Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« on: July 06, 2012, 11:26:34 PM » |
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Do all of you act as theologically erudite outside of this forum as well?
I'd love to encounter an Orthodox layman that has alot of knowledge like many of you.
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OrthoNoob
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« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2012, 11:33:11 PM » |
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I don't know whether you consider me "theologically erudite," but to the extent that I am that here, I think I am more or less everywhere. I do talk about theology with anyone who'll listen...
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Timon
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« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2012, 11:35:18 PM » |
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I like to talk about it a lot too, but im kind of an idiot who doesnt really know what im talking about. Im still learning to just be quiet.
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2012, 11:39:54 PM » |
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So do you guys have conversations on a daily/weekly/monthly basis with people about Orthodoxy and the deeper parts of the faith? I wish I had a friend I could talk to IRL about it but my parish is so small and alot of older people.
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JamesRottnek
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« Reply #4 on: July 07, 2012, 12:03:38 AM » |
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Do all of you act as theologically erudite outside of this forum as well?
I'd love to encounter an Orthodox layman that has alot of knowledge like many of you.
Depends on what you mean. I don't normally go around talking about theological issues, but when I'm with someone interesting, I don't mind bringing up some point or another and holding a discussion on it. |
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Cognomen
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« Reply #5 on: July 07, 2012, 12:10:59 AM » |
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So do you guys have conversations on a daily/weekly/monthly basis with people about Orthodoxy and the deeper parts of the faith? I wish I had a friend I could talk to IRL about it but my parish is so small and alot of older people. I actually used to quite frequently. It was great. Really helped reinforce that we were trying to live the faith. Comparing and explaining readings, talking about difficulties, hang-ups, etc. I thought it was very helpful. I'm sure some of our resident trolls would think that's rather like a hip Evango Bible Study. I don't think it was, but I wouldn't know. If I'm not serious about the faith and engaging it regularly, it's a waste of my time. Alas, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. No mas on that front, and my faith has suffered, in part, because of it. |
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"Paint a bunch of icons of our Lord and the saints and then kiss them. Also, pray to Mary after she dies in the future."
~ The Epistle of St. Paul to the Antiochians, 46 AD.
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #6 on: July 07, 2012, 12:19:44 AM » |
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That's great Cognomen but sorry to hear it has affected your faith. I really would like a friend who is supportive and we can help each other in living the faith.
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Cognomen
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« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2012, 12:25:25 AM » |
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That's great Cognomen but sorry to hear it has affected your faith. Thanks. Hopefully things will improve on that front. I really would like a friend who is supportive and we can help each other in living the faith. At least from my experience, I can't recommend it enough. Obviously that may not be so helpful, as its more difficult for some to find a good one. There are some great people on this website, but it just can't compare. Similarly, some parishes are just limited in that regard. That said, it took me some time to find my friend at my last parish. Hold out hope! |
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"Paint a bunch of icons of our Lord and the saints and then kiss them. Also, pray to Mary after she dies in the future."
~ The Epistle of St. Paul to the Antiochians, 46 AD.
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #8 on: July 07, 2012, 12:31:57 AM » |
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It really doesn't compare sadly, don't get me wrong I love everyone here but there is much more of a comaderie.
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Gebre Menfes Kidus
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« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2012, 12:38:53 AM » |
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I can talk spiritual, look spiritual, and write spritual sounding pontifications online; but when my character and Christian faith are truly tested, then I am exposed as the tin man that I truly am.
Selam
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« Last Edit: July 07, 2012, 12:39:38 AM by Gebre Menfes Kidus »
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"Salvation is free, but not easy. It is completely dependent upon the grace of God, and yet we must work it out with fear and trembling. It is given to all, but only a few find it. We are saved only by His Cross, and yet not without taking up our own." +GMK+
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Cognomen
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« Reply #10 on: July 07, 2012, 12:41:00 AM » |
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but when my character and Christian faith are truly tested, then I am exposed as the tin man that I truly am. That's a shame. Hard for me to empathize with summat like that.  I'll queue up behind you, if you don't mind. |
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"Paint a bunch of icons of our Lord and the saints and then kiss them. Also, pray to Mary after she dies in the future."
~ The Epistle of St. Paul to the Antiochians, 46 AD.
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2012, 12:42:13 AM » |
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I can talk spiritual, look spiritual, and write spritual sounding pontifications online; but when my character and Christian faith are truly tested, then I am exposed as the tin man that I truly am.
Selam
Can you flesh this out more please? |
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dzheremi
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« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2012, 12:50:09 AM » |
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I spent about 5 minutes explaining to my brother a few weeks ago that I haven't converted to Judaism. Does that count?
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JamesRottnek
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« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2012, 01:06:21 AM » |
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It really doesn't compare sadly, don't get me wrong I love everyone here but there is much more of a comaderie.
Have you tried your priest? Depending on his personality and time, he may enjoy a parishioner who is interested in discussing theology beyond the very basic. |
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I know a secret about a former Supreme Court Justice. Can you guess what it is?
The greatest tragedy in the world is when a cigarette ends.
American Spirits - the eco-friendly cigarette.
Preston Robert Kinney (September 8th, 1997-August 14, 2011
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Gebre Menfes Kidus
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« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2012, 03:56:24 AM » |
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I can talk spiritual, look spiritual, and write spritual sounding pontifications online; but when my character and Christian faith are truly tested, then I am exposed as the tin man that I truly am.
Selam
Can you flesh this out more please? I am going through some difficulties right now, all due to my own sins and failures. Here's what I penned the other day. The rest must be fleshed out in Confession (if I truly have the faith to do so.) What do I do when the moment of truth comes, when I’m all alone- with God or sin as my only choice? I can do well when surrounded by love and support, goodness and strength. But who am I really, behind my words and exhortations, behind my pontifications and righteous rhetoric? I have failed every spiritual test that truly matters; I have forsaken Christ at every crossroad; I have spurned truth and chased lies; I have conveyed wisdom while becoming a fool. I look in the mirror and wonder whether I see a struggling Christian or the antichrist himself. I am worse than the godless, for they neither pretend to be virtuous nor presume to teach others. But I have created a façade of spirituality, an outward garment of godliness that cloaks a spirit of defilement and sin. The evils that I thought I had conquered continue to conquer me time and again. My fasting is in vain, and my prayers are hollow cries to a God who knows me all too well. Why do I forsake the love of Christ for that which only torments my soul? I inevitably hurt the people I love the most. I lead others to believe in me, only to disappoint them in the end. So, please take every word I write with a grain of salt. Assume that I am a fool, and test all my opinions and views by the truth of Christ and His Church. Perhaps I may be right about a few things, but I am too often wrong in the actions of my own life. What good are wise words from a fool’s lips?
But in spite of these realities, I know and cling to these greater truths: God loves mankind; His mercy endureth forever; and the Cross conquers all sin. This is the greatest miracle I know. (At least I try hard to believe this.)Pray for me, a sinner. Selam |
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"Salvation is free, but not easy. It is completely dependent upon the grace of God, and yet we must work it out with fear and trembling. It is given to all, but only a few find it. We are saved only by His Cross, and yet not without taking up our own." +GMK+
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #15 on: July 07, 2012, 04:27:42 AM » |
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I can talk spiritual, look spiritual, and write spritual sounding pontifications online; but when my character and Christian faith are truly tested, then I am exposed as the tin man that I truly am.
Selam
Can you flesh this out more please? I am going through some difficulties right now, all due to my own sins and failures. Here's what I penned the other day. The rest must be fleshed out in Confession (if I truly have the faith to do so.) What do I do when the moment of truth comes, when I’m all alone- with God or sin as my only choice? I can do well when surrounded by love and support, goodness and strength. But who am I really, behind my words and exhortations, behind my pontifications and righteous rhetoric? I have failed every spiritual test that truly matters; I have forsaken Christ at every crossroad; I have spurned truth and chased lies; I have conveyed wisdom while becoming a fool. I look in the mirror and wonder whether I see a struggling Christian or the antichrist himself. I am worse than the godless, for they neither pretend to be virtuous nor presume to teach others. But I have created a façade of spirituality, an outward garment of godliness that cloaks a spirit of defilement and sin. The evils that I thought I had conquered continue to conquer me time and again. My fasting is in vain, and my prayers are hollow cries to a God who knows me all too well. Why do I forsake the love of Christ for that which only torments my soul? I inevitably hurt the people I love the most. I lead others to believe in me, only to disappoint them in the end. So, please take every word I write with a grain of salt. Assume that I am a fool, and test all my opinions and views by the truth of Christ and His Church. Perhaps I may be right about a few things, but I am too often wrong in the actions of my own life. What good are wise words from a fool’s lips?
But in spite of these realities, I know and cling to these greater truths: God loves mankind; His mercy endureth forever; and the Cross conquers all sin. This is the greatest miracle I know. (At least I try hard to believe this.)Pray for me, a sinner. Selam Wow, not to be sentimental, but that was a very moving, Gebre. Thank you for your honesty and I will pray for you. |
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Kerdy
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« Reply #16 on: July 07, 2012, 09:29:58 AM » |
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I used to spend a lot of time discussing faith with co-workers, friends, and family, but over the last couple of years I have become somewhat of a recluse, not sure why. I actually did bring up the subject of death with a friend yesterday. It was a short conversation attempted to plant a seed to get him thinking. What I have found is it is easier to talk in depth in this type of forum as it provides time to reflect on your answers and adjust them as you see fit. In person, it’s all off the cuff, which can cause hesitation. I do miss a former co-worker who was Roman Catholic. We would spend many hours discussing religion and faith.
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"Let it be understood that those who are not found living as He taught are not Christian- even though they profess with the lips the teaching of Christ." - Justin Martyr ( c.160 )
"we recognize that the war is ultimately spiritual rather than carnal." - Gebre Menfes Kidus
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Asteriktos
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« Reply #17 on: July 07, 2012, 10:24:59 AM » |
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The only person I talk to about theology outside this forum is my therapist. The only person I talk to outside this forum is my therapist.  |
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch
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alanscott
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« Reply #18 on: July 07, 2012, 12:16:56 PM » |
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I can talk spiritual, look spiritual, and write spritual sounding pontifications online; but when my character and Christian faith are truly tested, then I am exposed as the tin man that I truly am.
Selam
Can you flesh this out more please? I am going through some difficulties right now, all due to my own sins and failures. Here's what I penned the other day. The rest must be fleshed out in Confession (if I truly have the faith to do so.) What do I do when the moment of truth comes, when I’m all alone- with God or sin as my only choice? I can do well when surrounded by love and support, goodness and strength. But who am I really, behind my words and exhortations, behind my pontifications and righteous rhetoric? I have failed every spiritual test that truly matters; I have forsaken Christ at every crossroad; I have spurned truth and chased lies; I have conveyed wisdom while becoming a fool. I look in the mirror and wonder whether I see a struggling Christian or the antichrist himself. I am worse than the godless, for they neither pretend to be virtuous nor presume to teach others. But I have created a façade of spirituality, an outward garment of godliness that cloaks a spirit of defilement and sin. The evils that I thought I had conquered continue to conquer me time and again. My fasting is in vain, and my prayers are hollow cries to a God who knows me all too well. Why do I forsake the love of Christ for that which only torments my soul? I inevitably hurt the people I love the most. I lead others to believe in me, only to disappoint them in the end. So, please take every word I write with a grain of salt. Assume that I am a fool, and test all my opinions and views by the truth of Christ and His Church. Perhaps I may be right about a few things, but I am too often wrong in the actions of my own life. What good are wise words from a fool’s lips?
But in spite of these realities, I know and cling to these greater truths: God loves mankind; His mercy endureth forever; and the Cross conquers all sin. This is the greatest miracle I know. (At least I try hard to believe this.)Pray for me, a sinner. Selam Salam, While I am not Orthodox I hope you welcome not only my prayer but my love and appreciation for what you just wrote. Surely you must realize you are not alone! I just finished reading a sermon that by God’s grace forced me to look at myself in similar light. IMHO it is the actual participation of the Living God that reveals these things for us to struggle through and progress on in our journey. God will never abandon us brother if we seek Him in truth and humility right? Truth is what I just read from a man with courage and how could this be written without humility I ask. Pray for me too for I am a repenting sinner and a fool. You are not alone! May Lord God Jesus Christ have mercy upon us and continue to refine us into who we are created to be. Much Love! |
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There are heathens that live with more virtue than I. The devil himself believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Neither of these things truly makes me Christian.
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yeshuaisiam
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« Reply #19 on: July 07, 2012, 02:20:46 PM » |
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i talk theology with a lot of people. Sometimes even deeper theology... Sometimes they just end up looking at me funny.  |
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JamesR
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« Reply #20 on: July 07, 2012, 03:20:12 PM » |
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...and alot of older people. The older people are the best to talk to about this type of stuff! They always seem so wise and full of wisdom compared to the younger people at my Parish. And they seem to always be impressed whenever they see a young person (like us) interested in Orthodox theology. |
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"'Blessed are the peacemakers' For those are peacemakers in themselves who, in conquering and subjecting to reason all the motions of their souls and having their carnal desires tamed, have become in themselves a Kingdom of God."-St. Augustine of Hippo
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Michał Kalina
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« Reply #21 on: July 07, 2012, 06:47:47 PM » |
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I like discussing theology, especially when I'm drunk.
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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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Asteriktos
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« Reply #22 on: July 07, 2012, 06:50:56 PM » |
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I like discussing theology, especially when I'm drunk.
Welll... you seeeee.... GOD... is... he's... God is.... like.... unFATHomAble! WOH.... but if --hey hey hey hey hey i.. if I can talkabouthim t ehn then he isn't .. isn't unfathom .. able...  |
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch
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JamesRottnek
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« Reply #23 on: July 07, 2012, 11:43:27 PM » |
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I like discussing theology, especially when I'm drunk.
I'm remembering a particularly...interesting conversation I once had with an atheist. |
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I know a secret about a former Supreme Court Justice. Can you guess what it is?
The greatest tragedy in the world is when a cigarette ends.
American Spirits - the eco-friendly cigarette.
Preston Robert Kinney (September 8th, 1997-August 14, 2011
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Asteriktos
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« Reply #24 on: July 09, 2012, 01:34:10 PM » |
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I bet many members of this board could rightly be called "a lurking curiosity" |
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #25 on: July 09, 2012, 01:39:43 PM » |
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I don't know whether you consider me "theologically erudite," but to the extent that I am that here, I think I am more or less everywhere. I do talk about theology with anyone who'll listen...
Same here. Though I lay no claim to being theologically erudite. You guys are the only ones I've found who want to talk about theology. Everyone else either falls asleep or gives me funny looks while walking rapidly in the opposite direction. |
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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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J Michael
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« Reply #26 on: July 09, 2012, 03:03:44 PM » |
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The only person I talk to about theology outside this forum is my therapist. The only person I talk to outside this forum is my therapist. You're not your own therapist, are you?  |
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"Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it."
— St. Augustine of Hippo
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Asteriktos
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« Reply #27 on: July 09, 2012, 03:22:14 PM » |
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The only person I talk to about theology outside this forum is my therapist. The only person I talk to outside this forum is my therapist. You're not your own therapist, are you? The man who serves as his own therapist has a fool for a client. Wait, that doesn't answer your question! No, no, I go see a real, flesh-and-blood human being for my craziness. |
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch
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vamrat
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« Reply #28 on: July 09, 2012, 03:46:13 PM » |
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FWIW, I am a lot more theological IRL than I am online.
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It is an education process for me as I learn about the psychology of spiritual apostasy. And others get the benefit of perhaps hearing righteousness for the first time.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
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