Luther and Orthodoxy

[Sean Kealey]

Hello All,

I am not sure if this has been asked in this forum, though I would imagine it has. If it has, please forgive my bringing it up again. I have read, and am almost myself now of the opinion, that had Luther found Orthodoxy there would have never been a reformation. However, I want to say I remember seeing somewhere something about Luther looking into Orthodoxy. If any of you have any information regarding Luther and any possible interactions he may have had with Orthodoxy, I would greatly appreciate if you could fill me in or at lest show me where to look. Thanks.

Sean

[Herman Blaydoe]

You might want to check out this link:

Luther Had His Chance (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/tca_luther.aspx) at http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/tca_luther.aspx

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

There is a very interesting book called Augsburg and Constantinople (Holy Cross Press, Brookline Ma, 1982). The book contains a series of exchanges between Lutheran theologians at Tubingen and the Patriarch of Constantinople between 1572- 1579.

It has been quite awhile since I read this book. But from what I can recall it is an excellent presentation of Orthodox theology in regards to Protestant questions of the time. Also it is my strong impression that the Lutheran divines would not respond positively to the Patriarch's more than ample explanations and patience ultimately because of self-will. Towards the end of the exchanges the Patriarch mentions that it is no longer worth writing since it is obvious that the Lutheran theologians are not willing to listen.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Anthony]

I think it is clear that once Luther had formulated his mature doctrine, he was committed to rejecting a lot of important parts of Orthodoxy. Besides the issues discussed in the link, one that crops up frequently in my own conversations with Lutherans here is prayer for the dead (Lutherans basically don't do it, cf Fr. Raphael's post (http://www.monachos.net/cgi-bin/mb/show.cgi?tpc=4226&post=16736#POST16736) in another thread).

It is interesting to speculate, though, what part a more widespread knowledge of Orthodoxy might have played in the run-up to the Reformation. I seem to remember that the more moderate Jan Hus remarked that the Greek Church was the true church. (Sorry, I don't have the reference, but it might have been at the Council of Constance.)

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Anthony,

I'd be very keen to know the source of that comment by Jan Hus; do you (or any others) know where it can be found?

INXC, Matthew

[Anthony]

Dear Matthew,

Unfortunately a web search has drawn a blank (though there are reference to Hussites visiting Constantinople to discuss union). Maybe my memory is letting me down. I will edit out my comment, as I don't want to risk putting up untrue information.

Anthony

[Anthony]

For technical reasons I have been unable to edit my previous post about Jan Hus. I would ask people however not to quote me on it as I have not been able to confirm it. Let's leave it at that for the time being, and I will get back if I am able to find anything.