(YouTube) - A talk given by V. Rev. Dr. Mark Hodges for the annual Sts. Cyril and Methodius Lecture at St George Cathedral in Toledo, OH on May 10th, 2010.
The audience for this talk is exclusively Orthodox Christians.
Questions raised include:
- How can we reach America for the true, Orthodox Faith?
- How is ethnic culture a barrier to reaching America?
- Should instruction in Hellenism (or Slavonic, or Arabic practices) be required to join the Orthodox Church?
- What is/should be required of converts?
- How do we establish a truly American Orthodox Church?
Friday, May 13, 2011
"Enculturalizing the Gospel in America" talk given
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Haven't listened to the entire series of videos yet, but it's very interesting so far. In discussing the redemption of the good things about a culture, however, I think a very rigorous analysis must be made. America was founded upon certain principles where bear out in the culture to this day. It's worth discussing which of those principles are compatible with the Faith. The culture of the nation has also varied vastly over the short spant of its history. I think questions should be asked to as to the reason for the changes, especially if, as the speaker asserts, that culture is an expression of the values of a people group. Furthermore, there should be also the question as to whether "American Culture" proper actually exists, or whether – given the size and breadth of our boundaries – there aren't multiple cultures to which the Faith can and should speak.
ReplyDeleteTo put a face on some of these questions, some of the issues to address would be - as the speaker alludes to - an Orthodox Christian's appearance. Are we to take St. John of Chicago's willingness to shave his beard as compulsory for all Orthodox Christians? The speaker and Met. +PHILLIP would seem to think so, in spite of the vast geographical distances and cultural dimensions the Antiochian archdiocese blankets. Or can we rather simply see his example as a just that - a good example - and apply it as needed when and if the occasions arise.
Another topic to consider, of course, would be pews in our parishes. Was the decision to "look like american christians" a good one? Does it boost - or hamper - the faith or the worship of our faithful? There is obviously much debate, and I'm sure if branding the topic as clear and effective "enculturalization" is really going to cut it. Obviously, the Protestant and Catholic religions are different faiths with very different assumptions about God and man. Was sitting during worship an intrinsic expression of those assumptions? If so, can we then blinding adopt those traditions as simple attempts to redeem american culture without considering the effects it will have our spiritual life?