i find myself currently in a strange--or at least unfamiliar--place as far as Christian beliefs and practices are concerned.
Christianity, to me, often appears to be a lot like politics--with a "left wing" and a "right wing", with "red" and "blue" states of belief and practice--fragmented and lacking in unity/agreement/cooperation/support/understanding/and Love.
For most of the duration of my life as a Christian-- (or, more correctly perhaps, my life seeking to become one)--i have been one the right end of the spectrum as an Eastern Orthodox believer, relishing the history and unchangeableness of Orthodox teachings and practices.
However now, originally seeking to find common ground with my wife in spiritual matters, i have been investigating--and becoming involved--with the opposite end of the spectrum--Protestant evangelical/charismatic beliefs and practices.
Incidentally, i see the spectrum as stretching from SPIRIT CONTROLLED on the left to GUIDELINES CONTROLLED on the right, (as opposed to "liberal" and "conservative") as are usually the demarcations.
Anyway, God APPEARS (i stress this as i don't trust myself very much in spiritual matters) to have shown me that these classifications are man-made and not at all accurate, helpful, or pleasing to Him. It APPEARS that this is not an "either or" situation but a BOTH--both the leading of the Holy Spirit AND the guidance of history, tradition, and parameters is necessary for the Church--and its members--to grow into maturity and service to their Lord and Head, and that leaving off one or the other side of the spectrum leaves things out of balance and lopsided.
As a consequence, for the last several months i have been attending Liturgy at a Russian Orthodox Church and teaching Church-school there for two Sundays a month and also, on alternating weeks, attending a Vineyard Church and being blessed by their "freedom" of worship in the flow of the Spirit.
Many walls have crumbled thus far--especially between my wife and i--and this arrangement SEEMS to have God's blessing. i HONESTLY and WILLINGLY ask Him to let me know if i am in error in regards to my interpretation of what is happening because my main motivation is, i sincerely believe, to do His Will in all things--especially in regards to worshipping Him "in Spirit and in Truth".
Christianity, to me, often appears to be a lot like politics--with a "left wing" and a "right wing", with "red" and "blue" states of belief and practice--fragmented and lacking in unity/agreement/cooperation/support/understanding/and Love.
For most of the duration of my life as a Christian-- (or, more correctly perhaps, my life seeking to become one)--i have been one the right end of the spectrum as an Eastern Orthodox believer, relishing the history and unchangeableness of Orthodox teachings and practices.
However now, originally seeking to find common ground with my wife in spiritual matters, i have been investigating--and becoming involved--with the opposite end of the spectrum--Protestant evangelical/charismatic beliefs and practices.
Incidentally, i see the spectrum as stretching from SPIRIT CONTROLLED on the left to GUIDELINES CONTROLLED on the right, (as opposed to "liberal" and "conservative") as are usually the demarcations.
Anyway, God APPEARS (i stress this as i don't trust myself very much in spiritual matters) to have shown me that these classifications are man-made and not at all accurate, helpful, or pleasing to Him. It APPEARS that this is not an "either or" situation but a BOTH--both the leading of the Holy Spirit AND the guidance of history, tradition, and parameters is necessary for the Church--and its members--to grow into maturity and service to their Lord and Head, and that leaving off one or the other side of the spectrum leaves things out of balance and lopsided.
As a consequence, for the last several months i have been attending Liturgy at a Russian Orthodox Church and teaching Church-school there for two Sundays a month and also, on alternating weeks, attending a Vineyard Church and being blessed by their "freedom" of worship in the flow of the Spirit.
Many walls have crumbled thus far--especially between my wife and i--and this arrangement SEEMS to have God's blessing. i HONESTLY and WILLINGLY ask Him to let me know if i am in error in regards to my interpretation of what is happening because my main motivation is, i sincerely believe, to do His Will in all things--especially in regards to worshipping Him "in Spirit and in Truth".
