"The River of Fire" Evaluated

"The River of Fire" Evaluated

On page 82 and following, Fr. Dumitru Staniloae, Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, Vol. 1: The Experience of God, undertakes a discussion of the relationship between dogma and theologoumena.  “In this view dogmas would be the formulae established by the church....”  He continues, “[Theologoumena must] depend organically on the dogmas.  Moreover, if they do not remain within the framework of those formulae [dogmas], they cannot be considered as theologoumena either....”

He also says, “The Church ... concentrates ... only when ... confronted by non-organic interpretations ... or when these kinds of interpretations are beginning to produce confusion and schisms within the Church.”

He adds further definition to Church teaching in the broader sense when he writes, “Nevertheless, until the teaching has been officially defined by the ecumenical synods and appropriated by the consensus of local synods, it remains as ecclesiastical teaching in the broad sense.”

In the process of examining “The River of Fire” we are forced to conclude that it has not been officially defined by any ecumenical synod.  It has not been appropriated by the consensus of local synods.  And, at best it remains as ecclesiastical teaching in the broad sense.”

However, “The River of Fire,” popular though it may be in some small circles, most certainly does not have the status of either theologoumena or dogma.  Indeed, since others have shown that “The River of Fire” flies in the face of mountains of Scripture, a broad plurality of Church tradition, and against clear dogma, we are forced to conclude that “The River of Fire” is heretical.

Moreover, since “The River of Fire” constitutes a hostile attack against all of Western Christianity, and even against some approved practices within Eastern Christianity, we must view it as being seriously schismatic.

The definition of The Church is given quite clearly in Hebrews 12:22-29.  No one whom Christ includes in this group may be excluded by mere earthly authority.  No single earthly body, no matter how large, constitutes the fullness of this Church as Hebrews defines it.  Nor can this Church be explained away as the heavenly Church Triumphant, for Hebrews 12:22 clearly says, “ye are come.”  Since, indeed, we have come, Hebrews makes no distinction whatsoever between the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant, for both are One.  Hence we have the true and absolute definition of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and that written in letters so large that no one can mistake their meaning.  This is the truth.  This we proclaim.  This we shout from the mountain tops.  This is the Church.

Now, applying Fr. Dumitru’s wonderful definitions and explications we conclude.  All teachings “remain as ecclesiastical teaching in the broad sense” until they have been officially defined by the Ecumenical Synod of Heaven, The Lord Jesus Christ Himself presiding; until they have also been officially defined by an ecumenical synod on earth, a synod in step with the Ecumenical Synod of Heaven; and appropriated by the consensus of local synods.  The Holy Ghost is given to every Christ baptized Christian, and no teaching is settled until the voice of every last Spirit baptized Christian has been heard.  It is impossible that the Church anywhere should be in disagreement with Christ or the Holy Ghost.  Consequently, when disagreements and schisms arise, we should all be in great fear, for at least one person is in danger of stepping away from this Church.

In further application of Fr. Dumitru’s wonderful definitions and explications, it should be equally clear that the Holy Ghost has led the Church throughout history, certainly for the first one-thousand years, and that the dogmas declared during those years are in step with The Lord Jesus Christ and His heavenly Church.  Consequently, we should be afraid when we find ourselves in disagreement with these dogmas, for we are in danger of stepping away from this Church.

Schism and heresy are dangerous things.  “The River of Fire” is a dangerous essay.