Zealot Traditionalists: Cradle or Convert?

[Etienne]

Sorry, OrthodoxyorDeath, I seem to have propelled myself into a debate, and done so without knowing the rules. While not wishing to offend I note much of the debate is expressed frankly, even to the point of rudeness.

When I was a young man I listened to the clergy and heirarchs teaching me. Maybe it was remiss to have failed to ask which Church Fathers said this or that. For myself I accepted that they understood and taught according to an Orthodox mind. And that they were giving a rule of them in order, perhaps, to safeguard me. Now they are dead I cannot quizz them.

That schism leads to further schism, seems self evident. Even a superficial study of recent Greek and Russian Church history demonstrates this all to clearly.

Sorry, I have not answered your other point. (Had to answer door only to find a pair of unwelcome so-called Jehovah Witnesses

[OrthodoxyOrDeath]

sgjspencer,

I certainly do not mean to be rude, it is just that when I am busy I tend to get right to the point. Sorry.

That schism leads to further schism, seems self evident. Even a superficial study of recent Greek and Russian Church history demonstrates this all to clearly.

St. Irenaeus teaches that there are hardly ever schisms among heretics - that there very unity is schism and heresy.

[Justin Kissel]

Stephen

I'm not a member of any of the groups listed for the above poll (and if memory serves, neither was the person who asked me to post the poll). It is simply for informational purposes. I do not believe that one has to be in one of the groups listed to be Orthodox. In that way, I think you misunderstood the point/origin of the poll. It was never intended to imply that one had to be in ROAC, GOC, etc. to be Orthodox.

However, having said all this, I do believe that one must be a zealot, or traditionalist, to be Orthodox. Please see my post on this thread for further clarification on what I mean by "traditionalist".

[Anastasios]

If you go to Astoria where most Old Calendarists in the United States live, you will discover that not many of them would have any idea what a zealot is. They usually go to a Church because they like it, period. I think the idea of layman identifying totally with one Synod is an American thing. With priests of course it is different.

[Justin Kissel]

I suppose that's the truth of any church, sect, philosophy or world-view. Probably a very small percentage are really "hard core" into things or "on fire" or whatever. If people were like that (ie. just sorta going with the flow) in the 4th and 5th centuries with all the living saints preaching to them (as seems to be the case based on the extant homilies), then we couldn't really expect better from we modern-day Americans!

[Etienne]

Justin,

Thank you for your kind reply and the suggested "thread". I did follow that and found it reflective and thoughtful.

Yes, to be Orthodox is to be an upholder of Sacred Tradition. Quite what that might mean in this age is something I, and possibly others, struggle. To hold on to that pearl of great price is an intense struggle. Your 'thread' may help me reflect on this. Thank you

[Etienne]

Justin,

Once again thank you. I will 'catch on'.........