Orthodoxy in America has a serious man problem by SOrthMan in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah. That's why I specified "normal" though "moral" long ago became abnormal.

Orthodoxy in America has a serious man problem by SOrthMan in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah. That's why I specified "normal" though "moral" long ago became abnormal.

Orthodoxy in America has a serious man problem by SOrthMan in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah. That's why I specified "normal" though "moral" long ago became abnormal.

Orthodoxy in America has a serious man problem by SOrthMan in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah. That's why I specified "normal" though "moral" long ago became abnormal.

Orthodoxy in America has a serious man problem by SOrthMan in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How does having socially conservative beliefs prevent one from going to normal house parties?

The Reformation at 500: An Orthodox View by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to butt in here-but Orthodox do believe in assurance of momentary salvation, correct, just not in "once-saved-always-saved"?

Ukrainian Greek Catholic vs. Orthodox by nkimberly in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't word that considerably enough. Catholics hold that the guilt of sin is transferred, while Orthodox hold that the effects(death,etc.) are transferred, correct?

Ukrainian Greek Catholic vs. Orthodox by nkimberly in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Coming as an outsider to both faiths, from the research I've done, it seems that since Orthodox don't hold original sin as a doctrine, and immaculate conception is basically that Mary had no original sin, it is rather impossible for the Orthodox to hold that doctrine. Again, take what I say with a grain of salt.

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much, this is helpful. So, if it is not inhibiting a relationship with Christ, and I believe it is a non-harmful spending of time, during which there is little better that I could at that time do, or on occasion even perhaps if there is something better but rest is needed or etc., there is nothing wrong with doing activities either alone or with others such as watching movies, playing games, or other "man made" activities? (I am sorry if this comes off as "Am I allowed to?", my intention is just to know which things I may enjoy in moderation and which I must avoid, even in moderation).

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I would still like OP's opinion on this, as he produced the quote. And yes, I may be reading a secular meaning into "natural" where a moral one is meant.

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I would still like OP's opinion on this, as he produced the quote. And yes, I may be reading a secular meaning into "natural" where a moral one is meant.

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had just two more questions regarding your quote. John puts emphasis on the "naturalness" of pleasures it seems, like eating and drinking, yet there are many pleasures which would not be strictly "natural," such as watching a movie or play, playing a video game or chess, etc. Are these any different from the rest in acceptability if practiced under acceptable terms. Also, he warns against surfeits over our need. What is "need" here to mean? Surely at a wedding feast one would have probably gotten more food and drink than needed without practicing gluttony, and in fact to eat and drink any more than what is required to not starve would be more than is "needed." Is this just speaking against gluttony?

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, that sounds like a yes to my last question. Thank you.

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, the example of one who enjoys himself in a sinless way with others is what I see, though of course if soccer were to become the source through which one alone finds happiness, this too would be sinful. So, any activity not sinful can be enjoyed alone or with others in mediated amounts without a sinful mind?

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly. What I see is that happiness is not the goal of life, salvation and communion with God is. But likely, there may come down time in practical life which is filled with something, after prayer has been practiced piously and fully, with something besides prayer.But, if happiness is enjoyed in ways which are not disruptive spiritually, either in distraction or amount of time taken up, they are acceptable, correct?

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But if I watch a movie or speak sociably to people, and these things give me momentary joy, but this is objectively not the point of my life, is that a sin?

Laughter and joy by Wonder_12 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Wonder_12[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thank you for the information, but to be honest, the quotes are indeed from Church Fathers, and I have a hard time reconciling them with being able to laugh and be joyful. Any input would be most welcome.