Extent of 'Anathema'.

Insane Drummer · 05-17-2004, 09:18 PM

Ok I have been reading through some of the council of Trent and I see many 'let him be anathema!''s in it. Now, I am wondering what exactly is the extent anathema? What all does anathema entail? What is the curse so to speak placed on one who is anathema?

2ManArmy · 05-17-2004, 09:45 PM

Wow, that is a great question. I've been wondering that occasionally myself. I look forward to someone who will be able to answer! God bless.

Robbi · 05-17-2004, 11:46 PM

Could someone also tell me what 'Anathema' is?
I have no idea.

Robbi

Insane Drummer · 05-18-2004, 12:00 AM

Dictionary definition is.

A despised person. "He is anathema to me"

or

An eccielastical (my spelling sucks) curse normaly occopanied by excommunacation. as in

If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema." - Council of Trent

drummergirl · 05-18-2004, 09:54 AM

The Meaning of "Anathema"

The Greek word "anathema" consists of two words: "ana," which is a preposition indicating movement upward and "thema," which means a separate part of something. In military terminology, "thema" meant a detachment; in civil government "theme" meant a province. We currently use the word "theme," derived from "thema," to mean a specific topic of a written and intellectual work.

"Anathema" literally means the lifting up of something separate. In the Old Testament, this expression was used both in relation to that which was alienated due to sinfulness as well as, to that which was dedicated to God.

In the New Testament, in the writings of the Apostle Paul it is used once in conjunction with "maranatha," meaning the coming of the Lord. The combination of these words means separation until the coming of the Lord; in other words being handed over to Him (1 Cor. 16:22).

The Apostle Paul uses "anathema" in another place without the addition of "maranatha" (Cal. 1:8-9). Here "anathema" is proclaimed against the distortion of the Gospel of Christ, as it was preached by the Apostle, no matter by whom this might be committed, whether by the Apostle himself or an angel from the heavens. In this same expression there is also implied: "let the Lord Himself pass judgement," for who else can pass judgement on the angels?

St. John the Theologian in Revelation (22:3) says that in the New Jerusalem there will not be any anathema. This can be understood in two ways: giving the word anathema both meanings: 1) there will not be any lifting up to the judgement of God, for this judgement has already been accomplished; 2) there will not be any special dedication to God, for all things will be the holy things of God, just as the light of God enlightens all (Rev. 21:23).

In the acts of the Councils and the further course of the New Testament Church of Christ, the word "anathema" came to mean complete separation from the Church. "The Catholic and Apostolic Church anathematizes," "let him be anathema," "let it be anathema," means a complete tearing away from the Church. While in cases of "separation from the communion of the Church" and other epitimia or penances laid on a person, the person remained a member of the Church, even though his participation in her grace-filled life was limited. Those given up to anathema were thus, completely torn away from her until their repentance. Realizing that she is unable to do anything for their salvation, in view of their stubbornness and hardness of heart, the earthly Church lifts them up to the judgement of God. That judgement is merciful unto repentant sinners, but fearsome for the stubborn enemies of God. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God . . . for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 10:31; 12:29).

Anathema is not final damnation because until death, repentance is possible. "Anathema" is fearsome, but not because the Church wishes anyone evil or God seeks their damnation. They desire that all be saved. However, it is fearsome to stand before the presence of God in the state of hardened evil as nothing is hidden from Him.

"It is fearsome to fall into the hands of the living God: this is a tribunal of thoughts and movements of hearts. Let no one enter tempting the unblemished faith: but in meekness and fear let us come before Christ, that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the proper time" (Stichera of the Aposticha, Palm Sunday, Vespers).

http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readin...anathema.shtml

drummergirl · 05-18-2004, 10:02 AM

Here are a couple more articles...too long to copy here:

Dialogue on Anathema and Excommunication
http://www.catholicoutlook.com/tim1.html

The Catholic Understanding of the Anathemas of Trent and Excommunication http://ic.net/~erasmus/RAZ71.HTM

Insane Drummer · 05-18-2004, 10:18 AM

"Anathema is not final damnation because until death, repentance is possible."

Ok, so upon reading the council of Trent I have been declared Anathema (I would need to read over a few more parts again if you would like me to show exactly where I am in the group that is declared anathema) So then would you say from a RC postion, since these councils still stand, I am currently held under damnation unless I repent of these council imposed anathemas?

"The Catholic Understanding of the Anathemas of Trent and Excommunication"

This article was fairly useful, allthough the writer rarely gave a straight answer, he stated that there was no salvation outside the catolic church, that anathema places you outside the church, but anathema not being a condemnation, and the church not having any .. opipion as to the eternal destiny of oens soul (even those under anathema at death).

drummergirl · 05-18-2004, 10:25 AM

Go and read the dialouge article. It explains that since you are not apart of the RC, then the anathema of Trent does not apply to you.

Insane Drummer · 05-18-2004, 10:28 AM

Oh I see.

drummergirl · 05-18-2004, 10:33 AM

Here's the second half of the Dialouge discussion. http://www.catholicoutlook.com/tim12.html

I must say I have learned a lot from these two discussions. Thanks for bringing up the question. It's always great to learn more about the faith.

Katholish · 05-18-2004, 12:18 PM

Anathema's apply to those inside the Church and have no force of Law on those outside of her. It is an internal disciplinary measure, casting out one who is inside. If a Catholic seperates themselves from the Church, they have a responsibility to rejoin it, otherwise good hope cannot be had of their salvation. To those outside of the Church, anathema serve to make clear what is necessary for Catholic belief.

ICTHUS · 05-20-2004, 04:15 PM

I would also add that that canon you quoted from Trent needs to be taken in context with the rest of the canons, in specific this one.

CANON I.-If any one saith, that man may be justified before God by his own works, whether done through the teaching of human nature, or that of the law, without the grace of God through Jesus Christ; let him be anathema.

I would recommend reading Peter Kreeft's Fundamentals of the Faith - Essays in Christian Apologetics wherein he treats of "Justification by Faith". The essay can be found here