I'm Scared...

[AJB4]

...it comes and goes in phases... I'm kind of scared of my future, away from the CoC. I've grown up there, and if I do leave, they'll condemn me to hell.

I'm still scared they're right, and I kind of feel like for every argument Orthodoxy have, there's an argument that they have...it's been a long time since I was mortally afraid...now it's just little twinges of fear every now and then.

 

[MariaRegina]

Fear is from the devil.

Trust in God, of whom shall you be afraid?

 

[Knowledge3]

Romans 8.1 There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to flesh, but according to Spirit.

 

[Jacob4707]

...it comes and goes in phases... I'm kind of scared of my future, away from the CoC. I've grown up there, and if I do leave, they'll condemn me to hell.

I'm still scared they're right, and I kind of feel like for every argument Orthodoxy have, there's an argument that they have...it's been a long time since I was mortally afraid...now it's just little twinges of fear every now and then.

Well, if the CoC is right, I wouldn't want to be in their heaven anyway, because they consider so few people as qualifying to go there that it would be about as empty and joyless as the space in an atom relative to the space occupied by the nucleus.

I can state emphatically that your fears re: the Church of Christ are misplaced.

But what do I know, eh?

 

[Orthosdoxa]

I can state emphatically that your fears re: the Church of Christ are misplaced.

I second that. Their history is a recent one - if they are correct, then everyone who was born before Alexander Campbell is burning in hell, because they have NO evidence AT ALL of having any connection to the early Church.

 

[Philothei]

I second that. Their history is a recent one - if they are correct, then everyone who was born before Alexander Campbell is burning in hell, because they have NO evidence AT ALL of having any connection to the early Church.

what she said and Jacob.

Also why would you want to belong to a church like the CoC then?
Ease off your anxiety and pray with the psalms...
Philothei

 

[Chocolatesa]

I'll pray for you. The Orthodox Church is the right place to be.

 

[AJB4]

I'll pray for you. The Orthodox Church is the right place to be.

I'm almost certain of that. lol

 

[Theophorus]

...it comes and goes in phases... I'm kind of scared of my future, away from the CoC. I've grown up there, and if I do leave, they'll condemn me to hell.

I'm still scared they're right, and I kind of feel like for every argument Orthodoxy have, there's an argument that they have...it's been a long time since I was mortally afraid...now it's just little twinges of fear every now and then.

Well, if you do choose to convert, you get a period of time to make sure; you would initially be a catechuman. There would be a period of months to years before you would receive communion. You could always repent and be welcomed back at your congregation during this time.

 

[AJB4]

Well, if you do choose to convert, you get a period of time to make sure; you would initially be a catechuman. There would be a period of months to years before you would receive communion. You could always repent and be welcomed back at your congregation during this time.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for becoming Orthodox...I just feel like any person would who grew up in the CoC and then was going to leave, I guess.

 

[Theophorus]

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for becoming Orthodox...I just feel like any person would who grew up in the CoC and then was going to leave, I guess.

I know. It was tough for me. I was in a position of responsibility.....

 

[Thekla]

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for becoming Orthodox...I just feel like any person would who grew up in the CoC and then was going to leave, I guess.

or who grew up anywhere, and were going to "leave"

I think its a rough process, no matter what your background. But there is the benefit in this process of prayerfully discovering things about yourself, and your priorities.

Don't let your imagination get the best of you. My mom always used to say to me, when putting medicine on my cuts, "don't cry until it hurts". I still tell myself that -- so I don't get nervous about what hasn't happened yet. Not always easy, though

Prayers for you !

 

[Theophorus]

AJB4,

Whatever you do, try to follow the path of virtue. Reading the neptic fathers will help, regardless of your communion, also concentrate on the gospels and psalms when struggling.

 

[ma2000]

My prayers, Aaron.

 

[SeraphimSarov]

I had to turn my back on the Roman Catholic pope I defended for all those years. It ain't ever easy.

 

[MariaRegina]

I had to turn my back on the Roman Catholic pope I defended for all those years. It ain't ever easy.

Moi aussi.

Surprisingly, I didn't have dreams that I would roast in hell for renouncing the papacy as some Catholics wished.

However, I did dream I was in hell once when I thought of leaving Orthodoxy.

My Orthodox Priest helped me through that one temptation.

 

[Kvikklunsj]

AJB4 - It's not an easy thing to do (still struggling myself ) but I'm sure you'll be glad to finally take that step.

 

[DavidBryan]

I second the reading of the psalms. No. 64-69 (that's 65-70 in Protestant Bibles) are wonderful for remembering the glory and sovereignty of God. You can read a great version of these particular psalms (easy to chant, too) right here.

Here's the whole psalter, too.

 

[InTheCloud]

Well at least if you become Orthodox you will have a complete Bible! Something that the CoC cannot say.

 

[nikolayalexandroff]

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps 27:1)