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I read James' most recent post this morning and it got me thinking.

Having recently ventured onto some other non-Orthodox blogs, I've been almost shocked to see the outright "My church is the best" attitude. Of course I could add to the noise and express my own p.o.v., defending the Truth in full detail--links and everything!--and why the Orthodox Church is "the best" (to put it tritely). But... I can't bring myself to do that. I have to always humbly remind myself that the Truth will defend itself.

Someone's disbelief in God, or rejection of Orthodoxy will not subtract one iota from the reality of God and His Church. Anti-Christian actions and literature abound in masses, and they might make a lot of clammer... they might even succeed in leading people astray. But no tantrum or pamphlet or law is going to effect God or the Church He has preserved-- we're not even "bruising His shins" with all of this fussing and kicking. He is real, He is our Creator, and we are created in His image... regardless of how much we resist.

As for the "My church is better than yours" attitude, I have no right to take credit for the One, Apostolic, Orthodox Faith. Heck, I was simply an unassuming teen-ager when I first encountered Her. And a very resistant one, at that! But after a couple years of embarassment and a few more of "sitting on the fence," there came a point when there was no turning away from the Truth.

The other night Father Theodore was sharing the stories of some fellow parishioners and how they came to Orthodoxy, and it came to this: We can advertise parish locations, and invite friends to services all we want. But it seems that, in the end, the Holy Spirit is the best "advertiser." Sure, a plethora of means might bring someone to Vespers or Liturgy, but ultimately the Holy Spirit moves one to stop and listen to the barely audible whispering: "You're home."

One more thing! Have you bought "Touching Heaven" yet? *wink* Also, be sure to check out pictures (link in previous post) if you haven't already!