Protestant Reformation from an Eastern Orthodox Perspective

Introduction

• Discussion led by Kevin with guest Father Josiah Trenholm.
• Father Josiah is from St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Riverside, California.
• Author of the book "Rock and Sand: An Orthodox Appraisal of the Protestant Reformers and Their Teachings."

Background of Father Josiah Trenholm

• Originally from a reformed Calvinist tradition.
• Education:
  • Westmont College (Evangelical)
  • Westminster Theological Seminary (Calvinist)
  • University of Durham (Church of England)
• Influential teachers:
  • Dr. R.C. Sproul
  • Dr. J.I. Packer
  • Dr. Sinclair Ferguson
  • John Frame

Transition to Orthodoxy

• Felt instability in the Protestant tradition.
• Concerns about the influence of secular culture on the church.
• Impressed by the Orthodox Church’s resistance to cultural pressures.
• Deep respect for orthodox worship practices.

Book Discussion: "Rock and Sand"

• Title Meaning: Contrasts the enduring rock of Orthodox faith with the shifting sands of Protestantism.

Critique of Protestant Tenets

• Sola Scriptura:
  • Viewed as a heresy by Orthodox, leading to further doctrinal errors.
  • Protestant reformers saw it as a response to perceived corruption of tradition.
• Justification by Faith Alone:
  • Orthodox view emphasizes faith working through love.
  • Protestant interpretation seen as a departure from patristic teachings.

Sacramental Theology

• Different Protestant denominations have varied views on sacraments:
  • Lutherans maintain a real presence in the Eucharist.
  • The radical reformers view sacraments as symbolic.
• Orthodox maintain traditional sacramental practices, emphasizing real presence and sacramental life.

Church Authority and Structure

• Orthodox: Hierarchy of bishops, priests, deacons is scriptural and apostolic.
• Protestants often see hierarchical structures as post-apostolic innovations.

Worship Practices

• Protestants often favor spontaneous worship and prayers over liturgical forms.
• Orthodox adhere to established liturgical traditions.

Icons and Sacred Art

• Martin Luther accepted sacred art as sermon for the eyes.
• Radical reformers like Zwingli opposed icons, viewing them as idolatry.
• Orthodox view icons as essential to the faith, depicting the incarnation of Christ.

Saints and Intercession

• Protestant reformers largely rejected intercessory prayer to saints.
• Orthodox emphasize the communion of saints and their intercessory role.

Conclusion of Segment

• Encouragement to explore further in Father Josiah's book "Rock and Sand."

---

The notes provide a high-level overview of the discussion, capturing key points and distinguishing the perspectives of various branches of the Reformation as compared to Eastern Orthodoxy. The notes are organized with headings and subheadings for clarity and ease of review.