www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology What would you say . . .

to a priest who said

"I have a real problem with people who say that there is no other Name in Heaven or on earth than Jesus by which we are to be saved."

I honestly was so shocked I left speechless and I don't often find myself speechless. I mean it seems to be a direct rejection of a line in one of the Pauline Epistles. Or am I off base?

BTW, this is not something quoted out of context. It was part of a general rant concerning how we must expand ourselves and become more "inclusive."

BOB

Theophan,

The first thing I would do, before anything else, is pray for this priest.

Second, if the opporunity arises in which you have a chance to speak with him again, or if you feel compelled to confront him on this issues, perhaps you could refence the quote from one of St. Paul's Epistles.

Thirdly, if you feel there is more serious errors in the priest's theology, I would consider taking this to your local hierarch. It is one thing for someone to hold his/her own beliefs to themsevles, yet when something like this is said in a public discourse, then IMO it is a serious issue.

Lastly, Anathema!! http://deacon.ru/attend/papkov4.mp3

But in all seriousness, I would pray for this priest. Pray for him especially on the approaching Feast of Pentecost.

-uc

I'd probably ask him what Jesuit university he was from.

Bob

Was this guy ByzCath or RC ?

Dear Bob,

IF this priest said this to suggest that one may pick and choose other faiths at will, then he should be reported to his bishop.

Alex

Brothers and Sisters:

Christ is Risen!! Indeed He is Risen!!!

I have been in utter shock with his progressive syncretism. We've been treated to pantheism in a sermon at Vespers during the First Sunday of Advent: "Jesus is no more present in the Host than in the monstrance that holds it. He's also just as present in the pews as He is (there)." He also said that this is the doctrine of immanence--something condemned by Pope St. Pius X in Pascendi Gregis. In other words, God is NOT the totally Other Who has revealed Himself to us but a god who is wrapped up in his creation to the point that he cannot exist outside it. But this guy doesn't want to hear about these things; he knows it all and the people who object are just backward people who need to get with the new (read New Age).

We've been told that we should "embrace our sin; it's part of who we are; (and) we should stop worrying about becoming good (read: acquire virtues)."

So many follow this guy like the Pied Piper. He is a great and captivating speaker who preaches almost without notes. But here and there are these things thrown in that just aren't quite right.

I know the difference in language between the equaltiy in the statement "you are Christ" and the comparison of "you are LIKE Christ." (Had to study this in my University program.) To this guy there is no difference. Insisting that I am NOT the Only-Begotten One Who was there with the Father before all ages seems to go over his head--unless one takes the negative approach that would see this as deliberate.

Well, I guess I have the blessing of having you as sounding boards. Otherwise I sometimes get the feeling that I'm in the twilight zone.

I've been warned by other priests not to try to go to the bishop about this guy--he's one of the "fair haired boys" who can do no wrong. In fact, he's been teaching spirituality at a seminary not far from us.

In Christ Who is the Only-Begotten Son (and not me),

BOB

If you fear what the Bishop may do to you or your family, why not have someone that doesn't give a hoot report the heresy to the Bishop? Other than hiring a hit man or something I would think that the heretic Priest and his Bishop could do very little to a Greek Orthodox Priest, Deacon, Reader, Layman, etc. for pointing out the heresy. Also, perhaps a string of anonymous letters to the Papal Nuncio could pressure the Bishop and Priest.

Oh my. Well the path to destruction is wide and travelled by many while the path to salvation is narrow and less taken.

Is there a Byzantine or Melkite Church nearby or even within 50 miles of where you live?

I would head East very fast.

In fact, that is exactly what I did about 10 years ago.

Theophan,

Do not be afraid of the Bishop. I was once afraid of addressing issues regarding rogue and down right bad priests, yet, why should you be fearful of retaliation? Unless you are thinking of pursuing seminary then could I see a reason for fear. But bishops come and go, so even that wouldn't be an issue for me if seminary were in my future.

Stand up for Truth.

Perhaps the Bishop isn't aware of this priest's personal beliefs. I would write the Bishop even if the priest in question is in the "in crowd."

I would also bring this up with your spiritual father or pastor.

-uc

I will be praying for his students...

Theophan, I would take this however far up the chain it needs to go, this man does not need to be spreading his false doctrine.

If you do decide to take this on, put it on here so we can pray for the cause, and for you that no retalitation comes forth...