Orthodixie

I believe in the Catholic Church; only Orthodox go to heaven.

Let me explain …

Recently, Rod Dreher, author of Crunchy Cons and editor of the Dallas Morning News, mentioned that he might be headed toward Orthodoxy. As he is a relatively recent convert to Roman Catholicism (1993) and is well known in all the “hip-right” circles, his announcement is causing quite a storm over at Belief Net.

Contrast that with when Dawn Eden, reared as a Jew, recently converted from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism. If you compare the comments on her blog with those over at Belief Net, you’ll see night and day differences among good and well-intentioned folks … all seeking the Truth.

I was happy when I found out Dawn was converting to Catholicism. That’s where she is … seeking the Truth. Having read her blog regularly for a couple years, by golly she IS Catholic. It only seemed natural for her.

Though happy for him, I don’t know Rod Dreher but, forgive me, I feel his pain. Making a transition to Orthodoxy is never easy, always a struggle.

Like many others, mine is a varied pedigree — Southern Baptist, Episcopalian, Orthodox. I can honestly say that none of that was done willy-nilly. But, cut from the sinful cloth that I am, I was stumbling toward the Truth.

When it comes to “seeking the Truth” I find great ecumenical comfort in good blogging on the Net. In spite of our weariness we’re all making, I believe, progress.

Dr Peter Toon was a prof of mine in seminary. I remember very clearly the day that he drew vertical lines on the blackboard and above each segment labeled:

Baptist
Lutheran
Catholic
Anglican
Presbyterian
Methodist
[Etc]

After talking of the doctrinal differences among these groups, he suddenly slashed through the chalk barriers with a horizontal line saying (and I paraphrase): “The day is coming when this dividing line will make all the difference. Right believers in these varied groups will find each other and be united in working toward the Truth.”

In other words, that horizontal line of Truth is more important than those denominational distinctions.

I see that on the Net.

I receive emails, many appearing on this blog, from priest-friends from ROCOR to PECUSA … all seeking the Truth.

I recently posted a link to an excellent “sermon” by a Baptist, Chuck Colson. Most of my family and old friends are Baptists and, gulp, they read this blog of an unworthy Orthodox priest. Who’d a thunk?

After posting notice of my book, I received a half dozen notes from Baptists and Catholics who’d ordered copies. Baptists! Mind you, the book is pro-Orthodox. And, being about Converts, it’s all about folks leaving Rome and Protestantism! But, you know what? It is what it is. Some things just are.

We shouldn’t deny reality. And the reality is … people are seeking the Truth.

I heard about a conference speaker who’d announced that the days of the great wave of Episcopalians converting to Orthodoxy are past. This brought a contrary reaction from a member of the audience: “I beg to differ. Many people are leaving their watered-down feel-good church communities and finding Anglicanism. For them, they believe they have found the Apostolic Faith. The day may come when they grow toward the Truth to the point of making their way to Orthodoxy.”

(Where I was raised, there is no Orthodox community. There’s a monastery nearby, 100% in Greek. I’m talking about the rural South with simple God-fearing folks. What are they supposed to do?)

The dialogue that one finds on the aforementioned sites along with Pontifications, Mere Comments, and Get Religion is healthy, good.

Though seeking the Truth and wishing others to journey with us, we must be based in reality. And the reality is that some things just “is what they is.” You can’t change people. It’s like the old saying: “God doesn’t change things, He changes people and people change things.”

Thanks to the Internet, it is possible for God-fearing seekers of the Truth to communicate with each other, to share in the struggle toward the Kingdom. True, it is possible to find hate and taunting — a party spirit — on the Net. (Heck, that’s been true since Genesis.) But as St Paul commends us:

Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand.

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:5-9)

I began by saying I believe in the Catholic Church; only Orthodox go to heaven. If you’ve discovered the fundamental definitions of catholic and orthodox, you know what I mean (even if you’re Baptist).

The same Dr Toon used to say about the Scriptures: “If you read the Bible seeking to find contradictions and ‘errors,’ you’ll find them. But if you read the Scriptures seeking the Truth, you’ll find it.”

In struggling with the Truth, love is the most important thing.

Love is the most important thing. And that, friends, is a life-long struggle pleasing to God.

(For, you know, without love we Christians resemble so much of the Net on the other side.)

On doing battle with demons.

On not cheating or judging.

This is the best news lead …

Lucy E. Carroll has never actually attended a Catholic Mass in which a cantor belted out, “He’ll be coming ’round the altar when he comes! He’ll be coming ’round the altar when he comes!” At least, that hasn’t happened yet … Story.

From a blogger …

I think at one time you were linked to my blog, but you removed it about a year ago when I pulled back from blogging … but if you know others who enjoy Orthodox needlework please send them my way. I can find lots of commercial/touristy/gift store sites that feature vestments and other articles with Orthodox embroidery on them, but it is rare to find a site by someone who actually does the work by hand. Probably, like me, they are generally spending their time with needle in hand 🙂 As I should be at this moment…

Give it a look. (I don’t stitch, but it’s such a peaceful site!)

Finally … now this is curious:

As dozens of major American corporations continue to move their manufacturing operations to Mexico, waves of job-seeking Mexican immigrants to the United States have begun making the deadly journey back across the border in search of better-paying Mexican-based American jobs.

“I came to this country seeking the job I sought when I first left this country,” said Anuncio Reyes, 22, an undocumented worker who recrossed the U.S. border into Mexico last month, three years after leaving Mexico for the United States to work as an agricultural day laborer. “I spent everything I had to get back here. Yes, it was dangerous, and I miss my home. But as much as I love America, I have to go where the best American jobs are.”

It’s all H E R E (caveat lector).

“The Convert experience is full of surprises, not only for the pilgrims involved but for those who attempt to pastor and teach them. One Flew Over the Onion Dome tackles these challenges with up-front honesty, good humor, and steadfast faith.”

— Frederica Mathewes-Green NPR commentator and author

“Fr Joseph Huneycutt’s book is reminiscent of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, in that it details the pitfalls, traps and snares that so easily entrap those who set out to travel the narrow Way… Thanks be to God he offers helpful pastoral counsel to those who must guide others in this difficult path.”

+ MARK, Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest (Antiochian)

“We have found the Pearl of Great Price,” could be a subtitle to this gem, One Flew Over the Onion Dome. It is a precious collection of heart-beats reflecting the various facets of the same pilgrimage that St Paul made when called by Christ… This is a must read for Cradles…”

+ NATHANIEL, Archbishop of Detroit (OCA)

“…The reader will find a reasoned explanation, formed through both personal experience and observation, that tells not only stories but provides a much needed guide for the clergy.”

— The Very Rev. Dr. Chad Hatfield, Dean St. Herman Seminary, Kodiak, Alaska

“…A map for the new Convert… A helpful tool in diagnosing common convert ailments before they become spiritually terminal.”

— Fr. John Whiteford, author of Sola Scriptura and a Priest of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

As Dawn once said about her upcoming book (here), blog regulars will find a few sections that sound familiar. Yet, those sections have been expanded and revised. In other words, it’s a whole new thang.

Prayers coveted; support appreciated!

Years ago, CBS had a popular little series called Gilligan’s Island.

There is, however, a dark secret about this “comedy” you may never have realized.

The island is a direct representation of hell. Nobody on the island wants to be there, yet none are able to leave.

Each one of the characters represents one of the 7 deadly sins:

Ginger represents LUST – she wears skimpy outfits, is obsessed with her looks, and is hyper-sexual.

Mary Ann represents ENVY – she is jealous of Ginger’s beauty.

The Professor represents PRIDE – he is an annoying know-it-all.

Mr. Howell represents GREED – no explanation needed.

Mrs. Howell represents SLOTH – she has never lifted a finger to help on any of their escape plans.

The Skipper represents two sins: GLUTTONY – again, no explanation needed and ANGER – he violently hits Gilligan on each show.

This leaves Gilligan.

Gilligan is the person who keeps them there. He prevents them from leaving by foiling all of their escape plots.

Also, it is HIS island. Therefore, Gilligan is SATAN.

Crazy?

He does wear red in every episode …

Thanks [sic] to catechumen Alan for the FWD.