Mark Templet wrote:I would make two points here on this question:
- Our Lord recognized the distinction between the worldly things and those that reflect on our spiritual life when He stated, "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s." While I agree that there are times to boycott a given business for legitimate reasons, we nonetheless must deal with merchants who are of various faiths and heresies. You probably don’t bat an eyelash at buying a meal at a restaurant or vegetables from the grocery store and think nothing of who owns the establishments. Trade is an essential part of human survival and so long as we are not required to exchange our salvation for our needs we must secure them where necessary.
- I have bought many items from HTM and Eastern Christian Supply. Yes, there are divisions between ROAC and both these groups, but they offer an honest product and have always been most fair to deal with. I am in fact friends with a couple of monks at HTM and have a warm relationship with them. I would never partake of anything that I found incongruent with my faith from anyone, but when they offer something that is good and Orthodox I will utilize it. Moreover, if we True Orthodox are going to bring about some unity it will be done through calm communications and the dispelling of rumors and false assumptions. When we talk to each other and have friendly relationships with people then that process will become much more possible. So long as we do not give up Orthodoxy for the sake of worldly unity then we will pursue the right course. Buying an icon print from HTM would in nowise indicate to anyone that you agree with their every position, anymore than we think that World Orthodox people have seen the light when they purchase an icon from them.
Christ is Risen!
Thank you for your very charitable response, Father.
I too pray that we of the True Orthodox Faith will be truly united in the Holy Faith.