Kris --

My initial response to your article was to recall the scriptural mandate to honor your father and mother so that your days on earth may be long!

Please remember that despite what may appear to you at your young age as the "over the top" behavior of your parents was at the very least (though I do not know them, I will assume this) their sincere attempt to obey what they believed at the time was a serious directive from their Lord. That willingness to obey, I would think, would go a long way with Him.

Also, each generation it seems, grows up somewhat mystified by their elders and their interpretation of the biblical mandate.

You can expect your own children -- should you be blessed to see them grow up to follow the Lord, and I pray you are -- to read your articles like this one (Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement) and shake their heads and wonder aloud, "How on earth could dad ever have interpreted the text so obviously ignorant of the classical and patristic teachings on the same?!" (Or some such)

Point is, we are all (somewhat) chrono-centric (blinded by our own fixed place in time) and thus tend to interpret the world (and our faith) as though we were wholly objective.

I agree with your implied assessment that there was much excess in charismatic circles during those days -- Y2K and so forth. Excess, however does not negate the fact that God may and even does use men and women of God to deliver timely words to his Church.

I respectfully submit that you might wish to consult with some of these men of God to afford yourself a bit of a wider view of the panorama of the faith.

I, certainly, am no expert here but would suggest you investigate people and writings such as St. Gregory Palamas, The Philokalia, St. Siloane and for a living person, check out Daniel Keating, Deification and Grace (it's a great introduction to a serious and deep and ancient o/Orthodox soteriological truth.

God be with you,

Michael
Michael | 08.02.09 - 11:09 pm | #