Tomorrow on Theophany I’m being baptized and chrismated! I’m so excited! I’m a sixty year-old woman who lives remotely 120 miles from the nearest Orthodox Church. Jonathan had a key role on my transformation which took a couple of years. Glory to God! Thank you Jonathan!
Oh my goodness! I am a 61 year old woman who is being baptized and Chrismated tomorrow also. And I live an hour and a half from my church. Thankful for Jonathan also! Glory to God.
I was baptised and chrismated into the Church three weeks ago. Jonathan certainly was part of helping me get there. Although I would like to think that ultimately it was Christ and the Holy Fathers working through him 😁
Never found Jordan deep, always wondered why Jonathan works with him. Especially shocking in one of their one on one talks, where Jordan just skips over all the golden nuggets and just repeats his empty and over dramatic questions.
@@PC-vp2cg ua-cam.com/video/2rAqVmZwqZM/v-deo.htmlsi=MfCGtkrrnYB2jwmt This is a good one. Jordan comes to realize he's been circling accepting God the entire time and Jonathan allows him to come to that on his own. Beautiful friendship.
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I joined the Orthodox Church a year ago. I tell my Protestant friends and family. There's so much more to Christianity than what we have been raised to believe. They look at me like I've lost my mind.
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I know I was born again from one simple fact: change. And that can also relate to the fruits you bear. When I converted, after being a Catholic for 32 years, what the bible says came true in me, my eyes were opened, the Bible became a book that it seems I had never read, although I went to mass almost every sunday and read the Bible so many times at my Catholic school. I understood it now in a way that I could not have imagined (not all of it of course, but so much more than before, as it pertains to the purpose of my life), I was lost and I became found, I was burded and I became free, I was in a path to destruction and death, and I left that life and beaome instantly free of my addictions and many other slaveries. Not everything was immediate, many habits and sins I still battle, but I can say for sure say that I experienced a convension, no doubt in my mind. And most importantly, all around me could see that too and were very surprised, I became a testimony.
I could have written almost EXACTLY the same thing - word for word in some places of your text. 28-2-21 was my day, following on from a shock health diagnosis. Something scary and sad gave rise to a consequence of such majesty, wonder, love and beauty. Nothing has been the same since, and I am not weak in most areas, I am joyful, strong in my weakness/humility and very, very grateful. Like you, I face a situation I which the darkness knows the chink in my armour and has intensified attacks there (even Paul - who seems like a brother, had his thorn). But no matter what I still LOVE, always love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and their works. Just love. If I can serve them even more than I do I am up for it. It's the most gentlly soft-heartedly-delicate-yet-ultra-macho thing I have ever known; and I see with utter clarity that until we meet Jesus again, one way or another, there can be NOTHING greater than this.
Noteworthy is John 15:5b "Apart from me you can do nothing" ie without the indwelling holy spirit and outside of a personal relationship with Jesus we are powerless to please him or appease him in our own flesh.
I got baptized and Chris mated on December 23d in Orthodox Church. Thank God! Jonathan’s teachings for last 3 years helped me get here as well. May God bless you, Jonathan Pageau🙏🏼
@@fishosoficaldebaitsphiloso7760 Both youth and elderly, a reach which i did and named it: BIBLE + FREEMASONRY. Get to know who they are - where they are - how and why they deceive - how they communicate, then expose them. There is NO EVOLUTION, every living creature got created by GOD after its own kind. No mattering what and how many schools/university you attend to, feather you`d be in or out of schools system, you are still living with the lack of knowledge if not daring to read the BIBLE nor search and expose masons.
Wanted to let you know that after falling away from God, angry after deployments to the Middle East, a path in Buddhism to heal from PTSD, your videos were part of my journey back to Christ who opened my heart. So thank you. And if you read this, tell Jordan Peterson that he was the first angel to change my direction on the path and that I’m thankful for your work together. You both made the Gospel palatable and then exciting. My family and I have come to love a non-denominational church in our community and find great peace and joy. But the “Sam Harris - Waking Up” … the part of me that allowed me to “touch the non-dual” … is still finding ways to harmonize with the Christian teachings. Rather, the community. I feel like I have to hide the “mystical” part of me. I don’t want to go to another church. Wondering if you have a nugget of wisdom that allows me to integrate that “Buddha Mind” into the Christ Consciousness within the framework that I worship? Or is that what you mean by clearing out when I start a new job? Do I effectively need to forget the pointers that led me to “here”? With there being so many parallels, it seems understanding the strategies of the East, within the framework of the West, would be helpful to the same types of people like me, needing a path through the mind before God can soften their hearts. I know I’m getting lost in logic here, but this seems to be a wall that is lingering.
You might find a lot of value in the work of Fr Richard Rohr - Catholicism and Orthodoxy have produced incredible contemplative and mystical traditions that reveal the non dual at the heart of Christianity. As someone who traced a similar path, Richard Rohr, James Finley, and the writings of various christian mystics are was helped me find a home in Christianity again. As far as finding a contemplative community… Let me know if you figure that one out lol
@@recoverwithnate Hey thanks for the reply, Brother! Big fan of Richard Rohr who was part of the pull back into the flock, so to speak. Haven't heard of James Finley, will definitely check him out! I've still been going to the non-denominational church, because the music just does something special. Plus, my wife enjoys it a lot. I'm finding the sermons to be quite analogous to many of the non-dual paths, but I must admit, the occasional literalism grinds my gears. Oh, and the be God's ambassador at work sermons, ugh, I'm not going to market this message with my words. If someone asks, then I'll share. But I noticed that I was "trying to be a good Christian" ... an Ego dance really. Once I let go of that persona, that need to be accepted, and just do "me" ... there seems to be less friction. Maybe I was fogging the lens with my neediness to be accepted. Quit caring about acceptance, and now, no one gives me grief about doing it the "wrong way." I mean there's a lady there that literally believes Satan can enter your butthole while doing a downward dog Yoga position. But she's a total sweetheart and shares plants and seeds with me. I've learned to talk about plants and not anything Eastern. LOL! My point, maybe community is what we make of it. And the "right" community, is the one that feels right vs. is right.
This is why the Orthodox tradition relies so heavily on having a spiritual father. The Orthodox Church is literally brimming with mystics and ascetics who have written extensively on the contemplative life. I went from Baptist -> Presbyterian -> Orthodoxy, visited some non denominational churches in between and I enjoyed them as well but at the end of the day I found them to be missing what is truly mystical at the center of Christ, you can only find that in Orthodoxy imo. Blessings brother!
The podcast "Lord of Spirits" and this channel are great dance partners in understanding a Christian mystical world ...a world that provides much more meaning than the banal, material "spirit" that engulfs our Western culture. 2024 is off to very good start. Happy New year to all.
Yes. I'm reading a book about comparing Jung with Maximus the Confessor. Written by a Eastern Ortho priest and psychiatrist. G.C. Tympas is the author. Jung did not go far enough but Maximus captures Christology that goes beyond Jung. The best of both world in my view :)@@chrismather5815
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
@@davepugh2519Everyone that wants to be blessed will be blessed. If you want a similar blessed understanding, seek it and you shall find it. Jonathan did the same, these things were not spoon fed to him. God blesses, He doesn't spoon feed. The blessing of God is akin to getting a promotion at work. Why does your boss bless you with a promotion? Because of your performance, because of your seeking to become better and better at what you are doing everyday at work. So it is the same with God, seek a deeper and deeper understanding of God, and God will bless you with it the same as he blesses everyone that seeks Him. We are all blessed, but let us not understand a blessing to be equal to being spoon fed. Nobody gets blessed this way. Blessing comes with applying yourself towards whatever you want to receive a crown/blessing for. It is clear that Jonathan sought understanding in matters he could hardly wrap his head around when young, he even admited this in one of his videos. Seeking to understand for so many years brought him the blessing of understanding. His blessing didn't come without toil. Anybody can be blessed similarily, or God can bless everybody similarity, Jonathan is in no way more special than any one of us. But his work, his progress and perseverance made him stand out from the rest of us that have not worked towards wanting to understand things as much as he did. If anyone of us wants to stand out as well and be equally blessed, work, seek what you do not have but crave for. And you will have it. It's really that simple to understand. Once you understood you need to apply yourself through work. Perseverence in anything doesn't come any other way except through consistent and devoted work over the long term.
The tree analogy was very beautiful, I study trees and it made me also think about the structure and function of a cell. The cell has a core which has the blueprints of “the kingdom” and from this Nucleus as it is called comes instructions for the rest of the cell 🙏🌿 What proteins to be made and what to be done it sends messengers and starts processes also it receives information which it reacts to 🌞 God has truly revealed Glory to us in nature 🌿✨ Be blessed ❤️
"Knock and you shall find" god... That is just so true, I find it awesome how I wouldnt have been able to find these teachings if I had not Knocked. Thabks Jonathan, I hope I someday am half the man you are now
Cooking is is superior example of impelementing logos than basketball team:-) great sermon otline also. Very greatful, thanks! A protestan preacher from Hungary!
I love how bravely you attempt to explain the Mysteries of faith. These concepts are so fundamental that it's difficult to identify. It's like seeing air. God bless you.
mysteries are man made . made to confused and profit and then lead you in any direction or lead you to were ever it is convenient at the time . the student of the mystery is more than willing to be lead by the nose ring
much like the basilisk the man has displayed in the background , the venomous breath kills without physical contact are as dangerous as listening to the words a man spews about "gods mysteries"
@@fake28rss Oh my sweet Summer Child what do you know of fear? Fear is for the Winter! Come child, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. But how can you understand these things when they have not been given to you? Check out The Meaning Crisis by Johnathan Vervaeke. He's a Buddhist and works and teaches in cognitive science. Then after you've finished nursing, you may graduate to Joedan Peterson. The Psychology series would be nice baby food, and then you get to consume the toddler food that is his Biblical Series. THEN you come back here, and chew on this good meat.
I love the cooking recipe analogy! Looking forward to seeing(on the Internet) Jonathan speaking about Christian Symbolism with Father Josiah & many others at St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Riverside CA at their Lenten Retreat in March. Hope to organize a viewing in Savannah, just met Ralston College’s professor of Greek, Ignatius, who is Orthodox. Happy Feast of Theophany and Christ is Born to all Old Calendarists.
A superb explanation of the deep meaning of the sacrament of Baptism: the Re-creation. St. Paul also has significant teaching on this theme: in Baptism we die with Christ so as to share in His resurrection. (Rom. chapter 6)
Baptism is a public declaration of a commitment made to Christ after salvation is gifted to the born again believer....it's not the means by which one is saved. God sees the heart and ones need to repent in brokeness... We have no part in our salvation God's word explains Jesus words For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. John 6:44 When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:5-6 The thief on the cross had no works to boast of yet Salvation was his because Christ saw his heart and he believed. Our works flow from the indwelling spirit moving in believers because of the new birth,new affection and attitude towards our savior In Baptism "our old self" is nailed to the Cross with Jesus so we are called to holiness and good works because we are saved,not as means to be saved
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I was always looking for more depth, and I slowly have been finding people who are brilliant, and provide the depth of my faith little by little by little even more. You and Jordan Peterson are helping me even think more deeply. It’s so excellent to understand why we are doing things and what that really means. God is much more awesome than we ever thought and with your words we can find him even more! I am 76 and I have a strong Catholic faith. However, for many years, I have delve deeply into the Bible and Interaction with other Christians and people who love God. I have been to eastern churches. I love the icons. I think we all must not stay on a narrow road, but we must encompass Jesus in every single thing. And he is there and you help us see that thank you very much.
Forget about Peterson. Search for Father Peter Hears on the orthodox ethos podcast and Father Josiah Trenham on Patristic Nectar podcast. Jordan Petersin is a perenialist and a gnostic. You may find at him some good insights but on the essential level he always get's it wrong. God bless!
Wow well said! It's very sad that a lot of Christians are completely missing the point of Jordan/John's efforts, and rush to call them rather horrible things.
Thank you for your contributions Jonathan. They are a great comfort to a great many people. (And though it is passed by now a belated happy Theophany to you.)
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Awesome symbolism of our awesome God illuminated by Jonathan, which means "God has given." Thank you for your faithfulness and humility in speaking God's truth.
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
Incredible informative video as always Jonathan. The Yggdrasil tree/Axis Mundi of other traditions came to mind when you were speaking of the tree and branches as how reality is structured. Brilliant. I have had a mystical "born again" experience. In my minds eye I saw a baby birthed, and was instantly struck with a powerful lightening/electrical energy that ran through my body, while i was laying down on a couch, and pulled my body into the position of Christ crucified on the cross. I could not move my body, only at the wrists, and i saw again in my minds eye the history of mankind, all of the war, and sin. Where i wept and apologized and begged for mercy, as i contributed towards Christ's death. I finally gained control of my body, ego was still obliterated, i only had awareness of space and my body. I sat up, turned and looked at my palms, kicked my feet, "wow a body", i felt like a baby or a kid, everything glowed and felt brand new. I saw holographic crucifixes overlapping my vision like a videogame HUD, ive never felt more alive or complete in my life. I felt like i had reached the "final state", in which at my decision, all life and the universe would start over and begin again, as i also had a sense i had been here a million times before in that ecavt moment. I then heard the voice of God tell me "this is the 2nd coming if Christ", or something of that nature. I was not mistaking myself as Christ, I only understood the story of the gospel as applied to everything symbolically in life. I eventually started to remember who i was, what time was, my family and friends. The red glow of a digital clock horizontally slid from out of my field of vision onto the clock in front of me, my identity was finally coming back. That experience changed my life and gave new meaning to the words "born again", and the instruction of becoming like a child in order to reach the kingdom of heaven. Yet, here i am, with such a rare amazing experience, a hopeless sinner, begging for mercy every day for the evil i commit and the sins i commit that Lord Jesus Christ died for.
"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Love the deeper understandings of the mysteries laid right before us. NEW EYES TO SEE! I was blind but now I see. I see what was here with new eye. All things become new. I CHANGE.
1John 5:19 "We know we originate with God but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. " 2PETER3:13 "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to His promise and in these righteousness is to dwell. " Matthew6:9 "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. "
It's so interesting that you are essentially describing the process of personal transformation I underwent while practicing a sort of ascetic alchemy, but running it through a structure of christian mysticism. The fractal symbolic system that you seem to have landed on is very similar to what I took away from elemental magic and reading john dee's heiroglyphic monad. I hung out with itenerant preachers for 5ish months last year, and their explanation had nothing on this. It seemed like at a certain point, they felt they were treading on unstable ground and had to seek stability in their source document. Kudos for explaining this in more naturally accessible terms.
@@colonalklink14 You're born again through water and the Spirit baptism as Jesus said. How can you deny such things when its clearly written in Scripture?
@@alexanderh2345 Your first birth is in water.( Flesh birth). Your new birth is Spiritual and absolutely cannot sin. Ephesians 4:4-6, " One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Not two baptisms! Holy Spirit baptism saves you. Paul said that he wasn't sent to baptise but rather to preach the gospel. Obviously water baptism is not a part of the gospel. Peter tells us that water baptism is the answer of a good conscience towards God. Mark 16:16," He who believes and is baptised shall be saved..." Many people believe that Jesus is necessary but not sufficient. You are only baptised by the Holy Spirit when you have believed on Christ (alone) for salvation.
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1). 1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.” John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I was taught that this verse refers to the Holy Spirit, but, if you read it you see it is actually referring to us. "So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" so, what is? so, it is that when they are born of the Holy Spirit, they are like the wind. Well, what is wind like? It is unpredictable, free, unlimited, powerful, cannot be captured/contained. We are like this when we are born of the Holy Spirit.
Also, I am Roman Catholic, but I love the eastern churches. I love icons I love your ways of explaining things. We’re not very far apart, but I enjoy the way you do things a little bit more ha ha! I have been to your churches and appreciate them very much. Of course we call it the Epiphany. And we call it Confirmation, but it’s just the words it means the same thing. I wish we could put our faith together and make it one huge amazing thing because that’s what I try to do by combining them because they’re very very much the same. With a little bit of a tweak here and there -there shouldn’t be any problems if you ask me. I don’t like the separation. So I’m putting it together in my own brain. Thank you so much for all you do. I really appreciate it. And we can all love and worship God, and so many amazing ways. Praise God praise Jesus…and thank and honor mother, Mary.
We are not the same. 1,000 years of schism has serious consequences. If we were to unite, then the Pope needs to renounce his heresies. Of course you personally are welcome to be united to the true Church when you are ready to do so.
It is also the people's and nation's of the world in Revelation. We are to come out of the world and be His people and we die to the world and life "new" as God lived. 😊
Thank you, Jonathan! I've been struggling a lot recently with my faith because I grew up Christian, and went to a Christian school, and while I did fall for New-Age Atheism when I went to High School, I have been returning back to my faith. The main issue with this is that I was never baptized. Unfortunately, my parents never subscribed to the idea of infant baptism, and it's making me feel fearful that because my spirit hasn't been fully committed to Christ, I am only going down a terrible path. What makes it even worse is that I was given a choice to be baptized, but I didn't think I was qualified to be since I would move away 3 weeks later. Now that I'm done with school, have money saved up, and have a Catholic girlfriend who is coming back to her faith, I really want to dedicate my life to Jesus and his children. I think this video helped seal the deal on initiating this new birth with excitement as I shed the wretched parts of myself I no longer wish to bear. Just the thoughts of truly walking alongside Jesus can bring me to tears. Although it does seem like only a short time, I'm feeling both shame and joy that there can be a way to Salvation for me and all those who chose to follow. This video helped replace a lot of that shame with joy because it affirms my desire to be fully committed to something good, a feeling I've been struggling with my whole life. I would like to extend a prayer out to everyone who's in the same boat as me. I hope that you receive the strength and energy to go do this equally scary but exalted experience. And if you're reading this, please pray for me. With God and the support through prayer, we are unstoppable even through the internet. God Bless you all!
Of course I am baptised and confirmed, but I was Born Again in my bedroom (no clergy present) when I found myself begging for the merciful cleansing of my genuinely intolerable burden of sin. It's as easy as that and as tough as that. To get there I needed tobbe told about a giant lesion on my left kidney... But it does NOT have to be quite that drastic! Try the various sung versions of Veni Sancte/Creator Spiritus; asking the Holy Spirit to come (He recognises our free will NOT to find a place for Him within us if we don't want that). If you do it with intent, I'll be surprised if even one time of listening with a contrite heart (and a declaration of love for the Trinity) won't change something in you for the better... You do have to want it, but be not afraid, my friend ... for there is nothing greater abd more wondrous and beautiful this side of heaven.
I hope you will continue on your journey to seek Him! Baptism doesn’t save us and being baptized as a baby does not make you a Christian and cannot get you into heaven because to be born again you have to accept Jesus as your Savior and repent and then follow up with baptism. 🙏
To be born again is to be spiritually reborn as a new creature in JESUS CHRIST, and to be totally dependent on HIM For any and all your needs, Spiritual and corporal.trusting in HIM implicitly. Knowing that you are not your own anymore because you were, 1 Corinthians 7:23 “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” John 15:16 “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
What about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that is a new life? (Like a seed that is planted in you, the soil)? You seem to describe it all as connections with external structures.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🌌 *Understanding Baptism in Christianity* - Overview of the significance of baptism in Christianity. - Christianity reveals the pattern of reality, showcasing the coexistence of unity and multiplicity. - Participation in this pattern is emphasized through baptism, a tangible act beyond abstract understanding. 02:41 🌊 *Symbolism of Baptism: Genesis and the Flood* - Exploration of the Old Testament references in the baptism of Christ. - Connection to Genesis, symbolizing the Spirit above the waters before creation. - Reference to Noah's dove after the flood, signifying a new beginning. - Christ as the tree/branch symbolizing the fractal pattern of reality connecting Heaven and Earth. 05:26 🌳 *Christ as the New Connection* - Christ as a symbol of a new connection between Heaven and Earth. - The tree as a bridge, embodying the invisible principles of reality. - Manifestation of a new creation and a new Kingdom. - Christ represents the beginning of a new world, connecting the structure of reality. 08:55 🔄 *Nicodemus and the Necessity of Rebirth* - Explanation of Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus and the concept of rebirth. - Baptism as a process involving the removal of old structures and receiving a new identity. - Internal and external transformation required for seeing the Kingdom of Heaven. - The analogy of leveling ingredients for a recipe, aligning with the process of rebirth. 11:40 🌐 *Baptism, Chrismation, and Church Participation* - Connection between baptism, chrismation, and active participation in the Church. - Baptism as the removal of old attachments and the initiation of a new identity. - The sacraments of baptism and chrismation representing internal and external transformation. - Participation in the Kingdom of God through connection to the Church and its authority. Made with HARPA AI
Being "born again" is to re-experience your original birth into this life, from a developed, higher perspective. In fact, it's important to recapitulate all experience continuously. Your experience is your standard of truth, that which you know to be true with the greatest possible certainty; it is also the source material for all associations and imaginings in the movement of your inner life. The path of your experience is traced in the backdrop of reality, a permanent feature of existence that amounts to "memory". Your multidimensional experiences of reality are also, collectively, "treasure in heaven", Biblically speaking, and, in my view, comprise the "soul". The experience of truth in life anchors your existence in cosmos, "saving you" from dissolution in discarnation, preserving "you" as you evolve from one incarnation through the next, and the next...
I'm gonna put this here.. not sure where else. .. Most likely it should be on your Symbolic World social thingy (i guess?) Would love to see a discussion between Jonathan and Michael Malice
@jonathanpageau please make a video about John the Baptist and his link with Jonathan in the old Testament. Jonathan made himself smaller for the sake of David and John did the same for Jesus. It's my name day today and thought it would be fitting
Hello Jonathan, Would you say that, through the suffering of our own cross (the narrow gate) we live a process of depuration of our priorities and reorganize our values to slowly incorporate more and more of the logos in ourselves, at first not willingly (heavy burden) because we tend to naturally avoid suffering and fight this process, but then when we understand the inevitability and the nature of suffering, it becomes an "easy yoke", because this purification process will naturally shift us more to the logos and less to our ego, thus making this world's distractions less significant and less painfull? Or am i just too drunk right now while writing this?
Love the insights into Jesus's baptism and its connection with Creation and the ark of Noah which is a foreshadowing of Jesus himself. Also, you are absolutely correct connecting Jesus to the olive branch in the flood account because the Messiah is known as the branch in Isaiah and Jeremiah. I would say that the "being born of water and the Spirit" is not connected to the baptism of Jesus, so I can definitely see why people would be touran to that idea. Jesus chastises Nicodemus because he is Israel's teacher and does not know what he's speaking about. What we can learn from this is that Jesus was referencing something that Nicodemus had access to that would be taught to the people of Israel. I believe the best explanation is found in Ezekiel chapter 36 wherein we do find that a person is made new by the sprinkling of clean water (symbolic of the washing away of sin through the work of the Messiah) and the giving of the Holy Spirit who inhabits those partakers of the New Covenant: 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Thank you so much for your insights. I would love to hear what your thoughts are on stacking dolls if you have any. I find them fascinating. I think they represent some sort of reality also. But I lack the words or thought process to fully understand. I would love to see this as a future topic.
My understanding is that the water of Baptism also represents the water of the womb, out of which one is ushered into a new world. While I love many aspects of Orthodox thinking, one of my stumbling blocks for embracing Orthodoxy is "You also have to have someone who is manifesting this authority of God down upon you." Why? Isn't it limiting God's salvific power to claim that a person's rebirth can only be enacted via a man in a fancy costume? God didn't need a priest to bring about Paul's dramatic conversion, did he? It can far too easily become a big ego trip- "The power of God cannot adequately flow except through US. Look how special WE are!"
I totally agree. We only submit when the "leader" is walking in the way, by being servant minded. Paul did not ask us to submit to Him. He asked us to widen our hearts and imitate how he widened his heart, like Jesus first widened His heart. He prayed that God would make him sufficient to imitate Him then we would imitate Paul, but only in so much as He was with Jesus. Paul rebuked the other apostles when they were wanting to follow their old fleshly/prideful traditions. Agree with the birth too. Romans say we were baptized into His death. Jesus says the suffering of everyones fear and sadness and Peter's pride in his righteousnes with his sword all dies and is forgotten when they see the birth- Jesus raised from the dead and then acting in the Spirit to do the same for all who are baptized into Him.
Did Christ through St Paul not give people authority over the people by the laying of the hands? Did he not tell us to listen to authority? Obedience to Christ is one of the fundamental aspects of salvation. Through obedience to those higher than us, we practice obedience to Christ. As a result, our authorities in the Church are expected to act as Christ acts.
@joshuaparsons887 hi, in the NT, I do not see authority over people. I see authority over powers and principalities to open hearts and heal, but the authority I see in NT is all through examples in however much of a measure the person is given to emulate Jesus Christ. Are you speaking of the early part in the 1st letter to Timothy where Paul speaks of him laying hands in Timothy? It doesn't say that Timothy was given authority over people or that any preacher, prophet, or elder is given that. The Holy Spirit is given in Acts through the laying on of hands. Also, in James, it talks about healing by laying on of the elders' hands. I Timothy's father was a gentle and his mother was a jew according to Acts. In Ephesians chapter 2?, he takes about the mystery that was revealed that the gentiles are fellow heirs and I think that the prophetic word Paul speaks of is the work of Jesus He would bring all nations to himself. The laying on of his hands I the receiving of the gospel and Holy Spirit by Timothy, a gentile believer in Christ. God be with you brother
Above the ingredients of the recipe is the LOGOS, the plan, the idea of the meal you mean to serve. The ingredients alone won't do it. You need discernment of what to reject and what to include, how much of each ingredient to include, how long to cook each ingredient, etc.
Baptism can also be seen as a death. So the image of Jonah comes to mind, him diving into the waters and being swallowed up by the deep; also the flood destoyed everything. You also mentioned the dove in Genesis bringing the branch, but it was an olive branch. So I was thinking about the anointing oil made from olives and Jesus being the Anointed one.
I've been to one Orthodox service in my life, it took forever, but it slaps. I've been in and out of many denominations, and I will say, they make Catholics look casual and unceremonious.
I am a part of a parish in Alabama, but I have family in the Houston area. I have visited St. Cyril, and I know a couple of parishioners there. There are many converts and it is a very welcoming parish. Go, taste and see!
As the prayer of Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem, says in his prayer which we use in the Great Blessing of the Waters: “Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above.” (Festal Menaion pg 355)
Stand at the ready. JEHOVAH OF ARMIES is redeeming his children. A darkness has fallen upon the so called " kingdom of darkness" All praise to the Father. Wait on the Father. Stand and watch.
A few questions: What distinguishes a good symbolic interpretation from a bad one? On what grounds would one say, "this part of your interpretation is incorrect or lacking"? What distinguishes a good symbolic interpretation from one's idiosyncratic, "random" fancies and thoughts on a topic? What are the rules of Pageau-style symbolism? In what way are the rules not arbitrary? Why aren't the rules something other than what they are? In science, results should be replicable by independent parties if you're on the right track. In symbolism, should independent parties come up with similar or consonant interpretations if they're both on the right track? If this was all wrong, how would I know?
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Tomorrow on Theophany I’m being baptized and chrismated! I’m so excited! I’m a sixty year-old woman who lives remotely 120 miles from the nearest Orthodox Church. Jonathan had a key role on my transformation which took a couple of years. Glory to God! Thank you Jonathan!
Oh my goodness! I am a 61 year old woman who is being baptized and Chrismated tomorrow also. And I live an hour and a half from my church. Thankful for Jonathan also! Glory to God.
Im 62 and was chrismated 2 years ago. Beautiful! I am so happy for you both!!!
@@saravanorden8847 Amazing!
I was baptised and chrismated into the Church three weeks ago. Jonathan certainly was part of helping me get there. Although I would like to think that ultimately it was Christ and the Holy Fathers working through him 😁
@@shivabreathes so great!
The depth you and Jordan have provided for my life cannot be overstated.
Jordan fell off. Dudes different now.
Onward and Upward 🦞☦️
@@Dan-yy6tt I agree, JP is a good gateway to deeper and richer understanding. But, does seem like he got lost in the weeds.
Never found Jordan deep, always wondered why Jonathan works with him.
Especially shocking in one of their one on one talks, where Jordan just skips over all the golden nuggets and just repeats his empty and over dramatic questions.
@@PC-vp2cg ua-cam.com/video/2rAqVmZwqZM/v-deo.htmlsi=MfCGtkrrnYB2jwmt
This is a good one. Jordan comes to realize he's been circling accepting God the entire time and Jonathan allows him to come to that on his own.
Beautiful friendship.
Wow, was about to leave soon for my Orthodox baptism and chrismation. Went to turn off my computer, and this video popped up!
Welcome home!
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I joined the Orthodox Church a year ago.
I tell my Protestant friends and family. There's so much more to Christianity than what we have been raised to believe. They look at me like I've lost my mind.
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time
The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits
So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply
Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
@@theguyver4934so stupid
Christianity has infinite wisdom. Thanks Jonathan
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I know I was born again from one simple fact: change. And that can also relate to the fruits you bear. When I converted, after being a Catholic for 32 years, what the bible says came true in me, my eyes were opened, the Bible became a book that it seems I had never read, although I went to mass almost every sunday and read the Bible so many times at my Catholic school. I understood it now in a way that I could not have imagined (not all of it of course, but so much more than before, as it pertains to the purpose of my life), I was lost and I became found, I was burded and I became free, I was in a path to destruction and death, and I left that life and beaome instantly free of my addictions and many other slaveries. Not everything was immediate, many habits and sins I still battle, but I can say for sure say that I experienced a convension, no doubt in my mind. And most importantly, all around me could see that too and were very surprised, I became a testimony.
I could have written almost EXACTLY the same thing - word for word in some places of your text. 28-2-21 was my day, following on from a shock health diagnosis. Something scary and sad gave rise to a consequence of such majesty, wonder, love and beauty. Nothing has been the same since, and I am not weak in most areas, I am joyful, strong in my weakness/humility and very, very grateful. Like you, I face a situation I which the darkness knows the chink in my armour and has intensified attacks there (even Paul - who seems like a brother, had his thorn). But no matter what I still LOVE, always love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and their works. Just love. If I can serve them even more than I do I am up for it. It's the most gentlly soft-heartedly-delicate-yet-ultra-macho thing I have ever known; and I see with utter clarity that until we meet Jesus again, one way or another, there can be NOTHING greater than this.
I finally got the meaning of the twig. Jesus says I Am the Vine, you are the branches.
Bless your interpretation.
I would call it his interpretation, it right there in the text, to God belongs the glory.
Noteworthy is John 15:5b
"Apart from me you can do nothing" ie without the indwelling holy spirit and outside of a personal relationship with Jesus we are powerless to please him or appease him in our own flesh.
Halleluuuuuuujah i have a new teacher!!!! TY Jonathan P!!!
I got baptized and Chris mated on December 23d in Orthodox Church. Thank God! Jonathan’s teachings for last 3 years helped me get here as well. May God bless you, Jonathan Pageau🙏🏼
Same same! My baptism and chrismation is tomorrow on Theophany!
@@fishosoficaldebaitsphiloso7760 Both youth and elderly, a reach which i did and named it: BIBLE + FREEMASONRY.
Get to know who they are - where they are - how and why they deceive - how they communicate, then expose them.
There is NO EVOLUTION, every living creature got created by GOD after its own kind.
No mattering what and how many schools/university you attend to, feather you`d be in or out of schools system, you are still living with the lack of knowledge if not daring to read the BIBLE nor search and expose masons.
Wanted to let you know that after falling away from God, angry after deployments to the Middle East, a path in Buddhism to heal from PTSD, your videos were part of my journey back to Christ who opened my heart. So thank you. And if you read this, tell Jordan Peterson that he was the first angel to change my direction on the path and that I’m thankful for your work together. You both made the Gospel palatable and then exciting. My family and I have come to love a non-denominational church in our community and find great peace and joy. But the “Sam Harris - Waking Up” … the part of me that allowed me to “touch the non-dual” … is still finding ways to harmonize with the Christian teachings. Rather, the community. I feel like I have to hide the “mystical” part of me. I don’t want to go to another church. Wondering if you have a nugget of wisdom that allows me to integrate that “Buddha Mind” into the Christ Consciousness within the framework that I worship? Or is that what you mean by clearing out when I start a new job? Do I effectively need to forget the pointers that led me to “here”? With there being so many parallels, it seems understanding the strategies of the East, within the framework of the West, would be helpful to the same types of people like me, needing a path through the mind before God can soften their hearts. I know I’m getting lost in logic here, but this seems to be a wall that is lingering.
You might find a lot of value in the work of Fr Richard Rohr - Catholicism and Orthodoxy have produced incredible contemplative and mystical traditions that reveal the non dual at the heart of Christianity. As someone who traced a similar path, Richard Rohr, James Finley, and the writings of various christian mystics are was helped me find a home in Christianity again.
As far as finding a contemplative community… Let me know if you figure that one out lol
@@recoverwithnate Hey thanks for the reply, Brother! Big fan of Richard Rohr who was part of the pull back into the flock, so to speak. Haven't heard of James Finley, will definitely check him out!
I've still been going to the non-denominational church, because the music just does something special. Plus, my wife enjoys it a lot. I'm finding the sermons to be quite analogous to many of the non-dual paths, but I must admit, the occasional literalism grinds my gears. Oh, and the be God's ambassador at work sermons, ugh, I'm not going to market this message with my words. If someone asks, then I'll share.
But I noticed that I was "trying to be a good Christian" ... an Ego dance really. Once I let go of that persona, that need to be accepted, and just do "me" ... there seems to be less friction. Maybe I was fogging the lens with my neediness to be accepted. Quit caring about acceptance, and now, no one gives me grief about doing it the "wrong way." I mean there's a lady there that literally believes Satan can enter your butthole while doing a downward dog Yoga position. But she's a total sweetheart and shares plants and seeds with me. I've learned to talk about plants and not anything Eastern. LOL! My point, maybe community is what we make of it. And the "right" community, is the one that feels right vs. is right.
To be honest, we have to leave all of that behind and only follow Christ 🤗
This is why the Orthodox tradition relies so heavily on having a spiritual father. The Orthodox Church is literally brimming with mystics and ascetics who have written extensively on the contemplative life. I went from Baptist -> Presbyterian -> Orthodoxy, visited some non denominational churches in between and I enjoyed them as well but at the end of the day I found them to be missing what is truly mystical at the center of Christ, you can only find that in Orthodoxy imo.
Blessings brother!
@ Thanks Brother! Appreciate ya chiming in.
I have not thought of the parralel between the Dove that descends on Yeshua and Noah's dove before. That's a great observation Jonathan!
I always thought that was commonly understood from the text.
The podcast "Lord of Spirits" and this channel are great dance partners in understanding a Christian mystical world ...a world that provides much more meaning than the banal, material "spirit" that engulfs our Western culture. 2024 is off to very good start. Happy New year to all.
You follow Jung I assume?
Yep. Jung, Peterson, PVK, Vervaeke ... @@chrismather5815
Yes. I'm reading a book about comparing Jung with Maximus the Confessor. Written by a Eastern Ortho priest and psychiatrist. G.C. Tympas is the author. Jung did not go far enough but Maximus captures Christology that goes beyond Jung. The best of both world in my view :)@@chrismather5815
A talent at clouding the simple, yet profound, doctrine of regeneration.
Excellent. The antidote to the spiritless hermeneutic of grammar and history, of rationalism.
Because the Spirit is opposed to order and rationality? I think not!
You’re on fire with the Spirit brother - The Lord has blessed you with a deep understanding! Glory to God!
Why not just bless EVERYONE with the same deep understanding?
@@davepugh2519 Would you let your 5 year old drive a car without instruction? Some things require a degree of humility, wisdom and maturity.
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
@@davepugh2519Everyone that wants to be blessed will be blessed. If you want a similar blessed understanding, seek it and you shall find it. Jonathan did the same, these things were not spoon fed to him. God blesses, He doesn't spoon feed. The blessing of God is akin to getting a promotion at work. Why does your boss bless you with a promotion? Because of your performance, because of your seeking to become better and better at what you are doing everyday at work. So it is the same with God, seek a deeper and deeper understanding of God, and God will bless you with it the same as he blesses everyone that seeks Him. We are all blessed, but let us not understand a blessing to be equal to being spoon fed. Nobody gets blessed this way. Blessing comes with applying yourself towards whatever you want to receive a crown/blessing for. It is clear that Jonathan sought understanding in matters he could hardly wrap his head around when young, he even admited this in one of his videos. Seeking to understand for so many years brought him the blessing of understanding. His blessing didn't come without toil. Anybody can be blessed similarily, or God can bless everybody similarity, Jonathan is in no way more special than any one of us. But his work, his progress and perseverance made him stand out from the rest of us that have not worked towards wanting to understand things as much as he did. If anyone of us wants to stand out as well and be equally blessed, work, seek what you do not have but crave for. And you will have it. It's really that simple to understand. Once you understood you need to apply yourself through work. Perseverence in anything doesn't come any other way except through consistent and devoted work over the long term.
The tree analogy was very beautiful, I study trees and it made me also think about the structure and function of a cell.
The cell has a core which has the blueprints of “the kingdom” and from this Nucleus as it is called comes instructions for the rest of the cell 🙏🌿
What proteins to be made and what to be done it sends messengers and starts processes also it receives information which it reacts to 🌞
God has truly revealed Glory to us in nature 🌿✨
Be blessed ❤️
"Knock and you shall find" god... That is just so true, I find it awesome how I wouldnt have been able to find these teachings if I had not Knocked. Thabks Jonathan, I hope I someday am half the man you are now
Cooking is is superior example of impelementing logos than basketball team:-) great sermon otline also. Very greatful, thanks! A protestan preacher from Hungary!
I love how bravely you attempt to explain the Mysteries of faith. These concepts are so fundamental that it's difficult to identify. It's like seeing air. God bless you.
mysteries are man made . made to confused and profit and then lead you in any direction or lead you to were ever it is convenient at the time . the student of the mystery is more than willing to be lead by the nose ring
much like the basilisk the man has displayed in the background , the venomous breath kills without physical contact are as dangerous as listening to the words a man spews about "gods mysteries"
@@fake28rss Oh my sweet Summer Child what do you know of fear? Fear is for the Winter! Come child, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom. But how can you understand these things when they have not been given to you? Check out The Meaning Crisis by Johnathan Vervaeke. He's a Buddhist and works and teaches in cognitive science. Then after you've finished nursing, you may graduate to Joedan Peterson. The Psychology series would be nice baby food, and then you get to consume the toddler food that is his Biblical Series. THEN you come back here, and chew on this good meat.
Loved loved this..Thank you brother 🙏✝️ 💜fromN.Ireland
Thanks for this. Very insightful
I love the cooking recipe analogy! Looking forward to seeing(on the Internet) Jonathan speaking about Christian Symbolism with Father Josiah & many others at St. Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Riverside CA at their Lenten Retreat in March. Hope to organize a viewing in Savannah, just met Ralston College’s professor of Greek, Ignatius, who is Orthodox. Happy Feast of Theophany and Christ is Born to all Old Calendarists.
God bless You, thank for your work Jonathan ! 🇬🇷🔥🐬
Thank you Jonathan! You and JP are giants. God bless you.
I need a new identity and desire a connection from above right now.
A superb explanation of the deep meaning of the sacrament of Baptism: the Re-creation. St. Paul also has significant teaching on this theme: in Baptism we die with Christ so as to share in His resurrection. (Rom. chapter 6)
Baptism is a public declaration of a commitment made to Christ after salvation is gifted to the born again believer....it's not the means by which one is saved.
God sees the heart and ones need to repent in brokeness...
We have no part in our salvation
God's word explains
Jesus words
For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.
John 6:44
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 3:5-6
The thief on the cross had no works to boast of yet Salvation was his because Christ saw his heart and he believed.
Our works flow from the indwelling spirit moving in believers because of the new birth,new affection and attitude towards our savior
In Baptism "our old self" is nailed to the Cross with Jesus so we are called to holiness and good works because we are saved,not as means to be saved
I honor you and these videos make me smile inside!
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I'll borrow the "you-cant-make-a-meal-without-nonexistant-heaven" idea in my future apologetical discussions. Thanks!
I was always looking for more depth, and I slowly have been finding people who are brilliant, and provide the depth of my faith little by little by little even more.
You and Jordan Peterson are helping me even think more deeply.
It’s so excellent to understand why we are doing things and what that really means.
God is much more awesome than we ever thought and with your words we can find him even more!
I am 76 and I have a strong Catholic faith.
However, for many years, I have delve deeply into the Bible and Interaction with other Christians and people who love God.
I have been to eastern churches. I love the icons.
I think we all must not stay on a narrow road, but we must encompass Jesus in every single thing. And he is there and you help us see that thank you very much.
Forget about Peterson. Search for Father Peter Hears on the orthodox ethos podcast and Father Josiah Trenham on Patristic Nectar podcast. Jordan Petersin is a perenialist and a gnostic. You may find at him some good insights but on the essential level he always get's it wrong. God bless!
Wow well said! It's very sad that a lot of Christians are completely missing the point of Jordan/John's efforts, and rush to call them rather horrible things.
@crustyMilk sorry that was someone else...😅
Thank you for your contributions Jonathan. They are a great comfort to a great many people. (And though it is passed by now a belated happy Theophany to you.)
Excellent, Jonathan. Thank you.
When one experiences true "mystical union with the One" , the world one returns to is not the Same.
💯
Its not mystical union with the "One" its the Lord Jesus the One Head of the Body
Christ is the Ark for us.
Yes!!!
What is the Father? Noah? He did build the ark and send the dove...
Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ! Thank you, Jonathan for sharing this content with us. You are helping us to grow in the faith.
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
This was excellent. Thank you. God bless us all.
Awesome symbolism of our awesome God illuminated by Jonathan, which means "God has given." Thank you for your faithfulness and humility in speaking God's truth.
Thanks Jonathan! As always, you provide a great frame for understanding both the microcosmic and macrocosmic aspects of Christianity. God bless!
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time
The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits
So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply
Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
Incredible informative video as always Jonathan. The Yggdrasil tree/Axis Mundi of other traditions came to mind when you were speaking of the tree and branches as how reality is structured. Brilliant.
I have had a mystical "born again" experience. In my minds eye I saw a baby birthed, and was instantly struck with a powerful lightening/electrical energy that ran through my body, while i was laying down on a couch, and pulled my body into the position of Christ crucified on the cross. I could not move my body, only at the wrists, and i saw again in my minds eye the history of mankind, all of the war, and sin. Where i wept and apologized and begged for mercy, as i contributed towards Christ's death.
I finally gained control of my body, ego was still obliterated, i only had awareness of space and my body. I sat up, turned and looked at my palms, kicked my feet, "wow a body", i felt like a baby or a kid, everything glowed and felt brand new. I saw holographic crucifixes overlapping my vision like a videogame HUD, ive never felt more alive or complete in my life. I felt like i had reached the "final state", in which at my decision, all life and the universe would start over and begin again, as i also had a sense i had been here a million times before in that ecavt moment. I then heard the voice of God tell me "this is the 2nd coming if Christ", or something of that nature. I was not mistaking myself as Christ, I only understood the story of the gospel as applied to everything symbolically in life. I eventually started to remember who i was, what time was, my family and friends. The red glow of a digital clock horizontally slid from out of my field of vision onto the clock in front of me, my identity was finally coming back.
That experience changed my life and gave new meaning to the words "born again", and the instruction of becoming like a child in order to reach the kingdom of heaven.
Yet, here i am, with such a rare amazing experience, a hopeless sinner, begging for mercy every day for the evil i commit and the sins i commit that Lord Jesus Christ died for.
Thank you Jonathan. Was helpful.
Word on Fire
"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Love the deeper understandings of the mysteries laid right before us. NEW EYES TO SEE! I was blind but now I see. I see what was here with new eye. All things become new. I CHANGE.
Blessed Feast Jonathan!
The famous Burnout or middle Life crisis is a calling to leave the mundane secular life and begin a new life more in tune with the divine!!
Thank you 🙏🏾
1John 5:19 "We know we originate with God but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. "
2PETER3:13 "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to His promise and in these righteousness is to dwell. "
Matthew6:9 "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. "
It's so interesting that you are essentially describing the process of personal transformation I underwent while practicing a sort of ascetic alchemy, but running it through a structure of christian mysticism.
The fractal symbolic system that you seem to have landed on is very similar to what I took away from elemental magic and reading john dee's heiroglyphic monad. I hung out with itenerant preachers for 5ish months last year, and their explanation had nothing on this. It seemed like at a certain point, they felt they were treading on unstable ground and had to seek stability in their source document.
Kudos for explaining this in more naturally accessible terms.
what u speak of is WITCHCRAFT
the bible is full to the rafters with witchcraft.@@anjalE30
Incredibly explained! Bravo
God bless...
my obnoxious nature made me come back. thanks for chad content jonathan.
Thank you
It was helpful, thank you
AMEN MAY GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY AMEN!!!!!!!🙏🏽🤲🏽❤️☝🏽✝️
Metaphors and their layers of meaning point to the fractal nature of reality.
Quite enjoying your new editing Pageau.. (imo) definitely helpful in transmitting the message
Well done, brother.
Thanks
You are born again the nanosecond that you have trusted in the person and finished work of Christ alone for salvation.
AMEN
That’s not what the Bible says.
@@alexanderh2345 Ephesians 1: 13 clearly says otherwise.
@@colonalklink14 You're born again through water and the Spirit baptism as Jesus said.
How can you deny such things when its clearly written in Scripture?
@@alexanderh2345 Your first birth is in water.( Flesh birth).
Your new birth is Spiritual and absolutely cannot sin.
Ephesians 4:4-6, " One Lord, one faith, one baptism."
Not two baptisms!
Holy Spirit baptism saves you.
Paul said that he wasn't sent to baptise but rather to preach the gospel.
Obviously water baptism is not a part of the gospel.
Peter tells us that water baptism is the answer of a good conscience towards God.
Mark 16:16," He who believes and is baptised shall be saved..."
Many people believe that Jesus is necessary but not sufficient.
You are only baptised by the Holy Spirit when you have believed on Christ (alone) for salvation.
Thank you Jonathan... again! 🫂
Joining from Los Angeles
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
1 John 5:4: “Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith.”
John 1:12-13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God, to those who believe into His name, who were begotten not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I was taught that this verse refers to the Holy Spirit, but, if you read it you see it is actually referring to us. "So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" so, what is? so, it is that when they are born of the Holy Spirit, they are like the wind. Well, what is wind like? It is unpredictable, free, unlimited, powerful, cannot be captured/contained. We are like this when we are born of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for this!
Also, I am Roman Catholic, but I love the eastern churches. I love icons I love your ways of explaining things.
We’re not very far apart, but I enjoy the way you do things a little bit more ha ha!
I have been to your churches and appreciate them very much.
Of course we call it the Epiphany.
And we call it Confirmation, but it’s just the words it means the same thing.
I wish we could put our faith together and make it one huge amazing thing because that’s what I try to do by combining them because they’re very very much the same.
With a little bit of a tweak here and there -there shouldn’t be any problems if you ask me.
I don’t like the separation. So I’m putting it together in my own brain.
Thank you so much for all you do. I really appreciate it.
And we can all love and worship God, and so many amazing ways. Praise God praise Jesus…and thank and honor mother, Mary.
We are not the same. 1,000 years of schism has serious consequences. If we were to unite, then the Pope needs to renounce his heresies. Of course you personally are welcome to be united to the true Church when you are ready to do so.
If you ever convert to Orthodoxy, you’ll be warmly welcomed ☦️
Water is the wird as it is written in scripture. Ephesians
It is also the people's and nation's of the world in Revelation. We are to come out of the world and be His people and we die to the world and life "new" as God lived. 😊
Thank you, Jonathan! I've been struggling a lot recently with my faith because I grew up Christian, and went to a Christian school, and while I did fall for New-Age Atheism when I went to High School, I have been returning back to my faith. The main issue with this is that I was never baptized. Unfortunately, my parents never subscribed to the idea of infant baptism, and it's making me feel fearful that because my spirit hasn't been fully committed to Christ, I am only going down a terrible path. What makes it even worse is that I was given a choice to be baptized, but I didn't think I was qualified to be since I would move away 3 weeks later. Now that I'm done with school, have money saved up, and have a Catholic girlfriend who is coming back to her faith, I really want to dedicate my life to Jesus and his children. I think this video helped seal the deal on initiating this new birth with excitement as I shed the wretched parts of myself I no longer wish to bear. Just the thoughts of truly walking alongside Jesus can bring me to tears.
Although it does seem like only a short time, I'm feeling both shame and joy that there can be a way to Salvation for me and all those who chose to follow. This video helped replace a lot of that shame with joy because it affirms my desire to be fully committed to something good, a feeling I've been struggling with my whole life. I would like to extend a prayer out to everyone who's in the same boat as me. I hope that you receive the strength and energy to go do this equally scary but exalted experience. And if you're reading this, please pray for me. With God and the support through prayer, we are unstoppable even through the internet. God Bless you all!
Of course I am baptised and confirmed, but I was Born Again in my bedroom (no clergy present) when I found myself begging for the merciful cleansing of my genuinely intolerable burden of sin. It's as easy as that and as tough as that. To get there I needed tobbe told about a giant lesion on my left kidney... But it does NOT have to be quite that drastic! Try the various sung versions of Veni Sancte/Creator Spiritus; asking the Holy Spirit to come (He recognises our free will NOT to find a place for Him within us if we don't want that). If you do it with intent, I'll be surprised if even one time of listening with a contrite heart (and a declaration of love for the Trinity) won't change something in you for the better... You do have to want it, but be not afraid, my friend ... for there is nothing greater abd more wondrous and beautiful this side of heaven.
I hope you will continue on your journey to seek Him! Baptism doesn’t save us and being baptized as a baby does not make you a Christian and cannot get you into heaven because to be born again you have to accept Jesus as your Savior and repent and then follow up with baptism. 🙏
Anxiously waiting :-) Thank you!
We celebrated it yesterday in Greece ❤evi
13:51 I've had something like this happen in a way I'm not ready to publicly talk about but need some real help understanding.
Will you be at tarpon springs? I would love to meet you!!!!
To be born again is to be spiritually reborn as a new creature in JESUS CHRIST,
and to be totally dependent on HIM For any and all your needs,
Spiritual and corporal.trusting in HIM implicitly.
Knowing that you are not your own anymore because you were,
1 Corinthians 7:23
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”
John 15:16
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
I would add the branch also refers to the branch of jeese that is being prophesied in Isaiah 11:10.
What about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that is a new life? (Like a seed that is planted in you, the soil)? You seem to describe it all as connections with external structures.
Wonderful to hear someone stress the importance of baptism. God bless
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🌌 *Understanding Baptism in Christianity*
- Overview of the significance of baptism in Christianity.
- Christianity reveals the pattern of reality, showcasing the coexistence of unity and multiplicity.
- Participation in this pattern is emphasized through baptism, a tangible act beyond abstract understanding.
02:41 🌊 *Symbolism of Baptism: Genesis and the Flood*
- Exploration of the Old Testament references in the baptism of Christ.
- Connection to Genesis, symbolizing the Spirit above the waters before creation.
- Reference to Noah's dove after the flood, signifying a new beginning.
- Christ as the tree/branch symbolizing the fractal pattern of reality connecting Heaven and Earth.
05:26 🌳 *Christ as the New Connection*
- Christ as a symbol of a new connection between Heaven and Earth.
- The tree as a bridge, embodying the invisible principles of reality.
- Manifestation of a new creation and a new Kingdom.
- Christ represents the beginning of a new world, connecting the structure of reality.
08:55 🔄 *Nicodemus and the Necessity of Rebirth*
- Explanation of Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus and the concept of rebirth.
- Baptism as a process involving the removal of old structures and receiving a new identity.
- Internal and external transformation required for seeing the Kingdom of Heaven.
- The analogy of leveling ingredients for a recipe, aligning with the process of rebirth.
11:40 🌐 *Baptism, Chrismation, and Church Participation*
- Connection between baptism, chrismation, and active participation in the Church.
- Baptism as the removal of old attachments and the initiation of a new identity.
- The sacraments of baptism and chrismation representing internal and external transformation.
- Participation in the Kingdom of God through connection to the Church and its authority.
Made with HARPA AI
Can anyone link a video of an explanation of the dragon icon, please...
Being "born again" is to re-experience your original birth into this life, from a developed, higher perspective. In fact, it's important to recapitulate all experience continuously. Your experience is your standard of truth, that which you know to be true with the greatest possible certainty; it is also the source material for all associations and imaginings in the movement of your inner life. The path of your experience is traced in the backdrop of reality, a permanent feature of existence that amounts to "memory". Your multidimensional experiences of reality are also, collectively, "treasure in heaven", Biblically speaking, and, in my view, comprise the "soul". The experience of truth in life anchors your existence in cosmos, "saving you" from dissolution in discarnation, preserving "you" as you evolve from one incarnation through the next, and the next...
I'm gonna put this here.. not sure where else. .. Most likely it should be on your Symbolic World social thingy (i guess?)
Would love to see a discussion between Jonathan and Michael Malice
@jonathanpageau please make a video about John the Baptist and his link with Jonathan in the old Testament. Jonathan made himself smaller for the sake of David and John did the same for Jesus.
It's my name day today and thought it would be fitting
When we come up from the waters of baptism, we are a new creation, the old is gone away, the new has come.
absolutely right, Jayjay
Hello Jonathan, Would you say that, through the suffering of our own cross (the narrow gate) we live a process of depuration of our priorities and reorganize our values to slowly incorporate more and more of the logos in ourselves, at first not willingly (heavy burden) because we tend to naturally avoid suffering and fight this process, but then when we understand the inevitability and the nature of suffering, it becomes an "easy yoke", because this purification process will naturally shift us more to the logos and less to our ego, thus making this world's distractions less significant and less painfull? Or am i just too drunk right now while writing this?
Don't know about Jonathan. But that's part of what I get out of it, too.
Yeah that sounds about right
Love the insights into Jesus's baptism and its connection with Creation and the ark of Noah which is a foreshadowing of Jesus himself. Also, you are absolutely correct connecting Jesus to the olive branch in the flood account because the Messiah is known as the branch in Isaiah and Jeremiah. I would say that the "being born of water and the Spirit" is not connected to the baptism of Jesus, so I can definitely see why people would be touran to that idea. Jesus chastises Nicodemus because he is Israel's teacher and does not know what he's speaking about. What we can learn from this is that Jesus was referencing something that Nicodemus had access to that would be taught to the people of Israel. I believe the best explanation is found in Ezekiel chapter 36 wherein we do find that a person is made new by the sprinkling of clean water (symbolic of the washing away of sin through the work of the Messiah) and the giving of the Holy Spirit who inhabits those partakers of the New Covenant:
36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Thank you so much for your insights.
I would love to hear what your thoughts are on stacking dolls if you have any.
I find them fascinating. I think they represent some sort of reality also. But I lack the words or thought process to fully understand. I would love to see this as a future topic.
The Russian Dolls? I thought the same thing. It has to be. Obviously. If not. Insert pointing leonardo decaprio meme.
❤
I have to analyze each sentence XD But persistence pays. Knock on the door shall be opened unto you, seek and ye shall find.
My understanding is that the water of Baptism also represents the water of the womb, out of which one is ushered into a new world. While I love many aspects of Orthodox thinking, one of my stumbling blocks for embracing Orthodoxy is "You also have to have someone who is manifesting this authority of God down upon you." Why? Isn't it limiting God's salvific power to claim that a person's rebirth can only be enacted via a man in a fancy costume? God didn't need a priest to bring about Paul's dramatic conversion, did he? It can far too easily become a big ego trip- "The power of God cannot adequately flow except through US. Look how special WE are!"
I totally agree. We only submit when the "leader" is walking in the way, by being servant minded. Paul did not ask us to submit to Him. He asked us to widen our hearts and imitate how he widened his heart, like Jesus first widened His heart. He prayed that God would make him sufficient to imitate Him then we would imitate Paul, but only in so much as He was with Jesus. Paul rebuked the other apostles when they were wanting to follow their old fleshly/prideful traditions.
Agree with the birth too. Romans say we were baptized into His death. Jesus says the suffering of everyones fear and sadness and Peter's pride in his righteousnes with his sword all dies and is forgotten when they see the birth- Jesus raised from the dead and then acting in the Spirit to do the same for all who are baptized into Him.
Did Christ through St Paul not give people authority over the people by the laying of the hands? Did he not tell us to listen to authority? Obedience to Christ is one of the fundamental aspects of salvation. Through obedience to those higher than us, we practice obedience to Christ. As a result, our authorities in the Church are expected to act as Christ acts.
@joshuaparsons887 hi, in the NT, I do not see authority over people. I see authority over powers and principalities to open hearts and heal, but the authority I see in NT is all through examples in however much of a measure the person is given to emulate Jesus Christ.
Are you speaking of the early part in the 1st letter to Timothy where Paul speaks of him laying hands in Timothy?
It doesn't say that Timothy was given authority over people or that any preacher, prophet, or elder is given that.
The Holy Spirit is given in Acts through the laying on of hands. Also, in James, it talks about healing by laying on of the elders' hands.
I Timothy's father was a gentle and his mother was a jew according to Acts. In Ephesians chapter 2?, he takes about the mystery that was revealed that the gentiles are fellow heirs and I think that the prophetic word Paul speaks of is the work of Jesus He would bring all nations to himself. The laying on of his hands I the receiving of the gospel and Holy Spirit by Timothy, a gentile believer in Christ. God be with you brother
Above the ingredients of the recipe is the LOGOS, the plan, the idea of the meal you mean to serve. The ingredients alone won't do it. You need discernment of what to reject and what to include, how much of each ingredient to include, how long to cook each ingredient, etc.
This video was well done with attention markers and great. Wonder if he'll ever do a scary movie like Annabelle.
Baptism can also be seen as a death. So the image of Jonah comes to mind, him diving into the waters and being swallowed up by the deep; also the flood destoyed everything.
You also mentioned the dove in Genesis bringing the branch, but it was an olive branch. So I was thinking about the anointing oil made from olives and Jesus being the Anointed one.
Manly P. Hall said it the best.
Where can I see a high res version of the icon in the thumbnail?
this is flattering to the fallen mind. what does the evangel say to the sinner. complexity is calling you to participate??
WHAT'S THE MUSIC INTRO?
I am born again in Christ.
It sticks in my mind that Nazareth means branch or little branch.
Hello from Texas! Conroe/Houston
Saint Cyril in The Woodlands is the closest Orthodox Church to us. Nervous to attend 👀😂
I've been to one Orthodox service in my life, it took forever, but it slaps.
I've been in and out of many denominations, and I will say, they make Catholics look casual and unceremonious.
I am a part of a parish in Alabama, but I have family in the Houston area. I have visited St. Cyril, and I know a couple of parishioners there. There are many converts and it is a very welcoming parish. Go, taste and see!
Ezekiel 36:5
The new editing looks swell
As the prayer of Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem, says in his prayer which we use in the Great Blessing of the Waters:
“Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above.”
(Festal Menaion pg 355)
Thank you for your continued brilliance. You are an inspiration.
Stand at the ready. JEHOVAH OF ARMIES is redeeming his children. A darkness has fallen upon the so called " kingdom of darkness" All praise to the Father. Wait on the Father. Stand and watch.
I wish that the orthodox church were more common in my country, not one of them close to where I live.
A few questions: What distinguishes a good symbolic interpretation from a bad one?
On what grounds would one say, "this part of your interpretation is incorrect or lacking"?
What distinguishes a good symbolic interpretation from one's idiosyncratic, "random" fancies and thoughts on a topic?
What are the rules of Pageau-style symbolism? In what way are the rules not arbitrary? Why aren't the rules something other than what they are?
In science, results should be replicable by independent parties if you're on the right track. In symbolism, should independent parties come up with similar or consonant interpretations if they're both on the right track?
If this was all wrong, how would I know?