hesychasterion

demetrios karaolanis · Tue 21 October 2003 9:45 am

a certian non orthodox relative of mine has lately been pestering me about the idea of hesychasterion. if you are not familiar with it it is where one retreats from the world into total solitude such as some athonite monks do on the clifs at karoulia and other places. this relative says that there is no biblical basis for this, or in her mind any form of monasticism. :ohvey: now I know that this is just not true but I need help finding specific examples and how to convince a protestant that monasticism is a respectable way of life. if you have any suggestins please help.

OrthodoxyOrDeath · Tue 21 October 2003 10:55 am

Christ secluded Himself on the mountain to pray and fast for 40 days.

But of course we are not interested in "scriptural", we are undoubtedly dealing with a Protestant, who also must interpret it the same way.

The only discussion I will ever have with a Protestant is one about Sola Scriptura, because any other conversation with them is like a Nine headed Hydra, slice off one head and three more grow.

Methodius · Post by **Methodius** » Tue 21 October 2003 12:16 pm

My thoughts exactly. Sacred Scripture is the only part of Sacred Tradition (of which Scripture is only a part of) that protestants will pay attention to. (And only when it fits their world view at that!)

away · Post by **away** » Tue 21 October 2003 3:33 pm

Perhaps you could be silent on the topic.

demetrios karaolanis · Tue 21 October 2003 10:57 pm

I am sure that is what I will end up doing, as the desert fathers say if someone dissagrees with you simply say you know what you are talking about and that way your mind will be at peace. perhaps it is best for me to be silent and not intwine myself in this hydra headed evil

Nektarios14 · Post by **Nektarios14** » Tue 21 October 2003 11:54 pm

Saint Elijah the prophet would be a good example. Also consider that the Apostle Paul did tell us to pray without ceasing...

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Wed 22 October 2003 1:58 pm

demetrios karaolanis wrote:
I am sure that is what I will end up doing, as the desert fathers say if someone dissagrees with you simply say you know what you are talking about and that way your mind will be at peace. perhaps it is best for me to be silent and not intwine myself in this hydra headed evil

This: http://orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/florov_nt.htm is a good article whether you choose silence or not. It helped me. $/\$

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hesychasterion

hesychasterion

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