Presented by Oommen Kappil At the Philadelphia Area Sunday School Teachers’ Conference Northeast American Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church April

Presented by Oommen Kappil

At the Philadelphia Area Sunday School Teachers’ Conference Northeast American Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

April 26, 2014

Teachers’ Training Certificate Examination

Refresher CourseGrade 11

1

Differences among Churches in the East and the

West(Grade 11 Lesson 5)

West Roman Catholics and Protestants

East Eastern or Byzantine Orthodox Churches that accept

the council of Chalcedon Oriental Orthodox Churches that reject Council of

Chalcedon Assyrians who are Nestorians.

Grade 11 Lessons 5-15Comparative Study of Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic Churches

2

No major doctrinal differences until 12th Century

‘Filioque’ Clause in the Nicene Creed West believes that Holy Spirit

proceeds from the Father and the Son. East believes that Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father.

‘Filioque’ is a Latin word, meaning ‘and the son’

Dogmatic Differences between the East and the West

3

Human and divine natures of ChristIn the Council of Chalcedon (AD451),

Eutychus introduced a heretical teaching that there are two natures in Christ-human and divine. Pope Leo X introduced a doctrinal statement (Tom of Leo) maintaining the separation of two natures (diophysites). Oriental Orthodox Churches believe in one incarnate nature (monophysites)

Dogmatic Differences between the East and the West

4

Roman Catholic (RC) Hierarchy is the Church; the

infallible Pope is its authority Celibacy introduced by Pope

Gregory VII in 11th century (Remember, even the First Pope-Peter was married!)

Bishops selected by the Pope

Hierarchy in the Church

5

The Council of Bishops has the ultimate authority. The bishop is the sacramental presence of Christ in a local parish. The priest is authorized to act on his behalf.

Bishops are elected by the people, and approved by the Synod

More democratic structure and authority Representation of laity is given due

importance in worship

Hierarchy in the ChurchOrthodox Church:

6

Sacraments considered as mythical (imaginary) Vs mystery (east)

Extreme view of the congregation takes sole importance in administration

Importance for ministry in the sacramental administrations (Catholic Church)

Congregation has more importance (Protestant), Orthodox view is balanced with both congregation and ministers sharing in the sacramental administration.

Hierarchy in the ChurchProtestant Church

7

Deification of man through his growth in spirituality through sacramental life (East)

Theme of cross and forgiveness of sins (West, Protestant)

Emphasis on grace (Protestant) vs. Image of God (East)

Difference in Spirituality

8

Ethos-Greek word, meaning behavior/order, or customs

West and East: Despite some differences in traditions, the content is the same, and the difference is in the promulgation of the facts. In other words, the difference is in “ethos and approach.”

Ethos and Approach (Grade 11 Lesson 6)

9

Roman Catholic Papal infallibility, introduced by the Vatican

council of 1870 gives supreme authority to Pope in matters of faith and morals

2 basic concepts in Roman Church: Dogma and Doctrine

Notion of dogma (revealed unchangeable truth formulated by the Church) and doctrine (truth expressed by Apostles and fathers)

The Orthodox Church does not give absolute authority to Dogma, but to the Holy Spirit who lives in the Church.

Ethos and Approach (behavior/order, or customs)

10

Roman Catholic Doctrine of Immaculate Conception (St.

Mary was born sinless) Introduced in 1854. The Orthodox Church

believes that when the Angel said, “Hail Mary, full of Grace, she was filled with God’s grace, and freed from sin. Jesus came to the world to save the whole humanity, including Mary. The doctrine of Immaculate Conception wrongly exempts Mary from God’s plan of salvation.

Discipline maintained through the canon laws


11

Protestant Sole authority is Bible Irrelevance to sacrificial aspect of

Holy Eucharist


12

Orthodox Hierarchy and laity are linked together as

community of Spirit by love in freedom Episcopacy is emphasized with due

respect to laity as sharers of priesthood, both are responsible for maintaining faith and order

Bishop is a symbol of unity in Holy Eucharist

Authority and freedom are balanced


13

Established by St. Thomas in AD 52. St Thomas arrived in Crannanore, a seaport in Kerala in AD

52. He established seven churches:Maliankara, Palayoor, Parur, Gokkamangalam, Niranam, Chayal, Kollam, and erected a Cross at Thiruvancode, South of Trivandrum. St Thomas was martyred in Mylapore in AD72

The struggle with the Portuguese The Portuguese traders who were Christians came to India in

AD1498. At that time, Bishops from Persia were administering to the spiritual needs of the Church.

The Church was under the administrative control of Elder (Arch Deacons).

The Portuguese started to bring the Church under the control of Pope. Eventually, the Portuguese cut off our connection with the Persian church by force.

Later Archbishop Menezes tried to bring our church under the Roman control.

Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC)Our Church (Grade 11, Lesson 7)

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The Synod of Diamper, AD 1599 Bishop Menezes gained the trust of local Kings using money and

influence. Several men were ordained as priests to get upper hand in the

Synod. By the decisions at the Synod, our church came under the control

of the Portuguese and Roman Pope.

The Coonan Cross Oath, 1653 The Archdeacon and the people were waiting for an opportunity to

get freedom from the Romans. The Syrian Bishop Ahatalla from Antioch tried to come to Kerala to

help us, but news spread that he was drowned. Upon hearing this, the Syrian Christians gathered at Mattancherry, near Ernakulam. They tied a rope to a cross and made a pledge that they will never go under the Roman Church. The cross got bent, hence the name Coonan Cross.


15

The Arrival of Syrian Orthodox Arch Bishop The Dutch came into power defeating the Portuguese. The Malankara Church requested for a Bishop, and the Patriarch of Antioch

sent Mar Gregorios in 1663. The Bishop brought back West Syrian faith and worship.

Formation of Anglican Church Missionaries with strong protestant fervor posed threat to Malankara

Church. They were against the intercession to the saints, prayers for the departed etc. The missionaries encouraged the Syrian Christians to join them. CMS (Christian Mission Society) was soon formed in 1836, after the Mavelikkara Synod decided to break the ties with the missionaries. CMS Church is now part of CSI (Church of South India).

Formation of Marthoma Syrian Church The Anglican missionaries had freedom to preach in the Orthodox

Churches. Four priests revised the St. James liturgy, which was in use at that time, to introduce reformation ideology. In 1856, Abraham Malpan started using the revised liturgy. Later he got his nephew consecrated as Bishop by the Patriarch of Antioch. The final separation from the Malankara Church happened when the Patriarch Peter III of Antioch visited Kerala in 1875. The Royal Court of Travancore in 1898 awarded Kozhencherry, Maramon and Kottarakkara parishes and services on alternate Sundays in 5 other parishes to the dissidents.


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Establishment of Catholicate In India, 1912 By a state interference Ignatius Abdul Messiah II had lost his

position in Turkey and came to be replaced by Mar Abdulla. Metropolitan Mar Dionysius VI of Malankara clashed with Mar Abdullah and the Canonical senior Patriarch Abdul Messiah offered to come to the assistance of the former (Mar Dionysius). Thus in 1912 he came to Kerala and associated with Mar Dionysius VI and the Bishops and the Church with him, to establish the Catholicate of the East in Malankara. The ceremony was held at St. Mary's Church, Niranam on 15 September 1912. (Niranam Church is one of the seven Churches founded by St. Thomas during his visit here in the first century.). The 1st Catholicos in Kerala: HH Baselios Paulose I.

Mar Abdulla, after staying in Malankara for about 2 years, causing the maximum possible damage to the Church, left Malankara, and died on the way in 1915, without being able to reach the Patriarchal abode. When the new Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Abdulla Satuff came to know of the visit of Abdul Massih and the appointment of a Catholicos in Malankara, he became very furious and issued an order invalidating the appointment of the Catholicos and the powers of the Bishops to appoint or elect a new Catholicos. This was the beginning of the factional feud in our Church.


17

Syro Malankara Catholic Church -Started in 1932 by Bishop Mar

Ivanios -Mar Ivanios, Mar Theophilos, one

priest and several laity accepted the Supremacy of Pope.

-They have the same liturgy, vestments, faith and traditions in general.

-Now the Archbishop title is changed to Catholicos claiming the Malankara tradition.


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The relationship between man and God is the basic concept of every religion

Man is created in the image of God Man should grow into the likeness of God Free will, conscience, thinking and imagination are qualities

of God are part of the ‘image of God” Man’s free will chose evil and disobeyed God Incarnation: God became man to redeem us from our sin Participation in the Holy Eucharist unites us back to

God Holy Eucharist and sacramental life in the Church must

transform and transfigure us. This deification or theosis is the ultimate goal of Christians.

“The son of God became the Son of man so that the sons of men might become the sons of God.”: St Athanasius, Alexandria.

Orthodox Spirituality & Worship(Grade 11 Lesson 8)

Orthodox Spirituality

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Salient features of Orthodox worship: Congregational participation Absence of Solitary Mass (must have priest, deacon, and

one laity) Epiclesis (Invocation of Holy Spirit) Use of Icons (painters are usually trained monks, scenes are

actual events, persons must be real) Trinitarian basis Awareness of total Body of Christ (company of saints,

faithfully departed and the believers) Poetical richness Scriptural quality Use of symbols/concrete forms and actions (vestments,

symbols, actions etc are very important.) Use of the Vernacular (local languages)

Orthodox Spirituality & Worship(Grade 11 Lesson 8)

Orthodox Worship

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Why do we pray for the departed? The souls of the departed are alive.

The story of Lazarus: The ‘creation’ listens when the creator calls, even after physical death!Transfiguration: Moses and Elijah appear to Jesus at the time of transfiguration. (St. Luke 9:30-31).

They are tempted. Even angels fall. (Fallen angels) The souls can receive blessings (Jesus’ visit to the Hades after his

crucifixion) The Protestants too often quote the following Bible verse to imply that

praying for the departed is in vain. 2 Cor. 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be rewarded for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

It is true that we all will be held accountable for our actions and inactions during our life in this world. That does not mean that God cannot or will not show mercy to us.

-Forgiveness is coming from God. As mere creations, we should not under estimate the power of the creator. We cannot foretell what God will do.

Example: The thief crucified with Jesus, the prodigal son-both received forgiveness, though none deserved mercy per human laws.

Faith and Practices of the Orthodox Church(Grade 11 Lesson 9)

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Can departed souls repent after death? We believe that they can, while the Protestants believe otherwise. Their argument is based on 2 Cor. 5:10, which is given above. In 1 Peter 3: 19-20, we read that Jesus went and preached to the spirits in Hades. If the spirits cannot repent, Jesus would not have gone to preach to them in Hades. God can forgive our sins while we are alive in this world, and even after our physical death.

Prayer for the departed, and the hope for forgiveness even after death should not be considered as an excuse to live a worldly life. We are expected to live a life pleasing to God. Forgiveness is at the mercy of God.

In summary, the souls of the departed are alive. They can repent and receive forgiveness. Our God is a forgiving God who is not limited to time or space. We should not stop praying for our loved ones just because of their physical separation from this world.

Will God accept our Prayer? Whether God accepts or rejects our prayer should not be our

concern. Our responsibility is simply to pray.

Faith and Practices of the Orthodox Church(Grade 11 Lesson 9)

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Intercession of Saints Communion of Saints or Intercession of Saints is one of the core elements

of Orthodox faith. Church, which is the body of Christ includes the living and the departed.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25.

This verse indicates that even after death, the souls are alive. They are in constant communication with God. The departed (which could

include our parents and loved ones) will not stop praying for us just because they are not in flesh any more.

St. Paul considered the faithful as saints. “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the

wicked will rot.” Proverbs 10:7 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that

you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5: 16

When we request others (living or departed faithful) to intercede on behalf of us, we are not asking them to forgive us or save us, rather, we are asking them to pray to God to forgive us and bless us. Forgiveness and blessings are coming from God.

Faith and Practices of the Orthodox ChurchIntercession of Saints

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Can the intercession of saints make a difference? Let us examine a few incidents from the Holy Bible: Abraham prays to God to not to destroy the city of Sodom. Refer to Genesis 18:

20-33. In Verse 28, Abraham asks God: “Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?" And the LORD said, "I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there." Further, as Abraham pleads to God, He agrees to spare the city if there are 10 righteous people. (But there was not.) This is the power of intercession.

At the wedding in Cana, Mary intercedes to Jesus on behalf of the household when it ran out of wine. Refer to John Chapter 2. Her faith and intercession leads to Jesus performing his first miracle during his public ministry.

Peter, at the temple gate called ‘Beautiful’ heals the lame person, saying, “I don’t have gold or silver, In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6. Here we see God performing miracles through his disciples.

John 20:23. Jesus gave his disciples authority to forgive the sins of others. They are given the authority by Jesus as his representatives.

The story of the rich man and Lazarus: Refer to Luke Chapter 16. The rich man submits his requests to Abraham, (not to God) to send someone from the dead to preach to his brothers so that they will be saved.

The paralytic person was healed by the faith (and intercession) of those who carried him to Jesus. Refer to Matthew Chapter 9.


24

Those who oppose the intercession of saints often quote, 1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus."Saints as the representatives of God, NOT Gods. We are requesting the saints to pray for us to Jesus, the mediator. Intercession of saints is not apart from or against Christ’s mediation. Otherwise, we cannot pray for each other.

Even those who oppose intercession of saints pray for others on a regular basis.

The prayer on behalf of the sick is a legitimate intercessory prayer.

It is our responsibility to pray for others. Leave the rest to God.

Intercession is praying for others.


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Infant Baptism Baptism-one of the seven Holy Sacraments of our Church. It is instituted by Jesus for forgiveness of sins, for

purification of our mind, to receive Holy Spirit and to be in fellowship with God.

Infant Baptism is one of the traditions of Orthodox Church. Many new age Protestant churches have tried to plant

seeds of confusion in the minds of the faithful by questioning this practice.

Are children eligible to receive blessings? - “Let the little children come unto me, the kingdom of

heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14. ----Children, by virtue of their innocence are most eligible to receive blessings from God.

Children are born without their permission. Parents can raise them without their permission, but in Lord’s path.

Faith and Practices of the Orthodox ChurchInfant Baptism

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“Is it Biblical?”In the new Testament, we see that many families accepted Jesus, and were baptized together.

When Paul and Silas miraculously came out of the prison, the prison keeper and the whole family believed in Jesus and were baptized. (1 Cor. 16). In the city of Thyatira, Lydia and the whole household were baptized. (Acts 16: 14-16). The centurion Cornelius and family were baptized (Acts 10). On the day of Pentecost, three thousand were baptized. (Acts 2:41). It is reasonable to assume that many among them were children.

When adults join church, they get adult baptism, and when the children of the faithful join, they get infant baptism, which is the practice of our church.

It was the tradition of the early Church to baptize adults when they joined Christian Church. Later on when children were born to them, they were baptized in the Church.


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Can people be saved not by their own faith, but by the faith of others?If we consider only one Bible verse, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16.), we might conclude that people cannot be saved by the faith or prayers of others.

2 Biblical events to consider:1. The story of the paralytic who was brought near Jesus by four men, 2. Healing of the servant of the centurionThis indicates that faith of others cold help bring blessings to others.

Faith of the parents is enough for the children to get baptized.

Biblical truths have to be analyzed based on the intent, context and in relation to the entire messages of Jesus.


28

Salvation by Grace Some protestants argue that you have to believe and confess in

order to be saved, based on the verse, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16. This verse is not seen in many early versions of the Bible. In modern versions, this portion is given in parenthesis, indicating that it was probably added later. Even if we accept this verse as is for the sake of argument, we need to keep in mind that interpreting biblical truth based on stand-alone verses will lead to wrong conclusion.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”—Ephesians 2:8.

Our salvation is not by faith, but by His grace. This is not to undermine the importance of faith, but to point out that ultimately, our salvation is decided by God alone.

Questions: How can you prove that prayer for the departed is biblical? If Jesus is the only mediator, why should we intercede to saints? How can you justify infant baptism? Explain with biblical references.


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What is fundamentalism?-Protestant movement (not a sect or denomination) that began in the U.S in the early 20th century-Influence strong among the most conservative members of Protestants including the Baptists, Presbyterians, the Disciples of Christ-Reaction against liberalism in theology which encouraged critical study of Bible (based on rationalism and fueled by scientific discoveries)-Objective was to maintain traditional interpretation of Bible, making it the only foundation for faith and to resist liberalism.

The Fundamentalists (Grade 11 Lessons 10-15)

Lesson 1-Fundamentalism (Grade 11 Lessons 10)

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In 1909, 12 small volumes of theological books were introduced by conservative authors.-The title of the books: ‘The Fundamentals’- ‘Fundamentalism’ was the product of this movement.

According to them, the following 5 doctrines were the Fundamentals of Christian Faith: 1. The literal inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible2. The virgin birth and full deity of Christ3. The atoning sacrifice of His death for the sins of the world4. Physical resurrection of Christ5. His second coming in bodily form to preside at the last Judgment

In 1919, the movement formed the ‘Association of the World Christian Fundamentalists’.

Their counterpart in England called themselves ‘Evangelicals’


Brief History of Fundamentalism

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Attitude towards Bible For Fundamentalists, the Bible is infallible and sole

foundation for faith, rejects tradition and reason. Believes in verbal inspiration of Bible, no regard for human

elements, there cannot be inconsistency. Does not allow literal or historical criticism of the Bible. Does not allow scientific discoveries to throw light upon

biblical writings; Bible is the sole authority For the Orthodox Church, Bible is the foundation of our

church, but final authority is Christ himself.It was the Church that gave the Bible to the

believers.Bible is not contrary to science or scientific truth.Bible should not be treated as a textbook of science Bible is written by ordinary people, inspired by the

Holy Spirit. (Human element is significant.)


Why does the Orthodox Church reject fundamentalism?

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Neglect of church tradition-No regard for sacraments or tradition-No value for church history after apostolic times-Views church as static, not as a living organism guided by Holy Spirit

Church existed before the Bible. Bible may not address all the current or future problems

faced by the humanity The role of Holy Spirit is significant. The decisions of the Church councils, formulation of the

Nicene Creed- were guided by the Holy Spirit. Not everything has to be recorded in the Bible. (Example:

The thief on the cross who repented: Which side of the cross?)

“Is it Biblical” is a familiar question. ‘Biblical’ does not mean that it has to be written in the Bible. It should be not against the fundamental teachings of the Bible.


Why does the Orthodox Church reject fundamentalism?

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Individualism It denies the authority of the Church, leading to extreme individualism and many

divisions Gives unlimited freedom to individuals The Orthodox Church believes in the authority of the Church The Church should always have the authority to correct (example: The role of Church

Councils)Neglect of corporate aspect Focuses on individual piety or holiness leading to the neglect of Church life Neglects corporate, community experience of Christian life Salvation for them has become a private affair between man and God. For the Orthodox Church, salvation is a corporate/community affair. St. Paul said, “You and your family will be saved..”Indifference to the world around Fundamentalists are not bothered by the social and economical problems Not concerned about social injustices They are other-worldly; Sole interest is salvation of soul and going to heaven The Orthodox belief: The Church is instituted to transform the world by getting involved, not by running

away from it. The Church is the salt of the Earth, which has to preserve and impart flavor to others.

The Fundamentalists (Grade 11 Lessons 10-15)Why does the Orthodox Church reject fundamentalism?

34

The movement was born on April 9, 1906 in Los Angeles

Has several sub species; Assemblies of God, Church of God, Indian Pentecostal Church, Ceylon Pentecostal Church.

The species among them vary widely: Some permit no literature other than Bible; some regulate hair style, some have central organization; most do not have fellowship with other Christians; some have joined WCC.

Lesson 2-Pentecostalism(Grade 11 Lesson 11)

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Speaking in Tongues (Glossolalia) Faith healing and exorcism They denounce medical treatment; practice exorcism

(casting out of evil spirits) Insistence on personal testimony (as if this is prerequisite

for salvation) Free worship catering to emotions Missionary fervor, most often aggressive efforts to convert

others Bible-centered, rejects authority of the Church, and the

importance of traditions Disregard for world problems Disregard to sacraments They do not pray for the departed They do not believe in the intercession of the saints They do not practice infant baptism

PentecostalismWhat are the main features of Pentecostal teaching?

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Why do we reject Pentecostalism? -It rejects the authority of the Church, traditions and sacraments

(Refer to previous notes too.) Faith healing should not be promoted as an advertising tool to attract more

believers. Bible is not against medical treatment for illnesses Undue importance to Personal testimony is unnecessary. Christianity is, and should be about changing ourselves, rather than

changing others. Church is called the salt of the earth. Our Lord wants Church to transform

the world by getting involved, not run away from it or refuse to accept it.Speaking in tongues is a gift of the spirit, which is mentioned last to show

low importance. 1 Cor. 12:28 St. Paul exhorts to “seek higher gifts”; Highest gift is love. Prophesying is a higher gift than Speaking in tongues. St. Paul says in 1

Cor. 14:1-6 that speaking in tongues does not edify the Church, but the speaker alone, whereas prophecy benefits the whole Church. Tongues are a sign for non-believers, and not believers. Church should not be a chaotic and unintelligible place, rather orderly and structured.

Glossolalia is a gift displayed in the early church, which disappeared in the later history

Pentecostalism Why do we Reject Pentecostalism?

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Jehovah’s Witnesses Found in 1884 by Charles Russell of Allegheny, PA; originally

called Russelites Took the name Jehovah’s witnesses based on Isa 43.12

(“You are my witnesses.”) Known by different names (The Millennial Down,

International Bible Students Association, The Watch Tower Organization)

Autocratic and hierarchic organization, run like a business Members must distribute official publications door to door Denies almost all important doctrines of Christian Church Doctrine is based on arbitrary selection of texts from

scriptures Their doctrine is largely based on apocalyptic books of

Daniel and Revelations

Lesson 3-Jehovah’s WitnessesGrade 11 Lesson 12

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Heretical Teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Denies doctrine of Trinity Christological heresy like Arians (Christ is a created being,

not equal to Father, nor co-eternal, no regard for the divine and human natures of Christ, describes Jesus as “the Chief Executive Officer of Jehovah”

Eschatological heresy(speculations about end times). Initially predicted the end of the world would be in 1914.

Believes that departed are inactive, yet the dead will rise again at the second coming.

‘Other worldly’ (no loyalty to governments, refuses to serve in military or pay homage to national flags, calls government agents of satanic powers). (Jesus said, Give unto God what’s God’s and to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” )

Hatred towards established Churches and priestly orders (calls them satanic and antichrist)

Jehovah’s WitnessesHeretical Teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses:

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Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) Found by Mrs. Ellen White of NY in 1840’s; claims

to have had many visions of the heavenly sanctuary

Her teachings were based on the writings of William Miller who prophesied that Christ would come in 1844;

‘Advent’ means ‘coming’; (remember the ‘Fast of the Advent’)

Aggressive evangelism Similar to Jehovah’s Witnesses Keeps Sabbath (7th Day) and food regulations

from the book of Leviticus

Lesson 4- Seventh Day Adventists (SDA)(Grade 11 Lesson 13)

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Adventism (believes that Christ’s second coming happened in 1844 to the heavenly sanctuary destroying the true significance of the ascension of our Lord interceding for us-Heb. 9:24, 8:1)

Keeping of the Sabbath (based on Mrs. White’s vision of sanctuary where the 4th commandment was highlighted, insists that Christians fell into apostasy by changing seventh day to Sunday in AD 364).The Orthodox Belief: -We call Sunday the Lord’s Day because of our Lord’s resurrection on Sunday marking a new beginning.-The descend of Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church was on Sunday, the Pentecost Day. -The Apostles and the early church even before the council of Laodicea in AD 364 met on the first day of the week in the upper room for prayer (Jn. 20:19-26, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2). Sunday is ‘The Lord’s Day’.-St Paul says, we are no more under the (Old Testament) Law AS Christ has set us free.-Even the moral laws of the OT have been superseded.-Christ liberated us from the yoke of law. Col.2:16 “Let no man judge you in meat, diet, or in respect of a holy day, or of the Sabbath days which are shadow of things to come.” Further, it was on Sunday God created light.

Seventh Day Adventists (SDA)Heretical Teachings of SDA

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Person of Jesus Christ (SDA insists that Christ inherited the sinful human nature regardless of His Virgin Birth)The Orthodox Teaching: Christ was a perfect man, without sin. 1 Peter 2: 22 says, He committed no sin, and no guile was found on his lips.” St Paul: “He has been tempted in every respect, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15

Intermediate State after DeathSDA teaches that we are unconscious after death. Why is this wrong? If we were in unconscious state after death, Lazarus would not have resurrected. Jesus would not have gone to Hades to preach Gospel (1 Pet. 3: 19, 4:6.)

Other examples to consider:-The promise of our Lord to the dying thief (“You will be with me in paradise”.)-The appearance of Moses and Elijah on Transfiguration.

Seventh Day Adventists (SDA)Heretical Teachings of SDA

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Who are Puritans?-The Quakers, Salvation Army, Plymouth Brethren, Disciples of Christ-Started in 16th century in England against the formal ritualistic, authoritarian Church of that period.

Aim: To go back to the simple, informal pattern of the Church and worship of Apostolic times

For them, Bible is the only true source of faith Four Features that keep the Puritans off from Episcopal

Churches:1. They reject priestly orders (For them, Priesthood came to an end in Christ, Christ alone is the priest and the mediator)2. They reject Holy Sacraments(They practice baptism, but with no sacramental values; Lord’s supper to them is a memorial service done once a yr or when needed; they reject all other sacraments.)

3. No liturgical Order of worship. They have free and informal worship.4. Negative approach to material world.

Lesson 5-The Challenge of Puritanism(Grade 11 Lesson 14)

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We believe in the priesthood of the whole Church as evident from baptismal rite when candidate is anointed with the Holy Oil. The old Israel was called a priesthood (Ex. 19:6). However, God set apart the Levites, Aaron and his children to do the service of special priesthood. Our Lord chose 12 disciples, ordaining and imparting spiritual gifts and grace to them (Jn. 20:23). They appointed and ordained ministers to carry on the ministry (Acts 14:23, 20:28, Phil.1:1). St. Paul shows in 1 Tim. 5:19-22, 3:8-10, 1 Tit. 1: 5-7 that Timothy and Titus were men who had authority to ordain others. There is clear evidence from the beginning of 2nd century that there were 3 orders of priesthood (epistles of St. Ignatius of Antioch).

Puritans reject most sacraments (except baptism and the Lord’s Supper) as for them, religion is something of the heart. Even though the Jewish church reduced religion into a matter of rituals, Jesus was against this. He valued Baptism, by getting baptized. He instituted the Holy Qurbana.

The invisible God came in to the material world, took flesh, and became a man. Both are mysteries. This shows that God does not despise matter, but he makes use of it and acts through it. The merits of the redemptive work of Christ are applied to our souls through the sacraments. They are either directly (baptism, Holy Eucharist, confession) and indirectly (Holy Mooron, Matrimony, Ordination, Anointing of the sick) instituted by our Lord.

The Orthodox Church follows the synagogue style worship. The Church gives utmost importance to corporate worship. God is not a God of confusion. The order existed right from the early Church, the Eucharist.

Challenge of PuritanismWhy do we reject Puritanism?

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How can you prove the existence of God? Only material things can be scientifically examined God is spirit and should be understood and experienced spiritually

through faith God is beyond the reasoning and understanding We the created beings can’t fully understand God, the CreatorLogical Arguments for the existence of God: Argument of the First Cause: Everything happens for a reason.

How did the world come into being? There must be a first cause. That first cause is the creator, God.

Intelligent Design by God, the creator: The stars and planets are set in their proper order and place. There is no confusion. This order explains the designer, whom we call God.

Universal desire in man to seek God. It is a natural desire. We believe in God not because we can find him out, but because

He has revealed Himself to us through Jesus Christ.

Lesson 6-The Rational Questions(Grade 11 Lesson 15)

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Knowledge is acquired through sensory organs, intellect, and intuition. Scientific knowledge is acquired through first two means, while religious knowledge is acquired through intuition.

Both start with certain assumptions. Science starts with a hypothesis and religion with faith. Science proves/disproves with investigation while religion proves with experience.

Science investigates the question of the “how” and religion deals with “why” and “hence”

The creation story in the Bible does not contain the “how” process, but it declares the fundamental truth that God is the Creator.

Bible should not be considered a book of Science. It is written by ordinary people inspired by God.

Religion without science can become superstitious and corrupt, and vice versa. Therefore, they are complementary.

Lesson 6-The Rational QuestionsScience and Religion: Complementary or Contradictory?

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Are all religions the same?

-All religions have some light and some revelation of God. In Christ, we have the fullest and perfect revelation of God. Different religions have different faith.

-Jesus said, ‘I’m the way, the truth and life.” John 14:6-Christ is the incomparable revelation of God.-Our moral conduct is based on what we believe in (Faith in God, the values and principles)-Action is the fruit of the faith. Unless we have the right faith, it is futile to expect good actions.

The Rational Questions:Are all religions the same?

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Good Luck!Oommen Kappil

Tel.: 267.902.8500e-mail: [email protected]

Questions or Comments?

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Documents

Presented by Oommen Kappil At the Philadelphia Area Sunday School Teachers’ Conference Northeast American Diocese of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church April