Acquiring the Orthodox Mindset

[Suzannah]

Chanter spoke a bit about this in the thread here at TAW about the movie the Passion.

I thought it would make an interesting topic for discussion. Will you offer your thoughts as to what exactly the "Orthodox" mindset is, how you define it in words, and any other thoughts about it?

This might be helpful for new people who are struggling with "what the hey is it???"

 

[Oblio]

Just a thought.

Orthodoxy is quite simply a way of life.

It is an transformation, from the wretched men that we are, to attain by the Grace of God, His likeness through prayer, worship, and the Mysteries (Sacraments) of Christ.

 

[CyberSponge]

Just a thought.

Orthodoxy is quite simply a way of life.

It is an transformation, from the wretched men that we are, to attain by the Grace of God, His likeness through prayer, worship, and the Mysteries (Sacraments) of Christ.

Hmm...it makes me think about how in its earliest days, Christianity was simply the "Way." Not a religion. Not a philosophy. Just a way of life and relation to God.

Acts 24:
14But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. 15I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,both of the just and the unjust.

 

[ChoirDir]

A way of life in many ways. We fast twice a week Wednesdays and Fridays besides the other fasting seasons. We fast from sundown before receiving Communion. Our prayers are very much centered on the sinners we are. The joys in our hearts at Pascha is something I never experienced before outside the Church. There is an amazing attention to detail in our services, most notably Holy Week. I have been to other dominations and always found them lacking, not satisfying to the soul. I'm sure I will think of other things as well.

 

[Moros]

Any "mindset" other than your own is dangerous and should not be embraced. Orthodoxy is a lifestyle, a set of rules and routine to guide your life, but it should not be a mindset.

 

[Suzannah]

Hi Osel,

Perhaps I did not explain well. Many Orthodox writers speak of "acquiring the Orthodox mindset". Specifically they are speaking to Western converts. In my view, what it really boils down to is an ability for the Western "sophisticate" to break thru their rationalistic method of faith, and embrace a more mystical Christianity, which Orthodoxy truly is. I don't think anyone means to "acquire" another "mind" or "group mind"....

 

[Photini]

When you start reading the lives of the Saints, the Holy and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers, Elders and Martyrs and their writings...then you start to see examples of how we are to approach and consider the things that happen in our lives, and the many trials and temptations we encounter.

 

[Suzannah]

Thank you Photini!!! Very practical advice. I have taken to reading the posts here in the "Daily" section. I also read the online Prologue of Ohrid but eventually, I will run out of dates,because they haven't posted them all.

I think you are right. I think this is exactly the key....And it ties together with what Oblio and ChoirDir posted also.

Example: the Way of the Pilgrim....shows a simple Christian, not one bogged down in all sorts of theological debate,but one who simply is seeking God in humility. A great lesson for all of us I think..thanks everyone for responding!