In our ongoing conversation, Scott writes (again, with permission to post): What troubles me about that unanimity is the almost complete rejection (a sort of pseudo-Marcionism) of Jesus’ Jewishness. I think I can accept that the influx of Gentiles post-70 AD would lead to a “Greekening” of the Church. And certainly historical events and the […]
Would a first-century believer recognize the Orthodox Church?
While Orthodox liturgy looks an awful lot like Jewish liturgy (Temple and Synagogue), some of Her theology and practices would appear completely foreign to a first century follower of the Messiah. So wrote Scott to me recently, and it is a legitimate comment and question. With his permission, I am reposting some of our conversation […]
Why do you make it so hard to become Orthodox? – part 03
OK, I understand much of what you have been saying, but why must I have a sponsor, or why is a baby expected to have godparents? Well, in the book of Hebrews, it says: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of […]
Why do you make it so hard to become Orthodox? – part 02
So, why is a catechumen encouraged to take on a “new” name when they are chrismated? What’s in a name? Taking on a new name is not necessary, but it is highly encouraged. The background to a name change goes all the way back to the beginnings of God’s special interactions with Abraham and continued […]
Why do you make it so hard to become Orthodox? – part 01
Last week one of my readers asked me to comment on the year-long process to become Orthodox and be allowed to participate in the sacraments. Let me begin with a bit of contrast. Recently, an evangelical who worked on the Mike Huckabee presidential campaign, and is a blogger, wrote a posting listing ten problems with […]
Orthodox strengths and weaknesses
Recently, InternetMonk asked a question of the several of us that form his panel of Liturgical Gangstas. The questions is listed below and then my answer. I know that there will be discussion on his blog, and there should be. However, I know that there are people who read this blog who do not necessarily […]
For use at the next diocesan dinner
I saw this video posted at Byzantine, Tx and just had to repost it here. Watch and enjoy! Get A Party Trick:How To Open A Bottle Of Champagne With A Sword
Mulligan Stew rather than Melting Pot
What is Mulligan Stew? Well, there are a couple of definitions, but the one that I learned growing up was: Said to have originated in hobo camps during the early 1900s, mulligan stew is a sort of catch-all dish of whatever is available. It usually contains meat, potatoes and vegetables in just about any combination. […]
Groom’s side, Bride’s side
You can read it in any etiquette manual. In a Christian wedding, the left side is the bride’s side, while the right side is the groom’s side. But, where does this come from? Well, frankly, I cannot prove where this comes from. But, I have an interesting piece of evidence for you. Go into an Orthodox […]
More about Christians fleeing Iraq
OK, so you are wondering where that 600,000 Christians fleeing Iraq comes from? Well, that is our official government figure! It is not made up. It does not come from some “liberal” website. It is from the U.S. International Commission on Religious Freedom, a body appointed by the USA Congress. If the Christians leaving can […]
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