The Orthodox Church: Including an Evangelical Perspective

The Orthodox Church

Including an Evangelical Perspective

(with Alternate Biblical Understandings)

Kenneth P. Lenz

Author of God’s Son Forsaken, His Sacrifice Finished!

Agape Book Ministries

Racine, Wisconsin

Copyright 2013, 2019 by Kenneth P. Lenz, Ph.D.

ISBN – 9780463040027

All rights reserved.

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without permission in writing from the copyright owner

( Kenneth_Lenz@yahoo.com ).

Brief portions may be quoted within the context intended,

in accordance with standard, ethical writing practices,

as long as this author and this source are properly cited.

Author’s Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Name: Lenz, Ken; author.

Title: The Orthodox Church : An evangelical perspective / Ken Lenz.

Description: e-book edition. | Agape Book Ministries, 2019.

Identifier: ISBN – 9780463040027

Subjects: LCSH: Orthodoxy | Christianity--History.

BISAC:

Religion / Christianity / Orthodox. |

Religion / Christian Church / History.

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Scriptural quotations in this book are taken from the

New King James Version.

Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Italicized emphases are often added by this author.

The cover image by Yassminphoto was purchased from Dreamstime,

edited by Bryce Lenz, and reproduced with licensed permission.

This book traces the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church

and analyzes its most distinctive doctrines and practices.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the perspective of

Evangelical Christians on these doctrines and practices.

It is based on a thesis paper the author wrote in his

doctoral work, which included an emphasis in

Eastern Orthodox Church history and liturgy.

Other books and e-books by this author are listed under

the brief author biography at the end of this e-book.

For more information, visit www.KenLenz.com

Table of Contents (linked)

Outline (with representative questions)

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Church History

A. The First General Council

B. The Second through the Seventh General Councils

C. History from 843 through the Great East-West Schism

Chapter 2 – Orthodox Doctrines & Practices

A. Creeds and Canons

B. Mary the Theotokos

C. Praying to Mary, Saints, and Angels

Chapter 3 – Orthodox Sacraments

A. The Sacrament of Baptism

B. The Sacrament of the Eucharist

C. Other Orthodox Sacraments

Conclusion

Appendix I – Orthodox Church History (continued)

Appendix II – Salvation through Repentant Faith

Appendix III – Orthodox Divine Liturgy

Works Cited

Sample Chapter from the Book Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism

Brief Author Biography & Books Available

Outline

(with representative questions)

Introduction

Chapter 1 – Church History

A. The First General Council

1. When was the Church established?

2. Why was the Council of Nicaea convened?

3. What is believed to be human deification?

B. The Second through the Seventh General Councils

1. Why were these additional councils convened?

2. What do homoousios and hypostasis mean?

3. Why are icons used in Orthodox worship?

C. History from 843 through the Great East-West Schism

1. What differing viewpoints led to the East-West Schism?

2. What did the added filioque clause (from Rome) imply?

3. How did the Hesychasts affect Orthodox prayer-life?

Chapter 2 – Orthodox Doctrines & Practices

A. Creeds and Canons

1. What teachings are found in the Nicene Creed?

2. In Orthodoxy, what is the ultimate source of authority?

3. What does begotten of the Father before all ages imply?

B. Mary the Theotokas

1. What is the implication of the title Mother of God?

2. What do the words firstborn and until imply?

3. What is the basis for the doctrine of her perpetual virginity?

C. Praying to Mary, Saints, and Angels

1. What is the basis for the practice of praying to Mary, etc.?

2. To whom did the Apostle John teach that we are to pray?

3. To whom is confession of sin to be made?

Chapter 3 – Orthodox Sacraments

A. The Sacrament of Baptism

1. What is believed to be applied through the divine mysteries?

2. Why do the Orthodox include infants in Baptism and the Eucharist?

3. What biblical evidences separate water baptism from Spirit baptism?

B. The Sacrament of the Eucharist

1. What is believed to be transformed into Christ’s body and blood?

2. What biblical evidences support a more figurative interpretation?

3. What is believed to be the purpose in partaking of the Eucharist?

C. Other Orthodox Sacraments

1. Why is Penance required of Orthodox Christians?

2. What is the sacramental purpose in Anointing of the Sick?

3. What two ordinances are practiced in Evangelical churches?

Conclusion

Appendix:

- Appendix I – Orthodox Church History (continued)

From the Mid-Fifteenth Century to the Twenty-First Century

1. Orthodoxy under the Ottoman Empire

2. Orthodoxy under the Muscovite Empire

3. Orthodoxy under Soviet Communism and afterwards

- Appendix II – Salvation through Repentant Faith

1. Verses emphasizing the need for repentance from sin

2. Verses emphasizing the need for faith in Christ

3. What is the basis through which God applies saving grace?

- Appendix III – Orthodox Divine Liturgy

1. Liturgy of Preparation

2. Liturgy of the Catechumens

3. Liturgy of the Faithful

Works Cited

Sample Chapter from the Book Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism

Brief Author Biography & Books Available

Introduction

The Eastern Orthodox Church traces its history all the way back to the time of Christ and His Apostles. The members of this church consider Orthodoxy to be the true, universal church––properly practicing the Holy Tradition of Christianity and safeguarding the truth. In this extended essay (now offered as an e-book) we will trace the history of the Christian Church as a whole, continuing with the unique history of the Orthodox Church after the Great Schism. Furthermore, we will consider specific beliefs and practices of the Orthodox Church in particular, and also consider how Evangelical Christians view such beliefs and practices of Orthodoxy. There will also be content related to what Orthodoxy calls the Roman Heresy. Note that the word Christians will be used in its broad sense of referring to people who belong to any of the branches of what is generally known as Christianity.

The material for this e-book has been taken from a thesis paper this author wrote in his doctoral studies, and beliefs are stated from the perspective of this particular branch within Christendom. In addition, quotations are taken particularly from the writings of the renowned writer, Timothy Ware (known as Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia). Under the Table of Contents that links to the chapters themselves, there is a more detailed outline of this essay, including questions related to primary points throughout the three sections of the three main chapters. In addition, there are three Appendix chapters for readers interested in those related topics.

The name "Orthodoxy" comes from two Greek words: orthos, meaning right or correct, and doxa, meaning glory or belief. Thus the Orthodox Church considers itself to be the bastion of right glory and correct belief. Formerly it was known as the Greek Orthodox Church; however, due to its spread throughout the Near East and in other regions, it has become known as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Its official name is the Orthodox Catholic Church (from the Greek word pronounced catholicos, meaning universal); however, it is often referred to simply as the Orthodox Church. It should also be noted that there is a branch called the Evangelical Orthodox Church; however, they are not evangelical in the way that term is normally characterized, and they hold to the doctrines of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which this book will explore.

The Orthodox Church is a Eucharistic Community. The focus of its worship is in the bread and wine of the Holy