The book “On the Reception of the Heterodox into the Orthodox Church: The Patristic Consensus and Criteria” from Uncut Mountain Press has sparked various responses and has been selling well among Orthodox audiences. It argues for baptism as the norm for receiving converts, especially given the differences in baptismal practices among non-Orthodox Christians.
Critiques of the book’s historical accounts have been lacking in substance so far, but the author remains open to constructive feedback.
Unfortunately, some responses to the book have involved taking quotes out of context and turning them into memes without providing the full background.
A meme quoting St. Kosmas Aitolos has raised concerns about the necessity of full immersion in baptism, but the context and broader Orthodox tradition should be considered before taking such quotes as absolute truths.
The importance of proper baptism practices is highlighted, but exceptions for special circumstances are allowed within Orthodox tradition.
Misinterpretation of quotes can lead to unnecessary doubts about one’s baptismal validity, and it’s essential to seek guidance from one’s bishop in such cases.
Overemphasis on certain practices can cause confusion, and it’s crucial to understand the nuances of Orthodox teachings in context.
Personal experiences with baptism should be evaluated in consultation with church authorities to ensure peace of mind and adherence to Orthodox principles.
I believe this book could have been improved by addressing the balance between the importance of how converts are received and the concept of economia filling in the gaps. It would have been beneficial to discuss the power of bishops to bind and loose, as well as the belief that their decisions on earth are reflected in heaven (Matthew 18:18).
During the ordination of a priest, the bishop offers a prayer:
The grace of the Holy Spirit elevates the devout Deacon to be a Priest through the laying-on of hands. Let us pray that the all-holy Spirit’s grace may descend upon him.
The Holy Spirit fills in our shortcomings to make us worthy of being priests of God. This divine grace is essential for our spiritual journey.
In my own baptism, I was triple-immersed as an adult. If any part of my body was left dry unintentionally, I trust that the Holy Spirit would rectify any deficiencies. Similarly, for infants baptized in the Orthodox Church, it is impractical to ensure complete immersion. The Holy Spirit’s grace covers any imperfections in such cases.
St. Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the bishop’s authority over sacraments performed within the church. He underscores the importance of the bishop’s approval for the validity of rituals and gatherings.
While there are limits to a bishop’s approval, longstanding practices accepted by many saints should not be questioned. Upholding the bishop’s authority is crucial for maintaining the trust and validity of church practices.
I support the book’s recommendations for welcoming converts, but caution against undermining the faithful’s confidence by questioning the bishops’ decisions in certain cases.
For More Information, watch this video discussion on the topic: