I thought this was a good article to bring into the Orthodox discussion that I have been having at other blogs.
Orthodox preachers shares testimony about being lost
In a candid testimony, an Orthodox theologian confessed that it was possible to be religious but at the same time lost, because it had happened to him.
Dr Bradley Nassif is a theologian of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and All the East, and academic director for Fuller Theological Seminary in the USA. He made his personal remarks at the end of midday preaching in the university chapel on Saturday.
"It is not only possible to be religious but lost, but it actually happens to some of us, especially those of us in religious work. I am one of them!" Dr Nassif said.
"I grew up in the Orthodox Church, was a moral and upright young man. I went to church every Sunday, made the sign of the cross, kissed the icons, and read the Bible and Orthodox literature ceaselessly in my youth.
"I was even ordained a subdeacon and was on my way to becoming a priest. I could quote the Bible and recount the history and theology of the Orthodox Church in great detail and with great precision.
"I don’t want to call attention to my intellectual achievements, but I want to tell you: That is not enough! You can have all the religious knowledge you want, and still not know God."
However, God did not leave people there. He looked into people’s hearts to see whether they really want more of God -- not only knowledge about him -- and revealed himself in love.
"He invites all of us, scholars, priests, lay persons, journalists, delegates and anyone else: Come to God through Christ, in the Holy Spirit," he said.
Dr Nassif, who promotes Orthodox-evangelical dialogue around the world, preached on "Salvation in the Trinitarian God".
from E-jubliee
Hmmm. One must actually want to know God, not just know things about him. Yes, I think I remember this being taught by...well, Jesus. And the Apostles. And all of the Church Fathers. And all of the monastic elders of the past 17 centuries. And the entire history and witness of the saints of the Orthodox Church.
I'm very glad that Mr. Nassif has finally realized one of the most fundamental and primary aspects of the Orthodox life: one must want God above all things and only through repentance and humility can this love of God be found.
Posted by: Karl Thienes at October 14, 2003 10:17 AM