Father James: In Orthodoxy, holiness itself is evangelism

Discussion · 15

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• − opinion#1746 18 likes at the source

  But is that really enough? People won't grasp and accept the gospel just from seeing a holy Christian.

  • − opinion#1747 61 likes at the source

    I think it's much more effective to be a kind person and serve others first, and then talk about faith. People won't want to talk about faith if all they hear is that they're going to hell, which is entirely God's judgement to make.
  • − opinion#1748 4 likes at the source

    Yes, I agree with you. Telling people they're gonna burn in hell and being aggressive is no way to bring anyone to Christ. But it seems like what this priest is suggesting is the opposite end of the spectrum: "don't tell them, just be an example." Which I'd argue isn't enough. People need to hear the gospel. So I agree with you, the best approach is to be a light, an example, and preach the gospel.
  • − opinion#1749 83 likes at the source

    It absolutely is, brother, you're speaking with your actions. I can tell my wife I love her, but she really feels the full weight of my love through the actions I show her. That doesn't mean telling her I love her is irrelevant, it absolutely is relevant. Just like talking with people about Christ and His church is very much relevant. But they will come to truly know Christ not by mere words but by the actions of the Church. As Christ says, "You will know them by their fruits." Hope this helps, brother ☦️
  • − opinion#1750 2 likes at the source

    Then how does one tell the difference between a Christian and just someone who is kind and moral? There still has to be a conversation or some direct element of preaching the gospel, no? Not to diminish living out Jesus' teachings and commandments, but nobody comes to understand the gospel through that alone.
  • − opinion#1751

    Yes, that's exactly my point. Well said.
  • − opinion#1752 6 likes at the source

    I think the reason it's hard to picture someone's actions being enough is that many Christians, myself first of all, don't actually go through the process of becoming like Christ as deeply as we should. We usually check off a few boxes and that's about the extent of it. Imagine the impact of someone who has truly died to himself and striven, by God's grace, to become holy. Hard to paint the full picture in a comment section, but I'd encourage you to read the lives of the saints. And if you can, make a pilgrimage to an Orthodox monastery near you. Spending time with the monks has helped me truly understand what it means to evangelize by becoming holy. God bless
  • − opinion#1753 1 likes at the source

    I'd agree with you, but if a good, moral life and its fruits are enough for evangelization, why does Jesus command the apostles to GO OUT and make disciples and baptize? Why did the early church work so hard to expand and plant new churches to spread the gospel, if simply living a good life is sufficient?
  • − opinion#1754 4 likes at the source

    People won't grasp and accept the gospel just because someone hits them with a fire and brimstone message either. And it's not our job to convince everyone anyway. Those who have eyes to see and ears to hear will see and hear. Those who don't, won't.
  • − opinion#1755

    Going out, making disciples and baptizing wasn't about "making a decision for Christ." It was about a whole new way of being human. An upside down kingdom that is not of this world.
• − opinion#1744 12 likes at the source

  Just watched a video of an Orthodox monk from Romania in Tokyo. He wasn't preaching or really doing anything besides talking to people, but you could see how much respect everyone showed him and that it had an influence on everyone.
• − opinion#1745 12 likes at the source

  Personally I think there should be some kind of evangelization classes for Orthodox people within the catechumen classes. At some point we all end up in a discussion about religion with certain people, and then we all need to know what to say or how to invite them to Church. I mean you're not going to go into synergy wording and other complex theological views with someone outside the faith. There are many situations where this would help, especially for converts.
• − opinion#1741

  This style of evangelism has been proven ineffective for decades. But standing on the street and actually talking with people works when it's done with kindness and respect. There are other street evangelists on IG who do much better by actually engaging people. There's room for apologetics and for influencing people toward Christ. Living out your faith consistently is the most effective way to show others what the Holy Spirit is doing in you.
• − opinion#1742

  Do you see the irony in talking about not talking? If you're going to spend this time talking anyway, talk about God through the Gospels, the church fathers, or the saints. I can't think of anything more yappy, more preaching to the choir, more idle talk, than telling fellow Orthodox not to tell our neighbors about Christ.
• − opinion#1743

  "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? And how will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, 'HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO PROCLAIM GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!'" Romans 10:14-15