Moderator: Mark Templet
Nicholas wrote:While the Bible does say it will be hard to find true believers when Christ comes again, but I first-most focus on working out my own salvation and the salvation of my family with fear and trembling. If I can help point out something to others along the way, all the better. I am not going to worry about what-ifs at this juncture.
It seems like you were pretty concentrated on "what ifs" when you left ROCOR, no?
Drink the Kool-aid.[/quote]
Tom, is this an allusion to the Jim Jones cult? I think we should lighten up on these ROAC and other such "Traditionalist" jurisdictions. You see, if we malign them we do the same as they. Indeed, criticism of a thing is much easier than to project it. Just food for thought.
Sincerely:
Joseph
bogoliubtsy wrote:I certainly hope that if the Church is reduced to two thousand or so members, Christ would return quickly for the sake of the elect. Think about that- one or two thousand sacrament receiving Christians.... scary stuff.
Bogo,
Ironically, you hit upon something increasingly popular in Sola Scriptura Protestantism. They believe that if the Apocalypse can be artificially induced, that Jesus will have to come back. This cultistic remnantism is just one of many popular themes designed to force the Second Coming. If you do not know what I am talking about just turn on TBN or equivalent (not necessarily 700 Club though), and just put in a few hours studying the Protestant mind, if it could be called that. One caviat, they tend to stir the passion of confusion, but that's how they earn their living and get people to worship them as seers.
Sincerely:
Joseph
Joseph D wrote:bogoliubtsy wrote:I certainly hope that if the Church is reduced to two thousand or so members, Christ would return quickly for the sake of the elect. Think about that- one or two thousand sacrament receiving Christians.... scary stuff.
Bogo,
Ironically, you hit upon something increasingly popular in Sola Scriptura Protestantism. They believe that if the Apocalypse can be artificially induced, that Jesus will have to come back. This cultistic remnantism is just one of many popular themes designed to force the Second Coming. If you do not know what I am talking about just turn on TBN or equivalent (not necessarily 700 Club though), and just put in a few hours studying the Protestant mind, if it could be called that. One caviat, they tend to stir the passion of confusion, but that's how they earn their living and get people to worship them as seers.
Sincerely:
Joseph
Joseph,
The Protestant groups you mentioned are really fascinating - and like the ROAC supposition that there are only about 2,000 believers remaing, scary as well. Very strange how they think they can almost trick Christ into returning. If I'm not mistaken, a few years back some very extreme aherents to this belief plotted to destroy the Dome in Jerusalem so that the prophesied Jewish Temple could be constructed. Strange stuff...
Bogo,
I do not say that there are only a few thousand Orthodox left. Having said that, it is not impossible to believe a possibility. Even Fr. Georges Florovsky spoke of the Church being a "little flock" in the end time, when it would be difficult to find any Orthodox Christians. I do not believe it is really helpful to keep saying "Look what ROAC believe, how unbelievable". If we read the Bible and Fathers, I think the idea of a remnant of a few thousand in the end times is perfectly believable (though perhaps not the only tenable position). The question really is, if indeed this is the opinion of Bp. Gregory and ROAC in America, then are they right and is this just such a time when almost the entire Church has fallen away? What's the difference regarding numbers, anyway? God saved but a few thousand in ancient Israel at one point, and that was after he had helped form an entire nation that was to be devoted to him. Only a few thousand? it's happened before in Christian history. Perhaps someday some ecclesiastical writer will write the words: "one day the Orthodox world woke up and found itself ecumenist".
Joseph D wrote:TomS wrote::ohvey:
Drink the Kool-aid.
Tom, is this an allusion to the Jim Jones cult? I think we should lighten up on these ROAC and other such "Traditionalist" jurisdictions. You see, if we malign them we do the same as they. Indeed, criticism of a thing is much easier than to project it. Just food for thought.
Sincerely:
Joseph
You bring up a good point Joseph; what food tastes good with Kool-aid? Maybe some hot dogs?
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They say that I am bad news. They say "Stay Away."
