Nicholas Zollars wrote:
"yes the author has indicated his views (which are heretical) for instance the acceptace of homosexuality, women clergy, and a whole slew of other things"
this 'heretical" bit gets somewhat out of hand, i think. it seems like people think of it as some badge of honor to pronounce all and sundry as "heretical!" we realize that non orthodox people hold "heretical" beliefs; we realize that anyone involved in the "St Ocar Romero Orthodox" whatever would probably hold "heretical" beliefs. we realize that adherents of ROAC think, apparently, everyone who does not belong to their particular "group" is a "heretic," possibly with the exception of the Lamians, who Bishop Gregory is "fond of," and feels "have an unquestionable canonical foundation," despite Hegumen George's characterization of the fact that the Lamians apparently do not believe there are any orthodox bishops, clergy, or faithful in russia as a "canonical problem" which needs to be addressed, although the Lamians have "addressed it" themselves by themselves "re-establishing an orthodox hierarchy" in russia.
i am sorry to offend anyone who thinks i should not say this, but i feel it needs to be said. if the direction you are taking somehow makes it necessary, to your way of thinking, to continually "denounce" all the heretics you find in other churches, on street corners, and under your bed, i would imagine that direction is one that will lead nowhere. i would also add that if you are so preoccupied with all these "heretics," so that they even force themselves into your so-called "humor," this is another indication, to me, that your direction is a dead end. although the "smiley face" (how very cute!) indicates a "joke," i do not find it humorous. you find it humorous that people have been deceived and adopted heretical beliefs? if so, i could only conclude that it is because you somehow feel a great superiority to these poor souls because of your "superior beliefs," and the "innate superiority" of your political beliefs and, simply, yourself. to be quite honest, that is rather sad on both counts-both for those who hold the heretical beliefs, and for those who find it somehow "humorous" and apparently think this is "fair game" for a joke! oh my! the heretics will burn in hell! wow-what a knee slapper, eh? yuk, yuk, yuk!
of course, the degeneration of so-called "true orthodox" groups into koo-koo land, into bizarro world (such as "re-establishing an orthodox hierarchy in russia," or excommunicating name-worshippers, nestorians, and qabbalists in the same swoop!) you probably do not find humorous or interestingly humorous in that it is ssssoooooooooooo bizarre, but would be all offended and outraged and indignant that someone could actually dare to imply that your particular choice of religion and politics could be made light of. well, let me tell ya-whats good for the goose is good for the gander!
mwoerl