Is religion a Western concept?
Religion is a modern Western concept. It is also the product of the dominant Western religious mode, what is called the Judeo-Christian climate or, more accurately, the theistic inheritance from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
What is Western theology?
Western Christianity is one of two sub-divisions of Christianity (Eastern Christianity being the other). Western Christianity is composed of the Latin Church and Protestantism, together with their offshoots such as Independent Catholicism and Restorationism.
What is the difference between Eastern and Western theology?
According to this point of view, which arose in defense of the Palamite distinction between essence and energia, western theology is dominated by rational philosophy, while Orthodox theology is based on the experiential vision of God and the highest truth.
How does Eastern Orthodoxy differ from Christianity?
Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship.
Does the Eastern Orthodox Church believe in the Trinity?
Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in a single God who is both three and one (triune); the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, “one in essence and undivided”. The Holy Trinity is three “unconfused” and distinct divine persons (hypostases), who share one divine essence (ousia); uncreated, immaterial and eternal.
Do Eastern Orthodox believe in purgatory?
While the Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the term purgatory, it acknowledges an intermediate state after death and offers prayer for the dead. Also, the Orthodox Church does not believe in indulgences as remissions from purgatorial punishment.
Is Greek Orthodox Catholic?
Orthodox churches, unlike the Catholic Church, have no single Supreme Pontiff, or Bishop (see also: Pontifex maximus), and hold the belief that Christ is the head of the Church. Greek Orthodox churches are united in communion with each other, as well as with the other Eastern Orthodox Churches.
What religion was practiced before Christianity?
Before Christianity, two major monotheistic religions existed in the ancient Mediterranean area. Explore the similarities and differences between Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and emerging Christianity, and how the empire initially accommodated their teachings and actions.