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by Diarcesia » Tue Jun 11, 2019 4:31 pm
Northern Davincia wrote:Auristania wrote:GOP totally adore the vengeful God of Old Testament; Democrats pay lip service to the loving God of New Testament. Both factions are totally in love with the Money Lenders, so neither faction will drive the Money-lenders out of the Temple.
True. What frustrates me is the perception that God is somehow different between testaments.
by The Union of the West » Tue Jun 11, 2019 4:33 pm
by Auristania » Tue Jun 11, 2019 5:26 pm
by The Union of the West » Tue Jun 11, 2019 6:11 pm
Auristania wrote:The Union of the West wrote:There seems to be a noticeable trend in the last couple centuries of ancient heresies popping back up and taking on modern forms.
There is a limited number of Heresies, therefore repetition is inevitable. Nicaean Creed has about a dozen statements, therefore (2^12 - 1) heresies = 4095 possible heresies.
Any denomination that agrees ALL 12 statements of Nicaea is part of the Catholic church. Any denomination that rejects ALL 12 statements ain't Christian heretics, they are a different religion altogether. Jews, Muslims, Bahai etc agree God the Father Almighty and Resurrection of the Flesh, they also are different religions.
Suppose we define Heresy as accepting 2/3 of Nicaea and any denomination that rejects more are a different Religion altogether, then there are only 200 possible heresies. Suppose we define 3/4 of Nicaean then 130, so repetition is inevitable.
by Nea Byzantia » Wed Jun 12, 2019 7:52 am
The Union of the West wrote:Auristania wrote:There is a limited number of Heresies, therefore repetition is inevitable. Nicaean Creed has about a dozen statements, therefore (2^12 - 1) heresies = 4095 possible heresies.
Any denomination that agrees ALL 12 statements of Nicaea is part of the Catholic church. Any denomination that rejects ALL 12 statements ain't Christian heretics, they are a different religion altogether. Jews, Muslims, Bahai etc agree God the Father Almighty and Resurrection of the Flesh, they also are different religions.
Suppose we define Heresy as accepting 2/3 of Nicaea and any denomination that rejects more are a different Religion altogether, then there are only 200 possible heresies. Suppose we define 3/4 of Nicaean then 130, so repetition is inevitable.
Don’t forget heresies condemned by councils other than Nicaea.
by Luminesa » Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:49 am
The Union of the West wrote:Camelone wrote:So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.
I'm only a catechumen, so don't take what I'm saying too seriously, but I've been to a lot of churches. I've seen huge megachurches, I've seen tiny community churches, I've seen churches grow, and I've seen churches die. There are several factors that play into church growth.
First, I think mindset is incredibly important. The Church exists to bear the gift salvation to the world. This should be the first and only goal of church growth. To attempt to grow your church for any other reason, fame, or even worse, money, is to fall into the trap of greed, and frankly, sacrilege. In my experience this is the problem of megachurches. I don't intend to offend anyone with this statement, but there's a reason that the "McChurch" stereotype exists. Churches should not seek to decieve, and devout believers will see right through this deception and disingenuity.
Among the churches that aren't growing, I've noticed that they all have something in common: they aren't doing anything. They think that having a website and a social media page are enough to facilitate growth, but it isn't. We are called to go to "the ends of the earth" as witnesses, not the corners of the web and social media. Go outside. Talk to people. Be peaceful and kind and loving, as we are called to be, but be firm in your beliefs. Know what you believe in and why. Don't water down your church's teachings to attempt to appeal to people. It doesn't work; it may get you a few new members for a while, but they will drift away if you don't have a strong foundation for what you believe. Invite your friends, your family, your co-workers. In my experience, this is how churches grow. Don't fall into the trap of the Pharisees and hide this precious gift of salvation from the world. We are called to be the light of the world.
At the same time, don't be like some so-called churches we see in the media that spread hate and fear. Don't threaten people into attending with eternal punishment in Hell. Don't condemn, love, just as we are called to do.
Above all, in the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov, acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved. A tree is known by its fruit, and we must bear good fruit. A church that is active in the community, a church that helps people, will grow. They will know we are his disciples by our love. Love should come first in all of our actions, and this is how we spread the Gospel.
I recommend reading over the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. It addresses a lot of the problems faced by the early church that the church is still facing today.
This reply is very wordy, and I apologize for that, but this is an issue that is close to my heart. I hope you find something helpful in here.
by Nea Byzantia » Wed Jun 12, 2019 10:12 am
The Union of the West wrote:Camelone wrote:So I don’t know what responses I’ll get with this question but I’ll ask it anyways. What are ways to grow your parishes and local church communities? I’ve been struggling with this and was hoping for some advice from you all.
I'm only a catechumen, so don't take what I'm saying too seriously, but I've been to a lot of churches. I've seen huge megachurches, I've seen tiny community churches, I've seen churches grow, and I've seen churches die. There are several factors that play into church growth.
First, I think mindset is incredibly important. The Church exists to bear the gift salvation to the world. This should be the first and only goal of church growth. To attempt to grow your church for any other reason, fame, or even worse, money, is to fall into the trap of greed, and frankly, sacrilege. In my experience this is the problem of megachurches. I don't intend to offend anyone with this statement, but there's a reason that the "McChurch" stereotype exists. Churches should not seek to decieve, and devout believers will see right through this deception and disingenuity.
Among the churches that aren't growing, I've noticed that they all have something in common: they aren't doing anything. They think that having a website and a social media page are enough to facilitate growth, but it isn't. We are called to go to "the ends of the earth" as witnesses, not the corners of the web and social media. Go outside. Talk to people. Be peaceful and kind and loving, as we are called to be, but be firm in your beliefs. Know what you believe in and why. Don't water down your church's teachings to attempt to appeal to people. It doesn't work; it may get you a few new members for a while, but they will drift away if you don't have a strong foundation for what you believe. Invite your friends, your family, your co-workers. In my experience, this is how churches grow. Don't fall into the trap of the Pharisees and hide this precious gift of salvation from the world. We are called to be the light of the world.
At the same time, don't be like some so-called churches we see in the media that spread hate and fear. Don't threaten people into attending with eternal punishment in Hell. Don't condemn, love, just as we are called to do.
Above all, in the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov, acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved. A tree is known by its fruit, and we must bear good fruit. A church that is active in the community, a church that helps people, will grow. They will know we are his disciples by our love. Love should come first in all of our actions, and this is how we spread the Gospel.
I recommend reading over the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. It addresses a lot of the problems faced by the early church that the church is still facing today.
This reply is very wordy, and I apologize for that, but this is an issue that is close to my heart. I hope you find something helpful in here.
by Lower Nubia » Thu Jun 13, 2019 5:17 am
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by Nea Byzantia » Thu Jun 13, 2019 7:25 am
Lower Nubia wrote:I finally have some free time! What's been happening?
by Luminesa » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:21 am
Lower Nubia wrote:I finally have some free time! What's been happening?
by Lower Nubia » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:21 am
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by Luminesa » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:22 am
by Lower Nubia » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:26 am
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by Luminesa » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:41 am
Lower Nubia wrote:
That's kinda how I feel, I've had exams, essays, and work, since the start of January. I had some free time in March so I did some stuff in the GA.
Other than that, just been visiting some Church's, visited the Catholic Church in my nearest city, talked to the priest about how the Church functions, how to do confession, RCIA. He was nice and gave me a rosary, which I haven't quite remembered yet, but I'm getting there.
by Lower Nubia » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:42 am
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by Lower Nubia » Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:45 am
Luminesa wrote:Lower Nubia wrote:
That's kinda how I feel, I've had exams, essays, and work, since the start of January. I had some free time in March so I did some stuff in the GA.
Other than that, just been visiting some Church's, visited the Catholic Church in my nearest city, talked to the priest about how the Church functions, how to do confession, RCIA. He was nice and gave me a rosary, which I haven't quite remembered yet, but I'm getting there.
Awesome! It’s a lot of information to absorb, but it’s beautiful and you’ll hopefully be happy you found it! The rosary is beautiful, if you’re having trouble praying the whole thing then even praying one decade a day is a beautiful contemplation of the life of Jesus. You are in our prayers!
Also, awesome work with your exams! Are you graduating soon?
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by Camelone » Fri Jun 14, 2019 12:21 pm
by The Union of the West » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:22 am
by Lower Nubia » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:30 am
The Union of the West wrote:Lower Nubia wrote:
No, I'm currently searching through the Church's history to determine between choosing Orthodox, Catholic, or Anglican. So maybe one day, but I'm currently leaning Catholic.
As someone who has experience with all three, I can help answer questions if you’d like. I’ll try not to be too biased
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by Tarsonis » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:33 am
Lower Nubia wrote:The Union of the West wrote:As someone who has experience with all three, I can help answer questions if you’d like. I’ll try not to be too biased
When I visited the Catholic Church, for one particular weekday Communion service, it involved taking previously-consecrated hosts from the tabernacle, by a layman, and then having the congregation come forth to take the host. Is this a common, or usual phenomenon?
by Lower Nubia » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:36 am
Tarsonis wrote:Lower Nubia wrote:
When I visited the Catholic Church, for one particular weekday Communion service, it involved taking previously-consecrated hosts from the tabernacle, by a layman, and then having the congregation come forth to take the host. Is this a common, or usual phenomenon?
Very unusual. Only occurs if there’s no priest to perform the consecration.
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
by The Union of the West » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:49 am
by Lower Nubia » Sat Jun 15, 2019 10:55 am
"These are they who are made like to God as far as possible, of their own free will, and by God's indwelling, and by His abiding grace. They are truly called gods, not by nature, but by participation; just as red-hot iron is called fire, not by nature, but by participation in the fire's action."
Signature Updated: 15th April, 2022
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