After much thought and prayer, I have decided to start a blog
on the above matter. It has been something that I have been
thinking about for some time, and have had other brothers in
Christ encourage me to do so. I would eventually like to write
books and speak on the subject. But that is another matter
for another time and place. Please feel free to visit, comment,
etc.
With humble bow,
Rd. Chrysostomos
OOD,
Blog is actually going really well as far as visits are concerned.
I am averaging 30 visits per day, which is better than I anticipated
as far as response thus far. No comments left, but at least I know
I am getting interest via visits and page views. All across
the world too. Actually having an offsite conversation with
a Romanian athiest in regards to my website and Orthodoxy in
general. Pray that God would give me wisdom to continue our
discussion.
This blog is actually really helpful to me personally, though it
wasn't my intention at first. Going over the material, thinking,
praying, etc. - good for ol' Chrys....
What type of work do you do? You can PM me if you'd rather
do it that way....Drop me a line - PM.
Rd. Chrysostomos
http://eocbb.blogspot.com
Definition of Blog: an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called Weblog, Web log.
I saw a need amongst businessmen and women who have no where to turn to, discuss, operating their businesses under an Orthodox Christian framework. Plenty of Protestant material, that is frankly, not helpful to me, and not very Orthodox either.
I placed it there, rather than here, as I believe more people will come, view, and hopefully participate via comments, emails, etc. My expectations have been exceeded thus far and I am glad that I have started it. Getting some very nice comments, privately. There is a definite need.
Having said that, to put it here, is to invite an opportunity for division.
Let's say that the person in question is from one of the non-acceptable jurisdictions within this body of believers, they will at times be treated like outcasts, or someone who's not in the "know". I don't want anyone to feel that way. I believe "living the faith", rather than denoucing someone's faith is a much better way about doing things. I know, I know, you simpleton - Chrysostomos! Yes, I accept that moniker. If someone goes to an Eastern Orthodox Church, any of them, they are my brother or sister. Problem with electronic communication, people tend to hide behind them and will say things normally that they wouldn't in person. It's too bad, because I think we obviously have more in common, than not in common. I am not an ecumenist, but you would think so, by what others said, because I go to an OCA Church. Thing is, those who throw those charges don't know me. They can throw out all kinds of intellectual whit, and justify it all they want, with all the tirading they want. They look good that way, but they wound a heart in the process, as the charge is not true - at least in my case. That's why I rarely leave messages here anymore. Some PM's I got, were very wrong, and by people who I would have thought better of, but they showed that they are just as human as me, just as sinful. We're all in this together - right? 
Chrysostomos wrote:Plenty of Protestant material, that is frankly, not helpful to me, and not very Orthodox either.
Can you point to some examples of Protestant material relating to conducting business that you found to be "not helpful" to you?
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They say that I am bad news. They say "Stay Away."
Can you point to some examples of Protestant material relating to conducting business that you found to be "not helpful" to you?
Tom, to what benefit would there be in my doing so?
I was expressing my sentiments. I am not alone. I have had a number of local businessmen and women, and via the blog, who have expressed these sentiments as well.
I belonged to a Christian Businessmen's Group, nationwide group in fact.
There was a Catholic, Orthodox (me), couple of Calivinists, baptist, reformed there as well. We used this nationwide groups material.
There was a completely different mindset between them and myself.
I can honestly say it was due to our difference in belief systems, theology, etc. I had more in common with the Catholic, then them.
I chose to back out of the meetings and glad I did. I don't need to go into specifics, etc., because - what would be the benefit?
Does that mean I think I am better than them? Is that the question?
That they don't have anything to offer me?
That's not the question. I want to know the Eastern Orthodox view, and it's out there. You have to search the scriptures, early church fathers, read the lives of Saints. Pray to God for wisdom.
I'd rather be spending my time doing that, then seeking the counsel of Protestant, or even Catholic businessmen. Once again, if that's simpleton - then that's me (where's my hat)
