I have been pondering Orthodoxy of late. One thing that gives me pause is the present-day lack of resistance to the heresy of Universalism, and the promulgation of that heresy by Orthodox Christians. Specifically I have in mind David Bentley Hart's That All Shall Be Saved and Fr. Al Kimel's Destined for Joy: The Gospel of Universal Salvation.
It is clear that all orthodox Christians recognize that Universalism was a heresy which was definitively condemned at the Second Council of Constantinople in 553, and yet the Orthodox bishops seem content to let heretics like Hart and Kimel proceed unopposed. Kimel is even an Orthodox priest. What is going on here? Why are the bishops silent? And can Orthodoxy be said to maintain the ancient tradition of the faith if its bishops will not oppose uncontroversial heresies? It seems to me that this is one of the most pernicious heresies of our age, for it comes from the lips of secular wolves in sheep's clothing and has all the power of Caesar behind it. This is concerning, and raises doubts in my mind about Orthodoxy.
Thanks for your thoughts,
-Zip
It is clear that all orthodox Christians recognize that Universalism was a heresy which was definitively condemned at the Second Council of Constantinople in 553, and yet the Orthodox bishops seem content to let heretics like Hart and Kimel proceed unopposed. Kimel is even an Orthodox priest. What is going on here? Why are the bishops silent? And can Orthodoxy be said to maintain the ancient tradition of the faith if its bishops will not oppose uncontroversial heresies? It seems to me that this is one of the most pernicious heresies of our age, for it comes from the lips of secular wolves in sheep's clothing and has all the power of Caesar behind it. This is concerning, and raises doubts in my mind about Orthodoxy.
Thanks for your thoughts,
-Zip