Situation Ethics
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| The Temple at Dawn's First Light |
Situation Ethics versus Biblical Morality
Situation ethics has become the norm for our times, having replaced the biblical ethics of past generations. In situation ethics as long as no one is hurt one can do as one pleases. Taking drugs, watching pornography and aborting the unborn child, all can come under the flag of situation ethics.
Taking drugs is seen as morally neutral by increasing numbers of Americans. We believe no one is hurt by our drug use, while refusing to see the obvious connection between our drug purchases and the mass killings in Mexico by drug cartels that are in business because of the demand for drugs by American users.
Nothing wrong with watching pornography, we tell ourselves, forgetting that the demand for pornography enslaves many poor young women (and men) in a form of prostitution, all for our sexual gratification. Pornography has become one of the major addictions of our times, keeping large numbers of people in bondage, and preventing sound healthy relationships.
Situation ethics has convinced women that since they have the right to make decisions concerning their own bodies, aborting the fetus is allowable if their own life style will be negatively affected. Nothing about the rights of the unborn, who have no voice whatsoever.
The Fathers knew that even the secret sins committed by people had an effect on the whole of the cosmos. The people who promote situation ethics would have us believe that nothing that is done in private hurts anyone. Biblical ethics tells us quite the opposite.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
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On July 20th I posted an appeal for funds, explaining that the monastery is in dire straights, and asking for help. I want to thank all of you who've been able to help, and ask those who can not afford to help us financially to please pray for the monastery. By your holy prayers, and the help of Almighty God, we will get through this present crisis.
With a grateful heart,
Abbot Tryphon
P.S. In my feeble attempt not to offend my fellow ROCOR clergy with my appeal, I unintentionally may have offended some in other jurisdictions with my reference to their bishops foisting upon their monasteries practices that are less than traditional. This was not my intent and I ask forgiveness for any hurt or offense I may have caused. I have removed that portion from Wednesday's posting.
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| Hammie has spotted the hens in the yard. |
Friday July 22, 2011 / July 9, 2011
6th Week after Pentecost. Tone four.
Fast. By Monastic Charter: Strict Fast (Bread, Vegetables, Fruits)
Hieromartyr Pancratius, bishop of Taormina in Sicily (1st c.).
New Hieromartyr Constantine priest (1918).
Hieromartyr Cyril, bishop of Gortyna in Crete (250-252).Martyrs Patermuthius, Coprius, and Alexander the Soldier, in Egypt (361).Sts. Patermuthius and Coprius, ascetics of Egypt (4th c.).St. Theodore, bishop of Edessa (848)."Cyprus" in the village of Stromyn (Moscow diocese) and "Koloch" (1413) Icons of the Mother of God.Venarable Anthony Leokhnovsky (1611).Venerable Euthymius of Karelia (1435).Blessed Peter, hieromartyr of Cherevkov (Vologda) (16th-17th c.). St. Everild, nun, of England (700) (Celtic & British).Martyrs Andrew and Probus (Greek).Venerables Dionysius the Rhetorician and Metrophanes of Mt. Athos (Greek).Venerable Theodosius, stylite of Edessa (9th c.).Venerable John of the Caves in Babylon.Martyr Michael, disciple and the Kinsman of St. Theodore.Martyr John (before holy baptism Moavy), king of Baghdad and with him the Three Holy Youths (9th c.).New Hieromartyr Methodius of Amaria, Crete (1793).Hieromartyr Killian, bishop in East Franconia and Thuringia, and his companions Hieromonk Colman and Hierodeacon Totman, at Wurzburg (689).The Scripture Readings for the Day:
1 Corinthians 4:5-8
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
Fools for Christ’s Sake
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?8 You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!
Matthew 13:44-54
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.The Parable of the Dragnet
47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”51 Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”
52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
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