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The Case/Rome

Development of Doctrine

Orthodoxy allows deeper articulation of the apostolic faith, but rejects developments that change the Church's received dogmatic boundaries.

Rival Claim

The Roman claim

Roman doctrines can be later and still be binding because doctrine develops organically under the magisterium of the pope and bishops in communion with him.

01

Growth in expression is not change in the deposit

The Orthodox Church has no fear of doctrinal definition. The ecumenical councils used precise language when heresy forced the Church to say more clearly what she had always worshiped and believed.

But legitimate articulation is not the same as reversing or expanding the apostolic deposit into doctrines unknown to the undivided Church. Orthodoxy tests later claims by Scripture, the conciliar faith, liturgy, and patristic consensus rather than by a theory that can make post-schism Roman definitions binding on the whole Church.

  • Jude 3
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:15
  • St. Vincent of Lerins, Commonitorium