Orthodoxy & Protestantism

OBJECTIVE

By the end of the module, students should understand the differences between Orthodoxy and the other Christian denominations. This lesson looks at the differences between the Orthodox church and the Protestant church.

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes

Please review the previous week's lesson. (5 minutes)

Last week, the differences between Orthodoxy and Catholicism were discussed. This week, we will focus on the Protestant church.

Briefly explain what is Protestantism: a form Christianity that originated as a movement against what its followers perceived to be errors in the Catholic Church. Also, explain that there are several branches of Protestantism, each with nuanced teachings regarding various matters (e.g., Lutheranism, Baptists, Presbyterian, Anglicanism, Methodist, etc.) See attached Chart.

For example, Protestants reject the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal supremacy (discussed last week), but disagree among themselves regarding the number of sacraments, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and apostolic succession.

Similar to the activity from the previous week, bring a white board or a blank poster and a couple of markers. On the white board/poster create two columns, one labeled "similarities'' and the other labeled "differences." Ask a couple of the students to go up to the board/poster and write their ideas down about the similarities and differences between the Orthodox church and the Protestant church. That way, if any misconceptions are brought up, they can be addressed throughout the lesson.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

Memory Verse - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 25 Minutes

In this lesson, we will focus on the Five "Solae" (latin for "only") that are the basis for Protestantism. The five solae summarize basic theological differences in opposition to the Catholic Church.

Each of these doctrines will be defined, and contrasted with Orthodox teachings.

Sola Scriptura - "Scripture Alone"

The doctrine arose within the context of the late medieval Roman Catholic church and its teachings. The Reformers, led by Martin Luther, believed that the Roman Catholic church put a great deal of emphasis on tradition, which was perceived as a second source of revelation, and the pope and the Roman authorities. Sola Scriptura affirms that scripture is to be understood as the sole source of divine revelation.

The issue is that what is being given authority is not the scripture but a person's interpretation of scripture, giving rise to a number of doctrines.

The Orthodox church says that the Bible is not self-interpreting, but that a lens is required through which we read the Scriptures, this lens being the teachings and writings of the church fathers. The apostles themselves referred to oral traditions as a source of equal authority

"Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you" (1 Corinthians 11:2)
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle" (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Irenaeus insisted that the Apostolic church preserved the "rule of faith," and that it had found its expression in the canonical books of scripture

Sola Fide - "Faith Alone"

This doctrine was also invented by Martin Luther in the 16th century and was never a part of the Roman Catholic church of which Protestants broke off. Martin Luther and his fellow reformers expressed the importance of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The term justification refers to the process or state of becoming righteous and having one's sins forgiven by God

For this doctrine, the reformers leaned on Ephesians 2:8-9 in which St. Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast"

This verse on its own may seem to support the doctrine of Sola Fide, however, in the next verse st. Paul writes, "for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

The Orthodox church believes that the verses "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20) and "You see then a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:24) also point to salvation being earned through good deeds.

Sola Gratia - "Grace Alone"

The Reformers posited that salvation is a gift of God, God's act of free grace, dispensed by the Holy Spirit owing to the redemptive work of Christ alone, and not depending of good works.

They argued that a sinner is not accepted by God on account of the change wrought in the believer by God's grace, but instead that the believer is accepted without regard for the merit of his works - for no one deserves salvation.

The Orthodox church views sin as a spiritual illness of the soul, a condition that can be treated through the grace of God, along with partaking of the holy sacraments.

Solus Christus - "Christ Alone" & Soli Deo Gloria - "Glory to God Alone"

This doctrine centered on the sacramental system that the Roman Catholic church had constructed, the system in which the grace of Christ was mediated to the people through an elaborate system of priests and sacramental works. The believed that this elaborate system of works obscured the person and work of Christ taught in the Scripture

Solus Christus means that salvation comes to sinners "through Christ along."

This doctrine also views teachings such as the meritorious works, the sacraments, and the idea of venerating saints, as a denial that Chris is the only mediator between God and man.

All glory is due to God alone, since salvation is accomplished solely through His will and action.

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

Discuss the importance of the sacraments and the role of clergy when it comes to the spiritual journey Orthodox christians are on.

LIFE APPLICATION - 5 Minutes

Compare a couple of practices of the Protestant church to those of the Orthodox church and highlight the reasonings behind each (try and reference today's lesson).

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Split the class into four groups and assign each group one of the solae. Have them discuss each one and how to refute them, and then present their discussions to the rest of the class.

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Have the kids ask the parents what they know about the Protestant church then do some research and discuss the misconceptions that may arise.