The editorial cartoon above was created by David Horsey. But, when Father Orthoduck saw it, it reminded him of an ongoing morality study online. In typical psychology fashion, the designers of the questionnaire put it together in such a way that the people who responded did not know what the researchers were testing until the questionnaire was […]
Be mindful, oh Lord . . .
“Be mindful, O Lord, of those who bear fruit and do good works in thy holy Churches, and who remember the poor.” — from the Anaphoras of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil. So, what might a costly grace look like? The Department of Education of our Archdiocese set the above phrase, which every Orthodox […]
Orthodoxy, Bonhoffer, and cheap grace
Why should a person whose only commitment to Christianity is that they attend church on most Sundays, give some, and behave correctly (by and large) not feel a little concerned? Pastor Dietrich Bonhoffer said, “cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace […]
On right-wing wackos and the Dept of Homeland Security
In April of this year, Secretary Napolitano warned the USA that we were in danger from right-wing extremists. At that time she was attacked for having improper views of people with conservative political views and asked to apologize. In particular, she was pilloried because she warned that people with a military background might be more […]
On yesterday’s Holocaust Museum shooting
Yesterday we all received the shocking news of the attack on the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. A known racist and extremist, James von Brunn, decided to make the Holocaust Museum a blood bath that would be remembered on his tombstone. And, he must have thought that his dreams had come true when the door was […]
Posts from 1850’s southern arguments part 03
Again, my apologies for not having much analysis, but I am quickly posting this from our diocesan conference. This next excerpt has to do with Dr. Ross’ view of the development of human history. As I have said before, I do not agree with Dr. Ross. And I do promise that more analysis will be […]
Posts from 1850’s southern arguments part 02
This will be a quick post, since I am at an Econolodge on the way to the diocesan conference. Let me do a quick cut and paste from the Wikipidea on a movement that has had much influence in American Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism. That movement is Christian Reconstructionism. Christian Reconstructionism is a religious and theological movement […]
Posts from 1850’s southern arguments part 01
This week I am at the diocesan conference. So, I am going to publish some excerpts from a book in the public domain. I do not agree with the arguments in the book. If I can, I will make some comments, but, mainly, I want you to see the exegetical arguments used, and see if […]
Inconsistency in arguing against Roman Catholics
Well, another quick one from the road. On a recent post, the following interesting statement was made, “Their thoughts, excuses, rationales, theological bull******** [Ed. note – yes I censored the word, not the original author] – I can’t share the grace of a saint’s life, why should I bear the guilt of some dead sinners?” […]
St. Luke and the Prophet Joel
Every so often the liturgical calendar has a happy confluence. This weekend is such a one. Earlier today I concelebrated Orthros and Divine Liturgy for St. Luke the Evangelist. Tomorrow is the day of the Prophet Joel. And, the two are intimately linked. You see, the Prophet Joel prophesized the coming of the Holy Spirit. […]
