Utah Mormons, Protestants finding new spiritual home in ancient Orthodox church - Sensationalist Headlines

[IMG]http://www.sltrib.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=9ggDpob7DbrU6CTrcKXxTM$daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYu_sFkRzgo2rBQJxYfhkbf4WCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF$9l$4uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg[/IMG] [QUOTE]It shook the fundamentalist Christian world to its roots: Hank Hanegraaff, the darling of evangelicals as host of the long-running, nationally syndicated "Bible Answer Man" broadcast, had joined the Greek Orthodox Church. Hanegraaff, for nearly 30 years president of the Christian Research Institute, an evangelical apologetics ministry, also has written 20 books opposing purported cults and heresies and non-Christian faiths. If ever evangelicals had a doctrinal superhero, Hanegraaff was he.[/QUOTE] [URL="http://www.sltrib.com/home/5243596-155/utah-mormons-protestants-finding-new-spiritual"]http://www.sltrib.com/home/5243596-155/utah-mormons-protestants-finding-new-spiritual[/URL] So its not just American Protestants but some Mormons are also beginning slowly converting to this religious trend.

i can never wrap my head around total obedience religions, like at least spiritual faiths are about self improvement but fundimentalist faiths are always about you being trash in the eyes of the lord(s) and you need to work really hard to not be that.

[QUOTE=Sableye;52225104]i can never wrap my head around total obedience religions, like at least spiritual faiths are about self improvement but fundimentalist faiths are always about you being trash in the eyes of the lord(s) and you need to work really hard to not be that.[/QUOTE] At least with greek orthodoxy you know exactly what you're getting. Not many within the church fudge the rules here and there, unlike protestants and evangelicals where fudging the rules are why they exist.

[QUOTE=Sableye;52225104]i can never wrap my head around total obedience religions, like at least spiritual faiths are about self improvement but fundimentalist faiths are always about you being trash in the eyes of the lord(s) and you need to work really hard to not be that.[/QUOTE] Yea you got point because Fundamentalist shares similar practices alongside with mainstream Orthodox branch.

I wonder why to Orthodox and not Roman Catholic.

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225292]I wonder why to Orthodox and not Roman Catholic.[/QUOTE] Because of 1. Probably the Catholic church is already 1+ Billion members (thus it's too mainstream Christian branch). 2. It's alternative to any mainstream Christian denominations in this country. 3. Their more Conservative/Reactionary in personality and seeing how recent pope is more progressive than other popes. 4. It kinda fits their beliefs to Orthodoxy see you know they are [I]Fundamentalist[/I] for reason.

I didn't realize Notch started a church :v:

I have considered converting to Orthodoxy myself. Catholicism is more-or-less about whether or not you agree with the last Vatican congregations, Protestantism gets really weird with most sects, and Mormons don't like caffeine. Orthodoxy is as close as you'll get to the real thing without becoming a Coptic or Assyrian Christian. From what I am seeing by the way, it seems a large trend is about to occur in America, with more and more converting to Eastern Orthodoxy, and said religious practices having a larger influence over American politics. We may have our ways set with Protestants and Baptist, but Orthodoxy is definitely making a far larger splash then Catholicism.

[QUOTE=JoeSkylynx;52225346]I have considered converting to Orthodoxy myself. Catholicism is more-or-less about whether or not you agree with the last Vatican congregations, Protestantism gets really weird with most sects, and Mormons don't like caffeine. Orthodoxy is as close as you'll get to the real thing without becoming a Coptic or Assyrian Christian. From what I am seeing by the way, it seems a large trend is about to occur in America, with more and more converting to Eastern Orthodoxy, and said religious practices having a larger influence over American politics. We may have our ways set with Protestants and Baptist, but Orthodoxy is definitely making a far larger splash then Catholicism.[/QUOTE] So what type of Eastern Orthodox you recently converting too? And honestly, I pretty love this branch (because they keep early Christian traditions alive and they have better low rich hymns than other hymns from other Christian branches even Catholic hymns just becoming generic in decades) than any other Christian branches. But refused to convert their faith.

[QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225362]So what type of Eastern Orthodox you recently converting too? And honestly I pretty love this branch than any other Christian branches. But refused to coverted their faith.[/QUOTE] Not sure yet, I have looked at the Greek and Russian rites, but for the moment I'm truly not sure. I intend on doing a bit more reading on a few different branches of it, to see what would be best for myself.

[QUOTE=JoeSkylynx;52225367]Not sure yet, I have looked at the Greek and Russian rites, but for the moment I'm truly not sure. I intend on doing a bit more reading on a few different branches of it, to see what would be best for myself.[/QUOTE] Interested, What about 'Orthodox Church in America' denomination because it's technically only "Western" North American focused Orthodox Church have (enough multi-ethnical but) both Canadian and American followers with multilingual holy languages and it's mostly recognized church by Slavic with Central European Eastern Orthodox churches except Original and other Greek-based Orthodox churches?

[QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225319]Because of 1. Probably the Catholic church is already 1+ Billion members (too mainstream Christian branch) thus it means too full. 2. It's alternative to any mainstream Christian denominations in this country. 3. Their more Conservative/Reactionary in personality and seeing how recent pope is more progressive than other popes. 4. It kinda fits their beliefs to Orthodoxy see you know they are [I]Fundamentalist[/I] for reason.[/QUOTE] I never understood this idea people have that because they're not Roman Catholic, Orthodox are "like protestants" which is just not the case. And I seriously doubt Protestants in America, which is the mainstream Christian sect, are skipping over Rome because "it's too mainstream". That's just dumb. [editline]13th May 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=JoeSkylynx;52225346]I have considered converting to Orthodoxy myself. Catholicism is more-or-less about whether or not you agree with the last Vatican congregations, Protestantism gets really weird with most sects, and Mormons don't like caffeine. Orthodoxy is as close as you'll get to the real thing without becoming a Coptic or Assyrian Christian. From what I am seeing by the way, it seems a large trend is about to occur in America, with more and more converting to Eastern Orthodoxy, and said religious practices having a larger influence over American politics. We may have our ways set with Protestants and Baptist, but Orthodoxy is definitely making a far larger splash then Catholicism.[/QUOTE] What's the difference between "whether or not you agree with the Vatican" vs whether or not you agree with the Orthodox clergy, exactly? [editline]13th May 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225171]Yea you got point because Fundamentalist shares similar practices alongside with mainstream Orthodox branch.[/QUOTE] Like what?

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225412]I never understood this idea people have that because they're not Roman Catholic, Orthodox are "like protestants" which is just not the case. And I seriously doubt Protestants in America, which is the mainstream Christian sect, are skipping over Rome because "it's too mainstream". That's just dumb.[/QUOTE] I don't know but wait out if next 10 or 15 years, 700,000 to 2 million ethnic Americans and Western European descents converted to Eastern Orthodoxy, And then may use this list as a possible reason. And yes one of three (or fourth/fifth if included Nontrinitarian and Anabaptist) sects in Christianity.

[QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225438]I don't know but wait out if next 10 or 15 years, 700,000 to 2 million ethnicity Americans and Western European descents converted to Eastern Orthodoxy, And then may use this list as a possible reason.[/quote] Source on this type of growth? (also 'American' isn't an ethnicity) [QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225438]And yes one of three (or fourth/fifth if included Nontrinitarian and Anabaptist) sects in Christianity.[/QUOTE] Nontrinitarian sects are hardly Christians. But even if they're not counted, Protestants are the large majority in the US, Catholics are not "mainstream" by and far.

[QUOTE=Sableye;52225104]i can never wrap my head around total obedience religions, like at least spiritual faiths are about self improvement but fundimentalist faiths are always about you being trash in the eyes of the lord(s) and you need to work really hard to not be that.[/QUOTE] Every sect of Christianity says that everyone on earth is a sinner and prone to error and should work to correct this, though?

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225452]Source on this type of growth? (also 'American' isn't an ethnicity)[/QUOTE] Will be in future, Not now.

I wonder if this trend will see the revitalization of the church I was baptized in. I'm not religious by any stretch of the means, but my family has been a part of our local Russian Orthodox church for generations, it would be a shame to see the congregation truly cease to be.

[QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225472]Will be in future, Not now.[/QUOTE] Okay source, then?

[QUOTE=JoeSkylynx;52225346] Protestantism gets really weird with most sects, and Mormons don't like caffeine. [/QUOTE] Mormons make you buy special Mormon approved undergarments and they're very sensitive about it. [editline]13th May 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225471]Every sect of Christianity says that everyone on earth is a sinner and prone to error and should work to correct this, though?[/QUOTE] not to the same degree, and there's more modern sects that are more about self realization than submission.

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225475]Okay source, then?[/QUOTE] For Orthodox Church in America only by American followers are 90,000 followers as of 2011. [URL="http://www.hartfordinstitute.org/research/atlasamericanorthodoxchurchessample.pdf"]http://www.hartfordinstitute.org/research/atlasamericanorthodoxchurchessample.pdf[/URL] (This sample of book sadly, But It did said in Page 68 if you buy whole book.)

[QUOTE=Sableye;52225488] not to the same degree, and there's more modern sects that are more about self realization than submission.[/QUOTE] What exactly does that mean in a Christian perspective?

It's so strange to realize how divided religions really are. When I was a kid, I always thought Islam, as a faith, was whole in beliefs and ideals, but it's the same story with Christianity, honestly. The clash between the Sunni and Shia sects, and the [I]grueling[/I] multitude of divisions within those sects, as well as more "lesser-known" sects such as the Ibadi and Ahmadiyya that seperate from the "mainstream". Personally, if I ever converted to Christianity, I think I'd resonate more with a Protestant faith than an Orthodox sect, maybe something towards the Episcopal Church. Maybe someone can correct me, but Eastern Orthodoxy seems far too harsh on the freedom of interpretation of the Bible, and there's a palpable unwillingness to change to fit in modern times within the community (even more so than the Catholic Church).

[QUOTE=Omilinon;52225534]It's so strange to realize how divided religions really are. When I was a kid, I always thought Islam, as a faith, was whole in beliefs and ideals, but it's the same story with Christianity, honestly. The clash between the Sunni and Shia sects, and the [I]grueling[/I] multitude of divisions within those sects, as well as more "lesser-known" sects such as the Ibadi and Ahmadiyya that seperate from the "mainstream". Personally, if I ever converted to Christianity, I think I'd resonate more with a Protestant faith than an Orthodox sect, maybe something towards the Episcopal Church. Maybe someone can correct me, but Eastern Orthodoxy seems far too harsh on the freedom of interpretation of the Bible, and there's a palpable unwillingness to change to fit in modern times within the community (even more so than the Catholic Church).[/QUOTE] Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic are of the church founded by ancient times, while Protestants chose to go the route of "each individual may choose to interpret the bible and beliefs however they wish". And what, exactly, of the Roman church is not wiling to change with modern times, exactly?

[QUOTE=Omilinon;52225534]It's so strange to realize how divided religions really are. When I was a kid, I always thought Islam, as a faith, was whole in beliefs and ideals, but it's the same story with Christianity, honestly. The clash between the [B]Sunni and Shia sects[/B], and the [I]grueling[/I] multitude of divisions within those sects, as well as more "lesser-known" sects such as the Ibadi and Ahmadiyya that seperate from the "mainstream". Personally, if I ever converted to Christianity, I think I'd resonate more with a Protestant faith than an Orthodox sect, maybe something towards the Episcopal Church. Maybe someone can correct me, but Eastern Orthodoxy seems far too harsh on the freedom of interpretation of the Bible, and there's a palpable unwillingness to change to fit in modern times within the community (even more so than the Catholic Church).[/QUOTE] They are few more sects in Islam like Khawarij/Kharijite and its sub-sect Ibadi (which Oman's major religion). [URL="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_schools_and_branches"]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_schools_and_branches[/URL] And Eastern Orthodoxy is more of Diehard Catholicism with few theological differences (afterlife and how way to pray) and trying to keep Early Christian traditions alive. Protestantism in another hand is more like Rebellious kids don't want belief told by society in Renaissance way.

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225554]Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic are of the church founded by ancient times, while Protestants chose to go the route of "each individual may choose to interpret the bible and beliefs however they wish". And what, exactly, of the Roman church is not wiling to change with modern times, exactly?[/QUOTE] Don't worry, I'm not taking pot-shots at the Church or anything. But from what I've seen compared to some other branches of Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church still seems to shy away from the issues of homosexuality and the ordination of women, even those who have remained faithful their entire lives. When I said unwilling to change, I was more pointing towards the Curia, not local organizations or anything. [QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225558]They are few more sects in Islam like Khawarij/Kharijite and its sub-sect Ibadi (which Oman's major religion). [URL="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_schools_and_branches"]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_schools_and_branches[/URL][/QUOTE] I'm very well-aware of the subsects. The Khawarijite are more or less just the Ibadi at this point, however. There might be some that still follow other ancient orders within the sect, but they're a declining population in Islam.

[QUOTE=Crimor;52225331]I didn't realize Notch started a church :v:[/QUOTE] And also he seems to lose weight while praying too much.

[QUOTE=Omilinon;52225601]Don't worry, I'm not taking pot-shots at the Church or anything. But from what I've seen compared to some other branches of Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church still seems to shy away from the issues of homosexuality and the ordination of women, even those who have remained faithful their entire lives. When I said unwilling to change, I was more pointing towards the Curia, not local organizations or anything. [/QUOTE] As far as I'm aware, homosexual approval among Christian sects is a minority. As far as women for priesthood, I'm fairly certain that if there are Catholic women who want to be priests are a severe minority. Most Catholic women that are part of the church have no intention or desire to be a priest. The idea comes from the idea that the Church is eternal and its beliefs from day 1 are the same as the year 2017. Practice may change, albeit slowly, but belief will never change.

[QUOTE=Omilinon;52225601]Don't worry, I'm not taking pot-shots at the Church or anything. But from what I've seen compared to some other branches of Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church still seems to shy away from the issues of homosexuality and the ordination of women, even those who have remained faithful their entire lives. When I said unwilling to change, I was more pointing towards the Curia, not local organizations or anything.[/QUOTE] Well at least recent Pope Francis is the first leader of Catholic Church to support Same-sex marriage. [QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225629]As far as I'm aware, homosexual approval among Christian sects is a minority. As far as women for priesthood, I'm fairly certain that if there are Catholic women who want to be priests are a severe minority. Most Catholic women that are part of the church have no intention or desire to be a priest. The idea comes from the idea that the Church is eternal and its beliefs from day 1 are the same as the year 2017. Practice may change, albeit slowly, but belief will never change.[/QUOTE] I only branch will be refused to change is the orthodox church.

[QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225633]I only branch will be refused to change is the orthodox church.[/QUOTE] The only changes the Catholic Church is small practices, nothing in belief. Such as having mass in the local language rather than in Latin as it was before. [editline]13th May 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=ChadMcGoatMan;52225633]Well at least recent Pope Francis is the first leader of Catholic Church to support Same-sex marriage.[/QUOTE] This is completely false. Pope Francis spoke out against discrimination against gays, which is not the same as support for gay marriage. Even the Anglican Church, who approves of gay clergy, is against gay marriage in itself.

[QUOTE=Emperor Scorpious II;52225681]The only changes the Catholic Church is small practices, nothing in belief. Such as having mass in the local language rather than in Latin as it was before. [editline]13th May 2017[/editline] This is completely false. Pope Francis spoke out against discrimination against gays, which is not the same as support for gay marriage. Even the Anglican Church, who approves of gay clergy, is against gay marriage in itself.[/QUOTE] Enough least they trying to change their policy on Homosexuality. But only Church will permanently refuse change is all Eastern/Orientation Orthodoxy denominations. And yet this feel is one of the main reasons why several fellow American Christians are jumping ship to Orthodoxy.