Lesson 4: A Living Faith

The biggest challenge in learning about the Faith of the original church is to realize that it embodies a different way of thinking. In our American culture, most forms of Christianity have adapted Christianity to a “Western” mind. This has limited the full understanding of what Jesus taught and passed on to His Apostles. I hope as we go along, you will be able to recognize this. The Orthodox mind assumes a way of thinking beyond that of the rational mind that drives the society we live in. This affects the meaning of words and concepts you may have already learned. For example, the very nature of salvation and sin is quite different from the Orthodox mind. The action of the Holy Spirit is assumed always. And, we don’t limit our understanding to worldly things. When we enter an Orthodox Church, we are entering a heavenly space, one where we will be joined with the angels and all the saints. It is assumed that there is a unity of the heavenly realm with the worldly. Enough for now. I just ask that as you engage in the lessons, you let your mind be open to more mystical concepts. Don’t worry if you find this difficult; it often takes a long time to grasp this difference, given that you were brought up in other Churches here in the United States.

To become Orthodox, you need to be willing to surrender to the teachings of the Church, which includes not only Scripture but also Holy Tradition that has been passed on by the Apostles. This is a surrender to Christ, who is the head of the earthly church. To do this, you need to become comfortable with its foundation, history, and doctrine. Don’t worry, there is nothing that disagrees with Scripture. There is more that comes from Holy Tradition that clarifies and gives you the how.

Explore the topic of faith as understood in the Orthodox faith.

Read Chapter 3 in Orthodox Way: A Catechism for Seekers

View this video: