We humans, have become very mean. I think meaner than I remember as a kid. We yell a lot. We pontificate a lot. We let others know how we feel about things, invited or uninvited. Who of us has not felt the sting of hurt? I imagine the question is rhetorical, because the only person … Continue reading Hurting people. →

This is the third and last installment in this series. You can read the first two here and here. I want to discuss some of the issues and characteristics that I’ve seen come up time and time again in this journey. I’m not claiming this to be an exhaustive piece or even a comprehensive one. … Continue reading Theosis and other problems: On Orthodox dis[unity] – Part 3 →

+ Q: I’m having some troubles dealing with suffering, and I don’t want just the “Jesus loves me” answer.  Any thoughts or insights? Response: There were two  other blogs where we discussed  the problem of evil and how peoples’ choices are really the cause of most of our suffering. So I want to take a different line of meditation this time. Actually, this is a time of year, where that question is being meditated on by the – …

Abbâ Muthues used to say that there were three brethren who were in the habit of coming to Abbâ Antony, and that two of them used to ask him questions about the thoughts, and about life, and redemption, and the discretion (or intelligence) of the soul, whilst the third one held his peace continually. And after a long time Abbâ Antony said unto him, “Brother, thou comest here each year, and askest nothing!” And he – …

Do you really think for yourself? Take a read through these random comments and responses, and please think about what they mean. Please think about what the questions that I am asking on each one for a few moments before going from one to another. Youth: “So, you guys are into promiscuity and stuff, I get it. I want to save myself for marriage.” World: “You’re a prude. Sex is just an expression of love, – …