wow very interesting
To Life Immortal
Hello. I have found this discussion very interesting.
I am new here and also new to Christianity since 26 Feburary 2003. I am Eastern Orthodox. It is good to see different views on biblical things. I like to learn as much as I can.
I am neither Catholic nor Protestant and like the OP, I wish that people could get along and just honour Lord Jesus. We also say the Nicene creed during Divine Liturgy and catholic means universal church, not Roman Catholic Church.
We are saved by faith in Lord Jesus. Believe in Me and you shall be saved. Trust in Me. If you believe in Lord Jesus, you will want to do good works, not because works are necessary to salvation, but because Lord Jesus is your friend and you made a commitment to live a good life because you believe in Lord Jesus' life mission.
Like Catholics, we have 7 sacraments or Mysteries. I try to receive the sacraments as often as I can. Like Protestants, we don't have a Pope. All our bishops are equal. Lord Jesus is the Head of our Church. I became Orthodox because I love the mystical beauty of the Divine Liturgy. It is like an opera about the life and mission of Lord Jesus. I thought about becoming Catholic, but I didn't agree with some Catholics doctrines, like their views on the Blessed Virgin, purgatory, mode of baptism, mode of communion, 3d images in church, celibate clergy and so on. Orthodoxy fit in closer to my beliefs and views. Orthodoxy stresses the resurrection of Lord Jesus; Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed. Orthodoxy refuses to be 'politically correct' and I like that. I enjoy the Traditions of the Church and love to worship as an Orthodox. I believe we're Western Christianity's best kept secret, lol!
Peace and Long Life
~~*~~Epiphany~~*~~