I would like very much to know your opinion about that. If t

Vlad · Post by **Vlad** » Tue 2 May 2006 5:36 am

I would like very much to know your opinion about that. If this kind of book already exists, please let me know about it.

GOCPriestMark · Post by **GOCPriestMark** » Tue 2 May 2006 2:21 pm

What is needed for the internal understanding is not "translating" but "doing". There are many books, those you noted and others of the desert Fathers that are helpful, but it comes back to what the Disciple of Love says: "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." Furthermore: "And this is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him." Also: "And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." And: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous."

So my point would be, read any and all Orthodox books on spiritual life, but understand while you read, that there will be no progress without doing. By doing what the Fathers have written from their experience, you will then in fact translate them into your life and that is the proper way, (dare I say, the only real way?), to make it "contemporary.

joasia · Post by **joasia** » Wed 10 May 2006 12:34 am

INDEED HE IS RISEN!

Vlad wrote:

I would like very much to know your opinion about that. If this kind of book already exists, please let me know about it.

Yes, there is a book that exists. It's called the Holy Bible.

Why break your head about how the teachings should be conformed to our times, when the soul is the same in all the generations passed? There are the passions and the virtues. They are the same throughout all times. Just reviewing history can prove that mankind reacts the same way to the same spiritual situations.

Our society dwells on conforming God to our lifestyles. Why? Shouldn't we conform our lifestyles to God? Afterall, He is the Creator. Is the hammer going to tell the maker that it should be a screw-driver?

The main teachings of the holy fathers is that we should strive to attain constant communion with God; theosis,like the saints did.

If anybody asks you what the meaning of life is: THAT is the answer...theosis. The saints, monastic and married were the example of that state. This means that it is possible to attain, despite our passions. Because they lived it, means that it is attainable.

The most important teaching that Christ taught was LOVE. First, for our Creator, but of which extended to the created. Humble and unselfish love. ALL the saints were an example of that.

And this example applies whether in the 1st century, 12th, 19th or 21st.

Joanna

GOCPriestMark · Post by **GOCPriestMark** » Wed 10 May 2006 1:50 pm

Dear Vlad,

Christ is Risen!

Here is a paradox for you, so it seems. To be Orthodox you need to be both humble and have a 'thick skin'. It is not really a paradox though, because an 'Orthodox' 'thick skin' does not come from arrogance or thinking that 'I am right they are all wrong', but in fact it comes from humility. We must have a 'thick skin' so that we can hear the instruction given us, though it may sound harsh, though it may sound insulting, though it may seem as if someone has attacked us just for asking a simple question - we must focus on what is being said, but ignore what seems to be the knife that comes with it. Reading the Gospel from the prideful position of the Pharisees it might look like Christ is belittling them and being harsh and insulting, but in truth He is correcting them with love, (for how can love be separated from anything our Lord does?), though His words may have bite, yet they stem forth from love and those who have ears will hear.

So please correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that after you have asked a couple of good opening questions and received an answer or two you are tucking in your tail and running. Or perhaps I misunderstand this: "I beg your pardon. Please, pray for me." Why not ask further questions?

Well, I hope I am wrong and that you won't be scared away from the Forum here. You are certainly most welcome here.

joasia · Post by **joasia** » Wed 10 May 2006 2:15 pm

CHRIST IS RISEN!

I hope my response isn't the cause. As a convert, I was sharing my impression of how I see Orthodoxy working in my life. It's not an absolute theological statement.

Vlad · Post by **Vlad** » Thu 11 May 2006 1:15 am

I confess before you all that I am too sensitive to endure a simple discussion.

You may laugh, if you think it's funny, but please, pray for me.

GOCPriestMark · Post by **GOCPriestMark** » Thu 11 May 2006 3:20 am

Vlad wrote:
I confess before you all that I am too sensitive to endure a simple discussion.

You may laugh, if you think it's funny, but please, pray for me.

Dear Vlad,
Christ is Risen!
No one will laugh. Please understand that everyone who answers is really trying to share with you the benefit of his experience. Learn what you can from it. And of course your primary source would be your own spiritual father/parish priest.
Be at peace+