[Alex Murphy]

Very little is clear to me regarding Orthodox belief. It tends to be all conjecture, considerable mysticism and a lot of "maybe."

And there's no reason why it should be clear. Obfuscated and subjective truth appears to be the (somewhat) intentional standard, at least within Orthodoxy. As Kolokotronis himself agreed on another thread earlier today, "Orthodoxy can't be fully explained, it has to be experienced."

[Dr. Eckleburg]

K: "Orthodoxy can't be fully explained, it has to be experienced."

Pity.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." -- Romans 1:16-25

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." -- 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

We are not to rely on our carnal senses for clarity. No wonder the Orthodox are befuddled.

Instead we are to wholly depend upon "the mind of Christ" within us, and to confidently rely on the new eyes and new ears and new heart given by God alone which enable us to see and hear and understand and believe.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." -- Romans 12:2

[Kolokotronis]

"Obfuscated and subjective truth appears to be the (somewhat) intentional standard, at least within Orthodoxy. As Kolokotronis himself agreed on another thread earlier today, "Orthodoxy can't be fully explained, it has to be experienced."

Do you think that's what the statement I quoted means, AM? Who is obfuscating and whose subjective standard are you referring to. Surely you don't think we are devotees of sola scriptura, do you?

[kosta50]

And there's no reason why it should be clear. Obfuscated and subjective truth appears to be the (somewhat) intentional standard, at least within Orthodoxy. As Kolokotronis himself agreed on another thread earlier today, "Orthodoxy can't be fully explained, it has to be experienced."

Well, experience cannot be explained, Alex Murphy. I imagine even Protestants would have to agree with that unless they never experience anything. :)

God is an ineffable Mystery that even Protestants can't explain and must take on faith.