www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Loss of Faith

Dear Anamchristi,

Perhaps you need to work out your anger in your own way - as Frank has said, we've said all that we can say.

If you feel you must reject the Church, that it has, as you say, lost all credibility for you, then we will pray for you as you go your way as well.

The test of Christ is not whether you will remain in the Church or not as a precondition of our love.

The test of Christ is whether we will continue to love you even after you have left.

And, believe me, we will.

Go with God!

Alex

You obviously didn't read all the responses. The fact that some were abused by homosexuals is because of their own experience. Abuse of authority, not power, is the result of ANY network, homosexual or not, that looks out for themselves and their little behinds rather than the Church.

I don't know of any institution, even the family, where power politics and favoritism (or any other ism) doesn't exist. People play games and blow smoke up other peoples' *sses everywhere, not just the church.

None dare call the Holy Spirit a game player or deceiver!

The Holy Spirit is working overtime. Unfortunately, many in the church are working for themselves and getting their just rewards and applause. Great is the day for everyone, the Church, when we all cooperate with the Spirit, the true driving force.

Joe

Anam,

Your mind is already made up, I see. Nobody has driven you from the faith but yourself. Faith, not a good argument, brings us closer to God. You obviously allowed the sins of others to be your reason ... err, excuse to disassociate yourself from His Church. You and you alone.

It is the greater sin to be convinced that the Holy Spirit is powerless against sin. Can we state that your condition is the worst offense to God? It is one thing to sin, it is another things to reject the idea that God can forgive sins.

Your state in life, Anam, might be more critical than you may lead us to believe. If you wish to hold true the notion that the Evil One is greater or has won over any salvific acts of Jesus the Christ, then you may be in a faster sinking boat than any homosexual or power politik dolt.

I suggest that you better re-evaluate what 'via' you have chosen to take your journey. It is quite obvious that the via of life has no power over then one that torments you at the current time.

I shared a bit of my own experiences with church politiks. Like most others life experiences, you simply brushed them off as insignificant. Mind you, many people, including those who post here, have had horrible experiences with clergy and bishops ... but decide to remain. Sin is not a monopoly of just clerics though we find ourselves picking on them because they should know better.

The Valley of Darkness can sometimes make us stronger. Your high level of consciousness to the reality of sin should serve as a rudder into better waters. You know where the rocks underneath are.

Speaking about 'rocks,' maybe you should be the first to throw one at the nearest sinner that detests you so much? Jesus asked those who have not sinned to be the first to throw them. Will you be the first to throw a rock?

Let us know if you are worthy of being the first to throw a rock at a sinner.

Joe

4. Fron the morning watch until night let Israel trust in the Lord.


(t.1) "On the eighth day the Saviour came to the doubting disciples.
He granted them peace and said to Thomas:
"O Apostle, come and touch my hands which were pierced by nails."
How wonderful is this doubt of Thomas!
It brought the hearts of believers to the knowledge of God.
Therefore, he cried out with fear:
"My Lord, and my God, glory to You!"

From Sunday of Thomas
Great Vespers.