Why I Became an Orthodox Christian

A brief overview of why I, Fr. Anastasios Hudson, presently an Orthodox priest living in Raleigh, North Carolina, converted to the Orthodox Christian Church.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• orthodox
• christian
• convert
• raleigh

[CarlosMacMartin]

PEACE BE WITH ALL REGARDLESS OF RELIGION

[gocraleigh]

@CarlosMacMartin I agree with peace towards all, but I find that if we try to stand with all, we end up standing with none. That's why I believe in treating everyone with love (I fail at this sometimes) but not affirming all beliefs as equal or worthy of respect. I don't respect the beliefs of Jim Jones, White Supremacists, etc. I don't think most people do, either. I don't think there is anything wrong with being honest about this.

[CarlosMacMartin]

I agree with blocking people when they curse or show great disrespect, but not when stating their difference of opinion on doctrine.Everyone has the right to voice their opinions.

[gocraleigh]

@CarlosMacMartin The Muslim fellow did blaspheme and showed great respect, and also refused to engage me on the points I raised, so I grew tired of him; the Catholic fellow seemed rather immature and incapable of a serious discussion, just throwing quotes around, and was taking away from the discussion IMO. I didn't ban them for their beliefs though, but for their approach.

[CarlosMacMartin]

Agreed the Muslim has some issues that need to be worked out.I would suggest he go up on a mountain and really think about the matter.Any religion that advocates harming other humans or creation is the wrong way to go.Nothing can be gained from hatred.A person has to be truly at peace before being at peace with others.I can proclaim that I am at peace.God has blessed me with a faithful

wife,wonderful children,and a good life.I thank God every waking day for what I have received.

[CarlosMacMartin]

@gocraleigh I understand.I just believe that God gave me a mind to use.To question any & all forms of faith,doctrine,and religions.Not to just take any man's word for absolute truth.

Absolute Truth meaning only One Way...that is exclusive to one group or religion.How

are people supposed to find the truth when so many groups & denominations claim to

have the truth or the only way to salvation? Honestly,it's insanity! I'm not just talking about Christians.

[CarlosMacMartin]

@gocraleigh I understand your point.I just think it's not as complicated as most would think.That's my humble opinion based on my nearly 40 years on this earth.

[CarlosMacMartin]

@gocraleigh True.Any beliefs that advocate hatred or violence towards other humans,

animals,or creation are meaningless and should be ignored.Cults or people who use mind control also should be avoided as well.I would say there are rules that should be followed regardless of faith.I say we should stand with those who have

respect and love for all creation.There's good people in all religions as there is also bad.I choose to socialize with good people regardless of their faith.

[boideye]

Very good testimony Father. I enjoyed listening to you.  I am a Roman Catholic who has recently become a catechumen in the Eastern Orthodox faith. Thank you for your story.

[gocraleigh]

@CarlosMacMartin I am not going to block you because as you said, you are respectful. I blocked the other two fellows for being rude, confrontational, blasphemous, and for dominating the comments section on my video without actually addressing the video itself. To answer your point, I believe that we have to have both a personal and a corporate relationship with God. Union with God also presupposes union with fellow man. One body, one family.

[gocraleigh]

@CarlosMacMartin It's not just about getting forgiveness; it is about being restored to the community, which is why Jesus Christ instituted confession to clergy in the New Testament, as representatives of the Body. We also need guides who have already walked the walk and have learned to teach us; you can only get so far by being self-taught. Those who strike out on their own usually end up in delusion. It's like taking a drive to a new place without a GPS.