[kosta50]

We see man as little more than a toddler next to God. We are totally dependent on Him for everything. We believe that many of the true OT stories of the Israelites reveal this

Maybe that's the "problem." We (Orthodox/Catholic) follow the Gospels. Being a Christian means imitating Christ, or those appointed by Him. That's hardly a parent-toddler relationship.

Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. [1 Cor 4:15-16]

All Christians DO come to God freely. The difference appears to be with what heart do we come.

The Church is made up of sinners, not saints. We come to Christ with wounded hearts in need of healing, and Christ said He would heal them, not replace them.

[Forest Keeper]

Maybe that's the "problem." We (Orthodox/Catholic) follow the Gospels. Being a Christian means imitating Christ, or those appointed by Him. That's hardly a parent-toddler relationship.

What, you don't think toddlers imitate what their parents do? :) Perhaps my kids were freaks. :)

Think of the analogy. You are saying it is more accurate to compare a mature parent to an adult child than it is to compare an adult parent to a toddler. There is a great difference between these two comparisons, and my opinion is that you all are giving man far too much credit. :)

And BTW, on what basis do you say that it's fine with God that if we don't want to imitate Christ that it is OK instead to imitate someone else, perhaps a Saint? I mean, is it OK with God if I imitate Augustine on his doctrine of predestination? :)