The Orthodoxy and the Traditional

 Studying the various christian and non-christian beliefs it stuck like a pin what is the difference between an orthodox belief and a traditional one. The orthodox meaning right thinking , right  belief, a conformity or approved way of thinking. Yet , they accept the mystical - often seen as abnormal orthodox beliefs are one of  two brothers.  There is a fine line between the vain imagination and first hand experience of founding faith. In my belief first hand experience is always accepted above a soothsayer or even a book. It is surprisingly the same in orthodoxy- the only religious thinking that places firsthand knowledge above traditional. Yet in its very definition it supposed to be conformity. The pin that struck me, was that orthodoxy accepts revelation . First hand knowledge is a precept in the orthodox belief system.
 The traditional belief system is another of two brothers they will deny anything contrary to their belief even if it is touched, tasted or seen firsthand by someone. Traditional thinking is actually contrary to revelation, and even if a person is told black is white , or a man is a toad they would accept it as so, because that is what they are told to believe. I spent some time studying the Jesuits , the society of Jesus formed by the catholic saint Ignatius  of Loyola. He was a traditional thinker , whatever the pope said was the truth. Yet - hundreds of universities were dedicated to his traditional thinking throughout the world, he promoted knowledge. He was the foremost defender of the catholic faith and the passionate opponent of reform. Revered even today as a saint by the papacy of course he saved the catholic church from losing many followers. He was a man of works , he fed the poor , helped the needy and was after all the founder of the society of Jesus, but did he sacrifice tradition for truth.
 Who is right and who is wrong- which brother. We see there was a time in history where the orthodox split from the traditional. The Greek split from the Roman way of thinking, they became two churches with two heads. Both consecrate priests and each has a vast following, can both be right. Ignatius of Loyola once said, if the both pope said black was white , then black is white. Man is not proven by works neither is truth. Tradition is not always right ,neither is Orthodox but orthodox does accept first hand knowledge over what is being told to believe. Tradition is not always wrong either as it was conceived from founding faith, but alas interpretations can be lost over time and can also be perverted by men of greed for power or lust.
 There is a fine balance between the Orthodox and Tradition that we must maintain. Revelation is not always new thought but sometimes a correction back to an original one. I maintain we should return to the scriptures and practice faith not blindly but as Jesus taught. Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Then in Matthew 7:22 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.  
 This is profound- They have done all these things in thy name yet Jesus said he never knew them. Do not be fooled by tradition, accept only what you discover first hand and follow the scriptures ask for the holy spirit to reveal God's word. First we need to understand these persons were not necessarily the Jesuits many are truly followers of faith and obedient to the holy spirit. They were neither the Orthodox because they have among them followers of faith and obedience to the holy spirit. Faith and obedience is a personal commitment and relationship each of us has with God.Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
 I can give an example of each denomination of a leader that has fallen, catholic - protestant all have fallen short of the glory of God, one is not held accountable for the sins of the preacher. I know Jesus is my Lord - I know salvation is personal, and have first hand experience the Holy Spirit is real. Still of all the vast knowledge never one even the wisest even touched the surface, Ecclesiastes 8:17 then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
 So believing we are in constant revelation and understanding cannot accept a traditional belief system. Therefore deny all religions that corrupt founding faith and that are not open to first hand knowledge. All fall short - and can tell you this I know the difference between a man and a toad.
 I  devote my resources to understanding of the scriptures and would not sit in judgement of the Orthodox or the Traditional- no one is perfected and in the end they are still brothers. It should be recognized that we are constantly learning and should be prepared for correction when necessary. God never changes but our understanding does, we need to be open to any knowledge he is willing to impart. We also should recognize we will be judged according to our own commitment and obedience to Christ as stated in Romans and Corinthians.
 As we enter the advent season when we contemplate our faith a time of correction toward becoming closer to Christ, we need to light a candle and share our joy , our peace with others. I hope to attend a candlelight service and feel the warmth of christian fellowship. -amen.