The Gospels are silent about Jesus’ childhood. I agree with those who say that the emphasis by the Gospel writers was on the Incarnation, the Ministry, and the Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. With the exception of the Lukan story of a 12 year old Jesus at the Temple, no stories […]
Archives for July 2010
Isn’t reality wonderful?
I got quite a laugh when I looked at the cartoon above. It reminded me of being a college student. For any of you who are old enough, this is the time to start humming Those Were the Days My Friends to yourself. Once upon a time there was a tavern Where we used to […]
Plastic Jesus on my car
By popular demand from Father Ernesto’s blog on kitsch, here is the ever-popular “Plastic Jesus” from 1972. On a more serious note, this is the danger of Christian kitsch. But, Father Orthoduck will probably be forced to go to confession by Father Ernesto after posting this song.
Let’s get some perspective!
So often we lack any sense of historical perspective in America. We love to use the saying about he who does not know history is doomed to repeat it. Then we promptly go out and make a mistake that could have been avoided with just a little knowledge of history. You see, the typical American […]
Orthodox blessing outline
OK, it has been a long day and a good celebration of July 4. I am tired, so let me put up a short lesson from Pithless Thoughts. Above you can see how an Orthodox priest’s hand is positioned when he makes the sign of the cross and why he holds his hand in that […]
On naming babies
The Orthodox are supposed to name their child after a saint or a godly concept (Sophia, Agapos, etc.). That saint can be an Old Testament or a New Testament saint. Obviously a New Testament saint means anyone in Church history from any culture. It may include reasonable derivations of the saint’s name into another language. […]
Christian kitsch and false spirituality
One of the saddest things that happened to much of Christianity in the USA has been the way in which spirituality has been replaced by the purchasing of Christian kitsch. We buy our thin volumes which promise us easy ways to become spiritual and easy ways to witness to others. We purchase our cheap “Jesus […]
Brazil lost!!
In one of the more startling results of an already startling World Cup, Brazil was defeated by the Netherlands 2-1. Father Orthoduck was not a fan of Brazil, so he is not too unhappy with this result, but he is startled. Sadly, Ghana lost. Father Orthoduck knows absolutely nothing about the Ghanian team, but he […]
Brewer, higher and deeper
Governor Brewer of Arizona keeps being defended as a person who is willing to be forthright, speak the truth, defend her state, and in no way be biased or use stereotypes. But, as I have pointed out before, Latinos are worried about what she (and others) say because we see them as not only re-building […]
When political philosophy causes a conflict
Everyone’s tendency is to oversimplify issues that are complex. The oversimplification allows us to make quick decisions. In fact, oversimplification is actually a good thing, according to many biologists. And, Father Orthoduck actually agrees with them. In the case of danger, it is a good thing that human beings are able to take a glance […]
