Q&A Home > H > Heresies What is heresy in a post-Ecumenical Council world? When and how do novel teachings (e.g., the Rapture, Dispensationalism, Prosperity Theology, Born-againism, Dominionism, etc.) become condemned by the Holy Orthodox Church?
I understand that we need to work with others in a spirit of humility and forgiveness while not "pointing out the speck in our brother's eye", but is there a time when it right to call "a spade a spade" in order to try and get someone onto the Orthodox path?
The Orthodox still remains steadfast against all heresies. We have remained faithful to the teachings of Christ, His apostles, and the succession of the apostles in the hierarchy of the Church since the inception of the Early Church. When Arias was excommunicated, his followers remained true to him, as well as Macedonius, and Nestorius. Each of them had an increased volume of followers who succumbed to their heretical teachings, which still exist today. These heretics that prompted the ecumenical councils were members of the clergy in the Church. This was a satanic attack from within the Church, but the Church remained strong and God provided the leadership of St Athanasius, St Cyril, St Dioscorus, and all the members of the councils to strike back with prayer, conviction, firmness, knowledge of the sound doctrine, and oneness of heart.
Schisms in the Church divided Christians and each group pledged allegiance to the belief system of the church in which he believed. Though schisms in Orthodox Churches today are not as evident as in earlier years or in other denominations, however, they have existed in other eras. In recent years, the Coptic Orthodox Church has convened councils and excommunicated members who repeatedly violated the teachings of the Church and posted public notice to caution innocent victims of these heresies even if the self-ordained heretics are dressed in black robes in a similar manner as Orthodox clergy. The Orthodox Church continues to preach and teach the sound faith and defend our doctrines vehemently, but those who are not under our jurisdiction can exercise their free will to follow whom they believe is true (Genesis 13:7-9; Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:25). We, as Christians today, have an awesome obligation and need to be committed to learning, not just more information, but learning in depth the doctrine of the Church and have the courage to respond to the Holy Spirit's call to share our faith in and with the world.
Let us know these precautions according to St Paul's epistle in 2 Timothy 3:1-7, and be prepared:
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
For more information on the Orthodox faith, share this link and other sound Orthodox teachings with others, use the social media for this purpose, and let it be known everywhere. Let us follow in the footsteps of our fathers who suffered for the worthy sake of the defense of the Church.
http://www.suscopts.org/resources/literature/orthodox-faith/
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