Talk 25: Why Logic and Reason in Spiritual Matters Can Lead to a Loss of Grace
This talk is a continuation of Talk 24 – Elders vs. Religious Intellectuals: Whom to Follow? Asceticism is the most important aspect of Orthodox spirituality. The graced-filled elders of our times teach that today there is a lack, and even an absence, of asceticism, due to the influence of Western rationalism (including psychology) and pharisaical adherence to externals. Unfortunately, many, including some clergy, believe that asceticism can only be practised by the occasional ascetic or monastic, while others limit asceticism in the world to prayer, fasting and prostrations. In this talk, however, Father Kosmas emphasises that there are many aspects of our everyday life – work, school, home, sickness, struggling with passions, enduring abuse, church, marriage, children, etc. – that can be ascetical, and therefore spiritually beneficial.
The following questions are also discussed: why did Elder Paisios call those clerics sick who used psychology to help souls? What should be our attitude towards atheists? Is tax evasion a sin or a necessity? Why are Christians who complain about the evil in the world called “saltless”? Why did the Apostle Paul not condemn slavery? How does God humble the proud? Should we condemn drug addicts, prostitutes, fornicators, homosexuals, alcoholics, etc.? Why are priests increasingly referring their spiritual children to psychologists? How should we view abuse of men by women?
Other topics covered in this talk include: an “illogical” explanation for the death of infants and children; how studies in academic theology can produce unbelievers; how mental illness can be viewed as a spiritual struggle and even martyrdom; how spiritual progress comes when we stop focusing on our personal problems; and the wonderful example of a woman who endured abuse from her husband.
Talk Duration: 190 minutes
Chanting Duration: 32 minutes
3 CD set