Authority

OrthodoxyOrDeath · Post by **OrthodoxyOrDeath** » Tue 6 July 2004 4:41 pm

Rd. Chrysostomos,

In addition to the pitfall of reading about the cure, but not actually implementing the cure, there is also an even more fearsome pitfall: that is going to a quack doctor dressed like a real one who tells you the cure is to pop 4 blue M&M's every morning, or refers you to a witch doctor.

Chrysostomos · Post by **Chrysostomos** » Tue 6 July 2004 7:07 pm

OOD,

Good Point.....

Lucian · Post by **Lucian** » Tue 6 July 2004 8:39 pm

Justin Kissel -

Thanks for your post. It is apparent that you understood.

Joasia -

I understand what you were saying, but you did not understand me.

I am Orthodox.

You just seem to be saying, "Orthodoxy is right because . . . well . . . Orthodoxy is right!"

Chrysostomos -

I understand what you are saying, but what if different sets of equally qualified and credentialed doctors recommend different "cures?"

What if they even quote the same authorities?

Then it is up to me to digest the info and make a decision.

That is the point, I guess.

I pray, I believe, I read, I study.

I must face God at the Judgment and answer for me.

That does not make me the SOLE authority, but it does make me ultimately responsible.

So, I guess when it comes down to where the rubber meets the road, I will respect bishops, defer to them whenever possible and when it is apparent that they speak within the Apostolic Tradition, but steadfastly defy them when they contradict what I know to be true.

That seems to me to be the historic path of the saints.

TomS · Post by **TomS** » Tue 6 July 2004 8:51 pm

Lucian wrote:
So, I guess when it comes down to where the rubber meets the road, I will respect bishops, defer to them whenever possible and when it is apparent that they speak within the Apostolic Tradition, but steadfastly defy them when they contradict what I know to be true.

That seems to me to be the historic path of the saints.

I think that is the best and safest route, my friend.

OrthodoxyOrDeath · Post by **OrthodoxyOrDeath** » Tue 6 July 2004 8:54 pm

That seems to me to be the historic path of the saints.

The historic path of the saints also excludes being in the same communion as those preacing anti-orthodox teachings. It appears you know that, I just thought I would expand on your point.

Lucian · Post by **Lucian** » Tue 6 July 2004 8:55 pm

TomS wrote:
Lucian wrote:
So, I guess when it comes down to where the rubber meets the road, I will respect bishops, defer to them whenever possible and when it is apparent that they speak within the Apostolic Tradition, but steadfastly defy them when they contradict what I know to be true.

That seems to me to be the historic path of the saints.

I think that is the best and safest route, my friend.

Thanks, Tom.

It may sound funny to say it, since I started this thread, but I think I probably just got something very important out of this discussion.

Lucian · Post by **Lucian** » Tue 6 July 2004 8:57 pm

OrthodoxyOrDeath wrote:
That seems to me to be the historic path of the saints.

The historic path of the saints also excludes being in the same communion as those preacing anti-orthodox teachings. It appears you know that, I just thought I would expand on your point.

I am coming to that conclusion, brother.

Yes, indeed.