An "academic" outlet from Fordham that promotes alternative lifestyles, feminism and radical change in Orthodox theology and morals convulses over young men converting!
You didn't ask me, and of course you are welcome to ignore me, but I'll share my thoughts anyway. If you don't allow yourself to get wrapped up in all of this external drama, none of this will affect you on a personal level unless you go out seeking it. Truly, if you didn't read about this stuff, or seek out articles about it, and instead just went to services and focused on your personal salvation and prayer life etc, you likely wouldn't even know about it. That's what my parish priest told me, and he's absolutely right. Services would be the same. Liturgy would be the same. Theology is not changing. Orthodoxy has stood against drama for 2000 years. It will keep standing now. None of this drama has anything to do with getting further along in our path to becoming like Christ, it's only a distraction, so take that advice however you choose. Be blessed.
There will always be faithful and unfaithful in all Orthodox churches. If you are an enquirer I would visit local parish’s near you and get a feel for the ethos of the parish. If the priest is preaching ecumenism I would avoid it. Patristic Nectar has a online catechetical course which would be a great place to start.
As in regards to just putting our head down and avoiding conflict in the spiritual life this is very bad advice. Orthodoxy is all about union with God and man. One Orthodox Church is not a island that can isolate itself from others. If our fellow brothers and sisters are innovating and welcoming false doctrine (which historically has been attempted many many times prior IE. Arianism) it is our responsibility to speak the Truth in love. Yes the gates of hell will not prevail, but housekeeping is absolutely our responsibility. +
Diakonissa, thank you for your time, I have a comment and a question in regards to your response. While I completely agree with you that housekeeping is our responsibility (to a degree), and in no way recommend "burying ones head in the sand" do you think it's also wise to consider when advising about topics such as housekeeping, we should consider the spiritual maturity of those that may be reading the advice? Imagine a catechumen or newly converted, full of zeal, who's sole focus should be their own devotion and spiritual development, reads advice about how it's our job to housekeep. Couldn't this advice, in that person, easily distract and potentially derail this young orthodox person's spiritual development? I think everyone should be alert and aware of issues that could creep into the church, of course we should, and we should defend how we are able and in our proper role, and not beyond. But also, humility is something we are called to exemplify, and we should be reminding each laity that if they see something they feel may be problematic, rather than addressing it themselves, they should discuss it with their spiritual father/mother for proper guidance. What are your thoughts?
My reply was for Megan C. and others who may be a bit intimidated by the current struggle against heresy. I pray that all who enter the Church find a good spiritual father and mother they can rely on for spiritual guidance. Participation may vary of course due to personality, maturity and vocation in life. So while it may not be the current focus of a catechumen to take care of the house, it is a reality as a Christian. The catechumen’s time should be devoted not only to his/herself but also the life of the church and what that looks like locally and universally, it the training and testing time for purification before baptism and yes that involves other Orthodox Christians and yes things can get messy!
We are all called to be Christians and that identity does not vary based on role. The practical application may be different but we are all called to the same holiness. +
Getting your faith all lost in the weeds, Fabian’s gonna slaughter you like savages on settlers. Your relationship with God is personal, Church is just a cult indulgence. IMHO
Regarding your "young male converts" colonizing local parishes. May I be a lie to that accusation? I am 73. Reentering the Orthodox Church from a too long stint in Catholicism. Am far too near my own teleos to be the colonizing prick in anyone's side.
Regarding the topic here, do I scent a whiff of Hermeticism doing its own colonizing?
Great article. Glad to see you utilizing substance. Keep up the good work.
Which orthodox Churches are the least compromised?
You didn't ask me, and of course you are welcome to ignore me, but I'll share my thoughts anyway. If you don't allow yourself to get wrapped up in all of this external drama, none of this will affect you on a personal level unless you go out seeking it. Truly, if you didn't read about this stuff, or seek out articles about it, and instead just went to services and focused on your personal salvation and prayer life etc, you likely wouldn't even know about it. That's what my parish priest told me, and he's absolutely right. Services would be the same. Liturgy would be the same. Theology is not changing. Orthodoxy has stood against drama for 2000 years. It will keep standing now. None of this drama has anything to do with getting further along in our path to becoming like Christ, it's only a distraction, so take that advice however you choose. Be blessed.
Romania
There will always be faithful and unfaithful in all Orthodox churches. If you are an enquirer I would visit local parish’s near you and get a feel for the ethos of the parish. If the priest is preaching ecumenism I would avoid it. Patristic Nectar has a online catechetical course which would be a great place to start.
As in regards to just putting our head down and avoiding conflict in the spiritual life this is very bad advice. Orthodoxy is all about union with God and man. One Orthodox Church is not a island that can isolate itself from others. If our fellow brothers and sisters are innovating and welcoming false doctrine (which historically has been attempted many many times prior IE. Arianism) it is our responsibility to speak the Truth in love. Yes the gates of hell will not prevail, but housekeeping is absolutely our responsibility. +
Diakonissa, thank you for your time, I have a comment and a question in regards to your response. While I completely agree with you that housekeeping is our responsibility (to a degree), and in no way recommend "burying ones head in the sand" do you think it's also wise to consider when advising about topics such as housekeeping, we should consider the spiritual maturity of those that may be reading the advice? Imagine a catechumen or newly converted, full of zeal, who's sole focus should be their own devotion and spiritual development, reads advice about how it's our job to housekeep. Couldn't this advice, in that person, easily distract and potentially derail this young orthodox person's spiritual development? I think everyone should be alert and aware of issues that could creep into the church, of course we should, and we should defend how we are able and in our proper role, and not beyond. But also, humility is something we are called to exemplify, and we should be reminding each laity that if they see something they feel may be problematic, rather than addressing it themselves, they should discuss it with their spiritual father/mother for proper guidance. What are your thoughts?
My reply was for Megan C. and others who may be a bit intimidated by the current struggle against heresy. I pray that all who enter the Church find a good spiritual father and mother they can rely on for spiritual guidance. Participation may vary of course due to personality, maturity and vocation in life. So while it may not be the current focus of a catechumen to take care of the house, it is a reality as a Christian. The catechumen’s time should be devoted not only to his/herself but also the life of the church and what that looks like locally and universally, it the training and testing time for purification before baptism and yes that involves other Orthodox Christians and yes things can get messy!
We are all called to be Christians and that identity does not vary based on role. The practical application may be different but we are all called to the same holiness. +
well done brother, as almost always.
yours;
-mb
Getting your faith all lost in the weeds, Fabian’s gonna slaughter you like savages on settlers. Your relationship with God is personal, Church is just a cult indulgence. IMHO
All large institutions are subject to insider attacks funded by powerful outsiders. The Vatican has very deep pockets.
Regarding your "young male converts" colonizing local parishes. May I be a lie to that accusation? I am 73. Reentering the Orthodox Church from a too long stint in Catholicism. Am far too near my own teleos to be the colonizing prick in anyone's side.
Regarding the topic here, do I scent a whiff of Hermeticism doing its own colonizing?
Had a longer post. Deleted it.
May interest you . . . https://les7eb.substack.com
Free to subscribe to an occasional essay on The Decline of The West.