Comments on: Turning the World Upside Down: Five Ideas for Orthodox Christian College Students

By: Michael Bauman

Michael Bauman — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 13:50:18 +0000

It is not just the reminders, but the modeling that counts. Are we, the older generation, convert and cradle alike willing to stand up for the teachings of the Church?

Sunday, my priest preached on not being ashamed of Jesus Christ and the many opportunities we have to either confess Him or be ashamed of Him. My priest focused on three: Chastity, Truth and Judgment.

All Christians are called to be chaste, i.e, not to follow the lusts of the flesh but strive for purity of heart. The world celebrates all sorts of excess and licentiousness and attempts to shame those who believe and act otherwise.

All Orthodox Christians are committed to the Truth both in the person of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Church, morally and dogmatically. Truth is not relative. The world tells us that to insist on absolute truth is archaic and discriminatory. Every philosophy of truth has the same value if “it is right for you”. The world rejects that truth in the person of Jesus Christ, the fullness of the truth is in Him and His Church: “No man comes to the Father except through me” falls on deaf ears

Similarly, we are not to ‘judge’ which for the world means not holding to a absolute standard of truth and moral behavior. The world absolutely rejects the idea that some things are unlawful.

What do our sons and daughters see when they look at us: integrity, faithfulness, chastity or “going along to get along or ahead”?

Everyone who lives in the world makes compromises and there has always been corruption, malfeasance and heresy in the Church, God forgive, but if our children don’t see that we are seeking union with Christ and are not ashamed of Him, why should they be any different?

If we don’t forgive and pray for our enemies, why should they?

No ‘youth program’ will ever do as much as parents who live the life of the Church with persistence and joy, traditionong that life to their children. Anything else reeks of hypocrisy which young people naturally flee.

I look at my own son and I tremble with what he has to face in the years to come, but I am also hopeful because he is a stronger and better man than am I. His weaknesses he got from me, his strengths are his own–forged in faith with his own inter-relationship with our Lord. He gives me strength to finish my own race. Glory to God.

By: John R. Meese

John R. Meese — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 19:28:18 +0000

In reply to Alexis. Actually, Andrew refers to this on point #2 "Morality Matters" when he states, "Being Orthodox means being moral and embracing what the Church has taught for centuries on such issues as sex, abortion, capital punishment and marriage." (emphasis mine)

By: Alexis

Alexis — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 15:15:16 +0000

Great article but with a glaring exception, which is the center and crux of any moral society: #6. Orthodox Christianity is Pro Traditional Marriage. This is a very important point to drive home. Natural law is God’s Law and is therefore inviolable. The traditional family is the basic unit – the cornerstone – of a stable and moral civilization. There should have been a sixth point. Finally, it is important if you are teaching the Orthodox Christian collegians these very important essential aforementioned “Truths,” that you have the unwavering backing and example of the hierarchs, priests, monks, nuns, etc., and not lip service. It must be addressed more frequently with fervor than it already is from the pulpits on Sundays.

By: Hieromonk Joshua

Hieromonk Joshua — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 17:34:50 +0000

This is a truly wonderful word to all Orthodox Christians no matter the superficial distinctions! What our Holy Faith in this distressed land needs is true Orthodox Christian leaders who, no matter the weakness, will be vulnerable to God’s grace and mercy and be a “voice crying out in the wilderness” going forward in Orthodox Faith saying and living: “Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand!”

The Lord needs you who are young to be convinced of the truth and authenticity of Christ’s Holy Church and share this with all in your lives! This is why we were Baptized, Chrismated and Eucharisted! Not only for our salvation but to be instruments of God for the salvation of all we meet by both word and deed! The Holy Spirit, we are all Temples of the Holy Spirit, will lead you in all holy creativity as to how you share Christ’s Holy Orthodox Faith in His Holy Orthodox Church with those He brings into your lives.

Seeing you young people excited about the ancient yet ever new Orthodox Faith and your love of God and willingness to share this most Holy Church reminds me of my “First Love” and the zeal I had when young and my need to get back to that zealous love again!

God bless you Andrew and all those God calls to work and lead with you! We need and love all of you +