Post by nathanael on Nov 13, 2008 12:07:58 GMT -7
Hesycios probably refers to three main points of disagreement betweeen the Catholics and the Orthodox, namely, the primacy of Peter, the filioque, and the disputed question when the Spirit exactly enters the Eucharist, in epiclesis. My sense is that all three dogmas are inocuous theologically, in the sense that they are minor things. Jesus did say to Peter, "you are the rock on which I will build my Church." Peter is that Rock! The Orthodox do not dispute the words of Jesus! All they do, is to claim that "Apostle Andrew came first." He did, chronologically, but after Jesus' words, Peter took charge. As for the filioque, it is one of the most stupidest arguments I have ever heard as theologian. The filioque argument is like that. The filioque argument has been used to split the two churches! It was used politically, in a childish kind of way! For substantially, no human being on earth will ever be able to gauge from what exact Person the Spirit departs first. Why? Because God is One in Three Persons! We do not know the configuration of those Persons, which is closer to us than the other. I would bet that they are equidistant! This is why Catholics prefer the filioque (from both), rather than the Orthodox assertion that the Spirit comes from the Father first! Lastly, the dispute about the "timing" of epiclesis - or descent of the Spirit on the Host - is even more outlandish and silly! Again, no one in the world, mind or instrument, can ever measure the exact timing! My solution to this last dispute has always been: put the epiclesis in the exact midst of consecration ... and end the dispute! End of story! There are other minor, non-dogmatic "disagreements" on the question of deification of human beings. Another silly argument! Why? Because both Catholics and Orthodox agree on the need of holiness ... which is a deification process! It's time that we take a deep breath, and declare all disagreements null for the sake of Christ!
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