Michał Kalina
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« on: November 11, 2010, 01:07:59 PM » |
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So I know one convert who thinks that a word 'convert' is very offensive because it literally means 'switching between two equal valuse' and conversion to Orthodoxy is choosing the best path.
What do you think?
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formerly known as mikeDespite being a Polish citizen I am not a Pole.  Long live Belarus! "It's my constitutional right!" |
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podkarpatska
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« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2010, 01:14:45 PM » |
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So I know one convert who thinks that a word 'convert' is very offensive because it literally means 'switching between two equal valuse' and conversion to Orthodoxy is choosing the best path.
What do you think?
Language is tricky and I suspect whether or not the term is offensive or not to some may depend on how it is applied to them. |
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Schultz
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« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2010, 01:19:42 PM » |
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To expand on podkarpatska's comment, I know in medieval Spain, the word converso was used as an insult by the so-called Old Christian families. Conversos usually had Jewish or Muslim backgrounds and, as such, were often suspect as to the veracity of their faith. The famous Inquisition was called to address these concerns.
I think it largely depends on how it's used. If someone says that someone doesn't know something or doesn't have the Orthodox phromena because he or she is "just a convert," then, yes, it's certainly being used as an insult.
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"Hearing a nun's confession is like being stoned to death with popcorn." --Abp. Fulton Sheen
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augustin717
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« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2010, 01:49:54 PM » |
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doesn't have the Orthodox phromena because Well, it would take one[fill in the blanks] just to know that word
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Michał Kalina
proud Podlachian Belarusian parajournalistic engineer in spe
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Hypatos
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Jurisdiction: Diocese of Białystok and Gdańsk / Diocese of Warsaw and Bielsk Podlaski
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OC.net's trickster
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« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2010, 02:01:53 PM » |
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I think it largely depends on how it's used. If someone says that someone doesn't know something or doesn't have the Orthodox phromena because he or she is "just a convert," then, yes, it's certainly being used as an insult.
No, it's not about that stereotypes. Only the meaning. |
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formerly known as mikeDespite being a Polish citizen I am not a Pole. Long live Belarus! "It's my constitutional right!" |
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Shanghaiski
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« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2010, 02:07:17 PM » |
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I really don't think "convert" means that the faith left and the faith accepted are of equal value. There's nothing in that word that really denotes that.
Anyway, we are all converts. No one enters the Church through the birth canal but through the baptismal font (or chrismation or whatever). We make a conversion also, at many points in life, from sin to righteousness each time we repent and confess. We are always converting, always turning back to God. Neither the convert no the cradle can boast of anything because the Orthodox faith was not created by man, but given by God--and not because anyone was worthy of it, but because people needed it for salvation.
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O Master Lord our God...who are wondrous in glory; who keeps his covenant and his mercy to them who love him with all their heart; who has given us redemption...through his only-begotten son, Jesus Christ...the life of everyone, the help of those who flee to him, the hope of those who cry to him.
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Punch
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« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2010, 02:38:20 PM » |
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As a convert, I really do not consider the word at all insulting. In fact, I believe the word is useful, and this is a matter that I have discussed with my priest on occasion. Depending on how, why, and from what the individual converted, the person may still be inclined to view things through the filter of his or her former teaching than through an "Orthodox" mindset. This is particularly true when the person converts from a belief system that does a good job indoctrinating their members, and has a good parochial education system. This does not mean that the person is at all bad, but only that certain terms mean something different in different belief systems.
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recent convert
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« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2010, 02:54:35 PM » |
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Well my OC net name obviously reveals I would have no concept of an insult & also that deep thought was not applied to its application.
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Heorhij
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« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2010, 03:48:19 PM » |
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Anyway, we are all converts.
Exactly. Great point. |
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Love never fails.
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authio
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« Reply #9 on: November 17, 2010, 03:07:59 AM » |
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Anyway, we are all converts.
Exactly. Great point. Ditto. |
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Christ is risen!
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Alpo
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« Reply #10 on: November 17, 2010, 08:09:06 AM » |
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Anyway, we are all converts.
I'm first to admit that I'm a convert but I think that there is a certain point between distinction between converts and cradles. Some of us has worked out their salvation in the Church a little longer than the others. That certainly makes a difference. |
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Just a little reminder: this forum is not called OrthodoxChristianityUSA.net   |
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #11 on: November 17, 2010, 11:40:31 AM » |
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Anyway, we are all converts.
Exactly. Great point. A GOA bishop I know once gently reproved someone who referred to me as a convert (although they didn't use the word in a negative way) by saying that we are all converts. He went on to explain that even if someone was "born into the Faith," he or she still must make the faith (of their parents or that they were raised in) their own - that process, and the process of theosis is conversion. |
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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