Struggle between faiths... literally

[James H.]

I don't think "wrong" goes far enough. I'm speechless at how embarrassing this is. As Orthodox we should be ashamed. I'm not defending the franciscans, but the Catholics can do their own lamenting. It's amazing to me that the Orthodox Church will soon be holding a dialogue conference with Muslims in Iran soon, but we can't even get along with our own brothers and sisters. Many already know this, but who holds the key to the Holy Seplachre? Orthodox? Catholics? Monophysites? Nope, a muslim family. That says very little about us, I'm afraid, that we have to depend on pagans to keep peace in our own Faith.

Just some thoughts,

James

[James H.]

Sorry, that last post was a bit condemning and I wrote it as if we in this forum played a part in this recent brawl in Jerusalem. I guess I can jsut use it to remind myself that I do no better than these priests did today when I get into petty selfish arguments with Orthodox and other Christians over dogma and theology.

Sorry if I offended anyone in my zealousness,

James

(Message edited by james_h on 28 September, 2004)

[Fr. George Morelli]

> We do not know the actual facts of the situation. My own experience > with media is one can take as fact only some of what is read or > reported on. For example, interviews I have given have been > misquoted, or statements I made have been reordered, selectively > edited, omitted etc. Media sometimes has an agenda that wants to > further a particular viewpoint and this guides the edit and/or report > process. Much is left out of the report. What events took place > prior to the reported event? Was someone, Orthodox or Catholic > attacked, could this be construed as an attempt to defend oneself and > some on lookers on either side themselves not knowing the origin of > the altercation intervened? In no manner way shape or form am I > trying to excuse the event as described, but to be "wise as serpents" > we should have all the facts, the total script, what was said and/or > done, when and where. In this I am speaking as a psychologist. This > is what I would want from parents or teachers for example who bring a > situation to me involving a child in some physical altercation. This > being what it may, my view is if we simply look at the actual > description of the event and comment only on what is presented "as if > it were true". it is a scandal for any of us who profess to be > followers of Christ to not act as Christ. The report as written is a > scandal. In the garden, Jesus took away the sword of His defender. > It was Ghandi who said something to the effect if only Christians > acted truly on their faith, the world would be all Christian. I look > to my own sinfulness and failings, I cannot judge any of the > individuals involved, I can proclaim what Jesus has taught us and what > has been passed down to the Apostles and discovered by the Fathers. Is > it not St Seraphim of Sarov who said "Acquire the spirit of peace and > a thousand souls will be saved around you"? Jesus gave us his peace, > we are to cherish this and use it in all our dealings. We are fallen > creatures however, with passions, inclinations to sin. The passion of > anger leads to the sins of striking out verbally and physically > against others. Jesus on His by His death on the cross and > subsequent Resurrection, conquered sin and death, so we may be > forgiven. St. Theophan the Recluse, say something like: God allows > us to fall, so we may see our weakness and see our total need to be > dependent on Him. If this is the lesson to all involved, and to us > and to all the world, so be it if this is God's will. I believe we > must begin with the peace of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in > our own hearts and bring this to all we touch in our own lives. I > offer this to the group as a request was made for the "fathers" to > respond. I am surely an unworthy struggling father ..in the peace of > Christ ..FrGeorge