20080609 Rules, Sin, and Heresy

20080609 Rules, Sin, and Heresy: Homily on the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

Acts 20: 16-18, 28 – 36;

St. John 17: 1-13

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

Today, on the Sunday before Pentecost, we celebrate the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. Like so many things in our Holy Orthodox Faith, the central place given to this – and all the Ecumenical Councils – places us in direct contrast to the world.

How? Because the world does not speak about sin. More to the point, the world finds the notions of sin and heresy to be close-minded and even bigoted. But if there is something True, then those things that state something else are certainly less true, and those things that state things contrary to the Truth are just plain wrong. Sin is the word for those things that are not in accordance with the Truth. Heresy is the word for those teachings that are contrary to the Truth.

The Fundamental Truth of Salvation is that there Christ was both fully God and fully man, and because of this He bridges the gap between mankind and the perfection that is God. That faith in Jesus Christ and participation in His Mysteries allow us to grow in one another and in God Himself. Teachings contrary to this Truth are heresy. The Church desires that ALL come to perfection in Christ, so it teaches the Truth and opposes heresy.

The First Ecumenical Council was part of this. Like the modern day Jehovah's Witnesses, the priest Arius taught that Christ was something less than God. Knowing Christ as fully God and fully man is central to our salvation. The false-Christ described by Arius could not bridge the chasm between God and man because that false-Christ had no place in the Divinity and Perfection of God. This false Christ is like an unfinished bridge – it can only take people so far across.

The Church does not come up with rules just for fun, or because it has nothing better to do. The Church would prefer to simply proclaim the Good News of salvation in Christ, to worship Him in His fullness – this is much more fulfilling than describing those things that are false and harmful. It would much rather simply worship God in the Fullness of Truth than describe and condemn false teachings. But to lead people to Christ, we must sometimes describe those things that are leading them astray.

Let me give a couple of analogies:

Parents give rules. Why? Isn't it enough to simply model and praise correct behavior? For our children it may be :-), but most parents must also describe those things that are forbidden and dangerous. This is not because they are tyrants or fond of rules, but because they love their children and desire their health and happiness. God is our Father. He models perfect behavior, but He also describes and forbids those things that are dangerous. Do you dislike His rules? You have free will. But His example and His teachings are for our health and happiness. And they are found in their fullness here, in the Orthodox Church.

God's rules.

Analogy of the golf swing. There are fundamentals for hitting the ball well. Path and clubface. If you break these rules, you will not score well. Despite your intent, despite your strength. Do what you want – you have free will – but the rules are True and deviations will cost you.

Christ is the God-Man that offers us the Way to eternal perfection. All other ways, despite their popularity, are unfinished bridges. Accept Him as your master and submit yourself to His Way.