What are some of the differences between Evangelicalism and Eastern Orthodoxy? And in what way are they important to Christians?
Some time ago the evangelical world went abuzz with the news that Hank Hanegraaff had converted to the Eastern Orthodox Church. It’s not that unusual for an evangelical to leave the “Protestant” faith and convert to Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. Of course, there are examples of Catholics who have become Protestants. Naturally, whenever this happens, the side who receives the convert into its fold celebrates a victory.
Some weren’t surprised at Hanegraaff’s move. Apparently he had been sending out signals on his program for some time. Others have observed that, despite his “Bible Answer Man” title, Hanegraaff wasn’t theologically well-grounded. Personally, when I think of Hanegraaff I’m always reminded of his strong activism against Israel and dispensationalism. For example, he interviewed anti-Israel activists such as Colin Chapman and Gary Burge on his radio program.
When I left the New Age I was immediately drawn to the Eastern Orthodox faith. I had picked up a copy of Kyriacos C. Markides’ Riding With The Lion and The Mountain of Silence. Markides is a sociology professor who has been exploring different spiritual paths. Sadly, I doubt he’s a Christian to this day.
It isn’t hard to see how someone with a New Age background might be attracted to experiential stories of miracles of the Eastern Orthodox saints and Monks of Mount Athos There’s also the narrative that the EOC is the true line of succession from the apostles, and elements of mysticism in prayer. Pretty soon I was repeating The Efche: “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I even accumulated a few EO books (Kallistos Ware’s The Orthodox Way etc).
However I soon realized that, like Roman Catholicism, the EOC does not hold to Sola Scriptura. It has similar traditional trappings as its western counterpart. God was leading me back to His Word, not a particular denomination’s interpretation of it. I realize Orthodox readers will take issue with my statements. Yet some teachings of Roman Catholicism and the EOC aren’t merely progressive extensions of the Bible; they often over-ride and contradict it.
Getting into the nuts and bolts of the issues is beyond the scope of this article. Hopefully the links below will provide some helpful guidelines. This information won’t convince Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic readers. But I pray they open up the Bible and let Scripture interpret itself rather than receiving interpretation based on their church tradition.
One last thing – you’ll see the term “theosis.” Hanegraaff made it a point to mention it during his conversion announcement. I first came across the concept in Michael Heiser’s The Unseen Realm where he cites M. David Litwa’s work. I had some reservations with Heiser’s book. One was the concept of theosis and the process of deification. What is this process and how does it relate to salvation and atonement?
The following links briefly touch on these controversial issues:
How Is Eastern Orthodoxy Different? Note the comments on Theosis
From Jill Martin Rische:
Walter Martin’s Religious InfoNet
Bible Answer Man Renounces Evangelical Christian Faith
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