Discuss the Canons of the Orthodox Church and the Anathemas, especially those against various heresies that have arisen since the beginning of Christ's Holy Orthodox Church. All Forum Rules Apply. No Polemics. No heated discussions. No name-calling.
The Triumph of Orthodoxy
I. A. von Gardner
From: Recollections of Youth
Were those anathemas, as many suppose, condemnations? No. In a condemnation there is hatred, and a desire for revenge and destruction. Here, though, is what was being clearly confessed: The Church did not condemn, but simply separated from its midst those who did not see themselves as belonging to it, those who refused to accept its teachings. Those who do not believe as the Church teaches, are separated from it, are alien to it, are "anathema," "set aside," but they can always be received again, should they recognize their error and return to Orthodox teachings. It is not so much that the Church separates them from itself, as that they themselves had set themselves apart from the Church, and now the Church solemnly announces that fact.
Do not be shocked by those who teach new doctrines but seem to be worthy of credence. Stand solidly like an anvil under blows. A good athlete suffers blows but wins. St Ignatius.
No. Anathemas are merely a declaration of what the person in question has already done to himself--separation from the Church through adopting heresy or refusing to repent for a sin. As such, the Mysteries cannot be administered to them until they repent and come back. The Church always leaves this option open.
"'Blessed are the peacemakers' For those are peacemakers in themselves who, in conquering and subjecting to reason all the motions of their souls and having their carnal desires tamed, have become in themselves a Kingdom of God."-St. Augustine of Hippo (Confessions)
Anathema and condemnation seem to be a distinction without a difference. In the New Testament, the word "anathema" means accursed. If that isn't condemnatory, I don't know what is. Being cast out of the Church and consigned to the devil (anathema) sounds condemning to me.
No. Anathemas are merely a declaration of what the person in question has already done to himself--separation from the Church through adopting heresy or refusing to repent for a sin. As such, the Mysteries cannot be administered to them until they repent and come back. The Church always leaves this option open.
TedMann wrote:
Anathema and condemnation seem to be a distinction without a difference. In the New Testament, the word "anathema" means accursed. If that isn't condemnatory, I don't know what is. Being cast out of the Church and consigned to the devil (anathema) sounds condemning to me.
I think James is referring to the fact that people who fall under an anathema are adopting a heresy wilfully and with full knowledge. Sometimes it takes an act of excommunication for a person to realize their dire situation, that unless they repent, they cannot receive any of the sacraments in the Holy Church.
In the Roman Catholic Church, people are rarely excommunicated, so that they continue in their errors. This is why this church is falling apart before our very eyes.