Recently, in order to keep me sane, my husband has been encouraging me to go on a walk as soon as Taisia is in bed. So I download the latest podcasts from AFR and head out in the perfect 7pm weather. I get teased that podcasts on religion are my favorite workout 'tunes'; but this way my body gets a workout and so does my mind. I love it. What can I say, I'm just a podcast junkie.
The most recent podcast I listened to was great. It is part 9 of a series entitled "Imputed Righteousness", by Matthew Gallatin on his Pilgrims from Paradise podcast. It may seem a bit out of context to quote one of my favorite parts, but if it leaves you wondering I guess you can listen to it yourself :) I recommend it if you want the Orthodox perspective on the "dance" of faith and works in our relationship with God. So here is a quick look into what I've been listening to:
"Everything starts with faith. By faith we enter into the waters of baptism. By faith we receive the Holy Spirit. But once we've received the Holy Spirit, God expects it to make a difference in how we act. It must. If we want to be saved, if we want to live in perfect, loving union with God, we actually have to be what God wants us to be. It's not enough just to imagine ourselves as what He wants us to be, or hope that He sees us the way He wants us to be. No, we must dance the divine dance. No longer can we live the sinful life of those who dance without God. Putting to death our sinfulness through the power of the Indwelling Spirit is not easy...Thankfully our compassionate God is thoroughly, lovingly, divinely and eternally committed to the success of our relationship with Him. He is always by our side to forgive us, teach us, encourage us. Yes, real life with God, real love with God is a lot of work. But it is the only existence to which we are called..."
I particularly like the end "real life with God, real love with God is a lot of work," or as Fr Boris wisely said, "Welcome to the struggle" (see sidebar).
12 August 2007
podcast junkie
Posted by Brigitte at 23:12
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2 comments:
I'm such a fan of Matthew Gallatin! I've been following the "Imputed Righteousness" series since week 2. Many of the themes he is addressing, in the context of the story of Abraham, are covered in a slightly more abstract way in his book "Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells."
It's good stuff, as are the other podcasts on AFR. They go straight to my MP3 player when they get updated weekly. I'm also particularly fond of Dr. Clark Carlton's "Faith and Philosophy" podcast.
-justinian
BTW, Father just read Gallatin's book "Searching for God in a Land of Shallow Wells" and is going to make it a sort of prerequisite for possible catechumins to read. He really admires Gallatin's understanding of Orthodoxy and ability to clarify issues that are particularly relevant for converts from Protestant background. I was glad to know that he has heard his podcasts and read his book and more than approves. I'm waiting for our bookstore to get his book in stock so I can read it.
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