Some sample icons
Both are Traditional churches: i.e., the Christian message is mediated by traditional interpretation and authoritative leadership.
| Roman Catholic Church | Eastern Orthodox Church | |
| Style of Spirituality | Emphasis on grandeur of God. Consciousness of utter sinfulness of human nature (Augustinian tradition). Jesus' death as key to God's redeeming activity. |
Deification (=sharing Jesus' divinity) Mystical goals: Knowledge of God. Focus on restoration of God's image in humans through the incarnation of Christ. High Christology: By sharing in Christ's perfect humanity humans can be raised up to God. |
| Distinctive Modes of Worship | Canon law, personal discipline. | Icons, Monastic spiritual discipline: Interior contemplation focuses on illumination of the soul with divine Light. Solemn recapitulation of drama of salvation. |
| Theology | Holy Spirit issued from Father and Son ("fiolioque). | Holy Spirit Proceeds only from Father |
| Church Structure | Headed by Pope (=successor to Peter); exclusion of laity; Power of excommunication | Spiritual head: the Patriarch of Constantinople. More democratic: Strong lay influence, synods |
| Relationship to State | Competition with secular government | Subject to Emperor (=official head of the Church) |
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