Creation of Independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church announced

[Deborah_R]

I will study it. Thanks.

[Deborah_R]

Assuming we are discussing the impact of monastaic life on the church/body of Christ as well as body of the lost souls, (I agree with its benefits for individual spiritual development/growth completely, except maybe the words "achieving perfection" put me off somewhat), what is its relevance to the question "Do you comprehend the awesome importance of the Eastern Orthodox Doctrines to the Christian body as a whole?" in the MODERN TIME?

(Also, wanted to remark that some are called to live in the midst of the world and grow through struggle of trying to make the right moral choices and "striving for direct communion with God" begging for strength to carry on. I am sure I will not achieve "perfection" and not even overcome my passions as the monks in the mountains, but who cares? What's important is what is your impact on the world, and are you living the will of God).

[Nonson]

Deborah,

All your questions can be answered by the term hesychasm. The core idea of it is the bring everything within one to a complete state of quiet. Buddhists call it extinguishing the flame of desire(passion). It can be done no matter where one lives or what activities one engages in. It is the enlightenment arising from the supratemporal state that forms the basic doctrine that is so critical to Christianity.


Nonson

[Deborah_R]

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/...stianity/10151
Is this good, or you can recommend better? I am reading it at the moment.

[Nonson]

Deborah,

It is an excellent article. My only disagreement with it is the oft used word prayer. Better terms might be communion, contemplation, meditation. A Christian monk's prayer is mostly communion, while a Buddhist monk's is meditation. In this area one needs be careful of the terms used to express ideas.

Later on I'll post some material dealing with hesychasm that is quite ancient.


Nonson

[Deborah_R]

Please do. I found couple more that look interesting, but I want to read the ones you recommend, I am not familiar with the subject and don't want to read a wrong one.

[Nonson]

Deborah,

Oftentimes the surest way to an understanding of a thing is to argue about it. This might be an avenue for you to explore before I post some really rough stuff from bygone ages. With this in mind you might study the Palamite Controversy and see if you agree or disagree with the various points made.


Nonson