Aldea: "Why do you need a gun in the house?" "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." - Luke 22:36
From the Orthodox Study Bible: "The sword (v. 36) is not to be understood literally (compare vv. 49-51), but refers to the living word of God in the battle against sin (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). St. Ambrose adds an additional meaning: that giving up one's garment and buying a sword refers to surrendering the body to the sword of martyrdom. Because the disciples were thinking of swords literally, Jesus abruptly ends the discussion with the words, or better translated, (see. Deuteronomy 3:26; Mark 14:41)."
@@KageMinowara St Maximos gives a spiritual interpretation for the sword to fight passions by some form of struggle in the 400 chapters of love. On this point you are wrong and you should try never to interpret the scriptures yourself.
@@OrthodoxPerspective Would you say the same thing to Father Aldea when he interprets the will of God as being that ordinary citizens should not be armed?
@@KageMinowara I don't have an opinion on the this topic specifically. My view is that in the world sometimes a compromise is the best we can do even if it is against God's command. For example, divorce is against God but sometimes a reality presents where divorce must be actioned. When it comes to war, gun ownership, etc... this falls within this realm. I am not comfortable with some things he says, how he picks out specific talking points and gives his side on them, rather than generally articulating and teaching the orthodox spirit. I am mostly disturbed by the ghastly, morbid and bloody "iconography" his monastery makes and sells on their page more than anything he says. Truly disturbing to me. But other than that I have not heard him preach heresy. I am not attracted to his teachings, monastery or iconography, but I would not urge people to not visit him or make a video denouncing him or anything like that. On the other side of the table of the people who denounce him, we have people who are much less accurate and careful in their approach, if I want to name them and their specific errors I would not finish. I have seen really ugly things from these circles. So best to not try to split everyone in teams and categorise them as with us or against us. Focus on yourself, and use the internet as a resource mainly to read writings of saints, and read those who draw you or those whom a spiritual father recommends. There is no sense in trying to formalise in your mind where each person stands. If Fr Aldea starts boldly preaching universalism or something completely wrong then you can calmly highlight that to others who are mislead by him. But for now there is no such situation.
I appreciate Father Seraphim’s perspective while not agreeing with every point. We are all strugglers trying to live the Orthodox way of life in a hostile world, and our choices and opinions will not always match up. But we’re still brothers and sisters in Christ.
Reactionism to liberal points rather than sticking to the sober position makes you see everything political. Read St Silouan and his explicit stance against war, St Silouan dissaproved of a monk beating grass with a stick let alone being wasteful with food, polluting the planet, etc.. St Sophrony says how can we hope to have peace in the world when we slaughter millions of animals and eat their flesh that stirs the passions and live in sin. I used to be against Fr Seraphim and at the moment I am not with or against. I just have not seen anything wrong he says.
Imagine what beautiful examples of Orthodox Christians we would all be if we commented “Lord have mercy on Fr. Seraphim” instead of self righteously judging and condemning him... Imagine if the #1 commandment we were told to obey as Orthodox Christians was to love each other as Christ loves us... Imagine what those thinking of converting to Orthodoxy think about Orthodox Christians based on these comments... Lord have mercy Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
Amen. Many times as an inquirer i met many Orthodox who were not having their best day and scandalized me deeply (which the Enemy used in attempts to keep me from the Church). I pray I never do the same to others in my zeal, which can oft be fraught with human sin, so the Enemy may never use me for evil. Lord have mercy on me!
Imagine if you read the Scriptures, and see what St Paul said about rightly judging with discernment someone who claims to be a brother.... "With such a one do not even eat." It is good to pray for him, and for us to pray for our own sinfulness, yes. But the idea that these gay Marxist agenda promoting priests should be allowed to do and say whatever without opposition is a slap in the face to the Church, to God, to Christians everywhere.
@@aleisterbroley900 what a horrible, horrible, disgusting, evil comment. Evil is working through you to type that. Hateful, dysfunctional evil, in you, working out from you, spreading through your words. I say this hoping it makes you at least consider you're wrong and repent.
I disagree w/ Fr. Seraphim about guns. One of the roles of a husband/father is to protect his family. Maybe it's b/c the males in my family on both sides have been military or law enforcement for a couple generations & it has something to do w/ growing up in that context, but I really don't think so. People should protect others from evil & not submit to it. Sometimes resisting evil can entail physical resistance up to & including killing someone. It's happened many times throughout human history that people needed to defend themselves/their families/their people from those attempting to do them harm. To my understanding, doing so when it involves one's family is a Christian duty.
Russell Howard Absolutely, as much as I respect Fr. Seraphim he is very clearly out of touch with people living outside of the overly domesticated European context. Would he say this to people who need to hunt or defend their property from wild animals or people who don’t have the benefit of a functional military or police force to protect them? Christ calls for sacrifice not suicide. Sadly some people don’t know the difference.
" “Pray for me, O Servant of God Demetrios,” he said, “that by your prayers, God may help me to beat Lyaios, and put an end to him who brings reproach upon the Christians.” The Saint, after sealing Nestor with the Sign of the Cross, told him that he would prevail over Lyaios, and then suffer for Christ. Nestor mounted the platform without fear and exclaimed: “Help me, O God of Demetrios.” After he defeated Lyaios, he hurled him down onto the spears, where he gave up his wretched soul."
@@ThreeSkullOrthodox Isn't that who he's literally talking to? People in a very safe, domestic place like the west. I don't think Fr. Seraphim would be opposed to self-defense across the board in some truly vicious places. But he's referring to a deeper problem with people in the comfortable West and that is fear. That we let fear guide so many of our decisions. This idea that we need to be armed to the teeth for some future burglar who is going to do unspeakable things to us and our family is not living in the present moment with Christ. It's completely antithetical to the trust we must place in our heavenly Father. It's only another manifestation of the urge to accumulate wealth for "security" for yourself or your family. There's one thing of prudence and providing for yourself and your family, there is another thing entirely if you seek security in what the world offers. On the flip side, I don't think that that principle is necessarily universaliseable. And I trust that Fr. Seraphim recognizes that. If not, I would part ways of agreement with him.
@@eduardovalentin9416 You make very good points, but where I live it's not a full urban area and there have been some very unfortunate cases of violence against old people by burglars; even the West is only as safe as its least safe neighborhood and guns are only useless as long as there are cops at hand.
10:46 "St. Silouan said very clearly, one does not need to read the newspapers, if you truly pray you will know where the world is in your own heart because you will feel the spirit of the world and just by sniffing the spirit, you will know what's going on... but I'm not there..." You are so humble Father. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
I have listened some of Father's Aldea videos and in each one of them I feel some strong wind of "prelest" coming from him, I might be wrong and I hope I am. I pray that God guide him all humility and truth as we truly need more faithful monastics on the British isles.
Thank you for the word prelest. I didn't know what it meant nor being specific to Orthodoxy. I havent seen enough videos to know. What I have seen, he seems sincere, then what I've heard him say, it's true. What I've heard, I haven't watched all of them. Yet, he could have a conducive atmosphere to developing the spirit. Which is a smart thing to do.
@@mgkos as a yankee he sounds right on to me. Fr. Seraphim’s words burn the ears of the violence mongers. I just saw DP Harry gabbing with Sisco and they talked about their 9mms. They come across like Nazis, worshipping violence as a way to worldly power, while hypocritically espousing some disconnected elements of Orthodox theology, to promote their Identitarianism. Groyperdox are not even Christian.
Part of a Father and Mother's duty is to protect their children. Owning a firearm has become a necessity for many of us who live in lawless lands, where criminals have an abundance of weaponry - including guns. Not everyone lives in the safety of a Monastery off the Scottish coast, dear Hieromonk Seraphim. Don't want to be called political? Then don't make political statements! Who are you to tell millions of us that we don't have a right to protect ourselves, and our loved ones? We have the legal right and moral responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
I really don't believe that the Church has imposed the same restrictions against violence on monks that it has on priests, and I remember reading that the monasteries on Mt. Athos protected themselves against pirates. However, my old priest told me that priests are forbidden from engaging in violence. Also, I read the life of a Russian Saint who had become a monk but put on his battle gear & took up his weapons one more time for a crucial battle.
I don't agree with all of Fr Seraphim's political positions, but I respect his love for Christ and faithful spirit. I think he is right to be reticent as clergy to speak overmuch about politics, except to confront obvious evil done by various politicians and factions. We must always be on guard about vomiting out our own opinions, if it means damaging our ability to properly speak the truth of the Gospel. Fr Seraphim, pray for me, a sinner.
As seen through many of these comments, it is interesting to see how seemingly political issues can bring a divide even in the True Church. I hope there may be Church consensus on these issues.
His self-pride won't even say which newspapers he reads LOL he knows he's 100% political otherwise, he wouldn't be on TH-cam for anything else but promote his monastery.
No, you tube is a means of reaching out to bring others to faith. Now he could have the motives you state as I've seen many types do such in many things. Yet we have to be careful not to project ourselves too. It's better to give the benefit of the doubt unless proven otherwise. It's also important to note Satan is an accuser. To accuse someone without proof or extending efforts to prove resorting to set ups and such is the work of the devil. So we have a choice, reflect God or reflect Satan. Do Gods will or do Satan's will. There are those that'll make a mountain out of a mole hill so as to accuse someone, which is the work of Satan. Projecting ones own motive is bad news. Then if he promotes the monastery, what is wrong with that still? Unless he's looking for profits that are not proper. If he's bad it'll surface. Yet, if he's good, then we accuse him, we're going to be in bad shape come judgement day.
"I'm not political" He then proceeds to spout every nonsense Left-wing political idea based entirely on emotion, not on the Scriptures or the history of the Church. Father should spend more time praying and less time speaking on things he knows nothing about.
The Great Law Giver Christ physically whipped his enemies, tossed over their tables, and yes, commanded his disciples to sell their cloaks and purchase two swords.
Thank you, Dear Valhalla, for reminding viewers here that Father Aldea's well-intended preachments have a personal bias, based on his on political views.
St. Paul who used a sword to kill gave up his sword and endured a lot of violence as did Jesus. When the Bible says few will enter heaven, we can see why when we attempt to justify ourselves rather than God. I simply admit I'm weak. Which doesn't mean I'll make it, but it puts me in a better position for Grace rather than resist the obvious. I used to like to drink and things. Others like sex, etc. Which some like violence. We have to admit our faults and not try to justify them.
@@Noone-rt6pw The usage of violence is not always passionate, we must always regret using It tho. What would you do If a man tryed to beat your wife ir daughter? Remember in order to use violence, one must be trained in It, you don't need to actually kill an agressor, It's easy enough to neutralize a unarmed agressor without killing him. There are some people that honestly enjoy violence, but they're usually the agressors
@@M3124-t5f Genuine question here - did any of the Church Fathers or martyrs ever use violence? If you could point me to some sources I would be very grateful! Thank you!
Being a good citizen is part of belonging to the kingdom of God (building walls and protecting your territory is part of loving one's country and being a good citizen and patriot). And a Christian shouldn't kill? There is a just war tradition that began developing in the fourth century with St. Ambrose and St. Augustine. Not to mention, a man protects his family no matter what. Whether this is a divine command or not (and it is), it is simply obvious. And a gun may be for more than just killing, Mr. Glass Is Half Empty. Shooting a gun may be done as a hobby, for practice, for hunting (killing animals is perfectly Scriptural), or for shooting to wound your adversary when he breaks into your home (or for any other reason you may shoot someone when he/she wants to do you harm).
Casper Jack Where did Jesus say that 'being a good citizen is part of belonging to the kingdom of God'? That concept was never mentioned by Him nor did He say anything whatever about 'defending territory' or 'loving your country'. I'm not saying that loving your country is a bad idea but it has nothing to with Christianity (which, incidentally, says you should love your enemies). As for guns, while there are exceptions (e.g war zones) in what country with a proper police force and army could it possibly be necessary for a civilian to own a gun to defend himself?
@@ClodaghbobBecause the police will only do something after you're already dead. This way of thinking "oh but we have a good police" only works in the minds of europeans. In places where violence is actually real, the police is almost pontless, since it's not preventing the crime, Just punishing the criminal
Frizon I understand. That's why I said 'proper police force'. Obviously unstable, violent places are some of the 'exceptions' I mentioned. However, I would still say that defending people is one thing but defending territory is another. Defending territory in order to protect the people living there may be a good idea. Defending territory for its own sake is not so good. That can lead to people's lives and wellbeing taking second place after ideology or commercial interests.
Pacifism is a mental disorder and a heresy! Orthodox are not Pacifists because we are in a dark and wounded world where bad actors seek to destroy the good. This monk should go work with psychopaths in a mental hospital to see why it is a God-given obligation to defend the innocent and the vulnerable!
@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 neither of us are groupers but theres nothing wrong with being illiberal. I would even say there's something wrong with being liberal.
@@justin946 of course you would because you are illiberal. Rev. Joseph Gleason’s solution to intolerance of liberals was to move to the Central State of Illiberalism, Mother Russia. Maybe you should give it a try rather than frustrate yourself in a country where liberalism is canonized as legal tradition.
For a guy who keeps asserting how apolitical he is, his stances are so political. He's not far from a liberal. So what use is his interpretation of Christianity?
When they agreed the guardian was one of the best papers you can't help but think he's become an ideologue himself, saying he doesn't have political leanings,and care about politics, and then having political leanings.🤔
I lament that perhaps one of Satan’s greatest delusions is taking the commandments of our precious Lord to care for our neighbors and distorting them to be “liberal/Communist propaganda” - feeding the poor, turning the other cheek as the Holy Martyrs did, caring for the sick and poor and orphans, widows and foreigners, forsaking all worldly interests. Lord have mercy that such sweet words are so bitterly swallowed by so many! I admit I struggle too. Secularly it is impossible to do apart from Christ, corruption is to great to do this well in any country. Yet as Christians individually and as a Body we are called to this very hard, narrow road of laying down our lives and interests for the sake of others, when our very instinct is to protect our lives and put ourselves first - when Scriptures are clear we are to do the opposite in order to save our souls. Lord have mercy on all of us!
Three cheers for Hieromonk Seraphim Aldea! There are some real gems in here (e.g. "I don't care anymore..." at 7:15, "I don't believe Satan rules anything..." at 11:34).
regarding this monk's "beliefs": John 12:31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. John 14:30 I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me; Ephesians 2:2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. John 16:11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. 2 Corinthians 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
"...because whatever he ruled over is the world, and the world is nothing. It's just dust, created by God out of nothing. So, you know, to be a big king of a nothing doesn't really amount to much, does it?"
If we want muslim refugees hostile to us all next to us thus sowing discord and great opportunity for sin outside the Church even if we take an an entirely pacifist view, we render unto Ceasar many things in the name of the climate while in reality we feed into their lie, we will share our modern day interest and affairs with people who do things behind closed doors that would make the most callous of sinners, and all grown men for that matter - cry in horror, and well known, powerful people, I might add. If we are to denounce politics, let's REALLY do that, then. And not focus on what the nations might force people into in the name of virtues, but virtues of people, the way it's always been done.
Uh, he’s a tad more political than he thinks he is. All his talking points clearly stem from the left. Refugees, environmentalism, gun ownership. Correction Fr, there is more than one reason to own a gun. At least one of those reasons is Love. Love for one’s family. What kind of man would leave his wife’s and child’s life in the hands of a home intruder? Not a Christian man, I think.
A completely other mentality than we have in Europe...and not only leftist in Europe have another mentality in the case of owning & using weapons...also take a look at orthodox countries...even in Russia people don't behave like that when they are confronted with a burglar. Killing in self-defense is still a great sin: When it comes to soldiers, Canon 13 of St. Basil prescribes that soldiers who take life on the battlefield should remove themselves from Communion for three years. In Canon 55 he extends the same penance to those who kill in self-defense. Is every burglar a killer or a rapist? Of course not.
@@lessthandust The point isn't about self-defense or warfare. The point is about what a man does to protect his family. Of course not all burglars are killers or rapists, but I'm not referring to burglars. Burglars are by definition 'burglars'. Rather, if we wake up in the middle of the night to someone breaking into our home, we only know the person is a home intruder. It remains to be discovered what his motives are. If it happens that we have opportunity to make a rational observation of the home intruder, the best-case scenario would be the Chamberlain approach and try conversation and diplomacy with the home intruder. If we start with the assumption that all violence is evil, then we might as well have given Europe to Hitler rather than fighting back. The Church may have imposed consequences on those who fought against Hitler in WW2, but I'm glad those soldiers fought. All violence may be tragic, but not all violence is evil. Sometimes violence is required against the violent--because of love for the innocent and the weak. To lay down our own lives and not resist evil is one thing, but to lay down the life of those whom we are created to protect, nourish and love is insanity. Anyone who would advocate giving up his wife or child to one who would do them harm is not reflecting the image of Christ. And if my wife were home alone with our daughter while someone broke into our home, I'm glad we have the 'great equalizer' and she will have a fighting chance to protect herself and our daughter. Even if it were just my wife by herself at home, what is she supposed to do? Assuming for a moment we have no mere burglar, is she to let the intruder rape and kill her? Exactly what kind of misery is this monk (who has no wife or daughter) prescribing for the rest of us?
@@choppy1356 If you are 100 % sure or if you see that a home intruder is going to kill to rape or kill your daughter or wife, well of course, the only thing you can or probably even should do, is to defend them or in the case of your wife to self-defend herself - without question. But to use a weapon automatically against a home invader only because you *suppose* that he may kill or rape your wife or daughter although he or she just wanted just to steal something - I cannot support that. There is a difference between these two cases. In Europe we have a high home safety system - or if you live somewhere where there is a high risk to be visited by a home invader why not to invest your energy to be well versed in the art of self-defense. Violence if death results should be the very very last option.
lessthandust but self defense can result in the death of your intruder. To be truly genuine you would hand him your stuff as he took it. But if he threatened your families well being, his actions have consequences. You can’t let the intruder off the hook and shoulder his responsibility. He has a choice as well that brings consequences. If he sees he is outmatched by your firearm and submits you’ve done him a great service. If he continues he is out of his mind with evil. Blessed are those who can outmatch the intruder with their hands and words causing no harm, the rest of us are merely human.
I totally agree with you. But I have the impression that most Americans cannot distinguish things like that - unfortunately. And if I'm really afraid to be visited once by home invaders, it makes totaly sense - especially as a christian - to be well versed in the art of self-defense (or in the art of using a weapon without killing someone).
While I respect Fr. Seraphim’s views on monasticism and spiritual fatherhood, this topic may have been much better served by someone with more contact with the modern world and societal issues. Fr Josiah Trenham, Fr Stephen Freeman,Metropolitan Jonah, or even Orthodox laymen such as Rod Dreher, or Dr. Steve Turkey might bring a more informed perspective on this topic.
Many people have expressed their appreciation for Fr. Seraphim's words as a breath of fresh air from the usual American take on politics. If anything, we need more non Americans and monastics providing commentary like this. That said, I 'd love to hear the folks you mention discuss the same topic!
Fr. Seraphim said what needed to be said and it's totally refreshing to have a priestmonk talk some sense to counterbalance all the crap from the people you've named (except for Fr. Stephen Freeman, I'm surprised you like him).
@@ProtectingVeilwhat exactly is fresh about what he said? Everything he says is completely predictable and left wing disguised with spirituality. Seriously. I’ve heard this stuff before from men like Stanley Hauerwas. It is basic western liberalism in monastic clothing.
To what extent does Orthodoxy regard this physical world as inferior to the spiritual world? At 11:35 he clearly says this world is just dust and "nothing". He also said that praying can do much more good than talking to people, implying a focus on the spiritual world.
Politics is, at least in theory, a means by which to promote the same social and environmental welfare for which Christianity stands. The problem nowadays is not politics itself as Hieromonk Seraphim suggests, but the dichotomous nature of our political climate wherein you're increasingly expected to be either wholly on one side or the other, without any room for making distinctions or for moderation. For instance, Hieromonk Seraphim here advocates for the protection of refugees, marine life, poor people, as well as society at large through the forging of gun ownership. The problem is, that many of the politicians who promote such protections also believe in moral relativism and irreligiousity, neither of which I suspect the Hieromonk condones. And of course, no one agrees to makes concessions, which only drives each side further and further to its respective ideological extreme. This pressure to pick on side or the other makes for difficulty in accomplishing *anything* , thereby facilitating the continued sorry moral state of our world. Politics need not be ignored, but reformed, in such a way as to reunite our societies around the same goal: to promote the well-being of all mankind, which necessitates a healthy environment on top of emotional and physical protection. Only once we've done everything we can to promote a better world do we have the right to give it up to God through prayer, and ask Him to take care of the rest. In the words of Abraham Joshua Heschel, "Pray as though everything depends on God, *act* as though everything depends on you".
Unfortunately it seems increasingly hard to do what you suggest to reform politics, because they are framed almost beyond recovery by a nihilistic-humanitarian worldview as part of it or opposed to it; it's almost the opposite of the old Church, that considered everything as inside of it or outside of it. Politics will be back to normal by extending to this new dominant system of belief the same courtesy it extended the Church i.e. make it irrelevant, sorry and dead. Then the single issues will become again negotiable and discernable, before that it's basically a war where the case by case necessities are swept away by the larger conflict.
@@CapCaffeine Politics are a function of our electoral processes, which are designed to give us a say in how we're governed, so that we're not dominated by any one entity, governmental, religious or otherwise. Sure these processes aren't perfect, nor are the mechanisms that underlie them, but surely you don't want to give them up completely and go back to the days when the Church dictated people's lives, without them having any say in their own destiny, do you? What I got from your comment is ultimately a contention to change the *current* *nature* of politics, so that public discourse can return to a concern over ideas rather than a war over ideologies, which is exactly that for which I advocated, too, in my initial comment. But representational government cannot function without politics, and without it, the consequences would be dire, yes?
It was a real pleasure to meet Fr. Seraphim Aldea. If you don't like him, I'm sure you won't like anything Sts. Silouan, Sophrony Sakharov or Maria Skobtsova say either. I've been houseless before, people use the same reasons economically and politically for not helping others. I've also stayed at monastery for quite a while, people just don't want to obey even though it's more impairative than praying. Christ didn't tell us to manage other people's lives, he told us to help them. "In that day many will say to me: Lord, Lord"
That is nonsense. I find it good to pray for those that teach things one might dislike, even if theyre monks, but to say `If you dont like him you wont like ANYTHING that SAINTS xxx teach` is ridiculous and prideful.
RE GUNS: Christ commanded His Apostles to buy swords. The good monk seems to forget that part of the Gospel. Swords aren't used for cutting fruit. The Centurian had "more faith than all of Israel." Can the good monk show us where Jesus Christ told him to lay down his sword and quit his profession? This monk seems to think that there are no Soldiers Saints and Martyrs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is typical of Western Christianity, not Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Very sad. A Christian man has a duty and obligation to protect those around him. Period. Were it not for God using Warrior Saints and martyrs, the church would not exist still today. This monk is not masculine. I question everything he says. EXAMPLES: Living where there are no police in rural America, we are the first responders. We are own police, even making arrests. I have three times used a firearm to protect Innocents. I never needed to fire my weapon, thank God. We protect our livestock with guns, from 4-legged Predators. Orthodox priests in Alaska have special dispensation from the Archbishop to hunt game there. Otherwise, they would starve. This monk chooses to ignore parts of scripture, and church history that do not fit his own personal narrative. The monks on Mount Athos have in the past taken up arms to defend themselves from Turks.
Aside from enviroment, I completly disagree. We are called to fight against darkness in Ephesians 6:12. We should not start a Holy war, but we should never bow down to the power structure. The Orthodox Church has many saints that fought to defend the true faith, Saint Olaf is an example. The Orthodox Church understands that in order to protect the people and the faith war is sometimes needed, not justified, but needed. I mean, it's obvius that the perfect Christian life is a full pacifist approach, but it's not possible in many cases.
There is a huge question here: if a Christian is not called to create laws but to offer himself, does that mean that if a Christian goes into politics he cannot act following the laws...sorry, he didn't gave us laws, the strong suggestions of Christ? Also, if you act in a public, organized way to help refugees, help the environment aren't you basically pushing laws onto others? This whole talk would made sense if the Christian retracted completely from public life and, as an individual, stealthily operated for those issues without asking for any big change in the existing laws. But isn't that the way of a monk? Where do other different vocations fit there? This all sound so pure and Christian, but these are real issues that present themselves if we follow this to the logical conclusion. As soon as you operate in the public space you are doing politics (polis means "city" after all), and if you act without prudence because you feel that something is good you risk putting the society at risk. It is as simple as saying "Christ commanded us to ....", and at the same time it's not a trivial and clear cut issue.
So a christian is not here to legislate? Um did he forget St. Paul's entire goal of getting to Rome was to convert the Emperor and make Christianity the State religion, and that Christ our God converted St. Constantine himself? There's no such thing as secular space.
In spite of being completely voluntary and by people who were willing to give their lives and did give their lives for their faith the . Two things usually happen when we have socialism in a community 1- Corruption: people will abuse their power, cheat, act hypocritically and eventually they become far from Christians 2- Resentment between people because it creates a sense of entitlement and paranoia and the feeling that they are not getting what they are entitled to get by the government/the ruler. This feeling on the long run causes feelings of anger and helplessness. people who lived in socialist society they know this very well. This exactly what happened in the early Jerusalem church corruption: Ananias and Sapphira Resentment: the friction between the Jewish Christians and the pagan Christians/ Forgive me Father Seraphim I like you and respect you, but I think you need to separate the Individual behavior/ obligations from the governmental rules and regulations and once you advocate things to become laws it automatically becomes political and it should be. please forgive me and absolve me and I still respect you and love your service
Well Jesus said keep the commandments. You might like Matthew 5:17 and it's old Testament cross reference Isaiah 42:21. Which with a law, we do it by obligation. By spirit which Jesus gave, we do it by will. Think of someone hungry, you could pity them and give good out of obligation or the right thing to do. But if you feel for the person as yourself, it's not law except what's in your heart where it's spirit.
He lives in a house with the other monks next to the church. The sisters run the retreat house that was formerly a bed and breakfast. It is two hours away from the church. Simple to check if you want the truth.
I'm disappointed with Protecting Veil. You would do well protecting the Church from fakes and removing the veil off of your own eyes when you bring people like this to your program!
He is human he is not above laymen, he makes so many contradictory statements and tries to seem as if he has a high ground or moral. This guy is spiritually misguided and lost. I don't know whether to cry or laugh.
He may not articulate or distinguish his views so well, where I haven't heard him contradict himself. I understood what he's getting at. Now, I like guns for shooting. I would hunt if I could get meat surely, if I got hungry. Like myself, it's easy for others to misunderstand if they do not know where I'm coming from.
I'm glad I listened to your explanation of your positions and esp. about your sources. I understand that a monk has to limit the amount of time he spends online reading political things, so if you've chosen the Guardian, for sensible, practical reasons, then it makes so much more sense that you have received such a gravely unbalanced viewpoint. It's much easier to forgive well-intentioned error, and I'm relieved because I was worried there was some fundamental - spiritual - flaw that led you to hold these ideas. I see no flaw at all other than being poorly informed by the bad intentions of the people who are dealing out the information in the media - the same reason nearly everyone is misinformed. What it tells me is that your positions are well intentioned, and come from a good place, a place as you say of love, and this makes it much easier for me to listen and take away this good message. The things you say about immigration (for instance) and the terrible deaths of so many people in the Mediterranean are quite true, and I can accept them on those grounds. There is just a lot more to it that you will not have heard about from something as biased as the Guardian.
Seraphim Aldea is a postmodern progressive ideologue. Check out his video on racism for an example of his non-Orthodox treatment of this issue and politics in general.
What a naive attitude to the circumstances of the world. He clings to the most left wing and Marxist views, dressing them up as part of his vocation to the priesthood. His theology has been affected by his politics although he would never admit this.....
He is a monk. Monks are communalist by nature. Is monasticism Marxist, or is marxism a pale imitation of Christian koinonia? Also, did you listen to his statements? He affirmed human freedom in the starkest of terms. Marxism is atheistic and deterministic. That in of itself completely shifts the perspective.
I am enjoying his thoughts. I agree with some of them, while, simultaneously, disagreeing with other points. However, I can appreciate his views when it comes to politics.
Killing is not forbidden. The commandment is better translated as "thou shalt not murder." If Christ was against killing period, we would all be vegans and he wouldn't have commanded the Israelites to wipe out the Caananites down to the last woman and child.
And there are many warrior saints in the church. I can't recall his name but there is a saint who was blessed by his priest to kill a man that was butchering Christians.
I always ask: what would Christians in the last 1000 years have thought about X political topic. If someone's opinion is AGAINST this, then they have been influenced by the modern world, not Christ
the problem is that all this is great if it was applied individually and freely and most of people will agree. This problem is the idea that the government will impose those rules upon the people. The Lord Jesus and the apostles never advocated that the government should impose moral values of any kind on people. We all absolutely should help the refugees and the poor etc. but to impose a tax on all the people to help the or the immigrants or to protect certain group, minority or agenda is also very wrong and God condemned the rulers who take sides of any kind. When the early Christians brought all their belongings to the apostles to distribute equally among the Christians it was totally voluntary and even this experiment of socialism failed miserably to give
Even for someone to be a Christian, is because others have fought and died defending the faith, and defending your freedom to even ponder these questions in the first place.
Bible says the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. Per St John’s Epistle. He also says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.
I think an Orthodox monk means something a bit different by "the world". The world as opposed to the Church. His point seems to be that living according to Christ's commandments makes one a "good citizen" in a worldly sense, without one having to seek that or to even care for that. Of course I could be wrong, as could any human.
Thank you very much for this post. Every time there is an opinion of a clergy man about politics, opinions of people are shared, that's why a clergy man should retain as much as possible from politics. However, I do find it important that a clergy man is familiar with what happens in the World to be able to guide people in the right direction. Unfortunately, the curent world we live in, is upside-down in some many aspects. It takes courage and a strong believe to speak up nowadays. Too many of us are distracted in our daily lives by all the material things, this dust 'concentrated' in different shapes. It attracts us into directions, which are so much none the right path to our Salvation, as this is only One. I pray for our Father Seraphim that God gives him strength to 'walk' on the chosen path of monastic life. God bless everyone, independent of your faith, or believes. None here on this Earth is born to judge the one next to us. Blessed are those who can stay away from judging others. God endulged all different believes to find out who has the heart to judge the fellow brother next to you, and who not. As father Seraphim mentioned God made us free. But one can only be really free, by being a 'slave' to Christ, who is our Salvation. God bless you all! Amin.
He seems to be confused. Even for a scholar, which Fr. Seraphim is, a monk who is coming out of solitude and trying to relate to "a general public at large" is a task that is irrational to attempt to do. We also "seem to be confused". Lord have mercy on us all, for our confusion is beyond what one person, by themselves can sort out. Help us focus with patience, and the will to build conversations which give you, Lord Jesus Christ, the Glory. Amen.
Easy for a monk to say to not have guns when they don't have a wife, sons, and daughters to protect. We are called to not murder, but to lay down our lives for one another
The absolutely best thing I have ever done (apart from coming home to the Lord Jesus Christ) is getting rid of the TV. This was 6 years ago. I haven't watched a movie of any sort for many years, newspapers are a thing of the far past. I use the internet but choose very specific sites which are Christian based and those which are independent of MSM. I choose documentaries and interviews which are truth based. I have learned and are still learning discernment. I have zero social media interest or engagement. I am willing to bet that my knowledge of the world is more truthful/accurate, than those whose lives are steeped in "news". Doing this has freed me from anxiety over the direction the world has taken. God rules my life entirely now and so I know that everything is guided by him and when bad things occur, he allows this and what we are seeing today is the result of our sins, of our choice. Satan is in full control of our fallen world, but In order to know this, we need to be free and clear of the lies and deceptions of this world. I encourage you to try it. It is not difficult and I guarantee your life will change for the better.
[Rulers in authority are] God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. (Rom. 13:4-5)
the comments in here are quite interesting. Fr Seraphim speaks about how we try to be "good citizens" rather than mad followers of Christ. Those who criticize him for this must remember he is from Romania and remembers the kind of world that good citizens had come to tolerate And yes, a gun can be used to defend your home or your "nation" (whatever that is) but that ignores what he is saying. It is used to defend BECAUSE it is a tool for creating corpses and you defend by threatening to kill
What christ didn't give us laws? with all due respect father maybe you should reread the book of Matthew again even the didache is rules for us to follow.
A truly humble Orthodox person would consider himself unworthy to offer comment. Therefore, all the comments here can be ignored --including this one :-)
A father is supposed to defend his family if attacked, and I think in that case owning a gun is justified. For self protection. For context, I also live in the USA so…
I noticed every thing he said was non political but a teaching of Christ was left leaning. But if you dig out the old book you will find many mostly unpopular right leaning teachings in Christianity. You know the kind that don't get you an Oscar but get you cancelled. I think he has an agenda and I think it is representative of only parts of Christianity. That is my take on this video. Unfortunately.
Discernment… not to judge the man but judge the situation. How to love is the question, the gun is used to defend the innocent, the borders defend the nation all these questions require discernment. Some things are obvious , love your neighbors love your enemies this means you have a Neighbour and you have an enemy. Feed the poor, who’s really poor? Take care of nature, oil is part of natural world,,, should we use it, how. Do we need energy who is it for at what cost?
This is extremely ignorant with all due respect. If he had his way, Orthodoxy wouldn't exist. Thank God that the Holy Spirit has led the church through crisis not foolish men. He's well-meaning, but woefully ill-informed.
Disappointed in the comments. No one really got what this wise monk said. Have you guys read the Bible? Don’t kill, love you neighbors? Good luck on protecting yourself with guns.
God does not command mankind to never kill. He commands us to not commit murder. And one can still love one's neighbour while being in conflict with him. When we were at war with Germany in the Second World War the Allied soldiers still killed their enemies when they faced them on the battlefield. But when that enemy surrendered the Allies treated them with kindness, instead of executing and enslaving captured German soldiers as the Soviets did. One can be put into a position where one is forced to fight against, and even kill one's neighbour, but still love them.
I highly respect father Seraphim for his great work at the monastery of Mull, but I do not agree with many of his views. He has great advice for leading a truly christian monastic life, and also some great advice on the christian spiritual life that every christian can benefit from, but it seems to me he has forgotten that lay people are not monks and living in the world as a lay person is simply not the same as living a life in a monastic community.
Unfortunately our Church had this guy do a retreat for us during Covid. The "Scottish-Zelensky" spent a lot of time admonishing us with his political and vaccine views and then asked for money.
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Aldea: "Why do you need a gun in the house?"
"Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." - Luke 22:36
Great rebuttal. I love Fr. Seraphim's content and teachings, but this is one take I have to disagree with him.
From the Orthodox Study Bible:
"The sword (v. 36) is not to be understood literally (compare vv. 49-51), but refers to the living word of God in the battle against sin (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). St. Ambrose adds an additional meaning: that giving up one's garment and buying a sword refers to surrendering the body to the sword of martyrdom. Because the disciples were thinking of swords literally, Jesus abruptly ends the discussion with the words, or better translated, (see. Deuteronomy 3:26; Mark 14:41)."
@@KageMinowara St Maximos gives a spiritual interpretation for the sword to fight passions by some form of struggle in the 400 chapters of love.
On this point you are wrong and you should try never to interpret the scriptures yourself.
@@OrthodoxPerspective Would you say the same thing to Father Aldea when he interprets the will of God as being that ordinary citizens should not be armed?
@@KageMinowara I don't have an opinion on the this topic specifically. My view is that in the world sometimes a compromise is the best we can do even if it is against God's command. For example, divorce is against God but sometimes a reality presents where divorce must be actioned. When it comes to war, gun ownership, etc... this falls within this realm.
I am not comfortable with some things he says, how he picks out specific talking points and gives his side on them, rather than generally articulating and teaching the orthodox spirit. I am mostly disturbed by the ghastly, morbid and bloody "iconography" his monastery makes and sells on their page more than anything he says. Truly disturbing to me.
But other than that I have not heard him preach heresy. I am not attracted to his teachings, monastery or iconography, but I would not urge people to not visit him or make a video denouncing him or anything like that.
On the other side of the table of the people who denounce him, we have people who are much less accurate and careful in their approach, if I want to name them and their specific errors I would not finish. I have seen really ugly things from these circles.
So best to not try to split everyone in teams and categorise them as with us or against us. Focus on yourself, and use the internet as a resource mainly to read writings of saints, and read those who draw you or those whom a spiritual father recommends. There is no sense in trying to formalise in your mind where each person stands.
If Fr Aldea starts boldly preaching universalism or something completely wrong then you can calmly highlight that to others who are mislead by him. But for now there is no such situation.
I appreciate Father Seraphim’s perspective while not agreeing with every point. We are all strugglers trying to live the Orthodox way of life in a hostile world, and our choices and opinions will not always match up. But we’re still brothers and sisters in Christ.
@@ivansince91 no he doesn't
"The problem is that when we hear something we don't like, we call it a political statement and not a command from Christ ". THIS!
@@karolinaska6836 yes!!!
>"I'm not political"
>proceeds to espouse every liberal political agenda
Your ears are political, you stranger to grace. He already said that at the outset. The Church is not the Camp of the Saints.
Huh? You got that from this? Ok so when was Christ conservative or liberal? Good luck on using Calvinism either way to espress that view as you may
Reactionism to liberal points rather than sticking to the sober position makes you see everything political.
Read St Silouan and his explicit stance against war, St Silouan dissaproved of a monk beating grass with a stick let alone being wasteful with food, polluting the planet, etc..
St Sophrony says how can we hope to have peace in the world when we slaughter millions of animals and eat their flesh that stirs the passions and live in sin.
I used to be against Fr Seraphim and at the moment I am not with or against. I just have not seen anything wrong he says.
Imagine what beautiful examples of Orthodox Christians we would all be if we commented “Lord have mercy on Fr. Seraphim” instead of self righteously judging and condemning him...
Imagine if the #1 commandment we were told to obey as Orthodox Christians was to love each other as Christ loves us...
Imagine what those thinking of converting to Orthodoxy think about Orthodox Christians based on these comments...
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy
Amen. Many times as an inquirer i met many Orthodox who were not having their best day and scandalized me deeply (which the Enemy used in attempts to keep me from the Church). I pray I never do the same to others in my zeal, which can oft be fraught with human sin, so the Enemy may never use me for evil. Lord have mercy on me!
Imagine if you read the Scriptures, and see what St Paul said about rightly judging with discernment someone who claims to be a brother.... "With such a one do not even eat."
It is good to pray for him, and for us to pray for our own sinfulness, yes. But the idea that these gay Marxist agenda promoting priests should be allowed to do and say whatever without opposition is a slap in the face to the Church, to God, to Christians everywhere.
@@aleisterbroley900 what a horrible, horrible, disgusting, evil comment. Evil is working through you to type that. Hateful, dysfunctional evil, in you, working out from you, spreading through your words. I say this hoping it makes you at least consider you're wrong and repent.
@@aleisterbroley900interestingly there is a lot of judgment being doled out to those being accused of being judgmental. Sort of comical isn’t it?
@@aleisterbroley900When has he promoted anything “gay” or “marxist”? Perhaps superficially liberal but in what sense Marxist?
I disagree w/ Fr. Seraphim about guns. One of the roles of a husband/father is to protect his family. Maybe it's b/c the males in my family on both sides have been military or law enforcement for a couple generations & it has something to do w/ growing up in that context, but I really don't think so. People should protect others from evil & not submit to it. Sometimes resisting evil can entail physical resistance up to & including killing someone. It's happened many times throughout human history that people needed to defend themselves/their families/their people from those attempting to do them harm. To my understanding, doing so when it involves one's family is a Christian duty.
Russell Howard Absolutely, as much as I respect Fr. Seraphim he is very clearly out of touch with people living outside of the overly domesticated European context. Would he say this to people who need to hunt or defend their property from wild animals or people who don’t have the benefit of a functional military or police force to protect them?
Christ calls for sacrifice not suicide. Sadly some people don’t know the difference.
" “Pray for me, O Servant of God Demetrios,” he said, “that by your prayers, God may help me to beat Lyaios, and put an end to him who brings reproach upon the Christians.”
The Saint, after sealing Nestor with the Sign of the Cross, told him that he would prevail over Lyaios, and then suffer for Christ. Nestor mounted the platform without fear and exclaimed: “Help me, O God of Demetrios.” After he defeated Lyaios, he hurled him down onto the spears, where he gave up his wretched soul."
You are correct Russell
@@ThreeSkullOrthodox Isn't that who he's literally talking to? People in a very safe, domestic place like the west. I don't think Fr. Seraphim would be opposed to self-defense across the board in some truly vicious places. But he's referring to a deeper problem with people in the comfortable West and that is fear. That we let fear guide so many of our decisions. This idea that we need to be armed to the teeth for some future burglar who is going to do unspeakable things to us and our family is not living in the present moment with Christ. It's completely antithetical to the trust we must place in our heavenly Father. It's only another manifestation of the urge to accumulate wealth for "security" for yourself or your family. There's one thing of prudence and providing for yourself and your family, there is another thing entirely if you seek security in what the world offers.
On the flip side, I don't think that that principle is necessarily universaliseable. And I trust that Fr. Seraphim recognizes that. If not, I would part ways of agreement with him.
@@eduardovalentin9416 You make very good points, but where I live it's not a full urban area and there have been some very unfortunate cases of violence against old people by burglars; even the West is only as safe as its least safe neighborhood and guns are only useless as long as there are cops at hand.
10:46 "St. Silouan said very clearly, one does not need to read the newspapers, if you truly pray you will know where the world is in your own heart because you will feel the spirit of the world and just by sniffing the spirit, you will know what's going on... but I'm not there..."
You are so humble Father. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Finally, someone that speaks with a heart of Jesus.
I have listened some of Father's Aldea videos and in each one of them I feel some strong wind of "prelest" coming from him, I might be wrong and I hope I am. I pray that God guide him all humility and truth as we truly need more faithful monastics on the British isles.
Thank you for the word prelest. I didn't know what it meant nor being specific to Orthodoxy.
I havent seen enough videos to know. What I have seen, he seems sincere, then what I've heard him say, it's true. What I've heard, I haven't watched all of them. Yet, he could have a conducive atmosphere to developing the spirit. Which is a smart thing to do.
Does everything give you the impression of 'prelest' when it disagrees with your politics?
String taste of Anglocentrism in that remark.
@@mgkos as a yankee he sounds right on to me. Fr. Seraphim’s words burn the ears of the violence mongers. I just saw DP Harry gabbing with Sisco and they talked about their 9mms. They come across like Nazis, worshipping violence as a way to worldly power, while hypocritically espousing some disconnected elements of Orthodox theology, to promote their Identitarianism. Groyperdox are not even Christian.
@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 nothing wrong with two men admiring weapons.
Part of a Father and Mother's duty is to protect their children. Owning a firearm has become a necessity for many of us who live in lawless lands, where criminals have an abundance of weaponry - including guns. Not everyone lives in the safety of a Monastery off the Scottish coast, dear Hieromonk Seraphim. Don't want to be called political? Then don't make political statements! Who are you to tell millions of us that we don't have a right to protect ourselves, and our loved ones? We have the legal right and moral responsibility to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
I love his heart and good intentions but I in my humble opinion I believe this pacifist posture is incorrect and unchristian.
It's a position only a monk can uphold, because a family man would have a hard tone telling his family he'll just let them die...
Alex P As a rule, Orthodox aren’t pacifists. He’s trying to impose particular monastic rules on all.
I really don't believe that the Church has imposed the same restrictions against violence on monks that it has on priests, and I remember reading that the monasteries on Mt. Athos protected themselves against pirates. However, my old priest told me that priests are forbidden from engaging in violence. Also, I read the life of a Russian Saint who had become a monk but put on his battle gear & took up his weapons one more time for a crucial battle.
The path to hell is paved with good intentions!
I don't agree with all of Fr Seraphim's political positions, but I respect his love for Christ and faithful spirit. I think he is right to be reticent as clergy to speak overmuch about politics, except to confront obvious evil done by various politicians and factions. We must always be on guard about vomiting out our own opinions, if it means damaging our ability to properly speak the truth of the Gospel. Fr Seraphim, pray for me, a sinner.
As a hieromonk he shouldn’t be involved in politics
Well said.
He seemingly believes in open borders, and that hunting and farming animals is wrong??
@@prayunceasingly2029 Why do you say he believed in open borders? I disagree with his political views greatly but I haven’t heard him say that.
As seen through many of these comments, it is interesting to see how seemingly political issues can bring a divide even in the True Church. I hope there may be Church consensus on these issues.
His self-pride won't even say which newspapers he reads LOL he knows he's 100% political otherwise, he wouldn't be on TH-cam for anything else but promote his monastery.
No, you tube is a means of reaching out to bring others to faith. Now he could have the motives you state as I've seen many types do such in many things. Yet we have to be careful not to project ourselves too.
It's better to give the benefit of the doubt unless proven otherwise.
It's also important to note Satan is an accuser. To accuse someone without proof or extending efforts to prove resorting to set ups and such is the work of the devil. So we have a choice, reflect God or reflect Satan. Do Gods will or do Satan's will.
There are those that'll make a mountain out of a mole hill so as to accuse someone, which is the work of Satan. Projecting ones own motive is bad news.
Then if he promotes the monastery, what is wrong with that still? Unless he's looking for profits that are not proper.
If he's bad it'll surface. Yet, if he's good, then we accuse him, we're going to be in bad shape come judgement day.
I don't have my gun to Murder, I have it to protect me and my family from those that would harm or kill us
St Paisios Pray for us!
"I'm not political"
He then proceeds to spout every nonsense Left-wing political idea based entirely on emotion, not on the Scriptures or the history of the Church. Father should spend more time praying and less time speaking on things he knows nothing about.
White Makes Right ik 🤷🏿♀️
The Great Law Giver Christ physically whipped his enemies, tossed over their tables, and yes, commanded his disciples to sell their cloaks and purchase two swords.
"...purchase two swords" read first the interpretations of the Church Fathers about that .. ;).
Thank you, Dear Valhalla, for reminding viewers here that Father Aldea's well-intended preachments have a personal bias, based on his on political views.
St. Paul who used a sword to kill gave up his sword and endured a lot of violence as did Jesus. When the Bible says few will enter heaven, we can see why when we attempt to justify ourselves rather than God. I simply admit I'm weak. Which doesn't mean I'll make it, but it puts me in a better position for Grace rather than resist the obvious.
I used to like to drink and things. Others like sex, etc. Which some like violence. We have to admit our faults and not try to justify them.
@@Noone-rt6pw The usage of violence is not always passionate, we must always regret using It tho. What would you do If a man tryed to beat your wife ir daughter? Remember in order to use violence, one must be trained in It, you don't need to actually kill an agressor, It's easy enough to neutralize a unarmed agressor without killing him. There are some people that honestly enjoy violence, but they're usually the agressors
@@M3124-t5f Genuine question here - did any of the Church Fathers or martyrs ever use violence? If you could point me to some sources I would be very grateful! Thank you!
Being a good citizen is part of belonging to the kingdom of God (building walls and protecting your territory is part of loving one's country and being a good citizen and patriot). And a Christian shouldn't kill? There is a just war tradition that began developing in the fourth century with St. Ambrose and St. Augustine. Not to mention, a man protects his family no matter what. Whether this is a divine command or not (and it is), it is simply obvious. And a gun may be for more than just killing, Mr. Glass Is Half Empty. Shooting a gun may be done as a hobby, for practice, for hunting (killing animals is perfectly Scriptural), or for shooting to wound your adversary when he breaks into your home (or for any other reason you may shoot someone when he/she wants to do you harm).
Casper Jack Where did Jesus say that 'being a good citizen is part of belonging to the kingdom of God'? That concept was never mentioned by Him nor did He say anything whatever about 'defending territory' or 'loving your country'. I'm not saying that loving your country is a bad idea but it has nothing to with Christianity (which, incidentally, says you should love your enemies). As for guns, while there are exceptions (e.g war zones) in what country with a proper police force and army could it possibly be necessary for a civilian to own a gun to defend himself?
@@ClodaghbobBecause the police will only do something after you're already dead. This way of thinking "oh but we have a good police" only works in the minds of europeans. In places where violence is actually real, the police is almost pontless, since it's not preventing the crime, Just punishing the criminal
Frizon I understand. That's why I said 'proper police force'. Obviously unstable, violent places are some of the 'exceptions' I mentioned. However, I would still say that defending people is one thing but defending territory is another. Defending territory in order to protect the people living there may be a good idea. Defending territory for its own sake is not so good. That can lead to people's lives and wellbeing taking second place after ideology or commercial interests.
@@Clodaghbob Render unto Caesar what is Ceasar's
Also, read St Paul on being a citizen.
your statement reeks of idolatry. it is making God into a concept to support your personal belief and conviction which is more or less political.
We’re not pacifists. We protect the innocent.
Pacifism is a mental disorder and a heresy! Orthodox are not Pacifists because we are in a dark and wounded world where bad actors seek to destroy the good. This monk should go work with psychopaths in a mental hospital to see why it is a God-given obligation to defend the innocent and the vulnerable!
He's not interested in politics... haha That is a lie.
100%
The Guardian is ok if you want left wing pc propaganda. But its ‘good’ to balance that with the right wing propaganda!
I would just turn on CNN and watch that if I wanted to see this garbage spouted.
@@Landbeorht illiberal groyper moment.
Groyper be gone!
@@claesvanoldenphatt9972 neither of us are groupers but theres nothing wrong with being illiberal. I would even say there's something wrong with being liberal.
@@justin946 of course you would because you are illiberal. Rev. Joseph Gleason’s solution to intolerance of liberals was to move to the Central State of Illiberalism, Mother Russia. Maybe you should give it a try rather than frustrate yourself in a country where liberalism is canonized as legal tradition.
It is hard to believe this guy is even Orthodox. This will discourage converts looking for the truth.
For a guy who keeps asserting how apolitical he is, his stances are so political. He's not far from a liberal. So what use is his interpretation of Christianity?
Your take on it says more about your ideology than it does about him.
Your response says more about your ideology than it does about mine.
I weep for Christ’s church because she can’t distinguish herself from, and therefore fight communism. Why is that? Blood is on her hands.
@michaelvolpe3454 your religion is material worship.
When they agreed the guardian was one of the best papers you can't help but think he's become an ideologue himself, saying he doesn't have political leanings,and care about politics, and then having political leanings.🤔
I lament that perhaps one of Satan’s greatest delusions is taking the commandments of our precious Lord to care for our neighbors and distorting them to be “liberal/Communist propaganda” - feeding the poor, turning the other cheek as the Holy Martyrs did, caring for the sick and poor and orphans, widows and foreigners, forsaking all worldly interests. Lord have mercy that such sweet words are so bitterly swallowed by so many! I admit I struggle too.
Secularly it is impossible to do apart from Christ, corruption is to great to do this well in any country. Yet as Christians individually and as a Body we are called to this very hard, narrow road of laying down our lives and interests for the sake of others, when our very instinct is to protect our lives and put ourselves first - when Scriptures are clear we are to do the opposite in order to save our souls. Lord have mercy on all of us!
LHM...Amen.
"theres one thats safe: the Guardian!" ...... mhm
LOL
Three cheers for Hieromonk Seraphim Aldea!
There are some real gems in here (e.g. "I don't care anymore..." at 7:15, "I don't believe Satan rules anything..." at 11:34).
regarding this monk's "beliefs":
John 12:31
Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
John 14:30
I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me;
Ephesians 2:2
in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
John 16:11
and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
2 Corinthians 4:4
in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
"...because whatever he ruled over is the world, and the world is nothing. It's just dust, created by God out of nothing. So, you know, to be a big king of a nothing doesn't really amount to much, does it?"
If we want muslim refugees hostile to us all next to us thus sowing discord and great opportunity for sin outside the Church even if we take an an entirely pacifist view, we render unto Ceasar many things in the name of the climate while in reality we feed into their lie, we will share our modern day interest and affairs with people who do things behind closed doors that would make the most callous of sinners, and all grown men for that matter - cry in horror, and well known, powerful people, I might add.
If we are to denounce politics, let's REALLY do that, then. And not focus on what the nations might force people into in the name of virtues, but virtues of people, the way it's always been done.
nothing will make you happy, your bad as you missed a Christian message, not a Ayn Rand, MIC war machine slogan.
"We've chosen to be good citizens of the world instead of being the mad saints of the kingdom." Excellent interview. Thank you!
Why does one need a sling shot? What do sling shots do except kill? Forgive me.
Lorric Logging Christians aren’t pacifists. Sometimes killing is warranted.
O K referring to King David
Uh, he’s a tad more political than he thinks he is. All his talking points clearly stem from the left. Refugees, environmentalism, gun ownership. Correction Fr, there is more than one reason to own a gun. At least one of those reasons is Love. Love for one’s family. What kind of man would leave his wife’s and child’s life in the hands of a home intruder? Not a Christian man, I think.
A completely other mentality than we have in Europe...and not only leftist in Europe have another mentality in the case of owning & using weapons...also take a look at orthodox countries...even in Russia people don't behave like that when they are confronted with a burglar. Killing in self-defense is still a great sin: When it comes to soldiers, Canon 13 of St. Basil prescribes that soldiers who take life on the battlefield should remove themselves from Communion for three years. In Canon 55 he extends the same penance to those who kill in self-defense.
Is every burglar a killer or a rapist? Of course not.
@@lessthandust The point isn't about self-defense or warfare. The point is about what a man does to protect his family. Of course not all burglars are killers or rapists, but I'm not referring to burglars. Burglars are by definition 'burglars'. Rather, if we wake up in the middle of the night to someone breaking into our home, we only know the person is a home intruder. It remains to be discovered what his motives are. If it happens that we have opportunity to make a rational observation of the home intruder, the best-case scenario would be the Chamberlain approach and try conversation and diplomacy with the home intruder.
If we start with the assumption that all violence is evil, then we might as well have given Europe to Hitler rather than fighting back. The Church may have imposed consequences on those who fought against Hitler in WW2, but I'm glad those soldiers fought. All violence may be tragic, but not all violence is evil. Sometimes violence is required against the violent--because of love for the innocent and the weak. To lay down our own lives and not resist evil is one thing, but to lay down the life of those whom we are created to protect, nourish and love is insanity. Anyone who would advocate giving up his wife or child to one who would do them harm is not reflecting the image of Christ.
And if my wife were home alone with our daughter while someone broke into our home, I'm glad we have the 'great equalizer' and she will have a fighting chance to protect herself and our daughter. Even if it were just my wife by herself at home, what is she supposed to do? Assuming for a moment we have no mere burglar, is she to let the intruder rape and kill her? Exactly what kind of misery is this monk (who has no wife or daughter) prescribing for the rest of us?
@@choppy1356 If you are 100 % sure or if you see that a home intruder is going to kill to rape or kill your daughter or wife, well of course, the only thing you can or probably even should do, is to defend them or in the case of your wife to self-defend herself - without question. But to use a weapon automatically against a home invader only because you *suppose* that he may kill or rape your wife or daughter although he or she just wanted just to steal something - I cannot support that. There is a difference between these two cases. In Europe we have a high home safety system - or if you live somewhere where there is a high risk to be visited by a home invader why not to invest your energy to be well versed in the art of self-defense. Violence if death results should be the very very last option.
lessthandust but self defense can result in the death of your intruder. To be truly genuine you would hand him your stuff as he took it. But if he threatened your families well being, his actions have consequences. You can’t let the intruder off the hook and shoulder his responsibility. He has a choice as well that brings consequences. If he sees he is outmatched by your firearm and submits you’ve done him a great service. If he continues he is out of his mind with evil. Blessed are those who can outmatch the intruder with their hands and words causing no harm, the rest of us are merely human.
I totally agree with you. But I have the impression that most Americans cannot distinguish things like that - unfortunately. And if I'm really afraid to be visited once by home invaders, it makes totaly sense - especially as a christian - to be well versed in the art of self-defense (or in the art of using a weapon without killing someone).
While I respect Fr. Seraphim’s views on monasticism and spiritual fatherhood, this topic may have been much better served by someone with more contact with the modern world and societal issues. Fr Josiah Trenham, Fr Stephen Freeman,Metropolitan Jonah, or even Orthodox laymen such as Rod Dreher, or Dr. Steve Turkey might bring a more informed perspective on this topic.
Many people have expressed their appreciation for Fr. Seraphim's words as a breath of fresh air from the usual American take on politics. If anything, we need more non Americans and monastics providing commentary like this. That said, I 'd love to hear the folks you mention discuss the same topic!
Fr. Seraphim said what needed to be said and it's totally refreshing to have a priestmonk talk some sense to counterbalance all the crap from the people you've named (except for Fr. Stephen Freeman, I'm surprised you like him).
Yakovlievich You’re clearly a leftist. You probably despise Fr. Seraphim Rose.
O K Fr. Seraphim Rose has his insights. I’m not a fan but I don’t hate him.
@@ProtectingVeilwhat exactly is fresh about what he said? Everything he says is completely predictable and left wing disguised with spirituality. Seriously. I’ve heard this stuff before from men like Stanley Hauerwas. It is basic western liberalism in monastic clothing.
To what extent does Orthodoxy regard this physical world as inferior to the spiritual world? At 11:35 he clearly says this world is just dust and "nothing". He also said that praying can do much more good than talking to people, implying a focus on the spiritual world.
It's my understanding that it places equal importance to both.
@@Ronnock Mine too, but phrases like this, which are sometimes said by the Fathers as well, confuse me.
All of this passes away, but you are forever. That is the difference.
@Language and Programming Channel Aha so the emphasis on the spiritual world has to do with this corrupt age we're living in.
He's a Gnostic pacifistic heretic, as far as I'm concerned.
Politics is, at least in theory, a means by which to promote the same social and environmental welfare for which Christianity stands. The problem nowadays is not politics itself as Hieromonk Seraphim suggests, but the dichotomous nature of our political climate wherein you're increasingly expected to be either wholly on one side or the other, without any room for making distinctions or for moderation.
For instance, Hieromonk Seraphim here advocates for the protection of refugees, marine life, poor people, as well as society at large through the forging of gun ownership.
The problem is, that many of the politicians who promote such protections also believe in moral relativism and irreligiousity, neither of which I suspect the Hieromonk condones.
And of course, no one agrees to makes concessions, which only drives each side further and further to its respective ideological extreme.
This pressure to pick on side or the other makes for difficulty in accomplishing *anything* , thereby facilitating the continued sorry moral state of our world.
Politics need not be ignored, but reformed, in such a way as to reunite our societies around the same goal: to promote the well-being of all mankind, which necessitates a healthy environment on top of emotional and physical protection.
Only once we've done everything we can to promote a better world do we have the right to give it up to God through prayer, and ask Him to take care of the rest.
In the words of Abraham Joshua Heschel, "Pray as though everything depends on God, *act* as though everything depends on you".
Unfortunately it seems increasingly hard to do what you suggest to reform politics, because they are framed almost beyond recovery by a nihilistic-humanitarian worldview as part of it or opposed to it; it's almost the opposite of the old Church, that considered everything as inside of it or outside of it. Politics will be back to normal by extending to this new dominant system of belief the same courtesy it extended the Church i.e. make it irrelevant, sorry and dead. Then the single issues will become again negotiable and discernable, before that it's basically a war where the case by case necessities are swept away by the larger conflict.
@@CapCaffeine Politics are a function of our electoral processes, which are designed to give us a say in how we're governed, so that we're not dominated by any one entity, governmental, religious or otherwise.
Sure these processes aren't perfect, nor are the mechanisms that underlie them, but surely you don't want to give them up completely and go back to the days when the Church dictated people's lives, without them having any say in their own destiny, do you?
What I got from your comment is ultimately a contention to change the *current* *nature* of politics, so that public discourse can return to a concern over ideas rather than a war over ideologies, which is exactly that for which I advocated, too, in my initial comment. But representational government cannot function without politics, and without it, the consequences would be dire, yes?
It was a real pleasure to meet Fr. Seraphim Aldea. If you don't like him, I'm sure you won't like anything Sts. Silouan, Sophrony Sakharov or Maria Skobtsova say either.
I've been houseless before, people use the same reasons economically and politically for not helping others.
I've also stayed at monastery for quite a while, people just don't want to obey even though it's more impairative than praying.
Christ didn't tell us to manage other people's lives, he told us to help them.
"In that day many will say to me: Lord, Lord"
That is nonsense. I find it good to pray for those that teach things one might dislike, even if theyre monks, but to say `If you dont like him you wont like ANYTHING that SAINTS xxx teach` is ridiculous and prideful.
Thank you for continuing this work Dr. Middleton. Your channel is a little opening for the still small voice to be heard among the loud nothing.
Thanks, brother...please pray for me!
Help the persecuted Christians first to migrate
RE GUNS: Christ commanded His Apostles to buy swords. The good monk seems to forget that part of the Gospel.
Swords aren't used for cutting fruit.
The Centurian had "more faith than all of Israel." Can the good monk show us where Jesus Christ told him to lay down his sword and quit his profession?
This monk seems to think that there are no Soldiers Saints and Martyrs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. This is typical of Western Christianity, not Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Very sad.
A Christian man has a duty and obligation to protect those around him. Period. Were it not for God using Warrior Saints and martyrs, the church would not exist still today.
This monk is not masculine. I question everything he says.
EXAMPLES:
Living where there are no police in rural America, we are the first responders. We are own police, even making arrests. I have three times used a firearm to protect Innocents. I never needed to fire my weapon, thank God.
We protect our livestock with guns, from 4-legged Predators.
Orthodox priests in Alaska have special dispensation from the Archbishop to hunt game there. Otherwise, they would starve.
This monk chooses to ignore parts of scripture, and church history that do not fit his own personal narrative.
The monks on Mount Athos have in the past taken up arms to defend themselves from Turks.
Couldn’t agree more, brother.
Aside from enviroment, I completly disagree. We are called to fight against darkness in Ephesians 6:12. We should not start a Holy war, but we should never bow down to the power structure. The Orthodox Church has many saints that fought to defend the true faith, Saint Olaf is an example. The Orthodox Church understands that in order to protect the people and the faith war is sometimes needed, not justified, but needed. I mean, it's obvius that the perfect Christian life is a full pacifist approach, but it's not possible in many cases.
There is a huge question here: if a Christian is not called to create laws but to offer himself, does that mean that if a Christian goes into politics he cannot act following the laws...sorry, he didn't gave us laws, the strong suggestions of Christ? Also, if you act in a public, organized way to help refugees, help the environment aren't you basically pushing laws onto others? This whole talk would made sense if the Christian retracted completely from public life and, as an individual, stealthily operated for those issues without asking for any big change in the existing laws. But isn't that the way of a monk? Where do other different vocations fit there? This all sound so pure and Christian, but these are real issues that present themselves if we follow this to the logical conclusion. As soon as you operate in the public space you are doing politics (polis means "city" after all), and if you act without prudence because you feel that something is good you risk putting the society at risk. It is as simple as saying "Christ commanded us to ....", and at the same time it's not a trivial and clear cut issue.
I am so thankful for this interview and the love you and Father Seraphim share with us.
So a christian is not here to legislate? Um did he forget St. Paul's entire goal of getting to Rome was to convert the Emperor and make Christianity the State religion, and that Christ our God converted St. Constantine himself? There's no such thing as secular space.
In spite of being completely voluntary and by people who were willing to give their lives and did give their lives for their faith the . Two things usually happen when we have socialism in a community 1- Corruption: people will abuse their power, cheat, act hypocritically and eventually they become far from Christians 2- Resentment between people because it creates a sense of entitlement and paranoia and the feeling that they are not getting what they are entitled to get by the government/the ruler. This feeling on the long run causes feelings of anger and helplessness. people who lived in socialist society they know this very well. This exactly what happened in the early Jerusalem church corruption: Ananias and Sapphira Resentment: the friction between the Jewish Christians and the pagan Christians/ Forgive me Father Seraphim I like you and respect you, but I think you need to separate the Individual behavior/ obligations from the governmental rules and regulations and once you advocate things to become laws it automatically becomes political and it should be. please forgive me and absolve me and I still respect you and love your service
This guy said Christ never gave a law
I think he means Earthly political laws
Well Jesus said keep the commandments. You might like Matthew 5:17 and it's old Testament cross reference Isaiah 42:21. Which with a law, we do it by obligation. By spirit which Jesus gave, we do it by will. Think of someone hungry, you could pity them and give good out of obligation or the right thing to do. But if you feel for the person as yourself, it's not law except what's in your heart where it's spirit.
Guns don't "kill", they by the choice of a human - more accurately - defend or murder.
Sword or gun -- 2 Kings 19:35
Clearly, he was born to run a luxury Bed & Breakfast.
He lives in a house with the other monks next to the church. The sisters run the retreat house that was formerly a bed and breakfast. It is two hours away from the church. Simple to check if you want the truth.
Can use our help? For more elaborate furnishings for the luxury home he bought?
I'm disappointed with Protecting Veil. You would do well protecting the Church from fakes and removing the veil off of your own eyes when you bring people like this to your program!
He is human he is not above laymen, he makes so many contradictory statements and tries to seem as if he has a high ground or moral. This guy is spiritually misguided and lost. I don't know whether to cry or laugh.
Nailed it
He may not articulate or distinguish his views so well, where I haven't heard him contradict himself. I understood what he's getting at. Now, I like guns for shooting. I would hunt if I could get meat surely, if I got hungry. Like myself, it's easy for others to misunderstand if they do not know where I'm coming from.
Good luck getting to the point where you don't need to read newspapers anymore. More people need to take on that struggle.
I'm glad I listened to your explanation of your positions and esp. about your sources. I understand that a monk has to limit the amount of time he spends online reading political things, so if you've chosen the Guardian, for sensible, practical reasons, then it makes so much more sense that you have received such a gravely unbalanced viewpoint. It's much easier to forgive well-intentioned error, and I'm relieved because I was worried there was some fundamental - spiritual - flaw that led you to hold these ideas. I see no flaw at all other than being poorly informed by the bad intentions of the people who are dealing out the information in the media - the same reason nearly everyone is misinformed. What it tells me is that your positions are well intentioned, and come from a good place, a place as you say of love, and this makes it much easier for me to listen and take away this good message. The things you say about immigration (for instance) and the terrible deaths of so many people in the Mediterranean are quite true, and I can accept them on those grounds. There is just a lot more to it that you will not have heard about from something as biased as the Guardian.
Lawyer ad for priest abuse at the beginning of this? Stay classy, TH-cam.
I agree Hieromonk Seraphim Aldea. Well said...thanks for posting "Protecting Veil". May The Lord have mercy on us all.
Seraphim Aldea is a postmodern progressive ideologue. Check out his video on racism for an example of his non-Orthodox treatment of this issue and politics in general.
Racism is not Christian.
What a naive attitude to the circumstances of the world. He clings to the most left wing and Marxist views, dressing them up as part of his vocation to the priesthood. His theology has been affected by his politics although he would never admit this.....
He is a monk. Monks are communalist by nature. Is monasticism Marxist, or is marxism a pale imitation of Christian koinonia? Also, did you listen to his statements? He affirmed human freedom in the starkest of terms. Marxism is atheistic and deterministic. That in of itself completely shifts the perspective.
I am enjoying his thoughts. I agree with some of them, while, simultaneously, disagreeing with other points. However, I can appreciate his views when it comes to politics.
Lots to "unpack" as always. Thank you Herman!
Killing is not forbidden. The commandment is better translated as "thou shalt not murder." If Christ was against killing period, we would all be vegans and he wouldn't have commanded the Israelites to wipe out the Caananites down to the last woman and child.
And there are many warrior saints in the church. I can't recall his name but there is a saint who was blessed by his priest to kill a man that was butchering Christians.
I always ask: what would Christians in the last 1000 years have thought about X political topic. If someone's opinion is AGAINST this, then they have been influenced by the modern world, not Christ
Excellent
Thank you for sharing this. He articulated in 10 minutes what I have spent years trying to explain to people.
the problem is that all this is great if it was applied individually and freely and most of people will agree. This problem is the idea that the government will impose those rules upon the people. The Lord Jesus and the apostles never advocated that the government should impose moral values of any kind on people. We all absolutely should help the refugees and the poor etc. but to impose a tax on all the people to help the or the immigrants or to protect certain group, minority or agenda is also very wrong and God condemned the rulers who take sides of any kind. When the early Christians brought all their belongings to the apostles to distribute equally among the Christians it was totally voluntary and even this experiment of socialism failed miserably to give
Even for someone to be a Christian, is because others have fought and died defending the faith, and defending your freedom to even ponder these questions in the first place.
No, people have died for the faith. The apostles suffered abuse, violence, even St. Paul who did bear a sword and killed.
Bible says the whole world lies under the power of the evil one. Per St John’s Epistle. He also says that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.
Amen 🙏
Yikes!
"Good citizens of the world" Really? HAHAHA
I think an Orthodox monk means something a bit different by "the world". The world as opposed to the Church. His point seems to be that living according to Christ's commandments makes one a "good citizen" in a worldly sense, without one having to seek that or to even care for that. Of course I could be wrong, as could any human.
@JL-CptAtom thank you, although I'm not sure in what sense you mean that :) (as in, charitable towards who)
This comments section is scandalous.
Thank you very much for this post. Every time there is an opinion of a clergy man about politics, opinions of people are shared, that's why a clergy man should retain as much as possible from politics. However, I do find it important that a clergy man is familiar with what happens in the World to be able to guide people in the right direction. Unfortunately, the curent world we live in, is upside-down in some many aspects. It takes courage and a strong believe to speak up nowadays. Too many of us are distracted in our daily lives by all the material things, this dust 'concentrated' in different shapes. It attracts us into directions, which are so much none the right path to our Salvation, as this is only One. I pray for our Father Seraphim that God gives him strength to 'walk' on the chosen path of monastic life. God bless everyone, independent of your faith, or believes. None here on this Earth is born to judge the one next to us. Blessed are those who can stay away from judging others. God endulged all different believes to find out who has the heart to judge the fellow brother next to you, and who not. As father Seraphim mentioned God made us free. But one can only be really free, by being a 'slave' to Christ, who is our Salvation. God bless you all! Amin.
He's confused.
He seems to be confused. Even for a scholar, which Fr. Seraphim is, a monk who is coming out of solitude and trying to relate to "a general public at large" is a task that is irrational to attempt to do. We also "seem to be confused". Lord have mercy on us all, for our confusion is beyond what one person, by themselves can sort out. Help us focus with patience, and the will to build conversations which give you, Lord Jesus Christ, the Glory. Amen.
Easy for a monk to say to not have guns when they don't have a wife, sons, and daughters to protect. We are called to not murder, but to lay down our lives for one another
The absolutely best thing I have ever done (apart from coming home to the Lord Jesus Christ) is getting rid of the TV. This was 6 years ago. I haven't watched a movie of any sort for many years, newspapers are a thing of the far past. I use the internet but choose very specific sites which are Christian based and those which are independent of MSM. I choose documentaries and interviews which are truth based. I have learned and are still learning discernment. I have zero social media interest or engagement. I am willing to bet that my knowledge of the world is more truthful/accurate, than those whose lives are steeped in "news". Doing this has freed me from anxiety over the direction the world has taken. God rules my life entirely now and so I know that everything is guided by him and when bad things occur, he allows this and what we are seeing today is the result of our sins, of our choice. Satan is in full control of our fallen world, but In order to know this, we need to be free and clear of the lies and deceptions of this world. I encourage you to try it. It is not difficult and I guarantee your life will change for the better.
[Rulers in authority are] God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. (Rom. 13:4-5)
Than you so much for sharing this. Beautiful
Those celtic people are so charming, way above and beyond average American (and pretty much everyone in EU)
He’s not a Celt. He’s Romanian.
@@mikejanik5617 Janik, what does your surname mean?
Ah I forgot, true, celtic people do speak like him though ahah, never known anyone from Romania!
the comments in here are quite interesting. Fr Seraphim speaks about how we try to be "good citizens" rather than mad followers of Christ. Those who criticize him for this must remember he is from Romania and remembers the kind of world that good citizens had come to tolerate
And yes, a gun can be used to defend your home or your "nation" (whatever that is) but that ignores what he is saying. It is used to defend BECAUSE it is a tool for creating corpses and you defend by threatening to kill
Woohoo, more Fr. Seraphim.
"Christ never gave a law"... Excuse me???
I like him, & God Bless Him,defending refugees,he has a good heart.x
But discernment is key… there is a difference between refugees and a invading army?
yes he is wonderful and God bless but "having a " good heart" is irrelevant !.. it's all about our faith in Jesus Christ our lord and savior
What christ didn't give us laws? with all due respect father maybe you should reread the book of Matthew again even the didache is rules for us to follow.
Did Christ give public policy? No.
I'm not for politics! Then spouts a lot of leftist talking points. Get out of the cassock and out of the Church, false teacher.
A truly humble Orthodox person would consider himself unworthy to offer comment. Therefore, all the comments here can be ignored --including this one :-)
I like Fr. Seraphim! Even though he comes across as quite naive and green...but I like him😅
I see there is a playlist of his talks ;-)
That's because he's gentle 🙂
He has great wisdom though 😁
Absolutely beautiful
A father is supposed to defend his family if attacked, and I think in that case owning a gun is justified. For self protection. For context, I also live in the USA so…
Prelest.
Who thumbs down a video like this? This man is bearing Christian witness. Respect that.
You are a fascist
@The Iron Pill I agree with you 100%
@@IIIzZplll womp womp.
Thank you for sharing Fr Seraphim on your channel. His is a voice that I can and do hear with respect and gratitude.
I noticed every thing he said was non political but a teaching of Christ was left leaning. But if you dig out the old book you will find many mostly unpopular right leaning teachings in Christianity. You know the kind that don't get you an Oscar but get you cancelled. I think he has an agenda and I think it is representative of only parts of Christianity. That is my take on this video. Unfortunately.
Discernment… not to judge the man but judge the situation. How to love is the question, the gun is used to defend the innocent, the borders defend the nation all these questions require discernment. Some things are obvious , love your neighbors love your enemies this means you have a Neighbour and you have an enemy. Feed the poor, who’s really poor? Take care of nature, oil is part of natural world,,, should we use it, how. Do we need energy who is it for at what cost?
This is extremely ignorant with all due respect. If he had his way, Orthodoxy wouldn't exist. Thank God that the Holy Spirit has led the church through crisis not foolish men. He's well-meaning, but woefully ill-informed.
Disappointed in the comments. No one really got what this wise monk said. Have you guys read the Bible? Don’t kill, love you neighbors? Good luck on protecting yourself with guns.
Thank you!
He is wonderful!!
God does not command mankind to never kill. He commands us to not commit murder. And one can still love one's neighbour while being in conflict with him. When we were at war with Germany in the Second World War the Allied soldiers still killed their enemies when they faced them on the battlefield. But when that enemy surrendered the Allies treated them with kindness, instead of executing and enslaving captured German soldiers as the Soviets did.
One can be put into a position where one is forced to fight against, and even kill one's neighbour, but still love them.
I highly respect father Seraphim for his great work at the monastery of Mull, but I do not agree with many of his views. He has great advice for leading a truly christian monastic life, and also some great advice on the christian spiritual life that every christian can benefit from, but it seems to me he has forgotten that lay people are not monks and living in the world as a lay person is simply not the same as living a life in a monastic community.
With all due respect he is very biased politically by liberalism and doesn’t even realize it.
Yikes. This is a dangerous video.
Jesus was dangerous to the powers that be.
Unfortunately our Church had this guy do a retreat for us during Covid. The "Scottish-Zelensky" spent a lot of time admonishing us with his political and vaccine views and then asked for money.
Very poor presentation.