Ramblings of an average human.: A long way to go.

 jamesfromta:

Well, from the past couple of conversations with my parents that I’ve had I think I have persuaded them about converting to Orthodoxy which is brilliant- its good because its taken of pressure off. As I said the other week, the next step (I think) is going to require more reading (which is cool because I have about 6-7 books I need to get through) and start to live as an Orthodox Christian.

The books I can get read quickly here, however the living bit I can’t really begin until I get back to University- its when I will have full control of how I spend my time, full control of what I eat and its a lot easier for me to get to a church back at University. 

For me, the most difficult is going to be the spiritual fast- a.k.a not receiving the Eucharist until after I have converted (which is something I was told by the deacon at the church I attend that I would have to do though I’m not too sure how Universal this is). However it will be worth it! 

Its weird- through just reading stuff in the past few months my idea of theology, all my beliefs have completely shifted from Western Christianity to Eastern Christianity. To be honest, its different but in a good way- I feel less confused about things. 

 It’s so nice to hear all this info about your Journey to Orthodoxy! I am living in an Orthodox country, a country that in every corner you can find a church or a chappel so it’s strange (in a good way) to read about convert stories. Thank you so much for sharing all these things about you!  

Ramblings of an average human.: As you may or may not have guessed

Just pray James, pray a lot and we will all pray for you…God will show you the truth. Don’t be scared and trust God with all your heart. He has His arms open and He’s waiting for you. 

jamesfromta:

I feel like God is taking me on a journey. Like everything up until now has been to help me understand everything much better. 

Now I think I know where I am being led to. The video that I was watching earlier said that the Holy Spirit points us to the road, but we then have to make that choice to go down it. Who am I to not trust God?

The thing is that I am scared. I’m scared because I don’t know how people may react who I hold dear, and I already know what some people think of what I was thinking of pursuing. That shouldn’t come into it but I don’t want to cause problems, thats the last thing I want to do. It may take some time, well it will take some time and I may not be able to do anything about it for a year or so at least but I think the thought is there and that is what I need to hold on to.  

You see, my family want me to become a Methodist- my God parents want me to take the road to Rome, but I have something else in mind, somewhere else where I am meant to be. A Church that is a little further East…

Hello, I'm Orthodox.

weird-wanderer:

• Yes, I believe in Father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit - the Trinity.
• Yes, I pray. In the morning, just after waking up, and in the evening, before going to sleep.
• Yes, I attend church. In Russia - on Sundays, in UAE - on Fridays.

I read the Bible, I fast, I fear for my life-after-death, I confess my sins for the priest - yes, yes, yes, I am no less and no more than an Orthodox Christian.

Because sometimes no one can help you out, not even closest friends or relatives. And if at such a moment you appear to have no faith, no, so to say, “inner core” that you can hold on to - you’re done, you’re lost, you’re about to commit a suicide.

Because everyone needs to believe, it’s the inconvenient truth, the indisputable fact.

“The Lord said: ‘Without Me you can do nothing’ (Jn. 15:5). So for the duration of our life, every day and at every moment, we must keep unchanged in our heart the feeling, conviction and disposition, that on no occasion can we allow ourselves to think of relying on ourselves and trusting ourselves.” (Lorenzo Scupoli)  

More thoughts on Catholicism & Orthodoxy

In this text, a Catholic girl expresses her feelings about Catholicism and Orthodoxy. It is very interesting.  

cuppboard:

from my blog

Even though I have backed off a bit, I haven’t given up by any means. There are still several things about Catholicism that make my gut go “Eeerg”: first, the Eucharist. It is a very beautiful idea, indeed. And if it is true, it is most holy! But if they are not right about the Eucharist, aren’t they guilty of idolatry? They do even worship the Eucharist, don’t they? My Catholic theology is a bit hazy so apologies if that is incorrect. 

Second, a slew of Marian stuff. This shouldn’t surprise anyone, as I think all Protestants have issues with this. First off let me say the issue for me is not prayers to Mary or the veneration of her. I do however feel like…hmmm, how shall I say this? there is “extra-meat” on the Catholic teachings of Mary. The Immaculate Conception I understand, is logical, but that does not mean it is truth. It may be fitting in our human eyes, but we can’t understand God’s ways. The idea of her being the “New Eve” is a perfect image that I can grasp, and love, but to have this role does not make her complete lack of sin necessary. I do not find the title “full of grace” to be compelling enough for my belief in Mary’s freedom from sin. Also, her role as co-redemptrix (which isn’t dogma, but has been around for awhile) just doesn’t sit well. I must admit that I am drawn to the freedom from these troubling doctrines that is present in the Orthodox Church. 

That is all for now. I will continue seeking my Lord, and place trust in His lovingkindness and His Holy Spirit to guide me to His Church, or to keep me firmly planted in place, if I am where He desires me to be. I implore Him to keep me safe from leaning on my own understanding or the wisdom of men in this journey.

 Thanks Elizabeth for sharing our thoughts with us! God bless you!