What Eastern Orthodox Christians Believe

Central tenets of Eastern Orthodox Christians, based on the questions in the Belief-O-Matic quiz.

•	Belief in Deity Trinity of the Father (God), the Son (Christ), and the Holy Spirit, which comprise one God Almighty, an incorporeal spirit.
•	Incarnations Jesus Christ is God's only incarnation, Son of God and God.
•	Origin of Universe and Life God created the universe and life. The Bible is not intended to be a scientific revelation, and science is not infallible. There is no desire to create conflict between science and Christian faith.
•	After Death God immediately judges who will experience happiness or unhappiness or temporary punishment. Those who kept faith in Christ, didn't sin after baptized or repented before death, and did good works will find happiness after death. Those whose faith in Christ was lacking or corrupt, or sinned after baptism without repentance before death, or didn't do good deeds will find unhappiness after death. Those whose only transgression was not performing good deeds may be punished temporarily. Christ will return to resurrect and judge all for eternity in either heaven or hell. Level of reward is relative to one's deeds in life.
•	Why Evil? God made humans righteous by nature, but the original sin of Adam and Eve damaged that nature. All have been saved through Christ's death, but those not "in Christ," born to God, are vulnerable to being with the devil, born to the devil. Satan and his countless evil spirits work to lie and tempt those not filled with the Holy Spirit to commit wrongs.
•	Salvation All are already saved (Christ's death and resurrection), are still being saved (through the church), and will be saved in the future (second coming of Christ). Demands faith in and prayers to God and Jesus Christ, and good works. Required sacraments include one baptism at infancy and the Holy Eucharist with confession and repentance. Adherence to moral laws is essential.
•	Undeserved Suffering Some suffering is caused by the inheritance of mortality originating from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God, which includes vulnerability to illness and disease. Also, Satan rules the earth, causing pain and suffering. Suffering is God's design to test, teach, or strengthen belief in Him; the greater the suffering of innocent believers, the greater will be their reward after life.
•	Contemporary Issues Abortion is a sin. Homosexuality is a sin. While marriage is considered a sacrament, divorce and remarriage are not condemned if reconciliation attempts are exhausted; however, a remarriage wedding ceremony must include prayer and repentance for the sin of divorce.

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