The question of what defines the true Church has been a topic of theological debate and discussion for centuries. From the perspective of Eastern Orthodoxy, and rightfully so, the true Church is characterized by its adherence to the ancient teachings and traditions that have been handed down through the generations. This perspective contrasts with the evolution of theology within Catholicism, particularly during the pontificate of Pope Francis, and the issues surrounding various topics such as the views expressed in his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, his willingness to permit sinners to receive communion, and ultimately his view on the “blessing” of same sex couples. Francis’ pontificate however cannot entirely carry the blame for the chaos within the Catholic Church; since the Second Vatican Council the Church has fallen further into disarray, seemingly more interested in becoming “of the world” albeit vocalizing this reality by using terms such as “pastoral”. The second Vatican Council (which we won’t touch on fully in this blog) introduced liturgical reforms that although well-intended, gave way to rampant liturgical abuse, thus watering down our expression of faith.
Modernism within the Catholic Church has manifested in various ways over the years, with many pious clerics and laypeople alike contending that certain developments have led the Church to become more aligned with secular values. A prime example of this shift can be seen in the proliferation of "Eucharistic ministers." While intended to assist priests in distributing the Eucharist during Mass, this practice has expanded to include laypeople, which has sparked concerns about the sanctity of the sacrament. This dilution of the role of ordained priests undermines the traditional understanding of the Eucharist as a sacred and solemn ritual.
Pope Francis, with his Jesuit background, has also been a subject of scrutiny in the context of modernism within the Church. Some observers (predominantly traditional-minded Bishops, priest, and laypeople with an understanding of the deposit of faith) point to the liberal theology associated with certain Jesuit circles, expressing concerns that his papacy leans towards a more progressive and worldly perspective, which as we have all been told by our Lord separates us from him in 1 John 2:15. While Pope Francis has emphasized themes of mercy and inclusivity, his approach to certain doctrinal and moral issues has raised questions about the Church's stance on key teachings which it has held for 2000 years as given to us by the Apostles and Church Fathers. This tension highlights the ongoing struggle within the Catholic Church between modernist and traditionalist viewpoints and raises the question of how to balance evolving pastoral approaches with the preservation of core doctrinal truths. This shying away from tradition should cause us to think about what the true Church established by Christ himself should hold to.
The Eastern Orthodox Church and Tradition
The Eastern Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on tradition as a cornerstone of its faith. It believes that the true Church is marked by its unwavering commitment to the teachings and practices passed down from the apostles and the early Church Fathers. In Orthodoxy, the authority of the Church is vested in the consensus of the bishops, with the Ecumenical Councils being the highest expressions of this authority.
In Eastern Orthodoxy, the beauty of its ecclesiastical structure lies in its ability to maintain a steadfast commitment to its core doctrines and dogmas, even in the face of disagreements between autocephalous (independent) Orthodox Churches. While individual Orthodox Churches may have differences in administrative matters, liturgical practices, and even regional customs, the theological foundation of the faith remains unwavering and consistent across all autocephalous jurisdictions. The shared adherence to the Nicene Creed, the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and the Holy Scriptures ensures that essential aspects of the faith, such as the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, and the salvific work of Christ, are upheld universally within the Orthodox communion.
Despite occasional disputes or jurisdictional disagreements that may arise within the Orthodox Church, the preservation of unaltered faith is paramount. The authority of the Ecumenical Councils plays a crucial role in maintaining doctrinal unity, as decisions made by these councils are considered binding and unchangeable. This commitment to preserving the timeless truths of Christianity reflects the Orthodox Church's dedication to the apostolic and patristic tradition, ensuring that the faith remains consistent and unadulterated, regardless of external challenges or internal disputes. When one considers what a “mark” of the true Church is, this should be front and center in the discernment.
Changing Theology in Catholicism
In contrast to the Orthodox approach, the Catholic Church has seen shifts in interpretations of theology over time, with certain doctrines evolving or being reinterpreted, particularly during the pontificates of Pope Francis, Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. One notable point of recent contention revolves around the Church's traditional stance on homosexuality as "intrinsically disordered" and the lack of clarity provided by the Pontiff or Magisterium when questioned about it. Other issues such as the seemingly vehement push by some clerics and laypeople to ordain Women to the diaconate or priesthood have also become topics for conversation among the people who are supposed to be in charge of defending and maintaining the deposit of faith, with many within the Church publicly supporting the idea. As a result of the convoluted responses and stances the Church (through the Pontiff and most Bishops) have taken, the perception being given to the faithful is that the Church's teaching on this matter has been or is subject to change, causing confusion and division, particularly among the faithful who have always understood the deposit of faith to be unchanging as handed down by Christ through his Apostles. Many within the Catholic Church including Bishops, Priests, and laypeople openly advocate for the Church to take a “new” approach to these issues. This is particularly true of many of the Bishops in Germany, Priests such as James Martin, and for the most part, modern Jesuits, which has to beg the question of whether or not God would allow for his Church to change any of these teachings if it was in fact the true Church.
Pope Francis and His Appointed Cardinals
Pope Francis has been seen as a pontiff who has sought to take a more inclusive and merciful approach to various issues, including those related to human sexuality. He has appointed cardinals who share his views, leading to concerns among some Catholics that this shift in leadership could challenge the long-standing theological positions of the Church. Many of his appointed Cardinals have been open advocates for modernization and “new” approaches to understanding things such as same-sex relationships and how they “should fit in” to the Church.
The Challenge of Providing Genuine Clarification
One of the criticisms of Pope Francis' approach to issues like homosexuality or even the existence of Hell (which he has said “he likes to believe isn’t a place, but rather souls just get extinguished”) is the perceived lack of clear and unequivocal clarification. Many Catholics and non-Catholics alike have expressed the need for a more definitive stance on these matters. Some argue that the ambiguity in the Church's teachings can lead to confusion and undermine the authority of the Church.
That lack of clarity should also have us question the validity of the claims of being the true Church founded by Christ. Would Jesus allow his Church to be attacked and manipulated like this? If so, why? The notion that "the true church is the church that is under attack" is a perspective that can be open to interpretation and misapplication. While it is true that various Christian traditions, including the Catholic Church, have faced external challenges and criticism throughout history, it is essential to distinguish between external pressures and internal changes to the deposit of faith, dogma, or doctrine. In the case of the Orthodox Churches, while they, too, have experienced their share of external challenges, regional conflicts, and ecumenical debates, they have maintained a remarkable consistency in their theological teachings and doctrinal beliefs. The enduring nature of Orthodox dogma and doctrine across centuries of tumultuous events underscores the Church's unwavering commitment to preserving the apostolic tradition.
The ability of the Orthodox communions to withstand external pressures while maintaining the integrity of their faith highlights their commitment to upholding the ancient Christian tradition. The emphasis on consensus among bishops and adherence to the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils ensures that essential theological teachings remain unchanged. In contrast, the assertion that the true Church is always the one under attack may not hold true when one examines the Orthodox tradition's resilience in preserving the deposit of faith. It is possible for a Church to face adversity without compromising its core beliefs, and the Orthodox experience serves as a testament to the strength of a tradition rooted in the apostolic and patristic heritage.
Eastern Orthodox Perspective
From the perspective of Eastern Orthodoxy, the changing theological landscape in Catholicism raises concerns about the preservation of tradition and the integrity of the faith. Orthodoxy sees itself as the guardian of the ancient Christian faith, holding fast to the teachings and practices of the early Church Fathers. It views the consistency of its doctrine as a testament to the unchanging truth of Christianity.
The question of the true Church and the markers that define it will continue to be a matter of theological discussion and debate. From one Catholic’s perspective while examining Eastern Orthodoxy, the steadfast commitment to tradition and the unchanging teachings of the Church are essential in identifying the true Church. The evolving theology within Catholicism, particularly on issues like homosexuality and women’s ordination has raised very real questions about the preservation of tradition and the clarity of doctrine.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Us Sinners...
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