It's funny how on one hand I seem to want to get along with everyone, but want to be a bit provocative and question people's assumptions (thus ruffling some feathers) on the other. Neither of these are great ideas. Being provocative for the sake of being provocative is just annoying--it means you're just trying to show everyone how right you are. Nobody likes that. But of course if I'm always just trying to keep quiet and not ruffle any feathers, then I feel like at the very least that I'm not expressing myself (21st c. language, I know) or being too wishy-washy or something.
It is with this in mind that I want to humbly ask the forgiveness of anyone on Facebook to whom I've come across as arrogant or snooty in discussions about the Orthodox faith; more specifically, discussions about Sola Scriptura. It is no doubt somewhat due to insecurity with these new-found ideas from the Orthodox church that I have probably argued a bit too strongly about the subject. It's one thing to open up a topic for discussion, but it's another thing to post a question with a hidden agenda of trying to convince everyone to agree with you. The thing is, I feel like all the Christians I've known (especially family) probably think I'm nuts or am abandoning the True Faith by moving towards something that looks so "Catholic". So to compensate I want to try to prove how my position is the right one--I don't want to look like a fool or heretic. So yeah, that would be my pride at fault. Please forgive me for putting my personal image above respect for you.
I do in all humble earnestness want to continue having discussions revolving around what we're learning on this new journey (there is so much!!!). I want to share why I am indeed questioning many bastions of Protestant thinking. I want people to know what Orthodoxy is, and what it's not, because, gosh darn it, I'm exited about it! My hope is that we can maybe have these discussions here on the blog, rather than on Facebook--especially since Facebook is for all to see and this is a bit more of a private matter than that. I'll probably link to the blog posts on Facebook, but keep the discussions in the comments here, if possible. We'll see how it goes. Of course that also means I'll have to generate content. But then I've been meaning to get going on that anyway...
May we all come to know God more deeply and fully through his Son, Jesus Christ.
+ Randy
I like your blog title :]
ReplyDeleteAnyways as for ruffling feathers and being provocative or hurting peoples feelings etc...let it be known that it is pretty much impossible to offend/hurt/pro-vacate me without intending to. Thats just they way I am. In fact I LOVE it when someone sparks up a serious discussion where everyone treats other like an intelligent adult, not afraid of whether or not their opinion and world view will offend. Only there to put forth their ideas and have them either disproved or added to or changed or whatever. As long as I know your heart's in the right place (which it is, I know you are in no way trying to force your viewpoint and I think you are willing to listen to a good argument, just as I am). As for the privacy factor, I'm perfectly fine with moving to the blog or staying on facebook, whichever you prefer.
Woot Woot Jesus and Stuff,
-Nate Jack
Also, side note. I in no way believe that Catholicism is leaving the "true faith." They just have a lot of ideas that I don't agree with. They still believe that Jesus died for their sins, as long as you still believe that, you haven't left the true faith imo.
ReplyDeleteHey Rand - I'm pretty hard to offend. I don't think you guys posing provocative questions is offensive. And I also don't think that you're a) leaving the "true faith" or b) moving toward Catholicism. I agree with Nathan - (Jesus as Savior) but would also add that if Jesus is your LORD as well... that is what REALLY matters. As Mrs. Simila once told me when we were discussing the differences between Lutheranism and other denominations - "those are what we call the small t's of theology - we agree on the big T's."
ReplyDeleteI'm perfectly willing to keep having this conversation. I'll probably learn something!
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