Is the Greek Orthodox Church "Bible-believing"?

Question

I know they're not evangelicals. But how is their worldview different from, say, a Baptist's? Is the Orthodox worldview even Biblical?

Answer 1

Yes, they are Bible believing. Study your history. They broke off from the Roman Church. Roman Empire was in the East and West- Constantinople/Rome. The final break came on July 20, 1054 when Pope Leo IX served papers that excommunicated the patriarch of the Eastern church The Eastern Church tried to keep the ties open but Pope Leo was already dead by the time the papers were served in Constantinople.
The basic difference is that the Orthodox Church believes that an individual can study and read the bible but may not interpret or change readings on their own. That is left only to those selected by the Church who have studied it for years and are acknowledged authorities on the Bible. They also believe in baptism by three immersions not one. They are Greek Orthodox Catholics. There are also Roman Catholics. They are more restrictive on the teachings of Christ, not a bad thing.

Note: Members of their clergy attended and participated in Pope John Paul II funeral. The first time that had happened in centuries.

EDIT: for the person below me they are very big on the BIBLE and not the HUMAN interpretations of the Bible. The Bible is the main basis of their teachings. They are trying to stay as close to the traditions and teachings of Jesus Christ then any other church. I am not a Greek Orthodox. They did not break away from Catholicism they broke away from the ROMAN Catholic Church. History, History,History!!

Answer 2

Basically the Christian church before the schism was run by 5 churches which could all trace back succession to the apostolic founders. This was called Pentrarchy. These five Churches were Rome (founded by St. Peter and St. Paul), Constantinople (founded by St. Andrew), Alexandria (founded by St. Mark), Antoich (fonded by St. Peter) and Jerusalem (founded by St. James). The main reason which led to the schism between the Catholic and Orthodox churches was that the Patriarch of the Roman Church (the pope) claimed he had authority over the 4 eastern patriachs (Constantinople, Alexandria, Jerusalem and Antoich) which was of course disputed by the 4 eastern patriarchs. Both the Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches believe they are the first church through apostolic succession and both are right in a way. But while the Catholic Church only has one patriach who can trace back succession to the apostolic founders the Eastern Orthodox Church has 4. Eastern Orthodox wins 4 - 1.

Answer 3

Well not exactly. The Orthodox Church did not break with Rome, Rome broke off from the Orthodox Church. There was blame on both sides. Ever since the capitol of the Roman Empire was moved from Rome to Constantinople, Rome was left in a kind of backwater and there was breakdown in communication. Although 1054 is considered the break between eastern and western Christendom, only a few people were listed in the excommunications--not the entire Church. So things went on as before--until 1204. The Fourth Crusade was persuaded by a pretender to the imperial throne to go to Constantinople on their way to Jerusalem and enthrone him by force. Growing impatient, they sacked the city in an orgy of murder, rape and sacrilege. Even the Muslims were shocked at the way they behaved. From this date the Christian East painfully saw that there was a difference between Rome and Constantinople and the Orthodox Eastern Church condemned The pope and anyone who was in communion with him as heretics. It is a great pity, because originally Rome was known for its Orthodoxy.But it was the Orthodox Church, the one indivisible Church of east and west in A.D. 324 which decided what books would be in the Bible. Before that books, letters and gospels were all separate and not contained in one book. Constantine had 100 Bibles printed on vellum, which was very expensive. They contained extra books which are erroneously called "apocrypha" which the Church calls "aginoskemia" (worthy to be read). In every service of the Orthodox Church the Gospel, and letters of the apostles are read. Bible study is encouraged and done. The psalms are chanted before Divine Liturgy, which is the main service of the Church. Christian belief is sing-chanted and there are references to the Old and New Testament. Those who bore witness to the Christian Faith (sometimes resulting in death) are celebrated. Here is an example from the Sunday Divine Liturgy:

"Now ad ever and unto ages of ages amen. Only begotten Son and immortal Word of God, Who for our salvation willed to be incarnate of the Holy Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, Who became man and was crucified, Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit. O Christ our God trampling down death by death, Save us!

As you can see, what Christians believe is part of the worship. I recommend reading "The Orthodox Church" by Timothy (now Bishop Kallistos) Ware. Read that, and you will know the basics of Orthodoxy.

Answer 4

The Greek Orthodox Church is the tue and only christian religon true to its roots, it has a direct long history all the way back in history. All other western christians keep cutting away from the core disipline

go to google and check out

Mt. Athos

or

Answer 5

t they believe Jesus is the only begotten son of God. In salvation through Him. The Trinity. I do not know how to explain the Baptists. They are good Christians also. The Greek orthodocks(sp) are a liturgical church. They have sacraments. They strive to lead very holy lives. They are one of the older groups of Christians.

Answer 6

They broke away from the Catholic church, but still hang on to many of their man made traditions which they hold as the authority above the Bible. They do not teach that you must be born again. Nor do they believe in original sin. Many of their doctrines are not biblical. They also pray to Mary and Saints as do the Catholics. They also believe thier icons are sacred. They practice infant baptism as well. So I would say that they do not follow the Bible.

Answer 7

They have the same bible the same believe
the christian believes come from the bible.
its nothing we created it

there is some issue which is different in how to apply the believes.

as Baptising, Comminioun ..............etc.

Answer 8

They follow scripture a little closer than the Baptist.

Answer 9

The answer is no. They broke away from the Catholic church over some dogmas, ie baptism by immersion, but they still baptize babies. They believe in a salvation by works, so no, they are not biblical.

Answer 10

They follow the scriptures closer than any Protestant denomination does.