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1) We are not to be masterful and lordly (Matt.23:11, John 13:13 – 17); 2) We are not to return evil for evil (Rom.12:17); 3) We are not to avenge ourselves, but rather give place to wrath and suffer ourselves to be defrauded (Rom.12:20); 4) We are not to do our alms before men, or to let our left hand know what our right hand doeth (Matt.6:1 – 4); 5) We are not to return cursing for cursing or railing... Read more

Faithful readers — I am on clergy retreat in Wichita till week’s end. Blogging may be sporadic. Read more

You know, I must admit, my wife lit our lampada in the icon corner somewhere around the 3rd or 4th quarter … and I heard my 3-year old, Helen, ask my 7-yr old son: “Basil, why do you keep crossing yourself?” He said, “So the Steelers will win.” I can’t take much credit. And if I told y’all I lit a votive with the “Steelers’ name on it” prior to Liturgy, you’d probably think me silly. So I’ll just keep... Read more

The NBC “Will and Grace” episode featuring Britney Spears hosting a cooking show called “Cruci-fixins” has been cancelled in the wake of Christian protests … Story H E R E. Thanks to FWD from Blog Reader & Orthodox Inquirer, Douglas Burns. Read more

First off, we don’t worship the same God. We believe in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus is the Incarnate Son of God — the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Secondly, at best, Islam is a Christian heresy. At worst … well, you’re seeing it. Finally, we are taught to bless those who curse us, to pray for our enemies, to do good to even those who hate us. The only outrage, in my opinion, is... Read more

More quotes are from my seminary days — Ascetic Theology 2 — with Bishop Brother John Charles. Part One Part Two “Thankfulness is not self-centered.” “Grace is God’s way of acting graciously toward us.” “Hope is not wishful thinking — but assurance.” Psalm 22 = Prayer of Praise “Theology is a word about God. You cannot have a Black Theology, Feminist Theology, or Gay Theology because theology is about GOD.” “Gossip: Itching ears make tattling tales possible.” “Sins confessed are... Read more

I long ago lost count of the number of times I’ve switched on the TV and seen crazy guys jumping up and down in the street, torching the Stars and Stripes and yelling ”Death to the Great Satan!” Or torching the Union Jack and yelling ”Death to the Original If Now Somewhat Arthritic And Semi-Retired Satan!” But I never thought I’d switch on the TV and see the excitable young lads jumping up and down in Jakarta, Lahore, Aden, Hebron,... Read more

Okay, fine. Since a Deacon “tagged” me, I’ll do this … just this once. Here’s the rule: No more! I’m serious, Mom! (I’m such a spoil sport.) 4 jobs you have had in your lifeDoor-to-door book salesmanRadio AnnouncerRestaurant ManagerNewspaper delivery 4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over **Groundhog DayGroundhog DayGroundhog DayGroundhog Day4 Places You Have LivedBoone, North CarolinaPasadena, CaliforniaNashotah, WisconsinHouston, Texas 4 TV Shows You Love To Watch (Don’t usually, but enjoyed:)Everybody Loves RaymondLawrence Welk (yes, really)Gilligan’s IslandMonday Night... Read more

“What would Jesus say to Britney Spears?”HT THUNDERSTRUCK Is OVERSENSITIVITY a sin according to Islam?HT News ForumWASHINGTON — The State Department criticized today cartoon drawings in Europe of the Prophet Muhammad, calling them “offensive to the beliefs of Muslims.” While recognizing the importance of freedom of the press and expression, department press officer Janelle Hironimus said these rights must be coupled with press responsibility. HT Houston ChronicleThe United States, which before the September 11 attacks was criticized for insensitivity to... Read more