1. What is the Orthodox position regarding violence? (Note: I do not separate considerations of 'individual violence' and 'warfare'.)
There are differing opinions on this, but violence is never good and even a soldier must have a time of penance for killing.
On the extreme side, there are monks who try to not kill even insects.
2. What is the Orthodox position regarding the State? (Note: I know that the Roman Catholic church in particular has a long history of being intermingled with the business of various States. Does the Orthodox Church turn its back instead? Does the Orthodox Church deny or affirm the moral validity of the post-Old Testament, man-made State apparatus?)
The Orthodox have a long history with the State as well, though in a different manner.
3. What is the Orthodox position on the notion of 'natural law'?
The Orthodox Church understands that everything must be understood from the top down, so to speak, therefore the notion of
natural law is foriegn to our theological understanding.
4. What is the Orthodox position on gambling? (Note: "Excessive" gambling need not be considered. I'm interested in the position on gambling as such--Poker, Blackjack, etc.)
Differing opinions.
5. What is the Orthodox position on polygyny? (Note: Would Orthodox missionaries, upon finding themselves in a culture where polygyny is commonly practiced, be expected to teach against this particular custom or not? Would he be allowed to condone it if a local asked of its permissibility?)
One man, one wife. Better read your NT again.
6. What is the Orthodox position on nudity? (Note: I know firsthand the Puritan-esque attitudes toward nudity within Protestantism, and I'd like to know, for instance, what an Orthodox would say about cultures in Africa and Asia where people live day-to-day in a more or less nude manner. Considersations of nude beaches found within places not stymied by a inappropriate contentography-and-Victorian-sensibilities-laden culture may also be offered.)
The Church teaches modesty. Most Protestants have done quite a lot to shed any resemblance to Puritan/Victorian "sensibilities". I think the entire culture would do well to learn a thing or two from the old Mennonites and Amish.
7. What is the Orthodox position on smoking? (Note: Again, "excessive" smoking need not be considered. I'm interested in the position on smoking as such.)
There is none.
8. What is the Orthodox position on biological evolution? (Note: I'm not here making reference to abiogenesis. I'm making reference only to the alleged common ancestry of species.)
Differing opinions.
9. What is the Orthodox position regarding God's knowledge? (Note: I know most in Protestant circles like the bandy about the term 'omniscience.' However, many others are now being drawn to the concepts of 'open theism' in which God deliberately withholds his knowledge about some things, takes some [very educated] risks, and experiences affective states such as suffering, surprise, joy, etc., as part of a relational ontology with his Creation.)
God's knowledge is an uncreated energy.
10. What is the Orthodox position regarding eternal damnation/universal reconciliation? (Note: I'd heard that there is no 'official' position on this, and that in fact Saints of the Orthodox tradition have taught both ways without being reprimanded. True?)
The notion that all will be saved as a matter of necessity is considered heretical. There is nothing wrong with the belief that, through God's mercy, it is possible that all will be saved.
11. What is the Orthodox position on spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and the interpretation thereof, prophecy, dreams, visions, and otherwise being 'filled with the Holy Spirit,' etc.? (Note: For instance, have you observed anyone in an Orthodox service pray in tongues? If this would be abnormal, what kind of reaction would you expect, on the whole, if such a thing were to occur?)
Miracles in the Church are abundant.
12. What is the Orthodox position on the marital relations of husband and wife? (Note: Protestantism seems to have a split in this area, where many claim that, at least in moments of irreconcilable differences, wives are to follow the lead of their husbands. Others claim egalitarianism or bust.)
The man is the head of the family, as Christ is the head of the Church. It's rather clear.
*I think you meant marital relationship*
13. What is the Orthodox position on the ontology of Mary, Jesus's mother? (Note: I know the Roman Catholics seem to have a very highly esteemed conception of her, whereas protestants see her as little more than any other minor character in the story of Jesus.)
Ontologically, she is a human being like the rest of us.
Mary the Mother of God, Theotokos, holds a very special place in the hearts of all Orthodox. She is the Mother of our God, and therefore our Mother. The Chief of the Saints, so holy that she was chosen to bear the Son.
14. What is the Orthodox position on prayer? (Note: Do Orthodox members pray directly to anyone other than God himself? If so, to whom, and why?)
Of course. We pray also to the Saints and the Angels.
An older definition of prayer is to beseech.
15. What is the Orthodox position on birth control? (Note: I know this may seem like a silly question, but I know the Roman Catholics condemn it and I have no idea what the Orthodoxy is doing with this issue.)
Sex is a life-creating act. To intentionally divide it from this purpose is a sin.
Some will argue otherwise, but it is the universal teaching of the Saints of the Church. Even Protestants universally agreed with this not to long ago.
16. What happens, start-to-finish, in a Sunday morning Orthodox service? What would I be expected to wear (suit, tie, belt, etc.?)? I've never been!
Dress respectfully and modestly.
(its a Copt thing....
)
