https://tasbeha.org/community/categories/faith-issues/p19/feed.rss Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:11:38 +0000 Faith Issues - Tasbeha.org Community en-CA https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14461/my-decision Fri, 31 May 2013 22:51:31 +0000 mikeforjesus 14461@/community/discussions
They say the right way is to follow the hard right way even if you suffer but they don't really love you for it. (Anyway that is not the problem you may see the problem below - ofcourse it is worth it anyway since people change by prayer)

People should stick to the way that they know works because noone cares about you but yourself

I don't want to be disrespectful to those who have helped me or act like Gods blessings mean nothing to me I will be untrue to me and my children and those neglected in the future like me (because i can not guarantee they will not suffer with false assurance )so I will live peaceably with all men and make it that everyone who is capable of repentance might be saved if not God will deal justly with them because it must be true repentance my religion is that God does not slumber in saving souls but gives everyone equal opportunity and tries everything to save people
Everyone with their free will probably have to accept Christ as if they were in earth if they are in hell but it may be too late by then but how can I pretend to know all things ?


Because what religion would teach a way and when you obey it you are criticised by even authorities of God (atleast some of the time but a big impact) and allow you to be abandoned and live with all heart break ? I don't mind a little heartbreak for myself but for other people I don't want to lie to them and I even did choose a way that makes me now not have self esteem issues even if I don't finish uni

I feel some people like to trap people into religion to keep them in bondage

I may like to be used by God but am I really or losing the potential to reach people ?

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved
I.e not even wanting them to be saved

Not even God is showing me the way

Actually I can't abandon church and holy communion I don't feel peace about that so I won't

Besides I hope you and the Church set its people free even probably by God
But am not depending

You see it is only fair when the whole world is born christian and everyone makes their own decisions even then noone should be tempted beyond what they can bear tempted more than others

Being orthodox puts you in a tough position which is that you can not truly have an influence on other people unless they become orthodox. Why should they try to be good at all if they can't come to God as they are but they have to make a very difficult decision first. Therefore there is no hope of true friendship among the unorthodox if you are orthodox it seems (they can not comprehend your love) because all you will have is acquaintances sinning but still perhaps they are without excuse. Also sin is bad enough that there is no excuse to continue in it unless you have become past feeling

The point of this post is to say I do not want as an orthodox not to be able to make friends and working together with people even for a hobby requires the feeling of mutual respect and love and care for another's well being that's why people says to avoid talk about religion and leave judgment to God who works to draw people to Himself 
People may persecute us because they fear us but this is completely unacceptable and I ask God if He is all powerful to force them to be helpful
Why put us to shame in front of people and make us poor and dull and useless and as though we are the ones who are useless in this world ?
And then my wife if I get one may think I am a loser and many people too
How can God put this on us if He does I don't think He does but mans teaching does
But that wife is completely unjustified
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14444/difference-between-oriental-orthodox-and-easter-orthodox Sun, 26 May 2013 20:18:23 +0000 rita 14444@/community/discussions Does anybody know the difference between Oriental Orthodox like us the copts and Eastern orthodox like the Greeks ?

Also whats the difference between us and the episcopals?]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14413/what-is-the-difference-between-praying-aloud-and-praying-in-silence Thu, 09 May 2013 05:01:54 +0000 binC 14413@/community/discussions
Can you tell me the difference between praying aloud and praying in silence with its application? Please give me links of books, articles, preachings related with this.

Thanking you!
BinC]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14426/a-meditation-delete-please Wed, 15 May 2013 00:20:09 +0000 mikeforjesus 14426@/community/discussions
Moderator please delete this post also

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14414/on-work Thu, 09 May 2013 05:46:47 +0000 mikeforjesus 14414@/community/discussions I thought that is acceptable but certainly not if one has a family
"Whoever provides not for his own is worse than an unbeliever"
But work is kind of like fasting not everyone can do it. God rebuked Martha for opposing Mary and God said to the Jews "New wine must not be put in old bottles lest they brake" Jesus said when we fast we should put oil on our heads to show that we are only doing it because we like to do it and we think it benefits us. We do not do it for no reason

I just feel I have never had a great work ethic but Noah, Abraham and Job and many of the righteous did. I have a problem that I do not even desire to make money if it will cause me to be deprived of other things
"The desire of the lazy man will kill him"
"he who has a slack hand will become poor"
How do I get this desire.
Is it necessary to work hard to make money so as to give money to the poor and store up riches in heaven? but the widow with two mites was considered as having given much but perhaps she was not a lazy person.

I am not not saying not all people should work but it is better to be inspired that they are doing it for God so our work is not sluggish.

But I referenced the quotes on fasting so I can ask shouldn't work only be done by those who are happy to work so they do not stumble in sin and confusion?

So how to get God to give me the desire (can He do that if I or someone else is mentally ill?)
to work hard for Him in worldly work when I would rather do something else like something spiritual?

perhaps I should store up my riches in heaven by instead working in prayer something I enjoy doing

]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14393/agpeya-passion-week Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:57:13 +0000 Theophilus 1 14393@/community/discussions
In Christ
Theophilus ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14356/science-vs-faith Thu, 04 Apr 2013 06:31:26 +0000 marmar357 14356@/community/discussions
Could someone please help me response at the following picture? How to explain a non-believer this is not true? And faith and science aren't neccesary contradicting.

And could you response to the picture from the perspective from of a non-believer? So he could understand it.

Thanks!

GBU
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14355/matthew-4 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:11:25 +0000 roubir2010 14355@/community/discussions
[b]Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”[/b]

[b]4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
[/b]
the question didn't the devil know that Jesus is God? how can temp him? how can he tell that that he will make him a king over the whole earth and he knows that Jesus is the king?

Please pray for my weakness ALOT ]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14249/please-for-my-souls-sake-answer-this-question-and-take-it-seriously Mon, 04 Feb 2013 04:55:32 +0000 mikeforjesus 14249@/community/discussions
you would think so because people will help you because they are afraid of God.. but most people do not fear this hell as they don't believe a good God could do that.

I know one way I would like to take for my soul's sake which is to leave everything for God. But that would mean nothing to God if people still believe I have not renounced my beliefs of mercy for atheists

still many would go to eternal hell

perhaps my reward of loving people is to be rich

but if I choose this way there is no going back to witnessing to the "christian" concept of hell without any shame


I feel God is forcing me to be merciful as I need people in this world when I am old to look after me. You know suicide is not an option for me because of the denomination which I grew up in which is coptic orthodoxy

unfortunately I do not have faith that God will provide someone to help me in this matter
Please LORD help me

I have no choice for my children and parent's sake but to leave that doctrine
yet my parent's don't mind holding it. They say do not interfere in God's business. You can't tell God what to do my dad says

And for my sake as I believe the way to win souls is to love them and do charity work and give them gifts

you could say I am a coward but God is really making my way hard. I am not a coward there is no solution to my problem

Even if I renounce my beliefs which is what I really want to do now. (ignoring the fact I have destoryed my dreams and wasted my parents money and I will have no kids with no money to support them)
noone will believe I renounced them and perhaps I will be a bad person to be around with a temper

however I just realised the christian life is very hard to live with my scruples. I feel I am responsible for people going to hell if I play my xbox online.

Nearly everything leads others to hell

I am already giving up on following those doctrines as they are not practical

Right now I am getting a fainting spell and I am going to order food online but I am condemning myself but I am going to buy anyway I feel no way out.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14353/moved-delete-please Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:51:55 +0000 minatasgeel 14353@/community/discussions Deleted Threads.

[iurl]http://tasbeha.org/content/community/index.php?topic=14349.0[/iurl]]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14255/my-unanswered-prayer-that-needs-answering Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:41:34 +0000 mikeforjesus 14255@/community/discussions
However it is the holidays for me and family such as siblings asks you don't need to study in the holidays and when I am studying I feel like blaspheming them

I want to master a video game but I see no point as I will hardly ever get breaks I am a man now.

I said to myself my life has to be going somewhere everyday I have to learn things adults are interested and proud of

I said to myself I will just do the hard work that is life and if God wants me to take it easy He will ease my path by finding time in my life

the purpose of this post is I don't believe God will show me when I can play games or have time for myself He will leave me in my misery to figure it out by chance  and overthinking which leads also to fainting as it eats up my flesh

and as I am studying I guess in a sense I am very upset at God and cursing Him in a sense. I am lacking faith in Him

please this is a serious topic it is like this all my christian walk

I need someone to work out for me a plan maybe

is it because I do not exercise or workout? because the thought of that is really torturing me as I may try that and find it does not help

I hate this body and mind I am in]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14339/the-ladder-of-divine-ascent-now-online Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:30:22 +0000 Severian 14339@/community/discussions http://www.prudencetrue.com/images/TheLadderofDivineAscent.pdf

How does this translation compare to that of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery's? Is it good/accurate?

I hope you guys enjoy this great spiritual treatise during this blessed Lenten season!

Pray for me,
Severian]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14327/the-fall Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:36:04 +0000 Theophilus 1 14327@/community/discussions
God took three measures to prevent man from being eternal in his sin.
1. God drove man out of Eden
2. God placed Cherubim to protect the tree 
3. God allowed death

“And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” Genesis 3:22-24

I am not sure about the third point whether God allowed man to die for our protection or punishment. It is less Augustinian to say for our protection but I didn’t wan’t to jump to the wrong conclusion.

So my question is are the above three points and specially the third one meant for our protection or punishment?

In Christ
Theophilus 





]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14325/fasting Tue, 12 Mar 2013 06:31:19 +0000 binC 14325@/community/discussions
I have questions for you

1. On Lent fasting days...how long should we fast and what type of food is allowed?
2. Is there really a fasting upto 12 lunch time or people just created it?
3. Let us say all your friends fast till 12 lunch time and you want to fast upto 3 or more...how can you do this without making yourself different or attracting attention/vain glory? our spiritual level is so low that what considered normal/unworthy of notice for christians is becoming the work of saints these days.

Let the Peace and Love of Jesus Christ be upon all of us!]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14313/re-song-of-songs Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:22:55 +0000 Purity2 14313@/community/discussions

This is so very profoundly beautiful!!!]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14296/mystery-of-marriage Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:24:53 +0000 Purity2 14296@/community/discussions

Official word on the Sacrament of Marriage! This Father explains it simply and exactly!
Something I have been trying to explain unsuccessfully  :)

Women are not 'sex' objects! This was not the original reason for God giving Eve to Adam! It is most important to be friends first. The best of friends!

GB]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14300/fr-lawrence-farley-and-his-articles Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:00:19 +0000 Remnkemi 14300@/community/discussions
This first post will deal with Fr Lawrence's articles. The first one is Labelling the debate and the second one is An Old Article on Feminism. The first article is much better written and thought through. As mentioned in another thread, the second article, by Fr Lawrence's own words "was written quickly, and accordingly bears all the marks of a pastoral piece written in such haste.  I re-post here with reservations." While he acknowledges short-comings in this article, he doesn't describe what those short comings are. It actually plays into the deficiencies of the first article. I also want to point out that I have not read his book yet. I assume he may have worked out the short comings in his book. But I can not comment on it now.

Let's discuss the first article. Fr Lawrence makes a good point about having the courage to label a sickness so we know how to manage it. He does point out that feminism "is a very large tent, and contains under its roof a large variety of movements and demands—some political, some theological. Certain of its demands, such as the right of women to equal pay for equal work, should be granted by all concerned, since they are matters of simple justice. But the theological feminism which effectively is at war with traditional gender roles is another matter."

The first issue here is that feminism is not an umbrella label that is claimed to be the cause and reason behind all diseases. Fr Lawrence actually uses the example of medical diagnostics. Just like we can't call cancer the reason and cause of all deaths in America, we can't say feminism is the source of all heresy.

However, Fr Lawrence does claim that feminism, specifically theological feminism, is the antithesis of traditional gender roles manifested in all diseases ranging from "divorce rates go[ing] up, the number of common law unions go[ing] up, there is increasing acceptance of casual sex, and of prostitution (now euphemised as “the sex trade”, as if schools offered training and certificates), violence against women increases, and the use of pornography is increasingly normalized." He has given no real reason on how feminism, and even a specific label -  theological feminism - is the cause of all these diseases. If there is a causal relationship, one must have logical and systematic evidence. Similarly, no physician who actually uses proper scientific methodology will say neurofibrosarcoma is the cause of all mental diseases including depression. If Fr. Lawrence wants to accurately begin the process for labeling feminism, he should at least avoid non-conclusive causal relationships as the basis of a labeling system or process.

Secondly, Fr Lawrence spends some time detailing the history of the Anglican Churches approach to legitimizing female bishops under the catalyst of theological feminism. From there, he introduces another causal relationship with no evidence. If female ordination is ok because gender roles don't matter in feminism theology, than homosexuality and same-sex marriages are ok because of the same feminism theological groundwork. While there may be a causal relationship for the introduction of homosexuality into certain Christian theologies due to feminism theology, there is not one single feminism theological concept or theory referenced. We're back to generalizations. In another post, I will try to define feminism theology from feminist theologians. It is not what Fr Lawrence describes.

Now I understand that this article, which really is a blog, is not meant to be exhaustive or even "scientific". However, without real definitions, the reader is left to define feminism as the source of all evil among men and women. A non-critical reader will simply agree with Fr Lawrence's conclusion that feminism theology is heresy. It may be heresy. But without actually defining or referencing any feminism theology, the conclusion is weak at best. Hopefully, Fr Lawrence's book addresses this shortcoming.

His second article, "An Old Article on Feminism" is even more far-fetched. Again I acknowledge Fr Lawrence was reluctant to write, but his so-called proofs are not developed satisfactorily to reach the conclusion he has made or wants you to make. First, I would like to point out what I did like about this article.

1. Headship (or Leadership authority) and subordination goes hand in hand with equality. Wherever there is subordination, there is subordination of equals. This is not misogyny. Misogyny assumes subordination because men are superior to the women. Thus a man can have his own bank account, but a woman cannot. A man can do what he wants, but a woman must obey his every word. I hope this is clear. Those who endorse some sort of favoritism simply because of male dominance is endorsing misogyny, not equality.

2. Speaking of ritual uncleanliness, he points to the fact that what is natural can still be fallen. "Certain things make one unfit and unready for contact with the Divine power through sacrifice...It was not a question of being considered “sinful” but simply of certain ceremonial disqualification for religious rites." After illustrating some eschatological arguments for ritual participation, he concludes, "And as such, we all, women as well as men, transcend the categories of this age (such as the prescriptions of the Jewish Law with its categories of clean/unclean) so that women may of course receive Holy Communion anytime.  The deciding factor is not their ritual cleanliness but the presence of the Holy Spirit within them, which causes them to transcend this age."

What then is the main problem with this article?
His scriptural evidence is not strong. He has 2 main scriptural arguments against the ordination of women. (Now just because I disagree with Fr Lawrence's evidence, it doesn't mean I endorse female ordination. More to come later)
1. In the story of creation, as St Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:9 and 1 Timothy 2:13, woman (Eve) was made for a helper for Adam because Adam was created first, not the other way around. His argument is that Adam was given authority over Eve as men have authority over women because this is God's design. The conclusion is correct, the reason is wrong. Just because something is created first, doesn't necessarily require the second to subordinate to the first. In Genesis 1, Adam was created last, yet in Genesis 2 he had authority over all animals. If we believe authority is contingent on chronological creation, than Adam must subordinate to plants, beasts, birds, fish, etc.

2. All the Apostles were men. Fr Lawrence puts this very nicely. He says, "Secondly, Christ not only re-enforced the Old Testament teaching of woman’s essential equality with men, He also re-enforced its teaching of woman’s subordination.  That is, He gave spiritual authority  to men only,  not to women.  Though He had women disciples available to Him, He chose only men as His Apostles and as bearers of His authority.  This was significant, for He could have chosen women...." In this passage, he reiterate equality with subordination or subordination of equals. But he continues with a weak claim, namely, "It is difficult to believe that He would have balked at a lesser “revolution” like women apostles, were such the Father’s will.  He had already outraged His contemporaries by teaching women in public—why would He stop at making them teachers—unless such were not His will?" The omission of explicit authority does not necessarily imply something is not God's will. Monasticism is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible (at least not the word itself) while marriage is. This fact doesn't imply that monasticism should subordinate to married life or that the monasticism is not God's will. 

I will return to this validation of "the apostles were all men" after I introduce some concepts of feminism theology.

I am anxious for any comments and objections, just no name calling or divergent attacks.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14272/i-can-do-all-things-through-christ-who-strengthens-me Sun, 17 Feb 2013 03:37:08 +0000 mikeforjesus 14272@/community/discussions Because there are people who say you may have a disability but you just have to work harder.But people would not really ever give such a non productive person as me a job. Some people just want to make me like( similar to them) them ignoring the treating of my problems to make me more productive (perhaps I have a spiritual issue of doubt and focusing as I judge the wisdom of all my actions and attempts to be beneficial- feeling all the time I am wasting my success in everything I do) or which may make me successful in where God leads me and in His way leading to my content that God had not been limited or forsaken me

I have a dream it seems which God I do not if He can (ofcourse God can do all things) or will help me fulfill

as a people of the church we have asked this question so many times and no good answers are coming
how to find our talent and why is it because God is not answering, billions of people are pursuing careers where they are not successful in or talented in?

As you know God does not perform miracles it is not His will because He thinks I am being more greedy I worry

I am worried most people are told God does not want them in a field because they do not know how to guide and counsel this person they are just supporting the idea of giving up on a dream
I don't think I have tried enough to know if it is not within my talents. So who are the people making these games. Are they the people who score geniusely in math competitions? or people with passion? I always give up when I am focusing on something because I always question the wisdom of what I am doing?

I understand if noone desires to help with this I might try elsewhere I felt this is a spiritual problem of lack of faith in God or something

Some people think not everyone was born to be very successful billionaires or people but I think God has provided for everyone to be unless He has guided them elsewhere with a feeling of usefulness and success. When He says to some Come you blessed from the foundation of the world. Therefore we were born into royalty and riches

why is focusing so painful I want to grab my throat wrestle with a pillow (well I used to do that in high school but only sometimes now I do other things now) and run from the task by praying or singing does that mean I should just give up ?]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14277/moved-delete Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:57:56 +0000 minatasgeel 14277@/community/discussions Deleted Threads.

[iurl]http://tasbeha.org/content/community/index.php?topic=14274.0[/iurl]]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14276/lord-reign-in-me-over-all-my-dreams Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:20:26 +0000 mikeforjesus 14276@/community/discussions
but I am submitting that dream to God as I do not think the way is clear. If He really understood my desire for this dream I think He would comfort me and assure me knowing I have told God I am willing to work hard to make that dream achieved but He has to make me well taken care of. No dream which in unseeable if it can be achieved should sacrifice my family life and quality of life I do not want to be deceived
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14266/body-spirit-soul Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:28:37 +0000 Cyril97 14266@/community/discussions I was wondering what is the difference between the body, spirit and soul?
I read numerous articles online (not necessarily Orthodox) and basically this is what I found:
1) Either spirit and soul are the same thing and these words are synonymns meaning the same thing, which I
highly doubt is true...
2) Well the body is the flesh, the spirit is the eternal thing...and the soul is equivalent to life
But these are my simple results, if anyone knows anything more in depth, I would be willing to learn :)
Thanks, and GB,
Cyril]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14256/worried-about-my-life Thu, 07 Feb 2013 03:27:51 +0000 mikeforjesus 14256@/community/discussions I was stuck in bed hating life and planning on sleeping but I got up to do a sin now that I am up I feel like studying to prove this sin can not destroy me I always have a shower also
I feel it is wrong to study if I was not going to study before the sin and I end up having a cloudy mind when I am studying
It has happend so often I am very afraid My life may have no value
as my maturity may be that of a child God can not move me to the next step if I never conquered was I going to be prosperous if I obeyed God even though that meant praying a lot instead of studying ?
I don't know if God will let me prosper well enough because I have to do it His way
I don't think I mean the same thing as my other post when I said "rich your way "
And I am worried (as I believe He will still bless me sun rises on good and evil)
I should not accept success after sin and am worried I may have limited success because of my sin]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14250/if-you-are-not-doing-work-you-will-always-feel-unsatisfied Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:23:43 +0000 mikeforjesus 14250@/community/discussions
you see I am doing spiritual work now

guilty feelings don't help your life if you play games it must be work but things which don't seem to be used by you in beneficial ways are a waste of time if one skill will be forgotten you are wasting your time

I think the goal of life is to pick one thing which you will master until you become unconsciously competent

in justice I provide this advice to the whole world not just to you coptic orthodox

sometimes you will know it is time to pick up something else also

and if there is spiritual reality behind this I say:
God will forgive us if we are lazy and repent but God will hold us responsible for the souls dying in our sin. Even if our hard work does not bring observable results God knows our intention

there is an intense spiritual warfare and desire for selfish pleasure even if people are going to die in their sin

"the sleep of a laboring man is sweet"

I will leave work only to the day and playing games till the night because one can not sleep unless he has accomplished something and has a plan for the next day. Play until I fall to sleep]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14247/landscaping-with-artificial-grass Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:53:04 +0000 songseunghun 14247@/community/discussions artificial grass landscape is the ideal model of outside landscapes that most of busy homeowners want to have. In this busy society, time is really precious and you should be lazy by swimming in the pool or going to the beach rather than staying at home and taking care of your lawn. Synthetic grass is the greatest choice to increase your home value of beauty. You can forget all the lawn care activities once you install artificial grass. How can it give you the easier and healthier life, this article will figure out some reasons that you should not ignore this wonderful product.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14248/delete Mon, 04 Feb 2013 04:13:34 +0000 mikeforjesus 14248@/community/discussions https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/9823/is-god-fair Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:14:55 +0000 abanoub2000 9823@/community/discussions
I have been freaking out about college applications, I dont know if i will get in and if i do I cant pay for it!

Meanwhile I see people in school that curse God's name getting full scholarships.

This makes no sense to me :(]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14161/purpose-of-the-feast-of-circumcision Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:55:51 +0000 f753789 14161@/community/discussions Why do we celebrate the Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ? I feel embarrassed for not knowing the answer to this question. I have a few speculations about it but nothing more..

Please educate me! :)
]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14219/how-to-be-humble-in-this-conceited-society Mon, 28 Jan 2013 05:25:00 +0000 binC 14219@/community/discussions
God has commanded us Chritians to be humble. Especially in areas of work where arrogance is considered to be confidence, talking about how great you are is the reflection of your high self-esteem, how can we as christians be able to be humble in God's eyes? or is this something we need to sacrifice for God's love?

I really need to hear your thoughts on this matter.]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14224/when-is-a-person-allowed-to-have-time-for-himself Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:22:42 +0000 mikeforjesus 14224@/community/discussions but without uni I don't think I will have drive for anything else. It is important to desire to be educated

I want to make time for myself to make this world a better place in terms of less boring better ability to socialise
etc but people such as my parents and those who know what I do are always insisting I am wasting my time on forums and others when they see me distracted about things it is unacceptable they curse me

I am going to decide to work as hard as I can until God pities me and sets me free

but if I was supposed to work alot why am I tempted by the flesh?

just like it is impossible to stop people coughing what I thought in hatred to me it is impossible to remove the temptations of the body which have a constant voice such as coughing. Constant destruction is attacking me

why would God allow engineering and many others courses to be designed to be this hard? you can't just learn what you are good at if you are going to apply yourself in the real world there should be a non stress free way of applying yourself as a scientist by learning of other fields in a non structured environment such as non a university course but I know a degree makes people willing to help you in that field


"A little sleep a little slumber so shall your poverty come on you" proverbs

"whoever loves pleasure will be poor" proverbs

"idle chatter leads only to poverty but in all labor there is profit" proverbs]]> https://tasbeha.org/community/discussion/14199/st-cyril-of-alexandria-orthodox-christian-society-launches-online-modules Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:49:36 +0000 RamezM 14199@/community/discussions
LOS ANGELES, CA (22 January 2013) – St. Cyril of Alexandria Orthodox Christian Society (SCS) launches its online mission modules, building on the established traditions and teachings of the Orthodox Christian Church.  SCS seeks to work alongside the existing ministry programs offered by local parishes to prepare the next generation of Orthodox Christians to face the challenges of a new era.

SCS is providing quality education for a broad audience by leveraging modern technology to offer online classes, thus introducing a contemporary method to effectively share the Orthodox Christian faith in our ever-changing global village.

The structure of the SCS program is intended to cover topics that discuss various elements of the Orthodox Christian faith, along with their application in the contemporary world. For the spring term, commencing February 11, 2013, SCS will be offering three courses that cover Faith and Reason, Church History, and Liturgical Theology.

Our mission is to establish a community of Orthodox Christian theological fellowship whereby prospective and current young servants, scholars and missionaries can utilize various resources for spiritual growth and leadership development in present or future Christian ministry through affordable and attainable education.

The true value of education starts with experience and praxis. Orthodox Christian education is about actualizing theological dogmas into a lifestyle of communal mission and service. We invite you to participate in our modules to experience the depth, diversity and modernity of our Orthodox Christian faith through the eyes of Church Fathers, History, Liturgical practice, and the contemporary desire to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ (Matthew 28:16).

For more information visit our website at http://www.stcyrilsociety.org

By God's grace, this Spring semester, three courses will be offered. My personal role will be teaching a course on the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church through a study of relevant Patristic and Liturgical texts of the first 4 centuries with reflection on Liturgical Theology and its relevance to pastoral and missionary service. Please visit the website and help spread the information to anyone who might be interested.]]>