Your eminence, thank you for this explanation of evil as being lack of empathy. Yes, as human beings, we have a choice to sink into evil or elavate ourselves. The simplicity with which you explain such matters is truly inspired and inspiring.You have been my 'father' since I became a Christian. I haven't found any orthodox father to teach me and guide me yet. I tried in my small city but no one got back to me and so allow me to thank you for all your help. God bless you.
I really do believe that if more people heard this kind of interpretation of Christian doctrine, we'd have many conversions---and not just that of people becoming Orthodox, but a conversion of the heart and mind.
@blackbette07 The idea was conceived by the great Heresiarch Augustine of Hippo, who is the father of all Western heresies, such as "original sin" (actually, a doctrine of genetic guilt), Purgatory, Limbo and double predestination. Unfortunately, Augustine had a powerful impact on Western thought that totally corrupted the Gospel message.
@allsaintsmonastery Referring to St. Augustine of Hippo as a "heresiarch" doesn't seem very nice. I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate it! What's more, I don't think it's clear from history that he intended to spawn heretical movements, but rather set forth in writing what he sincerely felt were the authentic teachings of the universal Church. It appears to me at least, that he did so with the best of intentions, and thus moderation is called for here as well. After all, we all make mistakes!
@djs259 We all make mistakes, and Western Christianity is still paying a price for Augustine's. There is no stretch by which you could call such gross heresies as Original Sin, double predestination, purgatory, Limbo, the filioque, created grace and the "total depravity of mankind" mere "mistakes." Moreover,Augustine's christology and trinitarian writings often diametrically oppose the teachings of the holy Fathers. No writer in ancient times ever diverged so greatly from the holy fathers.
@allsaintsmonastery But yet, is Augustine not considered a saint by the Eastern Church? I find the idea that even saints can teach heresies very interesting.
@AelfredCyning Augustine has never been considered a Saint in the Orthodox Catholic world. The idea that he was a saint was introduce by ecumenists only in the latter part of the 20th century. Prior to that, no-where in the East was he considered a Saint. There had never been a feastday for him, nor a troparion of kondakion for him. At the best, some referred to his as "blessed," but he has never been considered a Church father or Saint.
@allsaintsmonastery Thanks for the clarification. One more question: if certain teachings that essentially originated with him have been condemned as heresy (have they?), does that not automatically make him a heretic? How could he then be "blessed"? Or is heresy in Orthodoxy not quite as harsh as it is in Rome?
@allsaintsmonastery: I truly enjoy your channel, Your Grace, but I would ask that you clarify your issue with Augustine's sanctity. There are many saints (viz. some Irish saints) that lacked documentation or veneration in the East, but nonetheless, were declared saints and venerated in the West long before the Schism. Are we to disregard or look suspiciously at these saints as well because they weren't Eastern in origin or recognized in Eastern Churches?
@TheCoemgenus Augustine's heresies have been especially destructive. Such doctrines as double predestination, original sin (i.e., genetic guilt), marriage as a venial sin, purgatory, created grace, species of grace, analogia entis, etc. have all been condemned by the Orthodox Christian Church.
@allsaintsmonastery Indeed, Augustine's heretical speculation has led to much lament. However, while I am not attempting to be his apologist, unlike Arius, Augustine (regrettably) was never met with resistance for his teachings. Being ignorant of the Eastern Fathers, his errors can't be compared with Arianism et alia. Had he shown signs of obstinance, I would be less charitable. Thus, I find Fr. Seraphim Rose's position more in line with Orthodoxy than Fr. Romanides.
@djs259 Augustine's heretical teachings are at the root of the Great Schism. It not just that he introduced Gnostic and pagan ideas into Western Chritstianty, but reshaped theology into a neo-Platonism. Some of his doctrines are at the base of neuroses which have haunted the Western religius mind for centuries. Overcoming the influence of Augustine will be the key to re-unification of Christianity.
I must say, I really like this interpretation of evil, and this whole sermon. It is unfortunately very rare that Religious leaders propose moral interpretations that make sense even to those who do not adhere to their doctrine...
Page 312, quote from The Heavenly Banquet:..the more precise meaning of "rescue" is to free one´s own from grave danger. We are God´s property that have become enslaved to sin, and thus came under the captivity of sin. unquote. Read the first 3 Vol of the Philokalia...lots of personal insights.
Vladyka defines evil as "...the complete lack of empathy" in this video. Days after the merciless and barbaric attacks by Al-Qaeda on 9/11, Osama bin Laden cheered the carnage on video footage aired around the globe. On the day that bin Laden was murdered, thousands assembled to cheer the carnage from a raid on his urban compound. Both examples of cheers represent evil by way of Vladyka's definition.
@ioannismiami I think that is correct. Perhaps that is why Christ commanded us to "love your enemy." We have already realised that a nation must defend itself, but actually, people can have empathy with the enemy at the same time, a the Russian women did who rushed to give food and a good word to the captured German soldiers during the WWII. Violence begets violence, evil actions beget evil actions. It is tragic that other people must be killed in order to stop violence.
@allsaintsmonastery Vladyka, the paradox of defending self or nation and extending empathy to an enemy provides one of the greatest challenges to Christians, if not the greatest in terms of demands on conscience. Along these lines, I wish to pose a question. How does one identify his or her enemy? Identifying an enemy is complex, because the process involves more than feelings such as animus, anger or revenge that well up after receiving an unjust act.
Part 2: Often an enemy bears a grudge against a person or institution. Therefore, an enemy could be a person who ruminates over a real or imagined event(s) that harmed him. With sufficient rumination, a grudge develops, allowing the passion of anger to multiply thoughts and feelings such as wishing to harm the person(s) or institution(s) in retaliation. From this perspective, we identify two enemies: the enemy outside ["the other"], and the enemy inside [the "I"] who kindles the animus.
Tell me something Priest? Why do you talk of the fall of Adam & Eve in this video? You did a video series called "Dancing with Unicorns" where you talk of the book of Genesis and how it's just story time. But now you talk like a Creationist, and this magic garden story is somehow true. So which is it, is the story-time of Adam & Eve real, or are humans evolved mutated Apes as Science tells us? This is the danger of religion, you can't speak the truth. Sorry but Satan and God isn't real either.
@gambleor No I don't think truth comes from fiction. If it did then we'd all be flying around on brooms like in Harry Potter. Do you really think the story of Adam & Eve is real? I don't believe it just like I don't believe the stories of magic Devils and Satan and the Gods in the bible. There's just no evidence for them. There's no evidence for Jesus or Souls or Heaven and all the rest of it either. Can't we just be good people without beliefs in nonsense? What's wrong with people's thinking?
@bigboy45454545 There's no way that you made it through school without being able to read between the lines to be able to see the truths that authors attempted to portray through their works. What you're telling me here is that Shakespeare was nonsense. Am I right?
@gambleor What I'm trying to tell you is that I'm a healthy skeptic and a critical thinker. I "believe" things if there's a reason to believe them, and if there's evidence to believe. Do you know what? This can't be said of religion, yours or anybody elses religion. I can enjoy a book of fiction like anybody else. Weather it's Shakespeare or the "so-called" holy bible, I don't believe it's true. There's no evidence for these stories.
@bigboy45454545 Yes, I understand that there's no evidence to support specifically that a Shakespearean play did not literally occur. Shakespeare was not a reporter or historian. Nevertheless, I can almost guarantee that while reading Shakespeare, there have been points during which you saw past the fiction of the story and uncovered the gem of truth that the story is constructed to portray.
@gambleor It's not only Shakespearean which isn't true, there's no evidence to support the stories of Jesus in the bible, or most accounts of the bible. The bible is a book of fiction and yours is called "faith"
Use this powerful tool you call the computer and look up the word "faith" in a Google search or the dictionary. It's basically a belief in something without evidence, usually the third definition in most dictionaries. Are we learning yet?
@bigboy45454545 We don't agree on the bible but we do agree on Shakespearean works and that's why I want to argue from that position. You're using a definition of faith that doesn't fit with the Orthodox Christian worldview. Faith is an orientation of the believer toward the will of God.
Do you or do you not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray truths through their works?
@gambleor Tell you what? You just toddle off and read your bible and continue to be brainwashed. I'll tell you this though, magic isn't real. Take care :-)
@bigboy45454545 You're just dodging the question because you know that if you answer it you'll have painted yourself into a corner. Or did you think that when I said "gem of truth" I actually meant a literal gem? I actually have to ask that question unfortunately because it seems that you don't pick up on allegory very well.
@gambleor I'm not dodging anything. Please ask your question again? If your assumptions are incorrect like your previous line of questions then I'll let you know. Make it quick because I have to go. If I don't get back to your assumptions then I'll do so later, or tomorrow. So spit it out my boy, but ask yourself if what you're asking is a reasonable line of questioning. Religion is not reasonable to start with, so make it a good one or don't bother.
@gambleor "Do you or do you not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray some measure of truth through their works?"
-------------------------
No I do not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray some measure of truth through their works.
What measure of truth are you referring to exactly? If you're referring to the bible authors might I suggest that they didn't know anything. Indeed there's not an adult alive today so ignorant as these authors. Do you understand this?
@bigboy45454545 I agree that we are more educated than the authors of the bible and we have a lot more information to work from, but you're missing the deeper point here. Shakespeare's "Othello" properly portrayed the truth about man's ability to be easily manipulated through the use of his own insecurities. Is that not a truth being portrayed through a fictional narrative?
@gambleor Oh well if we're talking about Shakespeare's "Othello" and not religion then I'm with you. Might I suggest we PM each other in this regard? You mention insecurities here. Isn't that what religion is all about? Well that and ignorance? And I'm out of here. Until tomorrow perhaps? If this topic turns to religion just understand that I'll bury you. :-) Ttys. PM me.
@bigboy45454545 So a literary approach to Adam and Eve is not acceptable to use, but a literary approach to Othello is, despite the fact that they both fall under the classification of fiction? That's either a double standard or you have some kind of alternate explanation for why one form of fiction differs from another. I guess we'll have to do this in PM's afterall.
@gambleor You have sustained a cogent line of questions about truth, with a small "t," which relies on the power of analogic reasoning. The power of analogy proves a formidable opponent to banal materialism that your interlocutor mounts in response. Perhaps given the acumen of your analogic reasoning, your interlocutor has resorted to 'ad hominem' quips such as calling you "boy" rather than "an adult alive today," "brainwashed," and uneducated [cf. "Are we learning yet?"] Sheer pedantry!
@Azathoth59 It's not Latin. I believe that the first one was Serbian, then Greek and I don't know what the third one was. The last one obviously was English. He said "Christ is Risen" in all those languages.
Yes evil exists and as an Orthodox Preacher you're spreading the evil and lies. This is of course because religion is superstitious nonsensical lies that magic sky wizards run the universe.
Dressing religious drag and speaking denominational incantations does not do much for evil. What is evil? It is simply the consciousness that is the result of a state of being that is out of harmony. Virtue is simply to be in harmony with Self, thus with Others. This is the Greatest Commandment, "Love Self, love Others as Self." Evil is the state of consciousness of attachments, taught by Lao-Tsu, the Buddha, Jesus and the author of the Gita, among others. From ignorance arises evil.
@Tao33316 Of course all major thinkers, particularly spiritual thinkers reached a similar conclusion about the nature of evil. It can be termed a "misuse of our energies" also. I cannot speak for other religions, however. They have their own voices. I can only say that, from our point of view, branding peoples and nations as "evil" for the sake of political justifications --- or for any other motive -- is dangerous, inappropriate and untrue.
@Tao33316 more important to the 'what' is evil is the why do we have evil in the world. Why would the mother earth evolve such a being as it did in man only to have him undermine her very nature, nature must be very dumb indeed as to is God !
@Tao33316 And yet Eve ate from the tree of knowledge as did adam but evil still is prevelant ! Would you say anew born baby who has 10 fingers and 10 toes but no knowledge of evil is therefore evil ?
I love how you replied to someone who was trolling by pointing out the kernel of truth in what s/he said. In addition to being honest and non-combatitive, this is actually a decent debate tactic because it helps anyone who felt like what s/he was saying might be part true to see what aspect of it was true that was causing them to think that. This hopefully clarifies what about it is true versus not true.
A very good video your Eminence. I stumbled recently across a video by a person named Robert Sapolsky (I think) who suggested that all religions were literally organised schizophrenia (a bold claim IMO). What do you think ?
@lapkine77 I once took a course from Sapolsky, so i am familiar with his thought. However, there is not enough space in this "reply box" for me to say anything meaningful. Perhaps you could send me an e-mail to my own e-mail address, synaxis at orthodoxcanada org.
Shouldn't the definition of evil as a 'lack of empathy' be refined somewhat to account for realities such as the alexithymia suffered by most with ASDs, etc? I consider evil to be the shade through which Godliness is prohibited from penetrating due to one's self-imposed spiritual disharmony; a void bereft of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In this way lack of empathy is not so much a definition or cause of evil, but more a consequence, and likewise a life of grace is an opening for total empathy
@Uxoriouswidow One might add Borderline Personality Disorder and a few others. Sometimes, what we call evil is a bonafide psychiatric disorder, and some of them can be treated to one degree or another. Some of them cannot be treated, that is, with our present level of knowledge and neuroscience. However, those who chose to follow and obey people like Hitler and Stalin had real spiritual problems that self-created their lack of empathy.
Why do you have your eyes shut for so long while you are talking?
cedonullidude 4 months ago
Your eminence, thank you for this explanation of evil as being lack of empathy. Yes, as human beings, we have a choice to sink into evil or elavate ourselves. The simplicity with which you explain such matters is truly inspired and inspiring.You have been my 'father' since I became a Christian. I haven't found any orthodox father to teach me and guide me yet. I tried in my small city but no one got back to me and so allow me to thank you for all your help. God bless you.
leihkedda 6 months ago
I really do believe that if more people heard this kind of interpretation of Christian doctrine, we'd have many conversions---and not just that of people becoming Orthodox, but a conversion of the heart and mind.
ponyboy1488 9 months ago
Why do Protestants teach that we are totally full of evil when even non christains when they do not have to do good
blackbette07 9 months ago
@blackbette07 The idea was conceived by the great Heresiarch Augustine of Hippo, who is the father of all Western heresies, such as "original sin" (actually, a doctrine of genetic guilt), Purgatory, Limbo and double predestination. Unfortunately, Augustine had a powerful impact on Western thought that totally corrupted the Gospel message.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery Referring to St. Augustine of Hippo as a "heresiarch" doesn't seem very nice. I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate it! What's more, I don't think it's clear from history that he intended to spawn heretical movements, but rather set forth in writing what he sincerely felt were the authentic teachings of the universal Church. It appears to me at least, that he did so with the best of intentions, and thus moderation is called for here as well. After all, we all make mistakes!
djs259 9 months ago
@djs259 We all make mistakes, and Western Christianity is still paying a price for Augustine's. There is no stretch by which you could call such gross heresies as Original Sin, double predestination, purgatory, Limbo, the filioque, created grace and the "total depravity of mankind" mere "mistakes." Moreover,Augustine's christology and trinitarian writings often diametrically oppose the teachings of the holy Fathers. No writer in ancient times ever diverged so greatly from the holy fathers.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery But yet, is Augustine not considered a saint by the Eastern Church? I find the idea that even saints can teach heresies very interesting.
AelfredCyning 6 months ago
@AelfredCyning Augustine has never been considered a Saint in the Orthodox Catholic world. The idea that he was a saint was introduce by ecumenists only in the latter part of the 20th century. Prior to that, no-where in the East was he considered a Saint. There had never been a feastday for him, nor a troparion of kondakion for him. At the best, some referred to his as "blessed," but he has never been considered a Church father or Saint.
allsaintsmonastery 6 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery Thanks for the clarification. One more question: if certain teachings that essentially originated with him have been condemned as heresy (have they?), does that not automatically make him a heretic? How could he then be "blessed"? Or is heresy in Orthodoxy not quite as harsh as it is in Rome?
AelfredCyning 6 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery: I truly enjoy your channel, Your Grace, but I would ask that you clarify your issue with Augustine's sanctity. There are many saints (viz. some Irish saints) that lacked documentation or veneration in the East, but nonetheless, were declared saints and venerated in the West long before the Schism. Are we to disregard or look suspiciously at these saints as well because they weren't Eastern in origin or recognized in Eastern Churches?
TheCoemgenus 2 months ago
@TheCoemgenus Augustine's heresies have been especially destructive. Such doctrines as double predestination, original sin (i.e., genetic guilt), marriage as a venial sin, purgatory, created grace, species of grace, analogia entis, etc. have all been condemned by the Orthodox Christian Church.
allsaintsmonastery 2 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery Indeed, Augustine's heretical speculation has led to much lament. However, while I am not attempting to be his apologist, unlike Arius, Augustine (regrettably) was never met with resistance for his teachings. Being ignorant of the Eastern Fathers, his errors can't be compared with Arianism et alia. Had he shown signs of obstinance, I would be less charitable. Thus, I find Fr. Seraphim Rose's position more in line with Orthodoxy than Fr. Romanides.
TheCoemgenus 2 months ago
@djs259 Augustine's heretical teachings are at the root of the Great Schism. It not just that he introduced Gnostic and pagan ideas into Western Chritstianty, but reshaped theology into a neo-Platonism. Some of his doctrines are at the base of neuroses which have haunted the Western religius mind for centuries. Overcoming the influence of Augustine will be the key to re-unification of Christianity.
allsaintsmonastery 6 months ago
It would seem that baby cuckoos meet this definition of evil.
tifforo1 9 months ago
@tifforo1 Depending, of course, upon whether you consider them to be fully sapient and possessed of a completely free-will.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
I must say, I really like this interpretation of evil, and this whole sermon. It is unfortunately very rare that Religious leaders propose moral interpretations that make sense even to those who do not adhere to their doctrine...
Brandt761 9 months ago
Page 312, quote from The Heavenly Banquet:..the more precise meaning of "rescue" is to free one´s own from grave danger. We are God´s property that have become enslaved to sin, and thus came under the captivity of sin. unquote. Read the first 3 Vol of the Philokalia...lots of personal insights.
davidperi 9 months ago
Vladyka defines evil as "...the complete lack of empathy" in this video. Days after the merciless and barbaric attacks by Al-Qaeda on 9/11, Osama bin Laden cheered the carnage on video footage aired around the globe. On the day that bin Laden was murdered, thousands assembled to cheer the carnage from a raid on his urban compound. Both examples of cheers represent evil by way of Vladyka's definition.
ioannismiami 9 months ago
@ioannismiami I think that is correct. Perhaps that is why Christ commanded us to "love your enemy." We have already realised that a nation must defend itself, but actually, people can have empathy with the enemy at the same time, a the Russian women did who rushed to give food and a good word to the captured German soldiers during the WWII. Violence begets violence, evil actions beget evil actions. It is tragic that other people must be killed in order to stop violence.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery Vladyka, the paradox of defending self or nation and extending empathy to an enemy provides one of the greatest challenges to Christians, if not the greatest in terms of demands on conscience. Along these lines, I wish to pose a question. How does one identify his or her enemy? Identifying an enemy is complex, because the process involves more than feelings such as animus, anger or revenge that well up after receiving an unjust act.
ioannismiami 9 months ago
Part 2: Often an enemy bears a grudge against a person or institution. Therefore, an enemy could be a person who ruminates over a real or imagined event(s) that harmed him. With sufficient rumination, a grudge develops, allowing the passion of anger to multiply thoughts and feelings such as wishing to harm the person(s) or institution(s) in retaliation. From this perspective, we identify two enemies: the enemy outside ["the other"], and the enemy inside [the "I"] who kindles the animus.
ioannismiami 9 months ago
Tell me something Priest? Why do you talk of the fall of Adam & Eve in this video? You did a video series called "Dancing with Unicorns" where you talk of the book of Genesis and how it's just story time. But now you talk like a Creationist, and this magic garden story is somehow true. So which is it, is the story-time of Adam & Eve real, or are humans evolved mutated Apes as Science tells us? This is the danger of religion, you can't speak the truth. Sorry but Satan and God isn't real either.
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 Do you mean to say that one cannot draw truth out of literature that happens to be classified as fiction?
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor No I don't think truth comes from fiction. If it did then we'd all be flying around on brooms like in Harry Potter. Do you really think the story of Adam & Eve is real? I don't believe it just like I don't believe the stories of magic Devils and Satan and the Gods in the bible. There's just no evidence for them. There's no evidence for Jesus or Souls or Heaven and all the rest of it either. Can't we just be good people without beliefs in nonsense? What's wrong with people's thinking?
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 There's no way that you made it through school without being able to read between the lines to be able to see the truths that authors attempted to portray through their works. What you're telling me here is that Shakespeare was nonsense. Am I right?
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor What I'm trying to tell you is that I'm a healthy skeptic and a critical thinker. I "believe" things if there's a reason to believe them, and if there's evidence to believe. Do you know what? This can't be said of religion, yours or anybody elses religion. I can enjoy a book of fiction like anybody else. Weather it's Shakespeare or the "so-called" holy bible, I don't believe it's true. There's no evidence for these stories.
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 Yes, I understand that there's no evidence to support specifically that a Shakespearean play did not literally occur. Shakespeare was not a reporter or historian. Nevertheless, I can almost guarantee that while reading Shakespeare, there have been points during which you saw past the fiction of the story and uncovered the gem of truth that the story is constructed to portray.
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor It's not only Shakespearean which isn't true, there's no evidence to support the stories of Jesus in the bible, or most accounts of the bible. The bible is a book of fiction and yours is called "faith"
Use this powerful tool you call the computer and look up the word "faith" in a Google search or the dictionary. It's basically a belief in something without evidence, usually the third definition in most dictionaries. Are we learning yet?
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 We don't agree on the bible but we do agree on Shakespearean works and that's why I want to argue from that position. You're using a definition of faith that doesn't fit with the Orthodox Christian worldview. Faith is an orientation of the believer toward the will of God.
Do you or do you not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray truths through their works?
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor Tell you what? You just toddle off and read your bible and continue to be brainwashed. I'll tell you this though, magic isn't real. Take care :-)
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 You're just dodging the question because you know that if you answer it you'll have painted yourself into a corner. Or did you think that when I said "gem of truth" I actually meant a literal gem? I actually have to ask that question unfortunately because it seems that you don't pick up on allegory very well.
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor I'm not dodging anything. Please ask your question again? If your assumptions are incorrect like your previous line of questions then I'll let you know. Make it quick because I have to go. If I don't get back to your assumptions then I'll do so later, or tomorrow. So spit it out my boy, but ask yourself if what you're asking is a reasonable line of questioning. Religion is not reasonable to start with, so make it a good one or don't bother.
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 Do you or do you not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray some measure of truth through their works?
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor "Do you or do you not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray some measure of truth through their works?"
-------------------------
No I do not accept that writers of fiction are trying to portray some measure of truth through their works.
What measure of truth are you referring to exactly? If you're referring to the bible authors might I suggest that they didn't know anything. Indeed there's not an adult alive today so ignorant as these authors. Do you understand this?
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 I agree that we are more educated than the authors of the bible and we have a lot more information to work from, but you're missing the deeper point here. Shakespeare's "Othello" properly portrayed the truth about man's ability to be easily manipulated through the use of his own insecurities. Is that not a truth being portrayed through a fictional narrative?
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor Oh well if we're talking about Shakespeare's "Othello" and not religion then I'm with you. Might I suggest we PM each other in this regard? You mention insecurities here. Isn't that what religion is all about? Well that and ignorance? And I'm out of here. Until tomorrow perhaps? If this topic turns to religion just understand that I'll bury you. :-) Ttys. PM me.
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
@bigboy45454545 So a literary approach to Adam and Eve is not acceptable to use, but a literary approach to Othello is, despite the fact that they both fall under the classification of fiction? That's either a double standard or you have some kind of alternate explanation for why one form of fiction differs from another. I guess we'll have to do this in PM's afterall.
gambleor 9 months ago
Comment removed
ioannismiami 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@gambleor You have sustained a cogent line of questions about truth, with a small "t," which relies on the power of analogic reasoning. The power of analogy proves a formidable opponent to banal materialism that your interlocutor mounts in response. Perhaps given the acumen of your analogic reasoning, your interlocutor has resorted to 'ad hominem' quips such as calling you "boy" rather than "an adult alive today," "brainwashed," and uneducated [cf. "Are we learning yet?"] Sheer pedantry!
ioannismiami 9 months ago
I hope I'm not a bother but what do you say at the beginning in Latin(?)?
Anyway I'm not a Christian but I really enjoyed the talk.
Azathoth59 9 months ago
@Azathoth59 It's not Latin. I believe that the first one was Serbian, then Greek and I don't know what the third one was. The last one obviously was English. He said "Christ is Risen" in all those languages.
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor - The third one is Romanian.
melamonastic 9 months ago
@melamonastic Thanks.
gambleor 9 months ago
@gambleor Thanks.
Azathoth59 9 months ago
Yes evil exists and as an Orthodox Preacher you're spreading the evil and lies. This is of course because religion is superstitious nonsensical lies that magic sky wizards run the universe.
bigboy45454545 9 months ago
Dressing religious drag and speaking denominational incantations does not do much for evil. What is evil? It is simply the consciousness that is the result of a state of being that is out of harmony. Virtue is simply to be in harmony with Self, thus with Others. This is the Greatest Commandment, "Love Self, love Others as Self." Evil is the state of consciousness of attachments, taught by Lao-Tsu, the Buddha, Jesus and the author of the Gita, among others. From ignorance arises evil.
Tao33316 9 months ago
@Tao33316 Of course all major thinkers, particularly spiritual thinkers reached a similar conclusion about the nature of evil. It can be termed a "misuse of our energies" also. I cannot speak for other religions, however. They have their own voices. I can only say that, from our point of view, branding peoples and nations as "evil" for the sake of political justifications --- or for any other motive -- is dangerous, inappropriate and untrue.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
@Tao33316 more important to the 'what' is evil is the why do we have evil in the world. Why would the mother earth evolve such a being as it did in man only to have him undermine her very nature, nature must be very dumb indeed as to is God !
vincikd007bg008 9 months ago
@vincikd007bg008
Why we have evil is simple -- because of ignorance.
Tao33316 9 months ago
@Tao33316 And yet Eve ate from the tree of knowledge as did adam but evil still is prevelant ! Would you say anew born baby who has 10 fingers and 10 toes but no knowledge of evil is therefore evil ?
vincikd007bg008 9 months ago
"What is evil?"
One word.
Religion.
Pigdowndog 9 months ago
@Pigdowndog It is undeniable that religion can lead people to do truly evil deeds while convincing them that they are "righteous."
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery
"It is undeniable that religion can lead people to do truly evil deeds while convincing them that they are "righteous."
All the more reason to confront the medieval mindset that perpetuates this superstitious nonsense.
Pigdowndog 9 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery
I love how you replied to someone who was trolling by pointing out the kernel of truth in what s/he said. In addition to being honest and non-combatitive, this is actually a decent debate tactic because it helps anyone who felt like what s/he was saying might be part true to see what aspect of it was true that was causing them to think that. This hopefully clarifies what about it is true versus not true.
tifforo1 9 months ago
A very good video your Eminence. I stumbled recently across a video by a person named Robert Sapolsky (I think) who suggested that all religions were literally organised schizophrenia (a bold claim IMO). What do you think ?
lapkine77 9 months ago
@lapkine77 I once took a course from Sapolsky, so i am familiar with his thought. However, there is not enough space in this "reply box" for me to say anything meaningful. Perhaps you could send me an e-mail to my own e-mail address, synaxis at orthodoxcanada org.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
@allsaintsmonastery I shall make an email then promptly. Thank you so much for taking time to adress this Your Eminence.
lapkine77 9 months ago
Shouldn't the definition of evil as a 'lack of empathy' be refined somewhat to account for realities such as the alexithymia suffered by most with ASDs, etc? I consider evil to be the shade through which Godliness is prohibited from penetrating due to one's self-imposed spiritual disharmony; a void bereft of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. In this way lack of empathy is not so much a definition or cause of evil, but more a consequence, and likewise a life of grace is an opening for total empathy
Uxoriouswidow 9 months ago
@Uxoriouswidow One might add Borderline Personality Disorder and a few others. Sometimes, what we call evil is a bonafide psychiatric disorder, and some of them can be treated to one degree or another. Some of them cannot be treated, that is, with our present level of knowledge and neuroscience. However, those who chose to follow and obey people like Hitler and Stalin had real spiritual problems that self-created their lack of empathy.
allsaintsmonastery 9 months ago
Oh,I'm the first one to see this video.Thanks father for this video and for all the videos.Greetings form Romania.
Lightray3 9 months ago