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Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Right Attitude Toward Those In The "Charismatic Movement"

"As for those caught in the web of the charismatic movement, 

under no circumstances are we justified if we condemn them. 

Those who imagine themselves saved by all of this are victims of a demonic arrogance which blinds them to true evangelical humility, which often serves certain personality deficits, and which, more often than not, convinces them inwardly of their own salvation—indeed, a dangerous thing. 

We must reach out to these people with charitable words, 

constantly assuring them that the Orthodox Church has a fullness which is not yet realized in America. Within that fullness, we must tell them, rests a true spiritual treasure, not a dull stone glimmering with the polish of deceit and emotionalism. And then, to be sure, 

we must set about restoring the fullness of the Church's traditions, admitting readily that WE, not the Church, have lacked fullness!"

From Orthodox Tradition, Vol. I, Nos. 4&5, pp. 29-32.

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