Catholic-Orthodox Differences In Theology

Volumes can be written on the differences between Catholic and Orthodox theology. This is as simple and concise as I can make it. The basic difference is this: Catholicism is more legalistic, and Orthodoxy is more therapeutic.

Soteriology

Catholics believe that the original sin, committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, created a sort of legal problem with God, and all of us, as descendents of Adam and Eve, are guilty of this sin, as well as our own sins. This places us in a "debt" situation with God, in which our sins must be paid for. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paid for our sins, and this allows us to go to heaven when we die.

The Orthodox believe that the original sin was not that Adam and Eve broke God's commandment, but that they were attempting to become like God without God's help. This separated them from God and brought mortality into their lives. We do not inherit any guilt for Adam and Eve's sin, but we do inherit the consequences, which are sin and death. Sin, then is a sickness, which requires healing. Jesus' sacrifice was not an act of payment, but was more like a rescue mission. His divine nature joined with our human one, and in His resurrection he defeated death. His work has made it possible for us to reunite ourselves to God and return to the condition that existed before Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit. This process of reunification is what we call "theosis" or "God-likeness" and it is our reason for existence. We use spiritual "medication" and "exercises" to help us in our efforts towards theosis. These include prayer, fasting, charity, and participating in the sacraments.

Purgatory

In general, the Orthodox do not believe in Purgatory. A minority of Orthodox believe in a kind of purgatory