What are some various differences between Orthodox and Catholic churches? are Orthodox still Catholic?

Answer 1

There are many books written just on this topic. There is a lot that can be said, from a lot of different angles.

The main differences historically sited are as follows:

1- The idea of Papal infallability and judicial supremecy, which the Orthodox do not adhere to

2- The clause in the Symbol of Faith," Who proceeds from the Father AND THE SON" is rejected as an inovation by the Orthodox, who believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father ALONE

3- The Orthodox believe grace to be an "uncreated energy" of God while the Latins usually hold to an idea of "created grace"

4- The Orthodox use leavened bread during celebration of the Eucharist and believe that the elements are transformed at the "Invocation of the Holy Spirit" while the Papists use unleavened bread or wafers and teach that the elements transform when Christs' "words of institution" are recited

5- The Orthodox reject the teaching of the immaculate conception as a papal innovation

6- The Orthodox Church allows priests to be married (as long as they marry BEFORE ordination) whereas the Latins demand celibacy for the clergy

7- The Orthodox do not hold to the Papal teaching of Purgatory

8- The Latins withhold the Sacrament of Unction for the dying, while the Orthodox bestow it upon anyone who is sick

9- The ideas of indulgences and "merits of the saints" and the "earning" of salvation through works are all foreign to Orthodox

10-The idea of Original Sin as "inherited guilt" is not held by the Orthodox. The Orthodox believe that we inherit only the effects of sin, namely corruption and mortality, from our first parents

11- There are of course many more that could be listed- down to the fact that the Papal church allows organs and even guitars in litugical worship while the Orthodox only allow the voice to be used

While some people on both sides of the division claim that the differences are only minor and can be overcome "easily", many others believe that due to the lenghth of seperation, the very "spirit" is different between the Churches and that there is no hope for reconciliation unless one of the bodies significantly changes.

Lastly, the Orthodox do claim catholicity, and would say that the "Roman Catholic" church is falsely so called. And of course the Latins claim orthodoxy, and would say that the "Orthodox" are not quite so. The difference between the two views is that the Orthodox reject, generally speaking, the efficasy of "catholic" "sacraments", while the Papists allow the idea that the Orthodox's sacraments are "valid, though irregular".

Hope my rambling helps :)

Answer 2

I belive the true question should be: "are Catholics still Orthodox?" The Orthodoxs' mess and habits are more ancient than Catholics'. The Catholics have lost a lot from the ancient Christianity.

Answer 3

Many Orthodox churches share apostolic origin, fundamental doctrine and dogma, and valid sacraments with the Catholic church, but have many other differences, due mainly to political and nationalistic issues.

The differences are too numerous to try to list here.

For more, go to:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11329a.htm

Answer 4

No. Catholicism was a rebellious movement that seperated them from Orthodox.

Answer 5

Doctrinal differences

Answer 6

No practical difference, beyond the purpose for which it was created by someone with ulterior motives of position.

Answer 7

Talk to a priests from both churches.