Topic: What faith would you be if you weren't Orthodox?

[Art Nichols]

If i wasn't Orthodox my first choice would have been Shia Islam, the 2nd choice Catholic,and the 3rd choice world have been Judaism.
 

[stanley123]

If i wasn't Orthodox my first choice would have been Shia Islam, the 2nd choice Catholic,and the 3rd choice world have been Judaism.
 

As a general question, I don't know why Shia Islam would be preferred over Sunni Islam. Also, there are of course, three branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed.

[BrotherAidan]

Right. This is what I think also. It was surprising to me that people would choose atheism over a different Christian denomination.

I was running out of gas and on my last "fumes" as an evangelical. I doubt I would be Christian if I had not found Orthodoxy. So, if I couldn't be Orthodox, I couldn't go back to something that couldn't sustain me.

Although maybe, a tiny maybe, but maybe, I could be in some kind of 'emergent Christianity" type church - but it would probably be as much for the music and power point presentations as the doctrine. But I do like alot of what they are trying to get at - however, I read their stuff and just sigh and say, "read the Fathers and you wouldn't have to try and re-invent everything - this was examined 1200 - 1800 years ago,"

[Art Nichols]

As a general question, I don't know why Shia Islam would be preferred over Sunni Islam. Also, there are of course, three branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed.

To me Sunni Islam seemed too much like an Islamic version of Protestantism. Plus I was raised with an Evangelical Protestant background (which i truth in).

out of those three branches of Judaism I would have chosen Orthodox.

But i know that Orthodox Christianity is the true religion now.

[Marc1152]

With so many Christian faiths to choose from why would anyone choose a less-than redemptive religion?

I think the question was which is more redemptive. The sillest Christian groups vs the most conservative Buddhism.

Who is more grace filled? Is it a Buddhist monk who restricts his passions to the same strict level as our Monks, who witdraws from the world and  who has some understanding of his relationship with the Supreme? Or a Christian who is looking to scam on God to get more wealth and possesions? 

[ChristusDominus]

 I'd be a Tridentine Catholic,no doubt .

[Rosehip]

This is an intriguing thread-one which I've never noticed before!

From my experience, Orthodoxy is the best "serious" religion in which to be a convert.

But if I'd have had a different fate in life, I would have liked being born into a Jewish home or into an Anabaptist home.

I've also had an interest in paganism, because I sort of love nature and sometimes would like to be a pagan girl wearing a big wreath of flowers on my head and a long flowing gown and go dancing through the woods, muttering to trees and kissing the flowers, it's a pretty picture to me. But, of course, this is just  my own interpretation of paganism.

[Alveus Lacuna]

I voted Catholic, which is a pretty boring answer as it's almost the same religion on so many levels, but whatever.  The Byzantine Catholic answers were even more unoriginal!  I am just assuming that if Orthodoxy had not survived, then the Catholic church would have an unrivaled claim to being Christ's True Church.

But if Christianity was out of the picture all together, I would probably go with Judaism for its supreme concept of One God of all nations.  Islam would not be an option, as it needs Christianity to whine about to be a religion in the first place.

Actually, it's pretty much dead-even between Orthodox Judaism and Mahayana Buddhism.  I would want the notion of One Supreme God,  but on the other hand the "greater vehicle" school of Buddhism reaches out to the whole world in a way that the Jews never have.  They are too insular; containing God's blessings in one small group.  So what I would be looking for is a religion with a monistic principle, but that was a personal deity, with a universal message.  Hmmm, so I would be trying to invent Christianity!  Maybe Hinduism or Zoroastrianism, so many options!

[Entscheidungsproblem]

A Deist in some shape or form I suppose.

[Douglas]

Interesting question. I came from evangelical roots and would probably return to them since it's my heritage. A secondary choice would be Roman Catholic since I'm so impressed with folks like Tom Howard and Scott Hawn.

[Jetavan]

I'm not Orthodox (not yet, at any rate), but if I were Orthodox, and then had to not be Orthodox, then I would be one of these three: (1) Conservative Judaic; (2) Sufi; or (3) traditional Taoist.

[Papist]

Well, here's the question answered backwards. If I were not Catholic I would be Oriental Orthodox.

[Alveus Lacuna]

Well, here's the question answered backwards. If I were not Catholic I would be Oriental Orthodox.

Because they lack the energies/essence distinction?

[LizaSymonenko]

Wow!  I can't even fathom being anything other than Orthodox.

Having known and experienced the Orthodox Faith....all others pale by comparison....and hold little to no interest.

It's just unimaginable.

[Papist]

Well, here's the question answered backwards. If I were not Catholic I would be Oriental Orthodox.

Because they lack the energies/essence distinction?

One of the many reasons. I also think that their more juridical view of ecclesiology and the inclusion of the atonement in their faith is more true to the early Church than the EO view on these matters.
However, If I wasn't Catholic, and I wasn't OO, it would be really hard for me to choose at that point. There are areas where I think Lutheranism is closer to what the early church taught vs. Eastern Orthodoxy and there are areas where I think Eastern Orthodoxy is closer to what the Early Church taught. However, the EO church has valid sacraments... It would be a tough choice to sort out.

[ChristusDominus]

Well, here's the question answered backwards. If I were not Catholic I would be Oriental Orthodox.

Lutheranism is closer to what the early church taught vs. Eastern Orthodoxy and there are areas where I think Eastern Orthodoxy is closer to what the Early Church taught.

Really? Luther took a couple of books out of the New Testament. The epistle of James and the book of Revelations are two that I can recall. Plus, his view on the sacrament of the Eucharist was quite different in some aspects. I don't think I'd be a Lutheran if I had the choice. For being a former Augustinian monk, it seems he strayed far from traditional Roman Catholic teachings. Although, I do understand that many things were occurring during his day and age. Just my opinion, correct me if I am wrong. Blessings

[SolEX01]

I would see myself as an Orthodox Jew - perhaps one of those Jews for Jesus .

[PeterTheAleut]

Rethinking this, if I had not become Orthodox, I would probably be a Meist now.   Wait a minute!   I don't think I've really overcome being a Meist yet.

[Veniamin]

I would say Mathematician, but that's just boring, so maybe Physicist.

[Entscheidungsproblem]

I would say Mathematician, but that's just boring, so maybe Physicist.

Behold thine God!

[Alpo]

I chose Catholism but I guess I could also have voted for "Protestant with more of a liturgical bent". As a Catholic I'd definitely choose the Latin Church. I'd like to be liberal but I guess I would propably end up as a some kind of traditionalist

If I had to choose something outside of Christianity, I'd choose some form of Monotheism. Either some traditional religion (Judaism, Islam etc.) or something unsettled longing for something greater than this world.

[mike]

Muslim maybe? Strange question.

[Papist]

Well, here's the question answered backwards. If I were not Catholic I would be Oriental Orthodox.

Lutheranism is closer to what the early church taught vs. Eastern Orthodoxy and there are areas where I think Eastern Orthodoxy is closer to what the Early Church taught.

Really? Luther took a couple of books out of the New Testament. The epistle of James and the book of Revelations are two that I can recall. Plus, his view on the sacrament of the Eucharist was quite different in some aspects. I don't think I'd be a Lutheran if I had the choice. For being a former Augustinian monk, it seems he strayed far from traditional Roman Catholic teachings. Although, I do understand that many things were occurring during his day and age. Just my opinion, correct me if I am wrong. Blessings

Well the lack of an atonement or original sin in EO is a big issue for me. Further, the idea that God is ontologically essence and energies is a problem as well. It would be a hard choice.

[username!]

Well, here's the question answered backwards. If I were not Catholic I would be Oriental Orthodox.

Lutheranism is closer to what the early church taught vs. Eastern Orthodoxy and there are areas where I think Eastern Orthodoxy is closer to what the Early Church taught.

Really? Luther took a couple of books out of the New Testament. The epistle of James and the book of Revelations are two that I can recall. Plus, his view on the sacrament of the Eucharist was quite different in some aspects. I don't think I'd be a Lutheran if I had the choice. For being a former Augustinian monk, it seems he strayed far from traditional Roman Catholic teachings. Although, I do understand that many things were occurring during his day and age. Just my opinion, correct me if I am wrong. Blessings

Well the lack of an atonement or original sin in EO is a big issue for me. Further, the idea that God is ontologically essence and energies is a problem as well. It would be a hard choice.

Pope worship and invented doctrine are a big issue as well for many that wouldn't be Roman Catholic.

[Michał]

I'd be a Tridentine Catholic,no doubt .

Me too.

Muslim maybe? Strange question.

A Podlachian one?

Well the lack of an atonement or original sin in EO is a big issue for me.

If something is put in a different way than in Roman Catholicism, it doesn't mean that it is non-existent.

[mike]

Muslim maybe? Strange question.

A Podlachian one?

Don't we have Tatars in our region?

[username!]

I'd be a Tridentine Catholic,no doubt .

What's a Tridentine Catholic?  Wouldn't that be a Roman Catholic who attends the extraordinary form?  It's still sectarianism at best.

[Michał]

Muslim maybe? Strange question.

A Podlachian one?

Don't we have Tatars in our region?

You have. That's what I was alluding to!

[stashko]

I Allway loved our timeless saying, Better the sultans turban than tiara of Rome....
second choice would be Jehovah witness....

[ChristusDominus]

I'd be a Tridentine Catholic,no doubt .

What's a Tridentine Catholic?  Wouldn't that be a Roman Catholic who attends the extraordinary form?  It's still sectarianism at best.

Whether it's sectarian or not, that  is not the issue at this time. Many here have listed muslim, protestant, taoist, buddhist and who knows what else but, my response got your attention , eh? Well, to answer your question, a Tridentine Catholic is one that celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and not in the vernacular. Incense, ancient vestments, bells, whistles, the whole nine yards. No musical instruments other than an organ along with Gregorian chant. 

[ChristusDominus]

I Allway loved our timeless saying, Better the sultans turban than tiara of Rome....
 

Forgive me for saying this but, that is something that has always perplexed me. Unless you mean that you'd rather be Muslim than Catholic?. In that case, I get what you are saying. I always understood it to mean that one would rather be Orthodox under the Muslim yoke rather than the Catholic.

[stashko]

I Allway loved our timeless saying, Better the sultans turban than tiara of Rome....
 

Forgive me for saying this but, that is something that has always perplexed me. Unless you mean that you'd rather be Muslim than Catholic?. In that case, I get what you are saying. I always understood it to mean that one would rather be Orthodox under the Muslim yoke rather than the Catholic.

Your Are Correct....I also Had a lot of jehovah witness neighbors, also attended their kingdom hall ,they were extreamly decent just plain good people,,left a great impression on me...God Bless them...

[ChristusDominus]

I Allway loved our timeless saying, Better the sultans turban than tiara of Rome....
 

Forgive me for saying this but, that is something that has always perplexed me. Unless you mean that you'd rather be Muslim than Catholic?. In that case, I get what you are saying. I always understood it to mean that one would rather be Orthodox under the Muslim yoke rather than the Catholic.

Your Are Correct....I also Had a lot of jehovah witness neighbors, also attended their kingdom hall ,they were extreamly decent just plain good people,,left a great impression on me...God Bless them...

But then you wouldn't be able to wear a three barred cross around your neck

[Orthodox11]

None of the others make any sense, so if there was no Orthodoxy I'd have to go with agnostic or deist.

[aquaticus]

At this point I could'nt imagine being a member of any other faith.

[Papist]

I think that there is one major problem with this thread, and that is that it is a thread on a forum on the internet. On the internet we are protected from real life in a way. The real variables that would affect our choice of communion do not exist here. We don't have to take into account the real feelings we have or the real interactions we would have without our communion existing. That being said, I don't think that everyone here would make the religious choices that they listed online. I think that in real life, when push comes to shove, those Orthodox who have posted answers that are not Christian would, in real life, not be able to abandon Christ. I think that when the rubber hit road, such persons would choose some Christian denomination. Could someo prejudices affect what particular denomination each of us would choose? Of course, but  I highly doubt that any of us could honestly conceive of abandoning the Triune God.

[cholmes]

Prior to my chrismation 10 years ago I attended numerous masses at the local RC parish, and had many good and fruitful discussions with the priest at the parish.  It's not a stretch to say that I would be Catholic now had I not found my home in Orthodoxy.

[ChristusDominus]

I think that there is one major problem with this thread, and that is that it is a thread on a forum on the internet. On the internet we are protected from real life in a way. The real variables that would affect our choice of communion do not exist here. We don't have to take into account the real feelings we have or the real interactions we would have without our communion existing. That being said, I don't think that everyone here would make the religious choices that they listed online. I think that in real life, when push comes to shove, those Orthodox who have posted answers that are not Christian would, in real life, not be able to abandon Christ. I think that when the rubber hit road, such persons would choose some Christian denomination. Could someo prejudices affect what particular denomination each of us would choose? Of course, but  I highly doubt that any of us could honestly conceive of abandoning the Triune God.

I think you're right.

[stanley123]

I think that there is one major problem with this thread, and that is that it is a thread on a forum on the internet. On the internet we are protected from real life in a way. The real variables that would affect our choice of communion do not exist here. We don't have to take into account the real feelings we have or the real interactions we would have without our communion existing. That being said, I don't think that everyone here would make the religious choices that they listed online. I think that in real life, when push comes to shove, those Orthodox who have posted answers that are not Christian would, in real life, not be able to abandon Christ. I think that when the rubber hit road, such persons would choose some Christian denomination. Could someo prejudices affect what particular denomination each of us would choose? Of course, but  I highly doubt that any of us could honestly conceive of abandoning the Triune God.

Correct.
BTW, since some Catholics have answered the question in reverse, I can also give it a try. If Catholicism were not available, then I would probably convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, but I guess that I would be considered a heretic, since I don't think that I could in all honesty give up on my belief in purgatory. I just don't see people going to eternal fire in hell for lesser sins such as saying your morning prayers too inattentively.

[Michał]

. . .I don't think that I could in all honesty give up on my belief in purgatory. I just don't see people going to eternal fire in hell for lesser sins such as saying your morning prayers too inattentively.

But there is no hell (Gehenna) right now. It will come only after the Final Judgement. Current options are either Heaven or Hades.

[SDMPNS]

I cannot imagine not being Orthodox but if the Church didn;t exist I would be a Anglo/Catholic 'High Church Episcopalian:. I flirted with the Religious Society of Friends during undergraduate school because of their antiwar and human rights statements.

[cholmes]

Correct.
BTW, since some Catholics have answered the question in reverse, I can also give it a try. If Catholicism were not available, then I would probably convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, but I guess that I would be considered a heretic, since I don't think that I could in all honesty give up on my belief in purgatory. I just don't see people going to eternal fire in hell for lesser sins such as saying your morning prayers too inattentively.

The Orthodox Church does not teach this.

[stanley123]

Correct.
BTW, since some Catholics have answered the question in reverse, I can also give it a try. If Catholicism were not available, then I would probably convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, but I guess that I would be considered a heretic, since I don't think that I could in all honesty give up on my belief in purgatory. I just don't see people going to eternal fire in hell for lesser sins such as saying your morning prayers too inattentively.

The Orthodox Church does not teach this.

Would grumbling or impatience with something that happened at work or on the freeway be a sin according to the Orthodox Church? This would generally be a venial sin in the RCC, which is to say a lesser sin which would not merit eternal punishment.

[Michał]

Would grumbling or impatience with something that happened at work or on the freeway be a sin according to the Orthodox Church? This would generally be a venial sin in the RCC, which is to say a lesser sin which would not merit eternal punishment.

We do not think in such a legalistic way. For us, it's rather about the process of theosis; wether you are deified on your death or not; or wether you at least tried to become deified or not.

[Bono Vox]

I would probably be Roman Catholic. If I wasn't a Christian, I would probably be agnostic.