The Mystery of Confession in the Church is far from being a well-described science, with universally accepted rules and guidelines—hence the term mystery. We have, however, perhaps far too long acted as if the science and its application were indeed clear. After forty-two years as a pastor, and some twenty five years prior to that[…..]
Section: Reflections
Confession: A Critical Layman’s Perspective
The sacrament of confession is strongly encouraged for practicing Orthodox Christians throughout our life in the Church. And yet it is rare that a layperson’s perspective on this practice is sought or offered. In the course of my life in the Church I have observed three types of confession: formal, controlling and responsible. While the[…..]
Formed and De-Formed: An Orthodox Christian Reflection on Conscience
The difficulty of writing about conscience lies in its malleability—that is, in its complete dependence on one’s worldview. Conscience is interwoven with a complex tapestry of other human faculties. There exists an ethos of Orthodox Christianity that necessarily loses coherence when put in writing, but when transcribed will help elucidate this perspective on conscience.
Le Visage: The Theological Contribution of Olivier Clément
The French theologian Olivier Clément was born in France in the region of Languedoc into a family that was, in its apparent atheism, far removed from his future life of faith. Despite this upbringing and Clément’s early self-identification as a Mediterranean pagan, his early life was illumined with brilliant flashes of a light from another[…..]
We Catch Fire: Observations on the Transmission of Knowledge
There’s a tradition in Mahayana Buddhism that the Buddha once gave a sermon without uttering a single word. An expectant assembly had gathered around him. Some of them may have sensed from observing him that something remarkable had happened.
In Laughter and Tears
Nearly all Jewish holidays can be summed up in one sentence: They tried to kill us; they failed; let’s eat.The history of the Jewish people— the religion, the race, the ethnicity, the culture—is, not to put too fine a point on it, written in blood.
Everything Happens
The problem of suffering is one of the greatest challenges for the minds of all believers, and the logical and moral problems it poses are perhaps the greatest sources of unbelief for many. While theologians have consecrated volumes to this complex subject, our popular desire for answers and reasons result in a shallow set of[…..]
Julian’s Alleluia
“Luz” walks into the intensive care unit alone. She is slight in stature, timid and wide-eyed, wearing an oversized Red Sox sweatshirt that makes her appear even smaller. As the palliative care chaplain, I await her at the bedside of her dying husband, “Julian.” He was rushed to the intensive care unit by ambulance in[…..]
Pascha is about Love and Life
“Christ is Risen!” is not a routine greeting of the Orthodox forty days a year, but the joyful news that death is no more—even when it seems to remain. Even when it seems like it is inevitable. Christ has risen, and sooner or later the day of our resurrection and meeting with those we love[…..]