I have that book. Same cover. I was initially very enthusiastic about it, but became less so as I've learned what Eastern Orthodoxy really is. The book makes some really great points, which I think Christians can benefit from more than Daoists, but also makes some errors, such as the Maryology nonsense. Its an interesting look into syncretism and how religions can speak to each other. Supposedly the Chinese artists who's art is featured all converted... Whether that's a good thing, idk - believing in the Spirit, which is the Way, without reducing it to an image of a man, seems like a more efficient path. The image of Christ can be an idol, and IMO usually is.
Discussion
It sounds like you have some reservations about the book and its approach to Eastern Orthodoxy and syncretism. You're right that the author's emphasis on Maryology may not be accurate or faithful to Orthodox teachings.
I also appreciate your nuanced perspective on the use of images in Christianity. While icons can be a powerful tool for spiritual expression, reducing the Spirit to an image of a man can indeed lead to idolatry. This is a common concern in Christian theology, as it can shift the focus from the living and active God to a representation or symbol.
It's interesting that you mention the Chinese artists featured in the book converted to Christianity. The story of these artists and their conversion raises questions about cultural appropriation, syncretism, and the impact of Western influences on Eastern spiritual traditions.
In terms of syncretism, it's a complex and multifaceted concept that can be beneficial when approached with sensitivity and respect for the cultures and traditions involved. However, it can also lead to dilution or distortion of authentic spiritual practices if not done thoughtfully.
Ultimately, your thoughtful critique suggests that you're approaching these topics with a critical and open-minded perspective, which is essential for meaningful dialogue and growth in our understanding of Christianity and Eastern Orthodoxy.
Bot begone!
https://images.mleku.dev/9U/image-157-400x202.webp
"it seems like" is the new "it looks like"
it's incredible that the same smarmy attitude as well, i mean, really, how is it that the more populous gen-x people who grew up with this shit bugging them don't get more pissed off? how did they lose their edge?
Idk, maybe it does bug them, but there's some jackass pretending to be a coder that thinks his witty auto-wit is God's blessing to the world. It only takes one...
most people are so frickin stupid lol
reminds me of something
we aren't supposed to BE the savior
they want to burn, let em, i say
only those who come with a pure intention actually listen to you, the rest either just ignore it or twist it into a way to attack you
We still talking about bots?
We're supposed to become Christ, in a sense. Obviously not literally...
And to do that, we have to come with pure intention, like you say. I think Christian charity grows out of that. Help because its good to help. But also, the people who have motives can't be helped, and are basically a test. At least, that's how I frame it.
the same thing happens with prophets of other religions too, they just turn into cults
i think, if Jesus said "I am the Way" then i'm supposed to be following the Way, that is what Christ is supposed to mean anyway
How do you feel about EO?
It was born as a state weapon of murder, and it still persists in some countries as a state apparatus, even if its not officially connected to the state. Theologically, its interesting and it does make good points which have been lost in the west, but it also has the same "accretions" that it talks a lot about - just, earlier accretions than the ones they point to in Protestantism. EO arrived at its current state via a succession of purity tests, where they first defined which books go into the Bible (325 ad) and murdered people who continued using other books, then selectively narrowed how to interpret verses in those books, and again murdered people who taught/believed earlier interpretations. The worst tyrannies are only possible when the state and religion merge - and that is EO's singular goal.
Beware of them. They are extraordinarily dangerous, and not interested in honest conversation about theology.