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"...what is orthodox is contained in the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. I find no other authority to establish orthodoxy beyond this. That would mean I consider that any theology cannot be considered as orthodoxy no matter how true it may be."
me ;-)
offered by Kc | 10/19/2007 08:46:00 AM
16 Comments:
I thought I agreed, but just to be sure, I checked some terminology. Orthodoxy is a powerful word, and is so often used very lightly. We tend to use it more in the sense of "traditional" - but that's not really what it means.
"orthodox." (Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian):
1581, from L.L. orthodoxus, from Gk. orthodoxos "having the right opinion," from orthos "right, true, straight" + doxa "opinion, praise," from dokein "to seem," from PIE base *dek- "to take, accept" (see decent). As the name of the Eastern Church, first recorded in Eng. 1772; in the sense of branch of Judaism, first recorded 1853.
In the light of that definition, it is my opinion that you are orthodox.
I am fighting on two fronts now. =)
I'll get back to you. =)
Just my two cents here. Thinking out loud. Not tried this out.
I think the majority would agree that we as Christians want orthodoxy and that orthodoxy stems from "the teachings of Christ and the disciples."
What we disagree on is the interpretation of said "teachings of Christ and the disciples (Apostles").
Not to mention the sources for what constitute the teachings of Christ and his followers.
Surely, the JW's believe they are just as Orthodox as I think I am. We both base our perception of orthodoxy on a Book, possibly coming from God (or in their case a god).
Now who has the right to interpretation? I propose the entire community of faith--those living and dead. The consequence of this will be exclusion of those who fall outside orthodoxy. Conformity to certain theologies is not necessarily the same thing as conformity to orthodox teaching (which is having for its base the teachings of Christ and his apostles but being interpreted by the community of faith).
I think we really are in agreement. We may just be coming to the same conclusion from a very slight different vantage point.
Missy I agree. It’s far too easy to find three that agree and then declare they are orthodox. Thanks for giving the etymology. With respect to Christian orthodoxy I would say only God’s opinion is orthodox. ;-)
Pech, sorry! I didn’t mean to divide you with this I only hoped to isolate this particular topic.
As you know, your two cents are priceless to me. ;-)
I would go so far as to say that we, the Church, desperately need orthodoxy in faith and practice but not in theology. In faith the belief that Jesus is Christ the savior, the Son of God is orthodox and in practice only the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. Now if two men would understand those teachings differently yet abide in what they agree then what lacks can be resolved in time with prayer and study through the Holy Spirit. If they refuse to abide then there can be no resolution and the Church is divided.
With respect to the sources for the Apostle’s Doctrine I think it wise that we constantly reevaluate each source for the edification of the body.
“Now who has the right to interpretation? I propose the entire community of faith--those living and dead. The consequence of this will be exclusion of those who fall outside orthodoxy. Conformity to certain theologies is not necessarily the same thing as conformity to orthodox teaching (which is having for its base the teachings of Christ and his apostles but being interpreted by the community of faith).
I think we really are in agreement. We may just be coming to the same conclusion from a very slight different vantage point.”
I totally agree with your comment and observation. I would also point out that interpretation is not only our right but our responsibility as well though I find that some are gifted and charged with a more full understanding than others.
KC,
Would you mind giving your definition of "orthodoxy"?
"Theology"?
Thx.
Jeff I find Christian "orthodox" faith and practice to mean that which is to be accepted and/as applicable to all and theology to be mans attempt to understand God.
Good thoughs, KC. I agree!
I think I just read on another blog recently a discussion about "orthodox." I can't remember which one.
I like the way you stated this, KC. If "orthodoxy" is intended be a baseline for theological agreement, then there is no better place to begin or end than what you have said.
Have a great weekend.
Thanks so much Sis. I'm shocked again! ;-)
Preacher I can't help but wonder how different the fellowship of believers would be if we could all find agreement in this. ;-)
...what is [accepted and/as applicable to all] is contained in the teachings of Christ and the Apostles. I find no other authority to establish [that which is to be accepted and/as applicable to all] beyond this. That would mean I consider that any [mans attempt to understand God] cannot be considered as [accepted and/as applicable to all] no matter how true it may be.
Well said. Thanks for the clarifiction of two terms that have, unfortunately, become quite subjective in their definitions, in reent years...
Well, according to my research, Ortho=large producer of fertilizer and lawn care products, and Doxy=tetracyclene-type antibiotic.
Clearly, I'm in way over my head here.
Ahh, poisonous AND healing at the same time...
Very deep, Dorsey.
Did I dream I responded or are the comment gremlins at work here again??? Whatever the reason I’m so sorry to seem so slow to respond!
Jeff thanks so much but when you put it that way I’m not so sure I agree! (hehe) I really do know exactly what you mean. I would say most define orthodoxy as “my theology” and “my theology” as “the mind of God”. Given these definitions the conclusion would then be:
“...what is orthodox is contained in the teachings of me. I find no other authority to establish orthodoxy beyond this. That would mean I consider that your theology cannot be considered.”
Dorse I would think a postmodern approach to your etymology might prove helpful. (hehe)
Missy it seems you always enjoy a good paradox! (grin)
Kc,
Well...amen to that.
Todd thanks for the reassurance!
;-)
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