“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves” (2 Cor. 13:5). The Scriptures are replete with the call to self-examination. For the believer, this includes the examination of “whether ye be in the faith.” That is are we striving to hold fast to sound doctrine and teaching? St. Paul even gives …
Month: June 2020
Christianity and Socialism
A very pertinent teaching by St. Hilarion (Troitsky). He lived in the days of the rise of socialism and its taking of power in Russia under the form of Soviet Socialism. St. Hilarion ended his life as a martyr, tasting first hand the ruthless fruit of socialism against which he warned. The discerning reader will …
Right Theology Without Right Praxis is Dead
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). True faith is both in word - theology, faith – and in deed - work, practice, application. Thus, there is no right faith devoid of right practice. St. Paul also echos this spiritual reality when he teaches “Not …
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The Watchman and the Blood of the People
“... his blood, I shall require at the watchman's hand” (Eze. 33:6). Fearful words are revealed to the Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord commands Ezekiel to speak to the “sons of your people” (Eze. 33:1), which means all of Israel of old and for us today it may be understood as those within the Church. The …
Government, Social Justice, and the Hearts of Men
“From what place comes wars and fights among you? They are from this place, from your desires after pleasure which war in your members, are they not?” (James 4:1). Modern ideological systems have convinced humanity that the “problems” of the world are located “outside” of a person: a political system, an economic system, racism, poverty, …
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Mankind: God-Created Being of Reason or Biological Computer?
“In the beginning was the Logos ...” (Jn 1:1). An aspect of the nuanced meaning of logos is reason. Ultimately, Christ is the governing principle, the source, the reason, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, of all meaning and purpose. Thus, humanity is created a rational, reasoning being. We have been given logoi. …
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A Man Above Harm, Freedom that Enslaves, and the Power of Phroneo
“Let this mind be in you ...” (Phil. 2:5). Mind, in the above instance in the Greek, phroneo. When applied to the Christian life it means, basically, to have understanding, to be wise. To think as to think soberly. It is in some sense a governing principle. One's phroneo will indicate one's state. Phroneo can …
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The Modern Vaccine Agenda: An Orthodox Reflection
Is the “well-being” of humanity truly the driving factor behind the powers that are rushing to create a c-virus vaccine? Or are there darker intentions around this agenda? In this post, I am not so much trying to address material issues surrounding the modern application of vaccines but rather the possible spiritual intent. I will …
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The Inkless Pen 