A good Chrysostom quote

[Servus Iesu]

My mother found this reading Chrysostom, and I looked it up online:

But since our discourse has now turned to the subject of blasphemy, I desire to ask one favor of you all, in return for this my address, and speaking with you; which is, that you will correct on my behalf the blasphemers of this city. And should you hear any one in the public thoroughfare, or in the midst of the forum, blaspheming God; go up to him and rebuke him; and should it be necessary to inflict blows, spare not to do so. Smite him on the face; strike his mouth; sanctify your hand with the blow, and if any should accuse you, and drag you to the place of justice, follow them thither; and when the judge on the bench calls you to account, say boldly that the man blasphemed the King of angels! For if it be necessary to punish those who blaspheme an earthly king, much more so those who insult God. It is a common crime, a public injury; and it is lawful for every one who is willing, to bring forward an accusation. Let the Jews and Greeks learn, that the Christians are the saviours of the city; that they are its guardians, its patrons, and its teachers. Let the dissolute and the perverse also learn this; that they must fear the servants of God too; that if at any time they are inclined to utter such a thing, they may look round every way at each other, and tremble even at their own shadows, anxious lest perchance a Christian, having heard what they said, should spring upon them and sharply chastise them.

I think I like St. John Chrysostom because he is so contrary to the sensibilities of the modern western liberal. If someone blasphemes God, physically assault them! I think we could use more of his militancy today.

 

[Protoevangel]

 

[SeraphimSarov]

Imagine the chaos if everyone in the U.S. literally did this...

 

[repentant]

St. John Chrysostom is the best. But of course, I would still ask my SF about this, before I go knocking people out..

 

[MariaRegina]

I was always taught that when encountering anyone who has blasphemed, the best response is to pray.

So if they blaspheme perhaps unknowingly and take the name of Jesus in vain, then the right thing to do is to say:

"Blessed be the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God."

 

[repentant]

I was always taught that when encountering anyone who has blasphemed, the best response is to pray.

So if they blaspheme perhaps unknowingly and take the name of Jesus in vain, then the right thing to do is to say:

"Blessed be the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God."

This does seem the more Christian approach. But I can't argue St. John Chrysostom. Of course we must also understand what he meant, and to whom he was speaking to. This is why I want to ask my SF about this...allthough, I probably would never do it..hit people I mean..