Posted by Jonathan on March 6, 2003, at 2:52:00
In reply to Deferring to Jonathan's Wisdom, posted by Dena on March 5, 2003, at 10:01:42
Welcome back, Dena :)
I don't think wisdom is the right word, in view of what happened to the other thread because of my contribution! I'm *so* sorry that my attempt at humour (the post entitled "Correction" and the last sentence of the previous post) unexpectedly proved to be so controversial. I'm glad that you inferred, correctly, that my intention was only to amuse you and to cause offence to no-one.
I feel very guilty because I wasn't here to respond to the questions which Lou has raised. Thank you for answering so many of them in my absence, and with such wisdom, sensitivity and patience. I feel that you have already dealt with much more than your fair share and hope you will feel able to leave the remainder to me. I shall try to reply to every relevant point that Lou has raised (a task which you have made very much easier for me), but almost certainly more slowly than you would have done; it is not, of course, considered uncivil to spend less time on a thread than the person whose posts one is answering. Lou has made some interesting comments which deserve a considered answer and will receive one, but a dialogue cannot be forced to proceed faster than the participant who has the least time to contribute.
Everything you have said is so clearly expressed that in most cases I can answer Lou's questions about it on your behalf, as you have been doing for me, without risk of misrepresenting your views. I'll let you know if I need further input from you about anything you said; unless you hear otherwise from me, please assume that you are now free from any obligation you may have felt to contribute more to the thread (though, of course, if you choose to say more, you're welcome to do so).
> The One I believe in & follow has some rather exclusionary things to say... perhaps you've found a way to stay true to your faith & yet not offend others. Perhaps I can learn from you.
You've been faring so well on your own that I doubt if you have anything to learn from me. However, because it can be hard to stay true to your faith without saying something that might cause you to be blocked again, I'm concerned that this might happen if you continue to defend my puerile joke as you have. You've already given it much more of your time than it merits, and it's just not worth either the time or the risk for something so trivial. Another thing to consider is that I have never been blocked or cautioned in nearly three years of posting, so I should probably get away with just a warning for a first offence, while you would be blocked for two weeks for saying exactly the same thing.
I've just read your post to Lou in which you explain what is meant by "Orthodoxy". I think it's an excellent explanation, and an example of the way I hoped this thread would develop. I shall, of course, read carefully through all Lou's posts and add to it anything which he seems to require, or which I think should be added, as you requested, along with trying to answer his other concerns. While I don't intend to do this any more slowly than I respond to other posters, like you for example, I don't believe that either Lou or the PB Faith community will be harmed if he receives my replies at my pace rather than yours.
Another reason why I'd be happier if you left these replies to me is because you have so much to say about other matters which I find much more interesting. You are fortunate to be led on your journey toward the roots of the Church by such a remarkable priest, and accompanied by the brave few "embracers" in the congregation. This happens so rarely that I had just assumed, after reading your "family and belief" post to Rayww, that you must have made a personal choice to leave your previous Protestant church and join an already-established Orthodox church. Your true story is even more fascinating.
As I told you, my interest in Orthodoxy was also inspired by a Protestant priest, at university; he is still a priest in the Church of England and always will be, though his faith and life have been greatly enriched by his interest in Orthodoxy, as have mine. The end of your journey will be far from your nondenominational Protestant starting point; it will not be identical to any modern Orthodox church, though it will be closer to Orthodoxy than to other denominations.
One difference I've noticed from your most recent post is that yesterday was Ash Wednesday for you, as it was for the Church of England and all western churches; presumably you will celebrate Easter on 20th April. The Eastern Orthodox churches begin Great Lent next Monday, and their Easter this year will be on 27th April. Assuming that the earlier date will be Easter for most of your families and friends, it makes sense to do likewise unless there is some compelling doctrinal reason for preferring the Orthodox date. My wife and I are looking forward to Easter next year, which will be on the same day, 11th April, for us both!
I must apologize again for causing you to expend so much of your time on my silly attempt at humour, and thank you again for defending it on my behalf until I was able to take over. I hope this unfortunate incident has not deterred you from staying; you have so much to contribute.
Shalom, Jonathan.
poster:Jonathan
thread:206102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20021227/msgs/206364.html