but the thing is, Orthodoxy as a worldview and a religion, cant be even injured by those who dont actually practice the Faith

its literally basically impossible for doctrine to be changed, due to the Church Council System

Some bishops in America might be fucking lame, but they cant change the Faith

Interesting.

yeah we havent had a church council to clarify or change dogma in like 1200 years

The bible hasn't said anything new in a very long time. That was part of my issue years ago.

well the funny thing is, the bible is just a publication of the Church

We compiled it at the Council of Nicea

Sure

It was never supposed to be a stand alone document

its to be read and understood WITHIN the church

so without the church to ground you, youre just barreling off into the wilderness

Yeah

Growing up in the Pentecostal movement, i've seen how poorly interpreted scripture can ruin lives.

It just takes one jackass to ruin Christianity in protestantism

Each protestant pastor is his own Pope

In Orthodoxy, the clergy are held to hierarchy and tradition

Matt what was your religious tradition before Orthodoxy?

Catholic

oh ok

that makes sense

My grand parents, while not terrible people, were convinced by the Word of Faith movement. Which was started by Kenneth Hagin.

lots of good people get led into some goofy stuff, my wife grew up Seventh Day Adventist Church of God

I've seen a lot of terrible things in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement.

I even worked in a mega-church in my late teens.

Saw a lot of corruption there.

yeah, if clergy arent held to a vow of poverty, i instantly discount them tbh

Million dollar deals behind closed doors while the church members lived off welfare.

While asking the church members for more money.

Ha

"IF YOU ONLY GIVE MORE OF YOUR PAYCHECK, GOD WILL BLESS YOU AND YOU TOO CAN BE A MILLIONARE FOR CHRIST!!!"

the reason Roman priests wear collars, something I like, is because it marks them as a servant of not only God, but of the people. Clergy are to serve, the people do not serve the clergy

most Orthodox priests have a real day job

monks in monasteries make furniture, paint icons, grow a lot of their own food, do odd jobs for the townspeople etc

Clergy are to serve, in poverty and chastity

I've always admired that kind of clergy.

its the only legitimate kind

Surely.

Russian Orthodoxy ftw

heh