Catholic_and_Orthodox

SOR Report - Introduction - There are many different denominations of the Christian Church. All these denominations believe in several core beliefs that distinguish Christianity from other religions. Two for these fundamental beliefs are the Trinity and the importance of Jesus' Death and resurrection. Even though Christian denominations have several core beliefs similar to one another they believe in different aspects of, and express these beliefs differently. Catholic and Orthodox denominations have differing views on the trinity and these denominations have similar views on the death and resurrection of Christ but express these beliefs differently. Trinity - The Trinity is a principal belief of the Christian Church. It is the explanation of how three beings; God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one and inextricable. This belief in the beings in one God is considered a mystery for a Christians. This is also the belief that God interacted and revealed himself in three different beings distinct from each other. The three beings have a different function in which God; is the Father and Creator, Jesus; is the Son and saver of sins and the Holy Spirit; to sanctify and give life to the Church. Yet Christian denominations have different beliefs on aspects of the Trinity, nearly all Christians have a common acceptance on the essential features of the Trinity. Catholic Trinity - In the Catholic denomination the belief of the Trinity is evident and expressed through Nicene Creed where there is a section for each of them. The paragraphs start with 'We believe in one God... one Lord Jesus Christ... the Holy Spirit, the Lord'. This quotes gives us an impression that they are different yet the same being by describing all the parts as 'the Lord'. The belief in the distinct nature of the parts of the trinity is also evident the sacraments where Confirmation is focused on receiving the Holy Spirit, sacraments, such as the Eucharist, are focused on the receiving of Jesus. While Catholics believe that there is a revelation of God within in the sacraments. Catholics expression of the belief towards the Trinity is apparent in the sign of the cross 'In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit'. This conveys Catholics strong belief in the Trinity as this line is said before and after every prayer. Orthodox Trinity - Orthodox's expression of the belief in the Trinity is very similar to the Catholic beliefs. Orthodox denominations use the sign of the cross and recite the Nicene Creed with the lines affirming the belief. However Orthodox Christians do the sigh of the cross three times. Also Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, God, only and not the Son, Jesus. This is expressed by it being a major factor in the Great Schism (separation of Catholic and Orthodox denominations) and the lines in the Nicene Creed affirming the belief has not been included in the Orthodox Creed. However icons have a greater significance in Orthodox denominations in expressing there beliefs. It is an important part in both public expressions of faith and private devotions. It is not to be seen as worshiping icons but as seen as worshiping the being depicted in the icons. An example of a Trinity icon in the Orthodox denomination is Rublev's Trinity, being one of the most famous icons in the Orthodox faith. Death and Resurrection of Jesus - The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a fundamental belief of the Christian Church, it is also considered the most important event in history. This belief distinguishes Christianity from other religions due to the fact that this divine act was unprecedented and still is today. The belief is also important in that it establishes Jesus as divine and has power over life and death. Due to the significance of this belief, denominations have very similar beliefs and teachings on Jesus' death and resurrection. Nearly all Christians accept Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection as a historical fact and event. The belief entails how Jesus' death is extremely important because of the fact that it is responsible for the destruction of sin and giving of eternal life to humanity. But one of the only aspects of this belief that is dissimilar in denominations is the expression of the belief. there is a grey area in how Christian denominations express the importance of Jesus' death and resurrection. Catholic - The Catholic denomination have a firm belief that Jesus' death and resurrection were important in that it saved humanity and demonstrates Jesus' divinity. This is evident in the cross and crucifix being a major trademark of the denomination. The importance of Jesus's death is also seen through the solemn Good Friday services and customs. The not eating of meat on Good Friday is a way the this belief is expressed. Also how Good Friday is one of the only religious day of obligation for Catholics which demonstrates it's importance. The Veneration of the Cross is an example of the strong belief in that, intimate action of kissing or bowing to the cross, shows that the death of Jesus was truly important to believers. It is also expressed in praying the rosary, with it being a sorrowful mystery of the faith. The resurrection of Jesus is expressed, through the Easter celebrations, as a joyful occasion. It is also expressed through the rosary with it being one of the glorious mysteries. Catholics also may renact the death of Jesus to express the belief Orthodox - Orthodox denominations also have a firm belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This belief is expressed in very similar ways to the Catholic denomination with both Good Friday and Easter Liturgies celebrated in similar ways But the belief is expressed more physically on that there are usually processions on Good Friday. They may also renact they death of Jesus. Another ritual Orthodox Christians do to express their belief of the resurrection is by gathering with family and friends to celebrate the resurrection through a flower celebration and a feast. Conclusion - In conclusion, Orthodox and Catholic Christians believe in different aspects of core beliefs in Christianity. They also express these beliefs differently from one another. BIBLIOGRAPHY – [1]Religion Facts. 2011. Christian Denomination Comparison Charts. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations/comparison_charts.htm [accessed 20 May. 2011] – This source was a very useful starting point. This is because it had a table with the core beliefs of Christianity and an overview of what the denomination beliefs about that specific belief. the denominations include Protestant, Catholic and Anglican and core beliefs descried includes the Trinity, Mary and sacraments. [2]Johnson, I. 2005. About God. Ian Johnson. - This source is was useful for information about the Trinity and the nature of the Trinity. It uses references from the Bible to compose an explanation about the Trinity's distinct peoples and the unity of the Trinity. [3]Catholic Online. 2011. Good Friday. http://www.catholic.org/clife/lent/friday.php [accessed 20 May. 2011] – This source was useful on information about the death of Jesus and the importance of this event. It also highlights how the belief is expressed in the Catholic denomination, in that it shows the important parts of the Good Friday liturgy and other ways Catholics express this belief. [4]About.com. 2011. Orthodox Church Beliefs and Practices. http://christianity.about.com/od/easternorthodoxy/a/orthodoxbeliefs.htm [accessed 20 May. 2011] – This source was useful in that it explained the core beliefs of the Orthodox denomination and how it differed from other denominations. It gives information on the Trinity and Jesus and outlines how they are expressed in the Orthodox denomination. [5]King. R. 2010. Oxford Studies of Religion. Australia: UC Publishing Pty Ltd. - This source was only useful for the description of the core beliefs of Christianity. But does not give very detailed answers on how these beliefs are expressed in the denominations.