[CMB_polarization]

Christians against other Christians by reason of a few cultural knics knacs is simply unacceptable. Especially under threat of a multitude of murderous mohammedan marauders.

[Wilhelm Tell]

Interesting article. I have heard the attitude from some fundamentalists that Christianity became apostate immediately after the last apostle died and the church was wrong about virtually everything up until the time of the Puritans or the more radical reformers such as Zwingli. Up until then, almost no one was “saved.” I guess it would make one insular if one thought of the Eastern churches, Catholicism, and perhaps the more Catholic-like types of Protestantism as another religion. I don’t think understanding has always gone well both ways. Maybe we can have a little solidarity as we have common enemies.

[Texas Fossil]

I was brought up in the Baptist Church. Like most of my ancestors (mom’s side was Lutheran) for as far back as we can trace family history.

There was no discussion when I was young of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Some discussion of Catholic Church influence. The Catholic Church here is divided racially between German and Hispanic heritage. Vastly different outlook and practices.

When I was a young man I heard some disparaging remarks about “Jews”. Mostly about Jewish businessmen.

Here and now? All of that is gone. We are all way too far down the path to be divided about such things. It is very late, nothing should divide us now.

I do not always agree with the Southern Baptist Convention, those are often driven by individual egos and perceptions. But I no longer see the divisions important.

This is a time to act in unity.

—

KJV: Ephesians Chapter 6

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

based upon an assumption that their brand of Christianity is more cultural in orientation than it is spiritually vital,

Sad. Half of my family roots are from eastern Europe. There is nothing as profound as a peasant's faith.

[Salvation]

 

Prayer for Iraq

O God, who art the unsearchable abyss of peace,
the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessings
and the bestower of affection,
who sendest peace to those that receive it;

Open to us this day the sea of thy love
and water us with plenteous streams
from the riches of thy grace
and from the most sweet springs of thy kindness.

Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace,
enkindle in us the fire of thy love;
sow in us thy fear;
strengthen our weakness by thy power;
bind us closely to thee and to each other
in our firm and indissoluble bond of unity:

Syrian Clementine Liturgy (in: For all God’s people; p. 73)

The full text of Patriarch Sako’s prayer for peace follows:

Lord,
The plight of our country
is deep and the suffering of Christians
is severe and frightening.
Therefore, we ask you Lord
to spare our lives, and to grant us patience,
and courage to continue our witness of Christian values
with trust and hope.
Lord, peace is the foundation of life;
Grant us the peace and stability that will enable us
to live with each other without fear and anxiety,
and with dignity and joy.

Glory be to you forever.  Amen.

Litany for Iraq

For lasting peace in this ancient land – From you, O Lord.
For wisdom and compassion for all in authority – From you, O Lord.
For comfort for families separated or bereaved – From you, O Lord.
For the release of captives – From you, O Lord.
For safety and security for minority communities.
For refreshment for the weary and healing for the sick – From you, O Lord.
For continuing faithfulness of the ancient churches of this land – From you, O Lord.
For tenacity of spirit for small Christian groups – From you, O Lord.
For the mutual enrichment and support of those of different Christian traditions – From you, O Lord.

You, Lord of all, we confess;
You, Lord Jesus, we glorify;
For you are the life of our bodies
And you are the Saviour of our souls.

The response in the litany and this hymn both come from the Chaldean liturgy. The ancient hymn celebrates Christ the source of resurrection in all situations of death and deprivation. (in: With All God’s People, p. 21, 22)

From Anonymous:

Father God, Our Savior and King,

We come to You in despair over the evil being done to our Middle East Christian brothers and sisters. We ask that You would put Your hand of protection upon them and that You would sustain them as You did the Israelites in the desert. Lord, cause our brothers and sisters to cry out to You for help and show them the peace that only You can give in answer to their needs. In their darkest moments, Lord, keep them, strengthen them, and comfort them. When they despair that no one is coming to help them, Lord, reveal Your glory and restore their souls.

We ask you these things in the blessed name of Your precious son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

[Zionist Conspirator]

Naive American Evangelicals think that Syrian, Iraqi, and Egyptian chrstians are Southern Baptists. The fact is, Middle Eastern chrstians are far closer to the Catholics they so despise.

Furthermore, Middle Eastern chrstians (like all the ancient churches) hate and despise American-style Fundamentalists. I can guarantee you that if the situation were reversed the Middle Eastern chrstians would shed no tears whatsoever.

[Alex Murphy]

Many Protestants, and evangelicals in particular, “have grown up with biases against Catholics and Orthodox that have been based upon an assumption that their brand of Christianity is more cultural in orientation than it is spiritually vital,” said Rob Nash, professor of missions and world religions at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. “This bias then lends legitimacy to our conviction that they should be evangelized." Missionaries have witnessed these attitudes firsthand.

Another Fine Example Of Catholics Never Posting Threads Denigrating Others

[Mrs. Don-o]

Eastern Christians have had a tough time being heard and understood by many Americans. In broad strokes, Catholics tend to see them as too foreign and exotic, Protestants see them as too Catholic.

What they have been suffering is just unspeakable, indescribable.

Even though I am part of our parish RCIA teaching team, I frankly think RCIA does a very, very poor job of promoting even minimal understanding of our Eastern Catholics, Orthodox, and other Middle Eastern Christians.

I have at least tried to publicize their plight in our church bulletin and at parish events. Generally too little, too late.

[Morgana]

1 John 4:20 [20] If any man say, I love God, and hateth his brother; he is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother, whom he seeth, how can he love God, whom he seeth not?