Church
Saint John the Forerunner
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH): a neutral profile of what this congregation describes about its beliefs.
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41.7361° N, 87.8713° WOpen map →TraditionGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH)About →
Sourcing statusTradition default
Beliefs on file1040 positions
Statement of faithNot on file
Where they stand
Each position below is labelled by how it was sourced, so you can weigh it for yourself.
VerifiedConfirmed by the church
From their statement of faithEstimated, not verified
Tradition defaultEstimated, not verified
Showing 92 of 1040 positions across 18 topics. Expand any topic to see the rest.
God & the Trinity55 positions
- Analogical LanguageStrongly affirmsTradition defaultHuman language about God is analogical: true but never capturing God univocally as it captures creatures.Estimated, not verified
- Apophatic PriorityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWhat God is in himself is ultimately beyond human comprehension, so negative ("God is not...") statements are more reliable than positive ones.Estimated, not verified
Christ70 positions
- Assumed Fallen Human NatureStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist assumed a fully fallen human nature (subject to the effects of the Fall) in order to heal it from within.Estimated, not verified
- Assumed Unfallen Human NatureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist assumed an unfallen, sinless human nature, untouched by original sin/corruption.Estimated, not verified
Sin & the fall54 positions
- Adams Sin Brought Physical DeathAffirmsTradition defaultPhysical death entered the human race as a consequence of Adam's sin; humans were not originally subject to death.Estimated, not verified
- All Sin Deserves Death EquallyRejectsTradition defaultEvery sin, however small, deserves God's condemnation/death: there is no class of sin that does not by nature merit it.Estimated, not verified
Salvation65 positions
- Assurance Of Salvation PossibleRejectsTradition defaultA believer can have a settled present assurance that they are saved.Estimated, not verified
- Atonement Heals Human Nature TheosisStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe atonement's deepest purpose is to heal and divinize human nature (joining humanity to God), more than to settle a legal account.Estimated, not verified
The Holy Spirit55 positions
- Anointing For Special MinistryAffirmsTradition defaultThe Spirit grants a special "anointing" empowering particular individuals for ministry beyond the common indwelling.Estimated, not verified
- Assurance Is Normal For BelieversRejectsTradition defaultSettled assurance of salvation is normal and to be expected for genuine believers in this life.Estimated, not verified
The Church75 positions
- Apostolic Succession Required For Valid MinistryStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA minister's ordination is only VALID if conferred by a bishop standing in apostolic succession.Estimated, not verified
- Apostolicity Is Doctrinal Not SuccessionalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultApostolicity consists primarily in fidelity to apostolic DOCTRINE, not in an unbroken chain of ordinations from the apostles.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments & ordinances73 positions
- Anointing For Healing PracticeStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe church should anoint the sick with oil and pray over them for healing (per James 5).Estimated, not verified
- Anointing Sick Is A SacramentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAnointing of the sick with oil is a sacrament conveying grace, healing, and forgiveness to the seriously ill.Estimated, not verified
Worship & liturgy65 positions
- Altar Call InvitationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA public invitation/altar call inviting people to come forward to receive Christ or rededicate is a fitting close to worship.Estimated, not verified
- Altar Oriented ArchitectureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe worship space should be ordered around an altar/holy table as its visual and theological focus.Estimated, not verified
Last things43 positions
- A Literal Mark Of The Beast Is ComingAffirmsTradition defaultA literal future "mark of the beast" will be imposed as a condition of economic participation.Estimated, not verified
- Apocalyptic Prophecy Read Literally FuturisticallyRejectsTradition defaultThe prophecies of Daniel and Revelation should be read primarily as literal predictions of still-future events.Estimated, not verified
Scripture57 positions
- Authority Creeds SubordinateRejectsTradition defaultThe ecumenical creeds and confessions are authoritative only insofar as they faithfully summarize Scripture.Estimated, not verified
- Authority Holy Tradition OrthodoxStrongly affirmsTradition defaultScripture is rightly read only within Holy Tradition: the Fathers, councils, liturgy, and consensus of the Church.Estimated, not verified
Revelation, creation & science33 positions
- Adam Special Creation From DustStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe first human was specially and directly created by God from the dust, not biologically descended from earlier hominins.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Created BeingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels and other spiritual beings are part of God's created order, made by God.Estimated, not verified
Life & bioethics67 positions
- Abortifacient Contraception WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMethods that can prevent implantation of an already-fertilized embryo (e.g., certain IUDs, emergency contraception) are morally equivalent to early abortion and impermissible.Estimated, not verified
- Abortion Gravely Wrong In PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDeliberately ending a pregnancy by killing the unborn is in itself a grave moral wrong.Estimated, not verified
Sexuality & marriage53 positions
- Abortifacient Contraception WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultContraceptive methods that may act after fertilization (potential abortifacients) are morally wrong even if other contraception is permitted.Estimated, not verified
- Annulment Recognizes Invalid MarriageAffirmsTradition defaultSome unions that appeared to be marriages were never valid marriages, and the church can rightly declare them null (annulment).Estimated, not verified
Society & politics55 positions
- Active Nonviolent Resistance ObligatoryAffirmsTradition defaultChristians should actively resist injustice through nonviolent means (protest, civil disobedience, noncooperation), not merely abstain from violence.Estimated, not verified
- Almsgiving Is A Binding ObligationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGiving to the poor is a binding moral obligation, not optional charity, and to withhold from the needy is a sin.Estimated, not verified
Angelology Demonology58 positions
- Angelic Fall Caused By PrideStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe angels fell primarily through pride: refusing subjection to God / seeking to exalt themselves.Estimated, not verified
- Angelic Fall Predates Human FallAffirmsTradition defaultThe angelic rebellion occurred before the fall of humanity, and the serpent's temptation issued from an already-fallen angel.Estimated, not verified
- Angelic Fall Was A Single Primordial EventStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe fall of the rebel angels was a single, definitive, irrevocable choice (no second chance, no repentance possible).Estimated, not verified
- Angelic Fall Was Envy Of HumanityAffirmsTradition defaultThe angels (or their leader) fell out of envy toward humanity or refusal to serve/bow to humans.Estimated, not verified
- Angelic Ranks ExistStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere are genuine ranks or orders among angels (a real hierarchy), not merely undifferentiated spirits.Estimated, not verified
- Angelology Must Be Strictly BiblicalStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBeliefs about angels and demons should be limited to what Scripture plainly teaches, rejecting speculative hierarchies, named extra-biblical angels, and elaborate demonologies.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are CreatedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are created beings, made by God, and are not eternal or self-existent.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are GenderlessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are without sex/gender and do not marry or reproduce.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are ImmortalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels, once created, do not die and are by nature immortal.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are InnumerableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels exist in vast, possibly innumerable, multitudes.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are Personal Intelligent AgentsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels possess intellect and will: they know, choose, and act as persons.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are Pure SpiritsAffirmsTradition defaultAngels are purely spiritual (incorporeal) beings without material bodies of their own.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Are Symbolic OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBiblical "angels" are best understood as symbols, personifications, or mythological language for God's action and human experience, not as actually existing spirit-persons.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Can Appear In Bodily FormStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels can assume visible, bodily appearances to interact with humans.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Created Before Material WorldAffirmsTradition defaultAngels were created before (or at the very beginning of) the material cosmos.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Demons Doctrinally PeripheralRejectsTradition defaultAngelology and demonology are peripheral matters that should occupy little doctrinal or practical attention.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Glimpse Supernatural In Modern LifeAffirmsTradition defaultAngels continue to intervene visibly or tangibly in ordinary human affairs today (rescues, warnings, appearances).Estimated, not verified
- Angels Have Assigned OfficesStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are assigned specific offices and missions (messengers, guardians, ministers of providence, executors of judgment).Estimated, not verified
- Angels Have Subtle BodiesAffirmsTradition defaultAngels possess some kind of refined, ethereal, or subtle body rather than being wholly immaterial.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Real Personal BeingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels are real, personal, created beings who actually exist, not merely literary symbols or pre-scientific imagery.Estimated, not verified
- Archangels Named AuthoritativelyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSpecific archangels (e.g., Michael, Gabriel, Raphael) are named and venerated/honored as distinct individuals.Estimated, not verified
- Book Of Enoch Authoritative For AngelologyRejectsTradition default1 Enoch (the Watchers material) carries real authority or reliable insight for understanding angels, the fall, and demons.Estimated, not verified
- Charismatic Deliverance Any BelieverStrongly rejectsTradition defaultCasting out demons is a normal ministry available to ordinary believers, exercised informally by command and prayer, not reserved to ordained exorcists.Estimated, not verified
- Contacting Spirits Mediumship ForbiddenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSeeking contact with spirits/the dead through mediums, séances, channeling, or divination is forbidden and dangerous (opens to the demonic).Estimated, not verified
- Demonic Possession Is PossibleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA human being can be genuinely indwelt/controlled by a demon ("possession").Estimated, not verified
- Demons Are Disembodied Spirits Of NephilimRejectsTradition defaultDemons are specifically the disembodied spirits of the dead nephilim (Watchers' offspring), distinct from the fallen angels themselves.Estimated, not verified
- Demons Are Real Personal SpiritsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDemons are real, personal evil spirits (fallen angels or their kind), not merely symbols of disease, vice, or social evil.Estimated, not verified
- Demons Face Eternal Conscious TormentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe devil and his angels will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in the lake of fire.Estimated, not verified
- Each Person Has A Guardian AngelStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery individual human being is assigned a personal guardian angel.Estimated, not verified
- Evil Is Co Eternal PowerStrongly rejectsTradition defaultEvil is grounded in an eternal, uncreated power or principle opposed to God (cosmic dualism), not merely a corrupted creature.Estimated, not verified
- Exorcism No Longer NeededStrongly rejectsTradition defaultFormal exorcism/deliverance is largely obsolete and unnecessary for the church today.Estimated, not verified
- Fallen Angels Retain Great PowerStrongly affirmsTradition defaultFallen angels retain their natural angelic powers (intelligence, strength, mobility), now turned to evil ends.Estimated, not verified
- Fallen Angels Will Be RestoredStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn the end even Satan and the fallen angels will be reconciled to God (apokatastasis of all rational creatures).Estimated, not verified
- Fascination With Demonic To Be AvoidedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultExcessive preoccupation with demons, curses, and the occult is itself spiritually harmful and to be avoided (a sober, Christ-centered focus is preferred).Estimated, not verified
- Formal Rite Of ExorcismStrongly affirmsTradition defaultExorcism should normally be performed through a formal, authorized rite by a duly appointed minister/priest, with ecclesial oversight.Estimated, not verified
- Guardian Angel Can Be InvokedAffirmsTradition defaultIt is proper to address, ask, or pray to one's guardian angel for protection and aid.Estimated, not verified
- Guardian Angels Only For BelieversRejectsTradition defaultGuardian/ministering angels are given to serve believers (the elect/the church), not assigned universally to all persons.Estimated, not verified
- Guardian Angels Present At Death And JudgmentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultGuardian/ministering angels accompany the soul at death and bear it toward God.Estimated, not verified
- Invoking Angels By Name In MagicStrongly rejectsTradition defaultInvoking angels by name in ritual/amuletic/"angelic magic" contexts to obtain power or protection is legitimate Christian practice.Estimated, not verified
- Michael Is An Archangel Not ChristStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMichael is a created archangel, a distinct being who is not the pre-incarnate Christ.Estimated, not verified
- National Or Territorial AngelsAffirmsTradition defaultParticular angels are assigned over nations or peoples (e.g., the "princes" of Daniel; an angel of a nation).Estimated, not verified
- Nine Orders DionysianStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe traditional ninefold scheme of angelic orders (seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, angels) reflects a real heavenly order.Estimated, not verified
- Nt Demons Were Misdiagnosed IllnessStrongly rejectsTradition defaultWhat the New Testament calls "demon possession" is best explained today as illness, epilepsy, or mental-health conditions described in pre-scientific terms.Estimated, not verified
- Possession Vs Oppression DistinctionAffirmsTradition defaultThere is a meaningful distinction between demonic "possession" (indwelling/control) and lesser "oppression"/influence from without.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Active Tempter TodayStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan is presently active in tempting, accusing, deceiving, and opposing the church and individuals.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Currently BoundAffirmsTradition defaultSatan is presently bound/restrained in a decisive way (the Revelation-20 binding is a current reality limiting his power).Estimated, not verified
- Satan Decisively Defeated At CrossStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan and the powers were decisively defeated and disarmed at the cross/resurrection (Christus Victor), even if final destruction awaits.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Has Real KingdomStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan rules a real organized kingdom/domain of darkness with subordinate evil powers.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Is A Fallen AngelStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan is a fallen angel (a created good being who rebelled) not an independent evil principle or co-eternal power.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Is A Personal BeingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan/the devil is a real, personal spirit-being, not merely a symbol or personification of evil.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Is Lucifer Isaiah14AffirmsTradition defaultThe "Lucifer"/"Day Star" of Isaiah 14 (and the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28) refers, at least typologically, to Satan and his fall.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Is Personification Of EvilStrongly rejectsTradition default"Satan" is best understood as a personification of evil, temptation, or the human sinful inclination, not a literal spirit-person.Estimated, not verified
- Satan Subordinate To GodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSatan operates only within limits God permits and is wholly subordinate to God's sovereignty (cf. Job).Estimated, not verified
- Seven Archangels TraditionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere are seven chief angels/archangels who stand before God (the "seven spirits/angels" tradition, including names like Uriel, Selaphiel, etc.).Estimated, not verified
- Some Angels FellStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA portion of the angels rebelled against God and fell from their original state.Estimated, not verified
- Sons Of God Were Fallen AngelsLeans toward affirmingTradition defaultThe "sons of God" of Genesis 6 were fallen angels (Watchers) who took human wives.Estimated, not verified
- Veneration Of Angels PermittedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels (and named archangels) may be venerated and honored (dulia) and asked to intercede, distinct from the worship due to God.Estimated, not verified
- Worship Of Angels ForbiddenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorship (latria) of angels is forbidden; worship is due to God alone.Estimated, not verified
Anthropology55 positions
- Body Essential To PersonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe body is essential to being a complete human person, not an accidental or dispensable container for the soul.Estimated, not verified
- Body GoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe material human body is intrinsically good as created by God.Estimated, not verified
Covenant Law Israel32 positions
- Abrahamic Covenant Foundational And OngoingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Abrahamic covenant is foundational and its promises remain operative for the people of God today.Estimated, not verified
- Believers No Longer Under Laws CondemnationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBelievers are entirely free from the law's condemning function but remain under its directing function.Estimated, not verified
Mariology Saints75 positions
- All Believers Are SaintsRejectsTradition default"Saints" in the New Testament sense means all believers, not a special canonized class.Estimated, not verified
- Altar Relics Required Or ProperStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIt is fitting (or required) that altars contain the relics of saints.Estimated, not verified
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