(The following is a rough manuscript of my presentation at St. Basil the Great (Antiochian) Orthodox Church in Hampton on Saturday, June 24th. Somewhere in mid speech, I attempted to make some changes off the cuff. Those who heard my talk say it was great. Of course, I am my own worst critic. A link to … More The Need to Know
In his autobiography, Malcolm X stated that the Desert Fathers were the founders of Christian Church structure (1). He also briefly mentioned St. Augustine as a defender of Church doctrine against heresy (2). While Malcolm said these things specifically in is critique of white racism in Christianity, he does make an incidental point that should … More The Desert Fathers: A Beacon for Evangelism
This is why God does not open His hand; because we have closed up our hearts to our brothers and sisters. This is why the fields are arid; because love has dried up. St Basil, In Time of Famine and Drought (1) It is not hard to find finger-pointing from both sides of the … More Reconciliation On Social Justice: Nineveh’s Repentance
Originally posted on The Modern Monastic Order Of Saint Simon of Cyrene:
Imagine being a young black pastor in the segregated south and you have been called upon to lead a movement against injustice. The demonstration is having some success and the supporters of the evil structure have constantly threatened and denounced what you are…
For our money is the Lord’s, however we may have gathered it. If we provide for those in need, we shall obtain plenty. This is why God allowed you to have more; not to waste it on prostitutes, drink, fancy food, expensive clothes, and all other kinds of indolence, but for you to distribute to … More Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: We Own Nothing
Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common. and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all, as anyone had need. … Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the thins he possessed was his … More Reconciliation On Social Justice: A Society Within A Society
If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me. When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. —– Matthew 19:21, 22 Although you say you have never murdered, … More Reconciliation On Social Justice: The Consequences of Low Aim
Shall I show you another bed? I mean Jacob’s. He had bear ground underneath him and a stone under his head. For this reason, he saw the spiritual Rock and the ladder where the angels were ascending and descending. St. John Chrysostom, First Sermon on Lazarus and the Rich Man Jacob was a deceiver who … More Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: Jacob’s Soldierly Comfort
Do you wish to see what makes a bed truly beautiful? … I am showing you the bed of David. Not one adorned all over with silver and gold, but with tears and confessions. St. John Chrysostom, First Sermon on Lazarus and the Rich Man As we are at the beginning of Great Lent, it … More Reconciliation On Wealth and Poverty: Repentance Fit for a King
In our modern political argument of conservatism vs. liberalism, I couldn’t help but notice that almost no one on either side was making use of two of the most powerful patristic works in Christian literature. On Wealth and Poverty by John Chrysostom and On Social Justice by Basil the Great have stood the test of … More Reconciliation to God: My Lenten Reading Assignments
