Keep in mind, the question is not "Are Protestants going to Heaven?". Something like that is not for us to judge. The question is that if they do not believe in the full truth of Christianity, are they still Christians?
Do you consider Protestants to be Christians?
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Anastasios
- Sr Member
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- Joined: Thu 7 November 2002 11:40 pm
- Faith: Eastern Orthodox
- Jurisdiction: GOC-Archbishop Kallinikos
- Location: Raleigh, NC
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Patrick Barnes in his book the Non Orthodox argues you can call NonOrthodox Christians.
Disclaimer: Many older posts were made before my baptism and thus may not reflect an Orthodox point of view.
Please do not message me with questions about the forum or moderation requests. Jonathan Gress (jgress) will be able to assist you.
Please note that I do not subscribe to "Old Calendar Ecumenism" and believe that only the Synod of Archbishop Kallinikos is the canonical GOC of Greece. I do believe, however, that we can break down barriers and misunderstandings through prayer and discussion on forums such as this one.
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PFC Nektarios
- Member
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- Joined: Mon 1 December 2003 3:14 pm
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OrthodoxyOrDeath
Andreas,
I think the word "Christian" has different meanings to different people. I personally believe that you cannot have the Father unless you have the Son. And I believe you cannot have the Son, the Truth, unless you have the Church.
But even then, and much more concerning, there are many people like myself, who know the Law of God and have the Church and yet fail at every turn. Will He consider me a Christian?
"Not in form or in outward figures lies the distinguishing mark of Christians. Most men think that the difference which distinguishes themselves from the world consists in a form and in figures; and lo! in mentality and understanding they are like the world, undergoing the same shaking and inconstancy of thought, and unbelief,and confusion, and disturbance, and fear as all other men. In outward form and appearance they differ from the world, and in a few points of religious ordinance; but in heart and mind they are bound with earthly bonds, never having acquired rest from God and the peace of the heavenly Spirit in their heart, because they never sought it from God, nor believed that He would vouchsafe these things to them.
It is in the renewing of the mind, and the peace of the thoughts, and the love and heavenly attachment for the Lord, that the new creation-the Christian-is distinguished from all the men of the world. This was the purpose of the Lord's coming: to vouchsafe these spiritual blessings to those who truly believe in Him. Christians have a glory and a beauty and a heavenly wealth which is beyond words, and it is won with pains, and sweat, and trials, and many conflicts, and all by the grace of God." St. Macarius the Great