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#Post#: 416--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 2, 2014, 11:41 am
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[quote author=Pandora link=topic=82.msg412#msg412
date=1414938870]
No directive to stay off the internet? Shame.
[/quote]
All the Orthodox Priests I have encountered whether Coptic,
Orthodox Christian in communion with the EP and MP, or True
Orthodox have advised us to be very careful on the Internet,
especially on internet forums, blogs, facebook, twitter, etc.
They stipulate that we should really cut down or cease posting
messages during times of fasting, which would be more than half
the year, and to cease any posting whatsoever during Holy Week.
That is why several Orthodox boards go down "on maintenance"
during Holy Week. A great idea for this board too!
#Post#: 442--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: FaithfulDespiteDoubt Date: November 2, 2014, 4:51 pm
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[quote author=Maria link=topic=82.msg416#msg416 date=1414950071]
[quote author=Pandora link=topic=82.msg412#msg412
date=1414938870]
No directive to stay off the internet? Shame.
[/quote]
All the Orthodox Priests I have encountered whether Coptic,
Orthodox Christian in communion with the EP and MP, or True
Orthodox have advised us to be very careful on the Internet,
especially on internet forums, blogs, facebook, twitter, etc.
They stipulate that we should really cut down or cease posting
messages during times of fasting, which would be more than half
the year, and to cease any posting whatsoever during Holy Week.
That is why several Orthodox boards go down "on maintenance"
during Holy Week. A great idea for this board too!
[/quote]
Seconded Maria, I also think it is an great idea for this forum
to close during Holy Week.
A nice and visual way of showing reverence of our Lords
sacrifice for us.
#Post#: 443--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: marc hanna Date: November 2, 2014, 5:02 pm
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Maybe with the exception of meditations on the Passion and
Suffering of our Lord???
#Post#: 449--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 2, 2014, 5:14 pm
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[quote author=marc hanna link=topic=82.msg443#msg443
date=1414969367]
Maybe with the exception of meditations on the Passion and
Suffering of our Lord???
[/quote]
Even with those meditations and sermons, it is best to download
them days in advance so the temptation to be on the internet
during Holy Week will not be there.
The devil is very cunning. He will tempt us with thoughts like,
"Just visit your favorite news site," and from there, you might
be tempted to look at other things that are not so innocent, and
that can lead to sin.
Have you ever read Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis? In this
book, a devil in training with the name of Screwtape is seeking
ways to tempt mankind. He comes up with all sorts of plans. It
is worth reading.
#Post#: 451--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: stanley123 Date: November 2, 2014, 5:37 pm
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[quote author=Maria link=topic=82.msg356#msg356 date=1414811906]
[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.
[/quote]In the True Orthodox Church, is it a mortal sin to see
an R rated movie? What about PG-13?
#Post#: 453--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: marc hanna Date: November 2, 2014, 5:45 pm
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Maybe speaking out of place here, but it would be a venial sin.
But even that is not definite because it all depends on the
content. Schindler's List was rated R, but I consider that an
important movie for people to see.
#Post#: 465--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 2, 2014, 6:58 pm
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[quote author=marc hanna link=topic=82.msg453#msg453
date=1414971933]
Maybe speaking out of place here, but it would be a venial sin.
But even that is not definite because it all depends on the
content. Schindler's List was rated R, but I consider that an
important movie for people to see.
[/quote]
No, you are not speaking out of place at all.
Anyone is free to answer a question.
In Orthodoxy, we do not have the concept of mortal versus venial
sin as all sin is considered to be a serious offense against
God.
That being said, we in Orthodoxy still have the concept of
deadly sins, such as the seven deadly sins of pride, jealously,
envy, gluttony, lust, sloth, and despair/depression.
Back to the movie. Depending on a person's motives and
temptations, watching an R rated movie such as Schindler's List
could lead one to damnation, or it could lead one to repentance
seeing all that evil, and realizing that one is far from God and
needs to return to the Father.
#Post#: 468--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: marc hanna Date: November 2, 2014, 7:03 pm
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This is true. Sin begin's in the heart.
#Post#: 482--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Aquila Date: November 2, 2014, 9:03 pm
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[quote]we in Orthodoxy still have the concept of deadly sins,
such as the seven deadly sins of pride, jealously, envy,
gluttony, lust, sloth, and despair/depression.[/quote]
Really? I've never heard or read anything from Orthodox people
which call these sins deadly. They just call them sins.
#Post#: 487--------------------------------------------------
Re: Separation from the world
By: Maria Date: November 2, 2014, 9:16 pm
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[quote author=Aquila link=topic=82.msg482#msg482
date=1414983789]
[quote]we in Orthodoxy still have the concept of deadly sins,
such as the seven deadly sins of pride, jealously, envy,
gluttony, lust, sloth, and despair/depression.[/quote]
Really? I've never heard or read anything from Orthodox people
which call these sins deadly. They just call them sins.
[/quote]
The Orthodox Church has given you the Holy Bible by their
deliberations at the Ecumenical Councils which formulated the
canon of the Holy Scriptures. (All scriptures below are from
the KJV.)
From Proverbs 6: 16-19, we learn
[quote]These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are]
an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent
blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift
in running to mischief,
A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord
among brethren.[/quote]
From Matthew 6:24, we learn to avoid greed.
[quote]No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the
one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.[/quote]
From Colossians 3:8, we learn to avoid sins of the tongue:
[quote]But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.[/quote]
And there are other passages.
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