I have attended the Divine Liturgy. Orthodox Christianity is a beautiful tradition and the discipline and the way they prescribe to treat other people is lovely and attractive. However, it’s always felt like reconnecting with a former girlfriend with whom you broke up amicably and is a terrific person but you just don’t connect in the way you need to in order to be a successful romantic relationship.
This was a timely post. I’ve been struggling this week with the idea of joining the Orthodox Church and leaving magick behind. Turns out I’m just doing exactly what someone on this part of the journey does by searching for an institution. That was incredibly helpful.
Nice! I’m not sure if you’ve checked out the local orthodox church, but I always like to encourage people to actually go and explore to see for themselves - that way it answers once and for all the ‘what if...’ drama.
On a separate note, it is common these days for a self-conscious western reflex to the loss of religion, with the bizarre spectacle of atheist intellectuals promoting its ‘utility’. And yet it’s arguable Christ did not have in mind the type of church we have (orthodox isn’t as orthodox as it claims. Earliest they go is 4th century. Magia is 2nd century, latest). For a christian perspective that mirrors the empty institute, Jaques Ellul’s ‘Christianity and Anarchy’ is a good read (not to mention ‘The Subversion of Christianity’).
I have attended the Divine Liturgy. Orthodox Christianity is a beautiful tradition and the discipline and the way they prescribe to treat other people is lovely and attractive. However, it’s always felt like reconnecting with a former girlfriend with whom you broke up amicably and is a terrific person but you just don’t connect in the way you need to in order to be a successful romantic relationship.
This was a timely post. I’ve been struggling this week with the idea of joining the Orthodox Church and leaving magick behind. Turns out I’m just doing exactly what someone on this part of the journey does by searching for an institution. That was incredibly helpful.
Nice! I’m not sure if you’ve checked out the local orthodox church, but I always like to encourage people to actually go and explore to see for themselves - that way it answers once and for all the ‘what if...’ drama.
It wasn’t really that long ago I wondered if I should join my local church. Turned out I did need to go, but not with the congregation. ;)
On a separate note, it is common these days for a self-conscious western reflex to the loss of religion, with the bizarre spectacle of atheist intellectuals promoting its ‘utility’. And yet it’s arguable Christ did not have in mind the type of church we have (orthodox isn’t as orthodox as it claims. Earliest they go is 4th century. Magia is 2nd century, latest). For a christian perspective that mirrors the empty institute, Jaques Ellul’s ‘Christianity and Anarchy’ is a good read (not to mention ‘The Subversion of Christianity’).