"When believers identify themselves with an icon, that is idolatry. And we bear responsibility for this, for we encourage idolatry by hawking around saints' relics to fill church collection boxes."
Bishop Theoklitos, of Ioannina, criticizing his Greek Orthodox church for exploiting the "paganistic, sick faith" of its members.
"Anyone who used isolated examples of excessive behavior to condemn adoration and remove icons from our faith and our Church would definitely be veering toward Protestantism."
Archbishop Christodoulos, Head of the Greek Orthodox Church, criticizing Theoklitos's comments.
"Not being religious is similar to any other shortsighted, risky and impulsive behavior that some men—primarily young males—engage in, such as assault, robbery, burglary, murder and rape."
Rodney Stark, University of Washington sociologist, who argues that men are not religiously committed because of physiology, not socialization.
Sources: Kathimerini, The Toronto Star,
University of Washington
“He Gets Us,” an effort to attract skeptics and cultural Christians, launches nationally this month. But Christians still have questions about how the church markets faith.
“He Gets Us,” an effort to attract skeptics and cultural Christians, launches nationally this month. But Christians still have questions about how the church markets faith.
How acedia became the enemy of our souls.Português
They often risked floggings to worship God.
Fewer people are using more types of media to access Scripture.
