What to do about Islamic Expansion in US?

[George Australia]

Pacific Islanders are Asian (if you want to use generic terms for race). Their forebears were the aboriginals of Taiwan. Australian aboriginies are also genetically considered Asian - by outside appearances you might not think so, but genetically they are.

Dear in Christ George,
The point is that the Church does not distinguish between races. Since being established by 12 Jewish men plus 1 who were the first bishops and teachers of the Church, and since the Council they held in Jerusalem where it was proclaimed that Gentiles need not be circumcised, the universal voice of the Fathers has been that distinctions between races has no place in the Church. So as far as the Church is concerned, it doesn't matter whether the Australian Aborigines are Asian or not- 'races' don't create marriage blocks as far as the Church is concerned. From the point of view of canon law, the Orthodox Church permits 'interracial marriages' when both partners are Orthodox Christians.
George

[brendan]

The point is that the Church does not distinguish between races. Since being established by 12 Jewish men plus 1 who were the first bishops and teachers of the Church, and since the Council they held in Jerusalem where it was proclaimed that Gentiles need not be circumcised, the universal voice of the Fathers has been that distinctions between races has no place in the Church. So as far as the Church is concerned, it doesn't matter whether the Australian Aborigines are Asian or not- 'races' don't create marriage blocks as far as the Church is concerned. From the point of view of canon law, the Orthodox Church permits 'interracial marriages' when both partners are Orthodox Christians.

Besides the issues I've already mentioned, one authority raised the point that since interracial marriages are frowned upon by many people, this would create a lot of social pressure that could lead to divorce. One can choose to deny this, but the fact is the Church takes marriages very seriously and wants marriages to last, so it was argued that interacial marriages may also be discouraged for that pragmatic reason.

I think a similar argument would apply in the case of people of dramatically different ages. As far as I know, the Church has no age limit on marriage partners, but would anyone recommend, say, a 75 year-old man marrying a woman of 18? I think most priests would council against it for perfectly rational reasons.

[George Australia]

sorry- double entry

[George Australia]

Besides the issues I've already mentioned, one authority raised the point that since interracial marriages are frowned upon by many people, this would create a lot of social pressure that could lead to divorce. One can choose to deny this, but the fact is the Church takes marriages very seriously and wants marriages to last, so it was argued that interacial marriages may also be discouraged for that pragmatic reason.

What you are saying, brendan, is that the Church should prefer the social norms of a particular society to God's laws- in other words, the Church should bow down to Ceasar before God- something like what Antichrist will teach.
There is no room in the Church for the racial debate- this is clear from the Scriptures and the Fathers.

[brendan]

What you are saying, brendan, is that the Church should prefer the social norms of a particular society to God's laws- in other words, the Church should bow down to Ceasar before God- something like what Antichrist will teach.

Its an objection based on reality. I think my comparison to age differences is reasonable.

There is no room in the Church for the racial debate- this is clear from the Scriptures and the Fathers.

As far as I know, none of the Fathers specifically address the issue of interracial marriage. And all kinds of arguments on that issue, pro and con, can be made based on the Scriptures. So how can you say the matter is not for debate? Anything can be debated. Has an ecumenical council ruled on the matter? Not that I ever heard.

I have Orthodox books that discuss the issue of interracial marriage just like any issue can be discussed. People obviously discuss it. There are different opinions on it, whether you accept them is up to you, but the opinions exists. Its not a simple open-and-shut issue that cannot be debated.

[George Australia]

Its an objection based on reality. I think my comparison to age differences is reasonable.

Do you? How old were the Blessed Joseph and the Theotokos when they were betrothed?

And all kinds of arguments on that issue, pro and con, can be made based on the Scriptures.

Name one argument in favour of your opinion from the New Testament.

So how can you say the matter is not for debate? Anything can be debated. Has an ecumenical council ruled on the matter? Not that I ever heard.

Do you not then accept the Synodal Proclamation of the Church which I've quoted three times now?

I have Orthodox books that discuss the issue of interracial marriage just like any issue can be discussed.

So have I, here's a quote for you:

Interracial marriage takes place when the partners belong to two different races, such as when a Caucasian and a Negro marry. From the point of view of canon law, the Orthodox Church permits interracial marriages when both partners are Orthodox Christians.
[Contemporary Moral Issues, S. Harakas, Minneapolis: Light and Life, 1982, p. 106.]

I think I've explained my point brendan, and to go on would be just repeating and you have shown me your true colors (or should I say 'color'?) when you stated your belief that "The white Christian world is in danger", because you see, brendan, Christianity is not "white"- there has been a Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa for a lot longer than you or I have been around. So tell you what- why don't we just part ways and agree to disagree- I'll agree with the Church and you agree with yourself.
As a parting gift, here is a photo of some newly baptised Orthodox Christians.

[Грешник]

Dear GeorgeA,

Great picture! Where was that taken?