Hi Katya,
That's the whole point. I'm sure that HE knows why it is necessary. He
has revealed to us that things in the world will get tougher and
tougher for those continuing to serve Him, that evil will try to
deceive even the group of Christians remaining.
We can make all sorts of assumptions as to WHY God chooses to let
apostasy happen at certain times. If it happens in our world, its not
necessarily God's will, but His allowing it to happen as a consequence
of man's free will.
And to continue Mat Ann's metaphor: maybe the Driver wanted to see if
the family members in the car, recognised the fact that an impostor,
and not their beloved family member, was sitting in the front? Maybe
He wants to see who will stand up for the Driver, should the impostor
try to wrestle control of the car away from the Driver?
You keep repeating "My own personal take on this is that y'all don't
believe GOD to be
wise enough to know what is best for his children and his church. You
all decided you know better and took the reins into your own
hands...ie your free will to choose whom to follow."
and accuse us of lacking Love to forgive our "brothers" and avoid
union with those who are active in ecumenism. I find it offensive for
you, as a professed Orthodox lady, to make these
assumptions/accusations about how a lot of very different people, who
also profess to be Orthodox, reached the same difficult decision.
I will repeat: I have trust in God and His infinite Wisdom and Love. I
believe He wants us all to be saved, by living as He taught us,
including clinging to this teaching against all worldly odds. It is
the way of the Cross. And it is the way of using all His gifts to us
to try to do God's will. The decision NOT to follow some bishops into
communion with the current MP was reached NOT because "we" cannot
forgive sinners, but because of FUNDAMENTAL issues of FAITH.
Katya, the way you talk about Love and God's will, is very much the
way may daughter's nominally Roman Catholic Religion teacher and
rampant ecumenist, talked, when getting the kids to prepare posters on
why ecumenism is such a great thing. It is the thinking in the WCC,
and if its the thinking in the WCC, it is thinking that is aimed at
the destruction of the Holy, Apostolic Church. Christ's Church.
I strongly suggest you go onto the WCC site and read some of their
formal documents (incl. on baptism, common eucharist, the plans on how
to achieve Christian nirvana on the planet etc). If you then think its
all peachy and rosy, and the skin on your neck does not prickle up in
horror, Please, Please, please, talk to a good Orthodox priest about
it, read more of the Fathers and recent bishops/teachers (Vl Averky,
Vl Philaret, Fr Seraphim Rose etc) who discuss these issues.
Current day Ecumenism, like Theosophy, New Age Consciousness etc is
based on Satanic, anti-God, ideology and spirit. It is NOT an act of
Love to "go with it" or not say anything when your brothers and
sisters are tempted into an abyss.
Please do not make such gross assumptions about those who are willing
to put up with all sorts of abuse and hardships in the name of Christ.
As a general mob, these are no more lacking in love, or screwed-up
than the rest of the "Orthodox" mob. Human and sinful to the core,
like the rest.
As for me personally, I do lack Love and tolerance. Please forgive me,
as my best intentions are wrecked by my ego.
In Christ our Lord,
alexandra