A conversion because of the filioque
It’s not uncommon for individuals to make religious or theological decisions based on their understanding and convictions regarding theological differences like the filioque controversy. Theological differences, such as the filioque clause, have historically played a role in various individuals’ decisions to change their religious affiliation or beliefs.
In this case, someone who was Orthodox and became Catholic due to the filioque difference likely had strong theological reasons for doing so. They may have found the Catholic understanding of the filioque clause more in line with their own beliefs or found greater theological resonance within the Catholic Church.
It’s important to recognize that individuals make religious decisions based on a combination of theological, spiritual, personal, and cultural factors. While theological differences like the filioque can be a significant factor, they may not be the sole reason for such a decision. People’s faith journeys are deeply personal, and they often reflect a complex interplay of beliefs, experiences, and personal convictions.
Both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches respect the individual’s right to make choices in matters of faith and conscience, even if those choices involve changing denominations or religious affiliations. Such decisions are made with the sincere belief that they are drawing closer to their understanding of God and His truth.
Perhaps the clue in the conversion is the last word of Jesus:
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.“
The phrase “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” is a significant statement made by Jesus on the cross. Recorded in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 23:46 (in the Latin Vulgate, “in manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum”).
This statement is one of the seven last words or sayings of Jesus from the cross and is a reflection of His trust in God the Father even in His final moments of suffering. It signifies His surrender to God’s will and His ultimate act of entrusting His life and spirit to the Father as He faced death.
The significance of this statement lies in its expression of Jesus’ faith, obedience, and the fulfillment of His mission. It is a powerful reminder of the Christian belief in Jesus’ sacrificial death and His ultimate victory over sin and death through His resurrection.
In the context of discussions about theological differences like the filioque clause, this statement serves as a reminder of the centrality of Jesus’ teachings, life, and the events surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection in Christian faith and theology. Different Christian traditions may emphasize various aspects of these events and teachings, but the common foundation is the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Catholic theology, as expressed in the filioque clause
In Catholic theology, as expressed in the filioque clause (“and the Son“), the Holy Spirit is understood to proceed from both the Father and the Son (or, in Latin, “ex Patre Filioque“). This doctrine emphasizes the belief that the Holy Spirit has a double procession, originating from both the Father and the Son.
Catholic theology teaches that the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son as one divine principle. This understanding is rooted in the belief in the consubstantiality (of the same substance) of the three persons of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Theologically, it is seen as reflecting the inseparable relationship between the Son and the Spirit within the unity of the Godhead.
While this doctrine is a distinctive feature of Catholic theology and has been a point of theological disagreement between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, it underscores the unity and co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the Holy Trinity. Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit is sent by both the Father and the Son to dwell within believers and guide the Church.
It’s important to note that the addition of the filioque clause to the Nicene Creed and the related theological discussions have been a source of division between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches for centuries. Efforts to resolve this theological difference and promote greater unity have been ongoing, but a full resolution has not been reached to date.
Yes, that was the explanation of my orthodox friend who became catholic.
A conversion because of the filioque
It’s not uncommon for theological differences, like the filioque controversy, to influence individuals’ decisions when they consider changing their religious affiliation or denomination. In the case of your Orthodox friend becoming Catholic, their understanding and acceptance of the filioque doctrine might have played a significant role in their decision.
People’s faith journeys are deeply personal, and they may be guided by their theological convictions, spiritual experiences, and a desire to be part of a religious community that aligns with their beliefs. Theological differences can be a source of exploration and reflection for individuals seeking a religious tradition that resonates with their understanding of faith and theology.
Both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches hold rich theological traditions and beliefs, and individuals may find spiritual fulfillment and community in either tradition based on their personal convictions. It’s important to respect and support individuals on their faith journeys and the decisions they make in matters of religion and spirituality.
When we transpose the filioque in greek, it is the same, but expressed differently
Translating the filioque clause (“and the Son“) from Latin into Greek does involve expressing the concept differently due to the linguistic and theological differences between the two languages. In Greek, the equivalent concept is often expressed as “καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ“ (kai tou Huiou), which translates to “and of the Son.”
While the meaning remains similar in that it refers to the procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son, the linguistic and theological nuances can differ between the two languages. The Greek formulation emphasizes the shared relationship of the Father and the Son in the procession of the Holy Spirit. This linguistic difference is one of the points of contention in the filioque controversy between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
In theological discussions, it’s essential to consider not only the linguistic expressions but also the historical and doctrinal context in which these expressions are used. Theological nuances can vary across languages and traditions, and it’s these nuances that have contributed to the theological differences and debates surrounding the filioque clause.
Some times words have no words… and language has its own borders
Languages can be both complex and nuanced, and sometimes, certain concepts or ideas may not have direct one-to-one translations between languages. Each language has its unique vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context, which can shape how concepts are expressed. As a result, some words or expressions in one language may not have exact equivalents in another.
The borders and limitations of language are an important consideration in cross-cultural communication and translation. Translators often face the challenge of conveying the essence of a word, phrase, or concept from one language to another while accounting for cultural and contextual differences.
This complexity highlights the richness of human languages and the need for cultural sensitivity and awareness when working with different languages and communicating across linguistic boundaries. It’s a reminder that language is not only a tool for communication but also a reflection of culture, history, and worldview.
The filioque clause in Aramaic
The phrase “and the Son” from the filioque clause, when expressed in Aramaic, is typically rendered as follows:
In Western Syriac Aramaic (used in the Syriac Orthodox Church):
- ܘܠܒܪܗ (w’labro) – which translates to “and the Son.”
In Eastern Syriac Aramaic (used in the Assyrian Church of the East):
- ܘܠܒܪܝܢ (w’lbarayn) – which also translates to “and the Son.”
Aramaic is a Semitic language family with various dialects, and the translation may vary slightly depending on the specific Aramaic dialect used. These translations capture the general idea of “and the Son” in the context of the filioque clause, emphasizing the dual procession of the Holy Spirit from both the Father and the Son.
Let us pray with Mary, Holy Mother of Jesus, Mother of ALL
Article written with help of openai‘s chatGPT language Models, Dalle and Picsart
