The grace of God in Western theology and Orthodoxy

[Nathaniel Woon]

I have read and been told that there are words used in Orthiodoxy that differ markedly in Orthodoxy as opposed to its general use in English due to Western theological influence. Another word that I have read which differs is 'contrition'. I wonder if there is an online source or book that might have some lists of these words and the meaning/differences in Western and Orthodox theology.

[Marie-Duquette]

I have read and been told that there are words used in Orthodoxy that differ markedly in Orthodoxy as opposed to its general use in English due to Western theological influence. Another word that I have read which differs is 'contrition'. I wonder if there is an online source or book that might have some lists of these words and the meaning/differences in Western and Orthodox theology.

Whether there is a source book or not concerning words used by East or West in Theology, I do not know. You might yourself look up words and learn to differentiate them, as well as asking the priest in your parish. Most Orthodox books do carry an index to point readers to specific words and their meanings.

Lately I have been reading and found this passage:
"The deeper the repentance, the more contrition increases. A contrite heart is one which lives in repentance. The prophet king David says: 'The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart God will not despise; (Ps. 51,17) God dwells in a contrite heart. Everyone who comes to the King to receive remission of his debt needs to have an 'unutterable contrition;( Step 28 John of the Ladder)

According to St. Nicetas Stethatos, the distinguishing marks of truth are not in faces, forms and words, nor does God reside in those things, but truth as well as God resides 'in contrite hearts, in spirits of humility and in souls enlightened by the knowledge of God.'"

The word "contrition" is used over and over again in this particular chapter. Bishop Hierotheos in quoting Fathers and Saints of the Orthodox Church does use the word "contrition" in relation to repentance; and doesn't distinguish whether or not the word is Western or Eastern. Isn't "repentance" as well as "contrition" a universal word used in Scripture as well as in spiritual and theological writings? I am asking this of myself, as well, for it had never occurred to me that there is a difference concerning the state of soul asked of me by God in Psalm 50/51