feel the same where I am at church. I don't know why I feel I can't connect fully. I love the people but I am feeling stifled.
But I have a problem I am in La Paz Baja California Mexico I don't know how to find Eastern Orthodox church only Catholic and protestant. I look
@@cloverbird5785 There is a Orthodox Church in Tijuas. I know it's a little far but it's there. They also have some in Guadalajara and DF.
I'm a Baptist because I wholly reject certain traditionalist doctrines of Presbyterianism, but agree that as far as Baptist churches go, they're generally very shallow. They reject too much tradition in a sense where they neglect the study of creeds and confessions. There's no catechism for Baptists. If I wasn't in a church with as strong teaching I'm in now, I'd go searching for a Doug Wilson Presbyterian pastor.
Just because it's tradition doesn't mean it's true
As an Antiochian Orthodox lady from a Protestant background, I've found these videos quite delightful. I appreciate your respectful approach and thoughtful questions. On behalf of whomever commented caustically on the previous videos, I extend an apology for their words and pray that you might forgive them. May God bless you.
Thank you for putting this out! So much fun to dive into these topics.
Circumventing rome,I think protestant and evangelicals, should talk with eastern orthodoxy more often!wow!
Protostant and Orthdox have something in common the separation of Catholic church
@@racingace9959 the Roman Catholic Church was founded in 1054. 😝 I say this in jest by the way. I think the we can both agree that to become one church again both sides need to repent and both sides will need to set aside some of their hard held beliefs.
You will see that all roads lead to Rome.
I think their is an essential difference in just eastern and western thinking,I want a western thinker to engineer my house,and house plans,I would never turn that job over to a rabbinical counsel or the holy monks on athos,my soul is a different matter!
@@englishlearningcenter1470 If you mean to New Rome (Constantinople), the East, which persisted for a thousand more years after Old Rome and the West collapsed, then yes.
Eastern Orthodoxy is the true expression of the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church. Roman Catholicism (caesaro-papism) is schismatic, rejecting the truth and practice of the first thousand years of the pre-schism Church. When the schism happened, it was the singular patriarch in the West drowning in pride and thinking (because of his position of power in the West, again, being its sole patriarch) that he necessarily had universal power over the whole Church (even over the four other patriarchs, all of whom were in the East [Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem]). The bishop of Rome does not now and never has had such plenary, universal jurisdiction; all the other patriarchs did then and still do now check his pride and condemn him as a schismatic. All the patriarchs have appellate universal jurisdiction, and Rome was equal to all the other four in this regard, but no single patriarch had plenary, universal jurisdiction ever. So, aside from handling appeals (in which, for example, the Pope of Alexandria could overturn a judgment from the West under the Pope of Rome), they all were and still are expected to tend to their own affairs and not meddle in the jurisdictions of others.
If there is ever to be union between the caesaro-papists and the Orthodox, then the bishop of Rome _must_ humble himself, divest himself of all his self-given, self-glorifying titles, and reacquire the spirit of the Church Fathers and their genuine, Orthodox phronema, which he long, long ago rejected for vain and worldly glory.
So nice to hear mention of the great St Maximus the Confessor, my patron Saint.
This series has been wonderful, educational, and inspiring. Thank you both 💓
I'm not Orthodox, but there's something to be said about the traditions and formality they hold to. I was raised in the laid back southern California surfer culture, where even our pastors wore shorts and sandals to church on Sunday. When I was growing up this was "normal", but as an adult it just seems out of place. Why do we take worshiping our Lord and Savior so casually? If I were meeting the President, I would wear my best clothes... why is it different when I go to church and worship the Creator of the universe?
Great point!
I've contributed more than enough mess between my fellow Catholics, of different political persuasions. I appreciate your efforts to breed understanding between Christians. This channel is severely underrated, and I hope you get hundreds of thousands of more of viewers.
Christ is Risen! I've watched several episodes of your show and truly enjoyed them all. I am another convert to EO from Protestantism and I so appreciate what I term "The Margaret Mead" approach to each different tradition. You are not trying to debate or change (ie evangelize) them, but learn from each one. I wish more people were as respectful.
The "Margaret Mead approach" is an outstanding analogy. I never thought of it that way, but that is a perfect way to articulate it. Thank you!
@@simontemplar3359 Based Jean Moulin pfp
Christos Anesti !
@@Mark-yb1sp S'praznikom!
I love these videos, Matt. Please keep up the good work, brother!
Wow! This was the best series yet! Fr. Paul is so well spoken and clear, your questions were great. I was sad to see it end. Thank you for all of this!
Brother, I've never felt pressured to support you, and yet I won't stop supporting until you close the ability to do so. I value this content so much as it's really about trying to find balance within a true faith, with a true foundation, but that has flawed humans that make up the building. I really enjoy these videos and it helps me so much to find balance within my soul and likewise, softens my heart. Thank you Matt, as always.
Thank you very much.
@@MattWhitmanTMBH Yeah, this inter-faith exchange of yours is very interesting.
It made me realize how the best centuries of Christianity were probably the first centuries, when the founders could *actually* challenge each other.
Today each expression of Christianity is so much set in stone that it makes it calcified, not thought-provoking, almost.. boring.
Whereas by talking to different priests and traditions, it makes one want to learn *more* about the many intellectual circles that set in motion the Christian journey.
Matt, I love the whole 'Protestant learns about...' series, but this is the best one so far. Thanks for bringing us with you
Thank you for doing this! The mindsets and approach to all of this was so full of grace it was amazing. I appreciate your remark at the end about keeping your heart soft.
Really appreciated the sharing of this conversation.
Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox: three siblings pitted against each other in the past by Satan, united only by Christ. May His Bride march on towards Christ. Perhaps the Bride may never see complete unity on this Earth, but videos and efforts like this can certainly make unity in our HEARTS possible. That is to say, practically, the three of us may never see eye to eye and resolve our differences, but the more we love Christ, and love each other in our hearts, that is unity in the heart. Where Satan would rather sew seeds of hatred, and even war between Christians in the past, we can instead say, "this is my brother. This is my sister. We may never agree completely, but we are one in Christ, and I will love them as my brother, as my sister." Blessings to you folks, I can't wait for the day when we no longer see through the glass darkly, but see Him and worship Him face to face, and welcome each other face to face.
Or as another commenter succinctly put, "...they will know we are Christians by our love."
as an Orthodox, I share the notion. We are not in agreement, but we are brothers in Christ, and I love you christian brothers, may the God guide and save you.
It would be useful for you to look at history . In particular the genocide of Serbian people including children who were tortured and killed in Jasenovac ( Croatia) by the RCC clergy . The history repeated itself in the 90’s when 400 000 Orthodox Serbs were extradited from Croatia a land where they lived for thousands of years. The Orthodox are not in communion with Protestants or Roman Catholics and never will be
Father Paul is absolutely correct in that Orthodoxy does not (and cannot) narrow the work of Christ in our salvation down to a single, simple paradigm as is too often tried in the West. One paradigm simply cannot account for it all.
That said, it should be clear the Orthodoxy does have _a_ view of "substitutionary atonement" that sits comfortably among all the rest. It is far from representative of that view which was later formulated by Anselm and adopted and changed by yet later Reformed theologians, but it is there nevertheless. But Father Paul is absolutely right in pointing out that it is only one facet of God's salvific work among a whole host of others, and no one facet outshines all the rest in brilliance and beauty.
Here is an Orthodox view of "substitutionary atonement" as presented by St. Athanasius of Alexandria:
"But beyond all this, there was a debt owing which must needs be paid; for, as I said before, all men were due to die. Here, then, is the second reason why the Word dwelt among us, namely that having proved His Godhead by His works, He might offer the sacrifice on behalf of all, surrendering His own temple to death in place of all, to settle man’s account with death and free him from the primal transgression. In the same act also He showed Himself mightier than death, displaying His own body incorruptible as the first-fruits of the resurrection." ( _On the Incarnation_ 4.20)
The Orthodox understanding is different in that it is not so much a "penal" or "judicial" substitution, but simply a substitution. No adjectives necessary, except perhaps for the word "willing," as Christ did this gladly of his own will for our sakes.
"Thus it happened that two opposite marvels took place at once: the death of all was consummated in the Lord’s body; yet, because the Word was in it, death and corruption were in the same act utterly abolished. Death there had to be, and death for all, so that the due of all might be paid. Wherefore, the Word, as I said, being Himself incapable of death, assumed a mortal body, that He might offer it as His own in place of all, and suffering for the sake of all through His union with it 'might bring to nought Him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver them who all their lifetime were enslaved by the fear of death' (Heb. 2:14-15)." ( _ibid._ )
Thanks for your comment and the quote from St Athanasius. It seems one key difference between Athanasius version of "substitutionary atonement" and Anselm's is that for the early Church tradition, the main enemy was sin/death (and the Devil) that needed to be defeated. Whereas with Anselm's version of SA, it seems God the Father (inadvertently) becomes the main problem. Under the Anselm version, in order to keep your faith, you have to figure out why God the Father was both willing to send His Son to die, and unwilling to simply forgive our sin. You can say "the Father's divine honor needed satisfaction," but that still makes God the main problem, not sin and death itself. And in order for Christ to solve this problem, you either have to split the Trinity while Christ hung on the cross, or think of Christ as a human person who suffered (Nestorianism). Once I learned that the Anselm version of SA, if carried to it's natural conclusions, is in conflict with the most foundational doctrines of Trinity and Christology, it was obvious that EO is the only option.
@@nathanhornok astute observation..what is also usually missed is that Anselm came up with this in what, the 12th century? That means that for the first 1100 years Christians had it wrong...hmmm. What folks in the West also forget is that people like Anselm and Augustine didn't have access to most I'd not all of the early Church fathers in the East due to the Islamic occupation so their base of information from which to pull was very narrow.
@@nathanhornok that is exactly the biggest problem with the view of a penal or judicial substitution in my view. well put
Bojan on Bible Illustrated has two short podcasts which are very informative. Love!
@@noway165 yea he's pretty good!
Just want to say, you make the best videos! Very thoughtful and informative. Keep them coming.
I’ve somehow just jumped into this episode, really love the respectful discussion with truth and understanding each other being central. Thank you for that example.
I am an atheist. I love this channel and these discussions. Keep it up!
You can see in youtube:
Athos the Holy Mountain (Greece) - CBS Documentary
We welcome you !
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Hi Matt. Orthodox Christian here. I was going to tell you how wonderful you are and how much I appreciate your kindness and inquisitiveness in your videos, but I see a zillion people already have. God bless you.
This so encouraged me. Thank you. Loved listening to you both. What you shared at the end, helped encourage my heart.
Thanks for sharing this man. So thorough and diligently done. I really appreciate it brother. Awesome work 🙏🏻
More orthodox content!! Love to see it!
It was lovely to see a rigorous discussion of Orthodoxy in these five parts from an outside perspective, as someone who had grown up in it and only really knows about it from an inside perspective
Thank you for bringing this moment. You are awesome .God bless you!
So well done. I appreciate the spirit and substance of these conversations and helping all of us understand our relatives in faith. Thank you
Thanx, Matt. Great work, great series. 🔥🌹🌹🌹🔥
What a great conversation between you two. I love how two persons from different backgrounds get closer to each other and better understand each other and appreciate each other's views.
Your channel is such a blessing. Thanks for your great work.
This was an awesome conversation. Would love to hear you guys talk more on various topics
... And they'll know we are Christians by our love.
You just said in 9 words what I said in a whole paragraph haha. Blessings to you!
Where does it say that? I thought it was by our fruit?
John 13:34-35, but yes also Matthew 12:33. I would say that the connection here is that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love- compare 1 Cor 13 and Gal 5
I love that song.
@sovereigng 42:06 race9723
That was a Christian song in the 70s
I love "fair understanding versus caricature" and appreciate how you are trying to be constructive in making things better for our world! Thank you!
WAS AMAZING
Love the host and the guest!!
I really want more videos on these guys
Orthodox Christian here your energy and openness to seek out our faith in depth is a beautiful thing. Definitely will be subscribing
Thanks for the interview...I continue to marvel at your good faith dialogues while respectfully retaining your own faith tradition. A gem on YT.
That was a wonderful talk, I watched the first part too and had to finish. Thank you both
Wow! This was the best series yet! Fr. Paul is so well spoken and clear, your questions were great. Thank you for all of this!
Enjoying the frequency of these uploads! Father Paul has blown me away, what a great representative of the orthodox church. I would honestly listen to a regular podcast with you two haha
And the last episode is Matt getting baptized!
@@frankherbert6476 🙂
Thank you so much for these videos, Matt. The genuine goodness of your intentions and fellowship shine through your presentation. I appreciate all of your videos and always look forward to them. As we Greeks always say to those who have attended church, βοηθεια σου! (May it help you)
Thank you for these videos. I love getting to know diffetent churches and ways to see and think of things. So interesting.
God bless you brother, I really appreciate what you r doing. Keep up the good job.
My first experience with Orthodoxy was at a re-opened church in Harbin, China. Everything was in Church Slavonic. I persisted. Some things were tough for me to understand because I was looking at Orthodoxy through my Evangelical eyes. When I realized that, it became easier. If you are curious, go to a church, experience the liturgy and other services and ask questions. I have a Fuller M.Div., by the way.
I’m an Orthodox Christian, and I absolutely LOVE your channel! God bless you!
Thank you Anya.
This was amazing! Dude, so many of your questions I would have thought about- on the way back to the airport! Your interview skills are razor sharp! Both participants in this did an excellent job. Thank you!
I loved this video, and especially your comments at the end. 👍🏼
I've been curious about Orthodoxy for a while, and I've found this series of videos fascinating. Thank you for doing them.
Absolutely wonderful! Thanks Matt! :)
He is Risen!
Amazing video, thank the both of you for your time and knowledge.
🙇🏿♂️
This series was awesome. Thanks Matt.
Thank you so much for these series! I learned so much more! My family is from a Coptic background, but I was baptised and raised in a Russian Orthodox Church. For a while I kind of left the church (late teens), because I sometimes didn’t understand why things were done the way they were done, and I felt less at home in the church. Luckily I found my way back again. I’m still learning and unlearning
So again, thanks!
Thank you so much for spending your time and energy to do these! I find them so entertaining but also beneficial. It’s great to hear peoples theology and where it comes from straight from them and not second or third hand which I would assume most “believers” get any knowledge they have of different belief systems that way. God Bless and praying for ya!
Both videos were awesome and edifying thank you, I subscribed, looking forward to more good food
Hi Matt .I just want to say thank you. You are doing Great job.
May God bless you and your family.
Thank you so much for doing this Matt. It feels like I've picked up a bachelor's degree worth of theology just passively observing these episodes and then doing my own research/going down rabbit holes but all the while feeling like we're somehow on a mutual journey. Your channel has tremendously enriched my Christian faith and understanding.
Love your explorations of Orthodoxy - fascinating! Thanks for taking the time to go so in-depth and explore other expressions of Christianity, particularly the older branches. Looking forward to more!
You really helped me with the end of this video and your reflection there. God bless you!
Excellent Sharing Here💙
I love the diversity & Perspectives.
Great Conversation
Thank you for another fascinating video, it's wonderful to see Christians from different traditions discussing their faith with such courtesy and openness. For those wanting to learn more about the Orthodox Church there are two excellent books by Bishop Kallistos Ware, the first, 'The Orthodox Church' has been for fifty years the best introduction to the history and practice of the Orthodox Church. His other book is 'The Orthodox Way' looks at the spirituality of the Orthodox Church.