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#Post#: 352--------------------------------------------------
Separation from the world
By: Handmaiden50 Date: October 31, 2014, 9:31 pm
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From my understanding (as an inquirer) living the Orthodox life
is living and participating in the cycle of the church, it's
feasts, fasts, having a life of prayer, etc. This would make
Orthodox, distinct from the "world" (those who are all wrapped
up in themselves and who live a life of sin). However, I
believe an outworking of the Orthodox faith would be in how a
Christian makes decisions about things such as what music to
listen to, television (limiting TV time or not watching it at
all), what "secular" books one reads, etc. - making choices that
are edifying.
I become confused when I come across some Orthodox online (on
another social media site) and it is quite evident that they are
very learned in the faith and are able to discuss things that
are far beyond my understanding, yet the same people use coarse
jesting, engage in inappropriate discussion that is very close
to "locker room talk", list musical preferences such as death
metal and list TV shows and movies they watch as those that are
violent or "adult" in nature. I guess my question is, does this
represent a lot of Orthodox in America? I even came across this
recently at the church I visit where I bunch of us were talking
and someone mentioned a TV show they watch and Father said how
much he loved the show . . .which took me aback because on this
show people are having sex outside of marriage and there is very
inappropriate dialogue a lot of the time (To admit -it used to
be a favorite show of mine but then decided to cut out TV all
together many months ago because I could see the negative effect
television was having on me, spiritually)
I am on the road towards Orthodoxy and after being received into
the Church (I pray the Lord make me worthy) I want to live out
that faith and be a part of a local community that is serious as
well, but I am becoming disheartened and wondering if living an
Orthodox life is going to be a very lonely one where I may only
find a very small percentage of those serious about the faith in
this church, or wherever the Lord may take me.
I am just becoming frustrated as I encounter this on this part
of my journey . . forgive me if I come across as having a
judgmental spirit and pray for me.
#Post#: 356--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: October 31, 2014, 10:18 pm
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[quote author=Handmaiden50 link=topic=82.msg352#msg352
date=1414809116]
From my understanding (as an inquirer) living the Orthodox life
is living and participating in the cycle of the church, it's
feasts, fasts, having a life of prayer, etc. This would make
Orthodox, distinct from the "world" (those who are all wrapped
up in themselves and who live a life of sin). However, I
believe an outworking of the Orthodox faith would be in how a
Christian makes decisions about things such as what music to
listen to, television (limiting TV time or not watching it at
all), what "secular" books one reads, etc. - making choices that
are edifying.
I become confused when I come across some Orthodox online (on
another social media site) and it is quite evident that they are
very learned in the faith and are able to discuss things that
are far beyond my understanding, yet the same people use coarse
jesting, engage in inappropriate discussion that is very close
to "locker room talk", list musical preferences such as death
metal and list TV shows and movies they watch as those that are
violent or "adult" in nature. I guess my question is, does this
represent a lot of Orthodox in America? I even came across this
recently at the church I visit where I bunch of us were talking
and someone mentioned a TV show they watch and Father said how
much he loved the show . . .which took me aback because on this
show people are having sex outside of marriage and there is very
inappropriate dialogue a lot of the time (To admit -it used to
be a favorite show of mine but then decided to cut out TV all
together many months ago because I could see the negative effect
television was having on me, spiritually)
I am on the road towards Orthodoxy and after being received into
the Church (I pray the Lord make me worthy) I want to live out
that faith and be a part of a local community that is serious as
well, but I am becoming disheartened and wondering if living an
Orthodox life is going to be a very lonely one where I may only
find a very small percentage of those serious about the faith in
this church, or wherever the Lord may take me.
I am just becoming frustrated as I encounter this on this part
of my journey . . forgive me if I come across as having a
judgmental spirit and pray for me.
[/quote]
Dear Handmaiden,
I share your struggle.
When I was in Orthodox Churches in communion with the EP and the
MP, I too was horrified to see cradle Orthodox Christians
engaged in drunkedness at every opportunity, and admitting that
they watched inappropriate TV shows, went to movies that were
R-rated, and went to Protestant Churches where they received
communion bread and grape juice with their grandchildren because
their own sons had married outside the faith. Yes, I was
shocked.
However, my own priest told me to pray for them as I would be
held more accountable before God since I knew what was expected
of me, and they did not. He told me to study the faith
diligently and read the Holy Scriptures, the writings of the
Holy Fathers, and the lives of the Saints. He was right.
I have been asked by so many people the reason for my joy, my
hope, and my faith. If I had not studied and continued to study,
I would not know what to say. As it is, the Holy Spirit seems to
give me the right answers.
Yes, I am a sinner, and I still fall seven times a day whenever
I do not keep my eyes focused on Christ.
Now that I am in the True Orthodox Church, I have met people who
are more devout and committed to prayer, fasting, and
almsgiving. Most of these faithful do not have a TV set, do not
go out to every premier to see the latest R movie, and certainly
do not shop the latest fashions.
Hope this helps.
#Post#: 362--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: marc hanna Date: November 1, 2014, 9:07 am
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As Orthodox we are called to live a life in service to God and
our fellow man (and woman). We are also not to be conformed to
this world, yet we must live within the world.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what
is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
We must also consider that it is not for us to judge another
person's heart. This is Christ's prerogative only. Let us only
judge those acts which are meet and right in the eye's of the
Lord and conduct ourselves accordingly knowing that God uses
both sin and righteousness to serve His Will.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to
his purpose.
#Post#: 375--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Handmaiden50 Date: November 1, 2014, 11:20 am
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[quote author=marc hanna link=topic=82.msg362#msg362
date=1414850873]
We must also consider that it is not for us to judge another
person's heart. This is Christ's prerogative only. Let us only
judge those acts which are meet and right in the eye's of the
Lord and conduct ourselves accordingly knowing that God uses
both sin and righteousness to serve His Will.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to
his purpose.
[/quote]
Thank you, marc hanna, for that admonition. I needed to hear
that.
#Post#: 376--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: marc hanna Date: November 1, 2014, 11:53 am
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I'm glad I could help, however I only reiterate what I have been
taught and what has been revealed to me. I pray that the Holy
Spirit guide you and lead you in your journey.
I think this is a quaint little forum that you will be able to
get good answers to you questions, without the kind of bullying
that may occur on some larger boards.
I used to be a Protestant at one time too, so you probably have
a lot of similar questions I once had. Feel free to ask.
In Christ,
#Post#: 381--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 1, 2014, 1:43 pm
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I agree with Marc Hanna that we must not judge others, but
instead pray for others.
Therefore, I must mention that many of those in my previous
parish had come from Russia where they did not have the
opportunity to be formed in the faith like we did when we
entered the catechumenate. How fortunate we are! This is why the
priest urged me to pray for them and be a good example.
During the communist times, people were often baptized by their
grandparents and were given only a basic understanding of
Christianity. They did not have the benefit of being Chrismated,
nor could they receive Holy Communion, as priests were hunted
men. Vodka was used heavily as a sedative because of the rough
times. Hence, many were alcoholics. Therefore, we must pray for
them.
#Post#: 406--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Pandora Date: November 1, 2014, 8:06 pm
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Tastes in entertainment aren't a very good way to tell who's
spiritual and who isn't.
Some of the vilest people I've met had impeccable classical
tastes. Some of the gentlest were those who let go completely in
first person shooter videogames. Sublimation works.
#Post#: 407--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 1, 2014, 8:36 pm
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Separation from the world means clinging to God with all our
heart, soul, mind, and strength.
It is a spiritual battle.
Reading the life of St. Mary of Egypt gives us an example of how
the Saints battled with the enemy of our souls. St. Mary fled
from the world and lived in the desert as a solitary hermit for
about 33 years. The clothes she wore rotted away leaving her
only with the hair on her head to cover her body, but the Lord
took care of her and provided for her needs.
Several saints have prophesized that in the Last Days just
before the Second Coming of our Lord, that more people would
flee into the deserts, the mountains, and isolated places
seeking refuge in God alone.
#Post#: 408--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 1, 2014, 8:38 pm
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[quote author=Pandora link=topic=82.msg406#msg406
date=1414890378]
Tastes in entertainment aren't a very good way to tell who's
spiritual and who isn't.
Some of the vilest people I've met had impeccable classical
tastes. Some of the gentlest were those who let go completely in
first person shooter videogames. Sublimation works.
[/quote]
In True Orthodoxy, we are encouraged not to have a TV set in our
homes, not to go to movies, and not to attend parties. Instead,
we are instructed to read the lives of the holy saints, pray
regularly, and help others, loving our enemies. Even in the OCA,
Antiochian, and Greek parishes, which are part of Orthodox
Christianity in union with the MP and EP, pastors have
recommended that their parishioners give up their TV sets and
not visit movies, especially ones that stir the passions, which
most do.
Classical tastes are not the same as spiritual tastes. I do not
see how a gentle Orthodox Christian could be addicted to video
games like mortal combat, which are not conducive to unceasing
prayer and detachment from the things of the world. What unseen
passions are enkindled through these violent video games?
#Post#: 412--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Pandora Date: November 2, 2014, 8:34 am
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No directive to stay off the internet? Shame.
This is a Orthodox board, please be aware that insults and/or
mockery of the Orthodox Church be that True Orthodox, MP or EP
will under no circumstances be tolerated.
Consider this to be the first and final warning.
- FaithfulDespiteDoubt (Global Morderator)
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