Re: Questions for Catholics and Orthodox
Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:07 pm
Thank you for the question! This is a bit difficult to answer because of categorically different ways of understand what the Church is and how changes are effectuated in the Church.
To start, the Church, as the bride of Christ, has not changed since the bridegroom left the wedding chamber (i.e., the tomb). I'm not saying that the bride has never been unfaithful but that she never disappeared. Even when Israel fell into idolatry, God claimed her as his bride...though she was likened to a whore during those times. I am merely suggesting there is a particular body/assembly/church which has this special union with Christ. To separate from that body and to create a different sect is, by definition, heresy. That is a way in which the Church can be understood.
As for the later, I wouldn't necessarily say that the Church changes. The Church does not change in its dogma. What changes is the manner in which it is expressed. For example, the way in which Christ is presented to the Anglo-Saxons is different than the way in which Christ is presented to the Russians, Indians, or any other culture and any other time. When there are changes in Church practice (e.g., commemoration of saints, the composition of liturgies, etc...), we believe that those take place by the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church - this is what we call Holy Tradition. So, something like the Council of Nicea were things where humans got together and said some stuff, but then later, it becomes clear to the Church that the Holy Spirit was using those humans as instruments for His glory. This happens in an analogous way in our lives, by the way. You might do something one day and then 10 years later, you are utilizing what you learned then to fulfill responsibilities now; you see that it is as if that thing you did before was in preparation for the very thing you are doing now.
So, with these two things in mind (the Church has never disappeared, the Church does not change its dogma), I can address the actual question. I almost certainly disagree with some things, but it's my responsibility to be obedient to the Church and to repent if I ever receive correction. In other words, the institution of Christ, the Church, does not need reformed, humans need reformed. If I disagree with something and am receive correction, I need to repent. This can be done while still remaining a critical thinker. However, as a starting point, I am a sinner and in need of repentance.
As for the other questions, I'm not sure how to answer them. The Church is more like a family than like the Allied Forces. Positions matter less than how you live your life. You're free to do whatever you want, I suppose, but if you decided to spit on your mother (pardon the vulgarity), don't expect the rest of the family to receive you well after that.
I hope that makes sense! I know it was a rather long response and that the majority of it covered ground which you did not ask about. If I have failed to address part of your question, please let me know and I will endeavor to add to my response.
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