2011: Can’t complain…
What can I say about 2011 other than I have no major complaints.
I'm grateful for the year I had, the people I've met, and the opportunities I've been given. I had my first full year of marriage to my lovely wife. We bought a shiny new house, an even shinier new car, and even the shiniest new job close to home (for once in my life). I know that I am unworthy of all of this, but I can only hope not to squander what I've been given.
With that being said, I've been extremely busy with my 'other' life as well. Somewhere between Sunday School, OVBS, FOCUS, and MGOCSM I lost track of two projects I've been wanting to spend more time on, Orthodukso (hopefully more on that later), and, of course this page. Hopefully, as the dust settles from all that's been going on, I can get back to these two projects.
I don't want to be over ambitious, nor do I want to presume this site is frequented by anyone. My real intention is to have a record of exactly whatever it was I was thinking at that time I was thinking it. With that said, I'd like to think that at some point, I'll string together a few coherent thoughts which someone may find useful.
So, having set that modest goal, I'll be hoping that 2012 can be at least half as good to me as 2011 has been. And for those of us who've had an absolutely terrible 2011, I hope that this year can be happy and blessed.
-Steve K.
Notes on Teaching Intercession
I recently did a presentation to a group of Sunday School teachers on teaching Intercession/Prayers for the Departed. I didn't go into as much detail as I would have liked. Also, I believe there are a few more concepts to explore, specifically being "in time" vs "in eternity." Once again, feedback is welcome. Thanks.
Found a Question in my Comment Feed…
Thought I'd share my answer...hopefully expand on it later on:
Hey, What is the main difference between Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox? Is it a legit difference or a simple misunderstanding?- Mr. M
Mr. M,
That all depends on what you mean by “legit.” I believe that the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox indeed confess the same faith as it stands today. I also believe that the issues that divide us are still crucial; certainly not trivial. In the end, I believe that we of the Syriac/Jacobite tradition, along with our brethren in the general Oriental Orthodox Communion confess the Faith of St. Severus, who was confessing the Faith of St. Cyril before him. Consequently, I believe the the EO had deviated from the teaching of Cyril at Chalcedon (confessing “in two natures”) but then went on to clarify their confession to once again be in line with the teaching of the undivided Church. The issues are important, yes, but I believe that we both still can stand together in witnessing Orthodoxy to the world.- ST
History of the Malankara Church- Part I
Here are my notes on the early history of the Malankara Church. This is tough because there are often too many stories and not enough sources. I did my best so, like always, please get back to me with your comments
Protestantism- Notes
Here are my notes on Protestantism. I try to be as fair as possible, though I put the Orthodox slant on the Five Solas as I understood them. As always I am open to correction
Tradition- Bible Study (5/28/2010)
Here are the slides from my recent Bible Study at St. Thomas
IOC Philadelphia. Forgive me if they're not illustrated. I'm sure I could have found a few clearer quotes from the Fathers on Eucharist so I may revise these if I find the time. Enjoy.
Notes on the Roman Catholic Church
Here are some brief notes on Roman Catholici
sm. As in all things I've posted for Sunday School, this was meant for 1 to 2 45-minute class sessions. Naturally, there is no way to go into as much depth as is possible. Forgive me then, if I gloss over something serious.
Notes on the Eastern Orthodox
Here are the notes I worked up on the Eastern (Chalcedonian) Churches. I'll post some informative links when I find them. My intention after I covered the Councils was to talk about the histories of various Churches and branches of Christianity.
The Church of the Councils- Notes
These are my notes on the 3 Ecumenical Councils, and the 4th Council which we do not accept.
The Church of the Great Councils
The Church of the Great Councils Complete
Sources:
By no means is this exhaustive, however I do owe these books mention:
Pre-Nicene Church Worksheet #2
In retrospect, this lecture was very similar to the first Pre-Nicene lesson. However, this is more focused on the actual writings and not on the author's themselves.
Links to selected Pre-Nicene writings below.