I apologize for the digression, but how is it exactly known to us that Fr. Seraphim Rose struggled with homosexual inclinations? Did Fr. Seraphim ever speak publicly or write about it? Or did some person(s) simply make this claim after his repose?
Fr Seraphim Rose's alleged homosexuality
Re: OCA Archbishop's 2nd Brazen Defence of Transgenderism
Dear Cyprian,
Out of a desire to discern whether on not Seraphim Rose, who for the sake of God and encouraging others, ever publicly revealed the answer to this or not, I have not been able to find any reference that answers this question from any of his own writings intended for public consumption. Hence, any references that might be found are mere hear-say, something completely inadmissible in any court in the land. I believe that either the claims are fabricated, or that they are based on ill-gotten information and are not blest to be made known; in which case, I would like to respect Blessed Seraphim himself by not going where I have not been invited regarding his personal or private affairs. I acknowledge that I am not well read in the works of Seraphim Rose; but for two short works, I have read nothing of his. So, if there is some publication of his where he made this information public or affirmed or denied these things, I have no idea. I only know I was unable to find any public statement of his to that effect via google. Hence, at this point, I think it is unprofitable and unrighteous to delve into the matter any further.
Respectfully,
Symeon
Re: OCA Archbishop's 2nd Brazen Defence of Transgenderism
Cyprian wrote:I apologize for the digression, but how is it exactly known to us that Fr. Seraphim Rose struggled with homosexual inclinations? Did Fr. Seraphim ever speak publicly or write about it? Or did some person(s) simply make this claim after his repose?
As I understand it, this claim is based on the book published by Fr. Seraphim's neice, Cathy Scott, entitled: "Seraphim Rose: The True Story and Private Letters". The focus of this book is on the life of Fr. Seraphim prior to his conversion, and some letters from him during this period are included. I have never had any interest in reading the book so I cannot comment on the validity of conclusions made based on its contents. However, I have been shocked that some have used the claim that he was a homosexual (or perhaps had same-sex attraction) prior to his conversion in order to ridicule him or try to discredit him in some way. Some of our greatest saints, such as St. Mary of Egypt, lived very prodigal and sinful lives prior to their repentance, and their former sinfulness only adds to the glory of their later holiness. Why should it be any different for Fr. Seraphim?
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joasia
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Re: Fr Seraphim Rose's alleged homosexuality
I have to formally object to this topic. It is not right. It is a scandal to the eternal memory of Fr. Seraphim. He is a living being, not in the flesh, but still existing in the Church. I view him as more alive than we are and therefore, it's as if people are discussing his personal life in front of his face. How disrespectful is that? And St. Mary of Egypt's life was about prostitution which the holy fathers talked about. Where did they ever say that she participated in that disputable act? All the versions I read about her never mentioned that. But, all non-saints talk about Fr. Seraphim's life and I'm supposed to believe them?
Can anyone provide an example of a person that was that way who became a saint of God in the Holy Orthodox Church? I guarantee nobody will.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)
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searn77
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Re: Fr Seraphim Rose's alleged homosexuality
joasia wrote:I have to formally object to this topic. It is not right. It is a scandal to the eternal memory of Fr. Seraphim. He is a living being, not in the flesh, but still existing in the Church. I view him as more alive than we are and therefore, it's as if people are discussing his personal life in front of his face. How disrespectful is that? And St. Mary of Egypt's life was about prostitution which the holy fathers talked about. Where did they ever say that she participated in that disputable act? All the versions I read about her never mentioned that. But, all non-saints talk about Fr. Seraphim's life and I'm supposed to believe them?
Can anyone provide an example of a person that was that way who became a saint of God in the Holy Orthodox Church? I guarantee nobody will.
How is it a scandal to discuss how someone repented of their ways after being introduced to the Church? It should be considered to the glory of God, not a scandal. Now if what was said about Fr. Seraphim is false, then you have a point that we shouldn't discuss it, not because it would be scandalous, but simply because it would be untrue.
And what about St. Mary of Egypt? Why does it matter if she was involved in homosexual actions or not? Was she better or worse than someone who gave in to their homosexual passions (before she repented that is)?
Are homosexual passions the only sin we're not allowed to discuss in public, but other sins are okay? I'm having trouble seeing what your point is. Is homosexuality worse than other sins? I was taught that a sin is a sin, any and every sin brings one further away from God, so all sin is bad.
I don't see why it matters whether one can provide an example of a person who repented of their homosexual ways and who we commemorate as a saint. Why does it matter what sins might be in one's past if one has repented of them? St. Paul greatly persecuted the Church and caused many Christians to become martyrs before he repented. Repenting from these terrible sins show us just how great and forgiving God is.
Troparion of St. Philaret of New York
Let us the faithful now come together to praise our father, protector and teacher the pillar of the Orthodox faith and firm defender of piety even the wondrous hierarch Philaret and let us glorify our Saviour Who has granted us his incorrupt relics as a manifest sign of his sanctity.
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Maria
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Re: Fr Seraphim Rose's alleged homosexuality
Some sins really should not be discussed in depth as doing so might lead others into sin.
Certain sins cry to God for vengeance. Isn't that why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed?
And notice how history has been recently rewritten by perverts to say that those two cities were wiped out due to their inhospitality.
If that were the case, why were not cities in Greece who were so inhospitable to St. Paul given similar treatment?
Although I agree with Father Anastasios that some questions should be discussed on a forum such as this, this also opens Pandora's Box to those who are totally unscrupulous and immoral. I have seen small boards flooded with new members who seek a way to be disruptive and push their agenda.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.
Re: Fr Seraphim Rose's alleged homosexuality
If I were to shut down every discussion on this forum that violated Christian principles of love and non-judgment, I would have to close down the entire forum. If someone here starts attacking the Church's teaching on homosexuality or any other doctrine of faith or morals, then I will intervene. Until then, it's up to the forum members to use their discernment in how they participate.
Jonathan