A podcast featuring Jay Dyer, an expert on Byzantium and Protestantism, discussing texts crucial to the Protestant/Catholic issue. Topics include iconographic theology, the controversy of the liturgy, the Protestant view of Christ's work, the involvement of the papacy in ecumenical councils, dating of texts, the Trinity in the New Testament, and the development of different Christian traditions.
The authority of the Pope in the Catholic Church is believed to come from Christ giving Peter the keys of the kingdom and the power of binding and loosing.
Some ecumenical councils have put forward canons that contradict the teaching of the papacy, suggesting a different understanding of authority.
In the early Church, authority was understood through the bishop of Rome, but the role of ecumenical councils developed over time to establish and clarify doctrine.
Orthodox Church believes that true dogmatic teachings are determined by the consensus of the Church through ecumenical councils, not by the infallibility of individuals.
The Orthodox Church recognizes that God's grace can be present in other Christian traditions, but official sacraments and teachings are judged within the authority of the Orthodox Church.
It is recommended to take time to study and learn about Orthodoxy before making a decision to convert.
Deep dives
Catholic Perspective on Papal Authority
From a Catholic perspective, the origin of the universal and immediate authority of the Pope is believed to come from Christ giving Peter the keys of the kingdom and the power of binding and loosing. This authority is seen as directly related to the successor of Peter and is also extended to the other apostles when they are in communion with Peter. The belief is that the Pope holds this authority in the Church and can exercise it universally and independently.
Disagreement Regarding Ecumenical Councils
The disagreement arises when it comes to the interpretation of the authority of ecumenical councils and their relationship with the Pope. The Catholic position is that the Pope has ultimate authority and that ecumenical councils cannot contradict his authority. However, it is noted that throughout history, some ecumenical councils have put forward canons that contradict the teaching of the papacy, suggesting a different understanding of authority.
Early Church and the Role of Ecumenical Councils
In the early Church, before the establishment of ecumenical councils, authority was understood through the successors of the Apostles, particularly the bishop of Rome. The belief was that a person could discern the true Church by being in communion with the bishop and successors of the Apostles. However, the role and necessity of ecumenical councils developed over time as a means of establishing and clarifying doctrine in the Church.
Importance of discerning theological errors in the Church Fathers
In the Orthodox view, it is acknowledged that Church Fathers and saints have made theological errors. However, it is believed that their errors do not invalidate the overall teachings of the Church. The focus is on the consensus of the Church and the decisions of ecumenical councils. While individuals in other Christian traditions may have valid sacraments and succession, their theological errors may still be recognized.
True dogmatic teachings are determined through church councils
The Orthodox Church believes that true dogmatic teachings are determined by the consensus of the Church through ecumenical councils. It is not necessary for every individual father or theologian to be infallible. The importance lies in the overall teachings and decisions of these councils.
Discerning grace in other Christian traditions
The Orthodox Church recognizes that God's grace can be present in other Christian traditions, even if they differ from Orthodox teachings. The Orthodox Church does not judge individual salvation and acknowledges that God's grace can work outside of the visible boundaries of the Orthodox Church. However, the judgment of official sacraments and teachings lies within the authority of the Orthodox Church.
Questioning the Tradition: Reflecting on the Shift from Roman Catholicism to Protestantism
The speaker shares their personal journey of growing up in Roman Catholicism and later questioning its teachings and traditions. After delving into history, theology, and genealogy, the speaker finds inconsistencies within the Roman Catholic Church and starts exploring other options.
The Appeal of the Reformers: What Did They See in the Roman Catholic Church?
The speaker reflects on what motivated the Protestant reformers to turn away from the Roman Catholic Church and become proponents of militant Protestantism. They highlight the political factors at play, such as the German princes' support, as well as the theological and doctrinal concerns that led to the reformers' rejection of papal authority.
Challenging the Notion of Infallible Magisterium in Roman Catholicism
The speaker questions the concept of the infallible magisterium in Roman Catholicism and reflects on the appeal to authority fallacy that it may present. They express their struggle in determining what to believe in the absence of an infallible authority, and the appeal to historical writings and primary sources from the Protestant reformers.
The Monarchy of the Father and the Son's Submission
The Son, as a divine person, submits to the Father in carrying out His will, without any ontological diminution. The Son does everything the Father wills, but this submission does not imply any inferiority or change in His divine nature.
The Authority of the Bible and Orthodox Councils
In Orthodox belief, the Bible is not the only word of God. While it is an important part of divine revelation, it is not the sole source of authority. Orthodox councils, both ecumenical and local, are considered authoritative and their dogmatic pronouncements are accepted. However, the Bible and the councils are not viewed as providing new divine revelations, but rather as correctly expressing and interpreting the apostolic deposit of faith.
Binding and Loosing
Binding and loosing in Orthodox belief involves the authority to excommunicate and absolve, which is held by bishops and priests. This authority is exercised in accordance with the teachings and traditions of the Church.
Taking Time to Explore Orthodoxy
It is recommended to take time to study and learn about Orthodoxy before making a decision to convert. The process of catechesis typically lasts one to three years and provides an opportunity to learn and understand the teachings of the Church. It is important to approach the decision with patience and not rush into it.
Today I will discuss some of the recent texts I've been reading and how they are crucial to the Protestant / Catholic issue. Papadakis, Louth and Siecienski texts are a helpful addendum to the history of Byzantium and the later issues of the papacy and the rise of Protestantism. Questioners can have the floor for as long as they like.
