This is going to sound like a stupid question...

[Dorothea]

...
But I’m going to ask it anyway. I actually have two questions. I’ve been reading posts on these forums for a month or so, since I joined. The first question is why do some Orthodox feel that they are drawn to other religions enough that it sounds as if they may lose their Orthodox faith for this religion? I don’t understand this. Yes, I’m a cradle Orthodox, but I didn’t grow up in church, but a handful of times, and my dad was Presbyterian throughout my years of growing up. My family and I didn’t come into our church until, I was in my early 20s, for me personally, around 10 years ago, and I’ve never had a feeling or inkling of wanting to be another religion or denomination. I’ve been studying up on my faith and learning a lot, and continue to. I just don’t understand this “pull” or what have you that some Orthodox on here have talked about. :confused:

My other question is in regards to some Orthodox here who feel they have lost their faith or worry that they are losing their faith when they’ve debated or talked with an atheist. I don’t understand this either. Could you all explain to me about this? Maybe because I’ve never been another religion or denomination, it’s hard to comprehend. I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone with these questions. I truly did not mean it to be offensive. Please forgive me. :sorry: :blush: :confused:

[MariaRegina]

Dorothea,

Maybe it has to do with western instability due to the growth of protestantism.

Ever since the Reformation, the Protestants and Anglicans have been introducing changes. They have no pope or patriarch to guide them with the result that each person feels that they themselves have divine inspiration and infallibility, and that the Holy Spirit will guide them to the truth without the need of Holy Tradition, the Church Fathers, etc.

So, yes, we Westerners have become very unstable in our faith because we feel that we can determine our own brand of worship or start our own church. If we disagree with the current pastor and church board, we move to another church or start our own denomination.

We are taught in our schools that we are beholden to no one, not even Christ, whom we create in our own image. We forget that we are created in the image of Christ, not the other way around.

Sorry for the use of the editorial "we" but with this new open board policy, I didn't want to name names.

[Philothei]

I guess it is easy to become defensive if you know the "Truth" and Orthodoxy has most of it. We are the true faith and we get frustrated when others either missunderstand us or they consiously accuse us. I am a craddle also, baptized as a baby and going to church up to my early teens then dropped out and joining again in my early adulthood. My family were firm believers and I grew up also as a believer. I did not want to join any other church so that much I identify with you, but when it comes to being "defensive" I know I am very much so... it is part of me.... Did that made any sense?

[Dorothea]

I guess it is easy to become defensive if you know the "Truth" and Orthodoxy has most of it. We are the true faith and we get frustrated when others either missunderstand us or they consiously accuse us. I am a craddle also, baptized as a baby and going to church up to my early teens then dropped out and joining again in my early adulthood. My family were firm believers and I grew up also as a believer. I did not want to join any other church so that much I identify with you, but when it comes to being "defensive" I know I am very much so... it is part of me.... Did that made any sense?
Very much so, Philothei. Thank you!

Thanks, Aria. Your explanation makes a lot of sense to me as well. :)

[rusmeister]

Also, I've only seen a couple of these, and one of those was pretty much a sock puppet. Maybe I missed some threads, but there has been no wave of people running FROM Orthodoxy.