Rebellious House by A. V. Thomas. Published by Christian Living.
A Response from Yuhanon Mar Milithos
Reply to the comment of Yuhanon Mar Milithos Metropolitan
A Brief Review by a Layman's Angle by George Joseph Enchakkattil.
Reply to the Comment of George Joseph
Reply to A. V. Thomas by George Joseph
Reply to George Joseph by A. V. Thomas
A Book Review
"I may be excused for my belated attempt to write a review of the book "Rebelliouse House vs Spiritual House"
The book as I see it "is a Blessed Book by a Blessed Author." It is said that "Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread." After going through the book, I am constrained to change the dictum as "Bold and brave men dare to step in where ignorant religious Head cause damage to the noble ideals of Christanity, enshrined in the Holy Bible.
Written in lucid prose, this book givies a shock treatment to the self-styled Godmen who have been elevagted and consecrated to "Sainthood" at the behest of the ignorant and misguided laymen. What is the result? Jesus Christ has been given a backseat and the so called "Middle men"- "mediators" claim that they are in a posession of the keys for the gates of heaven. All religious leaders have understood that hate is a better weapon than love. They have practised this in the past and they are practising it now.
The so-called self made saints, during their mundane existence, forget that Jesus Christ was never enthroned and never ruled although he had a throny crown.
Among the various chapters in the book, the Chapters, Holiness, The Saints, Mary Magdalene, The Eternal Future, Hope and Love are the chapters which I consider as something very special. These chapters serve as classic proff of the author's Biblical acumen.
I am sure this book will be an eye openeer to the intellectuals in our community who will definitely think further about the false and crude beliefs prevailing in the society.
Let this book be a prelude for many more publications in the years to come!
G.Chacko M.Sc. B.Ed,
(Retd.) Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya.
National Awardee, Shiromani Awardee & Incentive Awardee.
What do the Orthodox Believe? by Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios
Why Pray for the Dead? by Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios
Sleeba Vandanavu Vigraharadhanayo by Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios
Books written by Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios.
Articles written by Dr. Paulos Mar Gregorios.
Orthodox Faith & Theology. Divyabodhanam Books.
36 comments:
I am somewhat surprised by the extreme conservative thinking of the Metropolitan who has commented on the book published by A.V.Thomas. It appears that he believes only on the Orthodox views are correct and others are wrong. I don't know what is wrong with 'Pentecostal attitude' and who are we to critisize them, or any other christians & non-christians. If the orthodox church continue this narrow way of thinking, we are going to loose yougnsters who are more open minded. We should be able to get salvation without being an orthodox believer. This Metropolitan has done a mistake to our church by bringing forth his ultra conservative views. We should learn to respect every one's view point in this complex world. No one is perfect!
I am surprised and disappointed by the response of the Metropolitan on the book writeen by Mr.AV. Thomas. This shows that the clergy in Orthodox church is out of touch with our young people. His views are ultra conservative and does not have a place in our church or in this wonderful free world. Everyone in the church should have the freedom to criticize our believes and their leaders. What is wrong with pentecostal attitudes or the belief of other christians or other religions? Metropolitan has a very narrow view of our Orthodox church and these types of ideas are chasing our youngsters (especially those live out side India) away from our church. We should be proud of our youth of IT whether they have huge salary or not. They are much better than certain Bishops who travels only in expensive cars and live in big palaces. They can learn a simple lesson from late Patros Mar Osthatheos Bishop who lived a simple life & happened to be my great grandfather's brother. We should know that one can get salvation even without believing in Orthodox church.
Mr.George Cherian
This Is an orthodox church Blog. The Bishop pointed/commented out some of the facts/ realities on orthodox view. Mr.A.V. Thomas also used same view in his book. Salvation in Christ is not for orthodox,catholic or anglican and pentacost sects basis . Those who do the "Fathere's Will" and witness Jesus Christ in his/her own life will attain Salvation. Orthodox people are loosing youngesters due to the fact that they(youngsters)are not being taught the real sense and meaning of orthodoxy.
No one is perfect.Everybody commits mistakes and sins. The Pentcostal people only help their brothers or sisters(the same faith). I don't see them helping other people in my life!
@George Cherian
Then how should a metropolitan of the Orthodox Church think????
We are losing people, because we are not teaching our faith properly.
We are given a faith, a belief and tradition by our forefathers, our duty is to safely hand the same over to our younger generation. Not to corrupt it and transfer.
Orthodox Church is meant to be Ultra conservative (if at all we have anything left now).
God never transferred several truths to the church. It is only one church and one faith. By accepting others faith, we are corrupting what God has provided us. Instead of learning properly what 'Orthodoxy' is all about? We listen to all crap, the guys outside the church propagates and take the sword against our mother church.
Each and every line written about Militious thirumeni is true.
IF WE ARE NOT ULTRACONSERVATIVE, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND A PENTECOSTAL?
THE BASIC TEACHING OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IS TO HOLD TO THE FAITH HANDED OVER TO US.
ONE SILLY CHANGE WE MAKE NOW, WILL LEAD TO 10 CHANGES IN THE FUTURE.
THAT IS BLOODY WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PROTESTANT CHURCHES.. TAKE ANGLICAN CHURCH, GAY MARRIAGES, WOMEN BISHOPS ETC ETC
WE MAKE ONE SILLY IDIOTIC CHANGE NOW, BY LISTENING TO ONE BLOODY LAYMAN, AND THE GENERATION AFTER 20 YEARS WILL SITE THIS CONTEXT AND MAKE 20 OTHER CHANGES...
AND FINALLY MOVING AHEAD IN TIME, WE WILL HAVE WOMEN PRIESTS,AND EVEN GAY PARTNERS WITHIN OUR FAMILY...
GEORGE CHERIAN DO YOU WANT TO SEE THAT IN OUR CHURCH????
AS CS LEWIS TOLD,
"I wish they would remember that the charge to Peter was "Feed my sheep", not "Try experiments on my rats", or even "Teach my performing dogs new tricks"
I would like to comment about Mr George Cherian's comments. As Orthodox Christians we are called to hold extreme views about our faith. So yes we are extremists. There is only one faith that is full and complete and that is the Orthodox faith. That is the very meaning of the word Orthodox faith.
However the Orthodox church is never saying that the non-orthodox are condemned to be burned in the eternal fire. In fact the Orthodox Church prays for the salvation of all of mankind.
Dear George Cherian
Who are this open minded youngesters?Orthodox people are narrow minded and A.V. Thomas and George Cherian and his yougsters are broad minded in what respect?Christ told us the Way to Eternal life is narrow and way to destruction are wider/broad.you can get salvation without being an orthodox faith .So why don't you go after that rather than confusing/critisizing others without knowing the truth/or never trying to know the Apotostolic teaching/faith in the real sense?
In this world of complexeties,we are not critisizing others or questioning others faith. It is the others including your pentacostal brothers are always critisizing orthodox faithful.Here The MTV editorial TEAM INVITED COMMENTS FROM MOSC faithful readers and as an orthodox prelate the bishop gave his opinion or remarks.How does it become offensive to you?
if you have something constrctive opinion you can make it here
Mr. Cherian,
You are exactly right and I am glad to see at least one person in this church who can see the reality. The Orthodox church is isolated among all the other Churches in Kerala. Because, the leadership and the followers not only rediculing and belittling the other churches, leaders and their members, but also questioning their faith and existance. This is not the case of the deal between the Jacobite and Orthodox Church only, but the Orthodox community never loose any opportunity to belittle any other Churches like Marthomite, Reeth or Roman Catholics. The aftermath is that there is no others who support the views of Orthodox, but themselves. THIS IS THE REALITY. THE REALITY IS... NO MATTER THE CHRISTIANS OR NON-CHRISTIAN, NOBODY SUPPORT THIS CHURCH AT THIS POINT. EVERYBODY KNOW THE EXISTANCE OF TWO FACTIONS MORE THAN 100 YEARS NO MATTER WHATEVER THE SUPREME COURT VERDICT IS.(If my neighbor came to my house and saying that all my land is his and showing a court order, what should I do? I will defanitely say that to KILL me and then get the land.)Our fore fathers struggled a lot and build up each and every one of our Churches and WE DONT HAVE ANY PROBLEM TO GIVE IT BACK TO THE SUPREME BISHOP OF IOC, IF HE DID BUILD THESE CHURCHES.But unfortunately that is not the case and THIS IS THE SWEAT OF US AND OUR ANCESTORS.I know 99% here not going to say anything good about this comment. BUT MY BELOVED ORTHODOX BROTHERS AND SISTERS, OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE THE REALITY. HOW LONG YOU GOING TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AND SAY THE WHOLE WORLD IS DARK????
Dear George Cherian
Thirumeni has commented from the Orthodox faithful point of view and there is nothing wrong in Thirumeni's view to an Orthodox faithful. Has at any point Thirumeni said that A.V.Thomas will go to hell.
Try to understand things from that perspective.
Your attitude to respect every one is like the attitude of a politician when he is about to contest the election. You can't compromise on faith related issues especially to an Orthodox faithful. You are at liberty to get out of that framework and take everyone and sundry into your views if you get any. Leave alone the Orthodox faithful and their believes.
Love and charity should not have borders, but definitely faith has.
Mr. Cherian, Mr. A.V. Thomas, and other believers,
As an American born Orthodox youth in his mid twenties, I feel that I may have a unique perspective on this matter. I am writing this so that other youth and members of our Church who may read Mr. A.V. Thomas' book may not be easily swayed and mislead. Often times, a little bit of truth mixed with a lot of lies and indiscrepancies is a very potent recipe for spiritual destruction.
This idea that our Church must be more liberal in order to appeal more to the youth of today might be true, however, the goal of the Church should NEVER be to look appealing or attractive to others. A Church truly based on Christ cannot ever be attractive to this fallen world. IF IT IS ATTRACTIVE, SOMETHING IS WRONG. If our Church seeks to be popular amongst the youth, it will lose its sanctity and ultimately, it will lose even more members. It is important to constantly remind ourselves that the Church believes in a poor carpenter who two thousand years ago took our punishment on himself, suffered, died and resurrected. Our faith is not a cheap faith that promotes a doctrine of wealth, prosperity, and self-glorification. It has endured with the suffering and blood of the martyrs throughout the ages. It is not something easy to believe, it is not something that the human mind can fully comprehend. It goes completely against our logic, it is in direct opposition to our God-hating and disobedient human nature. Many early Christians who believed in Christ were violently persecuted and martyred because the outside world could not understand their allegiance to Christ. Centuries later, we are talking about how our Church should be made to look more attractive, popular, and cool in order to attract more youth? That is pathetic and it is an absolute disgrace.
To be honest, I do see rebellion in our spiritual house, so to speak. But that rebellion is not a rebellion carried out in our sacraments or in our traditions. It is a rebellion carried out mainly in the administrative arena of the Church. This rebellion can carried out by anyone, be he a Thirumeni, Achen, or lay member. The main problem in our Church is a lack of obedience to the hierarchy. If a parish Priest is not obedient to the Metropolitan, how can his parish members be obedient to him? If the Metropolitan is not obedient to the one who ordained him, how can anyone be obedient to the Metropolitan? With that being said, I cannot find anything wrong outside of the administrative arena other than maybe a recent trend of overemphasis on anniversary and birthday celebrations and the excesses of the Church choir. But as for the faith and teachings of the Orthodox Church, I cannot find any Church that is Biblically or historically superior to it.
Dear Terry
What is Reality? Do you think whatever you feel is real or right?
For everything there always twofold aspects(two sides) and effects on all matters. "Njan Pidicha Muyalinu Moonnu Kombu" the same attitude is that you are following and trying to impose here! As we are living in this world of darkness,to critisise others are easy. This is Adamic Sin
Lord God asked Adam a question "did you eat the forbidden fruit"? his reply was that "the woman you put here with me gave me the fruit ,and I ate it". His answer should have been like this "Yes Lord I ate the fruit of forbidden tree"!
This nature of Adam is everywhere with human beings even now. We find fault with otheres and we do not admit our own faults! Mr .Terry rathen than throwing mud on orthodox church first remove the log from your own eyes! you must try to seek the truth/find out the truth as you have all the means to get information that you wanted on History of Malankara Orthodox Church rather see everything with your 'yellow' eyes! When you are fed up with contempt and hatred of MOSC from infancy you only follw that!This exactly what you showed here in this blog!
It is a puzzling thing as to how Mr. Thomas can ridicule and blast so many areas and basic tenets of our faith but at the same time uphold Parumala Thirumeni as a Saint. How can the author consider Thirumeni as a Saint if he is criticizing and bashing many of the very things that Thirumeni practiced and preached in his own life? The author would be wise to read Parumala Thirumeni's Kalpana regarding Charismatic preachers and how they should not be allowed to preach in our Churches. However, the author may have a problem with that too considering that that Kalpana may not have been 'Holy' in his book.
Mr. Cherian, regarding Yuhanon Mor Meletius, you wrote, "This Metropolitan has done a mistake to our church by bringing forth his ultra conservative views." I'm sorry to say but I could not help but laugh at your statement because in my honest opinion, Yuhanon Mor Meletius is one of the most liberal Thirumenis that I know of. I have disagreed with some of the Metropolitan’s views in the past but in this matter, at least it appears, we are on the same page regarding several points. And while I may not always agree with everyone's views, I will support their right to speak their views.
While the theme behind Mr. A.V. Thomas' book Rebellious House vs Spiritual House is somewhat intriguing, his book brings absolutely nothing new to the table and is in fact a byproduct of a heavy Protestant influence on the author. In fact, I have no idea why MalankaraOrthodoxTv even promoted his book on its site and I'm having a hard time understanding why Mr. Thomas is even a member of our denomination if he feels that our practices are so wrong and unbiblical. Maybe he finds it easier to influence our people by remaining in the Church so he can continue to claim to be 'one of us.' Whatever Mr. Thomas' intention may be, his teaching explained in his book, in the author's own words, "is the teaching of the devil."
Sincerely,
Felix K. John
New York
Dear All
There is a new wise man in this Blog Called Terry.He pretends that he is wiser than King Solomen! How can this wise guy Show Light to the world especially in MOSC/IOC may be God knows.All MOSC and IOC are staying in darkness and only Terry who is staying in Light!!.May be this Guy will show
LIGHT to MOSC from there he is going to show all christians to India and rest of this world.
He is bringing out of context subject for comments for what purpose?There is no Courtesy of Hospitality in His Comments.He is Just like a Camel in the Tent of Arab!
A comment should have some reasoning or logic to the context of subject or basis for the issue quoted without that there is no need to critisize somebody's blog!
Orthodox community did not humiliate or try to belittle other Communities Like other denominations Reeth/Marthoma/R.C./L.C.
If you read Malankara Iykyadeepam (Reeth Magazine/journal)they always try to humiliate/belittle MOSC.
Marthoma people especially Joseph Marthoma recently made a Big Blunder through his bull/Kapana to his people making Lies and false statements against MOSC as well as the MOSC Liturgy.Mosc people responded to it in their blog.That is quite natural!
SOCMforum/Viswasasamrakshakan/YaKoobyan All these are the same Making False Stories/Heretic teachings in the name of St.Thomas Christians/ MalankaraNazaranis.MOSC people do not respond such nonsenses of so called followers of Yakkoob Burdhana!!
Dear Wise Youg Man Terry,listen!.It is not IOC/Mosc who were causes of Court Cases. The Court Cases InMalankara churchiniatially/originally started By Antioch Partriarchs and his supporters in Malnkara(especially First/second samudaya Cases) in 1598 both factions united due to S.C verdict. Now after 1970's due to Antiochean Partriarch's(L/L.H.H. Yakkob III) illegal ex-communication of MOSC and Its synod The Third Case has to take place .The Supreme court made its Judgjment in 1995.
We have got a recognised system of Church administration In MOSC even before India got independance as well as a Repbulic.
It is not MOSC playing politics in Church feud.Mosc did not organised any mafia crimes in Malankara church! We respect court orders and verdicts. we never worked against any court orders/verdict.
So dear Terry open your eyes and see the darkness around your own body!What You are trying to do in this blog are humiliating and belittling/ridiculing IOC Head/MOSC heirarchy
out of hatred and contempt which eas fed by your parents and community. If you are a true/real Christian you follow Christ and his teachings rather than critisize this blog users or MOSC.
"Take up own Cross,deny self, and follow Jesus"!!
Sam Pariyarathu
I am wondering at people like Terry who is so blind fold that he doesn’t know what does Orthodox means? To him it is just a group from Kottayam who is not ready to listen to the Holiest person on earth! If the society in which he is part of cannot teach him his faith, one can understand what sort of species his group is generating. No wonder Mar Militios Thirumeni said good bye to that fold.
Terry is taking side with Marthomites, Reeth etc. All who have sold their mother for money and power. What other credentials have these churches got?
He is talking of those great who have built the church. Does he know the number of Physical churches the Apostles built? Where they after building physical churches?
Silly people just criticize anything and sundry. He rightly sides with Cherian thereby keeping the age old saying intact, “ennampeechikku marapatti koottu’.
A.V. Thomas has succeeded in bringing out his ignorance on orthodoxy. George Cherian seems to be fed up with orthodoxy and is all set to to embrace an attractive, modern, open minded church. Losing such people will do no harm to orthodoxy. When the west is turning towards orthodoxy we have people here trying to betray the church and move out.
Meletius Thirumeni is fully right in bringing out his arguments to support faith. What else is he supposed to do. Sit mum against an attack on the basic tenants of orthodox faith? Thirumeni has done a commendable job by replying to Mr. Thomas's work.
A small piece of advice to Mr. A.V. Thomas and Mr. George Cherian - "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people think that you are a fool, rather than to open it and clear all their doubts"
Mr. Thomas,
I am neither theologian nor a scholar but from the teachings I had from my mother and my spiritual mother my sabha, the tradition she has given me is my knowledge and wisdom.
I had noted regarding your Book and comments on it by our beloved Bishop and your response to it. Of course you may have deep knowledge, but the wisdom, the Holy Spirit Himself has given the truth and utterance in your tongue when you wrote, I will pray for you. Or else, it seems that you pretend yourselves as over and above our Lord Jesus to intercede.
Alas a Living God to intercede for a Living Bishop H.G Yuhanon Mar Milithos, over and above our Lord Jesus Christ. But I can’t salute you and your supporters those who have no necessity of any intercession neither of the Holy Mother nor of any saints. The Theotokas: the only one, in whose womb, wherein the real incarnation took place. But you ignore that she is the greatest one, who bear in her “The Lord or Girivaridhi dharanam Lord”. Good Almighty God has not chosen any one related to you to choose as a weapon for His incarnation.
But we believe one thing that we are not that much worthy of St.Mary therefore she is of course above us and thus is the chosen one. She keeps on interceding for us and for our sins and get blessing from the Almighty God. This has to be considered as the true faith, which the Holy Fathers of the early church have taught us and we live accordingly, as St. Paul states we live in faith and not in flesh.
Akknadan Varghese Mathai
Mavelikara,
At Present member of SGOC Sharjah
Thank you Thirumeni for the biblical iterpretation which we do not know pin pointedly....Thirumeni has taken the Shepherd staff to safeguard his sheeps....We want this type of shepherds who could lead his flocks and safeguard it from thiefs (pentecostal frauds).....
Meletius Thirumeni has done a commendable job by replying to Mr. Thomas's work. This will certainly help the flock to understand the real faith of the church. I also appreciate the comments of Mr. George Joseph Enchakkattil. Mr. Thomas' book has nothing to do with the faith of Orthodox Church, he is promoting protestantism.
ആര്ക്കും എന്തും എഴുതി ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് വിശ്വാസികള്ക്ക് ഫ്രീ ആയി നല്കുകയും അതിനെ പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നപ്രവണത ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് മീഡിയപുനപരിശോധിക്കേണ്ടതില്ലേ സഭയേയും വൈദീകരേയും വിശ്വാസത്തേയും സമൂഹത്തില് അവഹേളിക്കുന്ന പ്രവണത സഭയുടെഔദ്യോഗീക മീഡിയകള് പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കുന്നത് മറ്റ് പെന്തക്കോസ്തു വിശ്വാസത്തില്പ്പെട്ടവരും ചെയ്യുന്നതിനോടോപ്പം ചേരുന്നതിന് തുല്ല്യമാണ്. സഭാവിശ്വാസത്തില് അടിഉറച്ച് നില്ക്കാന് കഴിയാത്തവര് സഭയില് നിന്ന് പുറത്തു പോകുകയോ പുറത്താക്കുകയോ ചെയ്യണം സ്വന്തം മക്കളെ പോറ്റി വളര്ത്താന് കഴിയാത്തവന് സഭയെകുറിച്ച് വ്യക്തതഇല്ലാത്തവന്സത്യവിരുദ്ധമായ ജീവിതപ്രവര്ത്തനത്തില് മുഴുകിയവന് സഭയുടെ അന്തസത്തയെ ഗ്രഹിക്കാന് കഴിയാത്തവന് സഭാവിശ്വാസവിരുദ്ധമായ ആശയങ്ങളും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കുന്നതും ചര്ച്ചകളും സഭയുടെ മീഡിയാകള് പുനപരിശേധിക്കേണ്ടതില്ലേ .
Certain comments about the author of "Rebellious House Vs Spiritual House" do not seem to be appreciable. I know the author is a living Christian trying to imitate Jesus in his life.
Without prior understanding, negative comment is in bad taste. One of the priest without even reading a single page (as he does not know how to read English), has passed a worst comment because he knows nothing about the author.
Sabu Kollireth,
Adoor.
Mariamma said
Felixkjohn, you said that you represent the American youth. We understood that you neither read the book “Rebellious House” nor you understood anything because you went directly to attack the author rather than saying a word about the book. I liked the book lock stock and barrel because we ladies are never allowed to express our views. I wanted to say something like this but neither had I had the courage nor did I have the knowledge to substantiate as the author did. It is a great work to me because the first part points to our mistakes in practice due to foreign influence, the second part is a great revelation none of us thought of, the third part brings us close to Christ and he appears to be our relative. The book makes me a precious person rather than a sinner. Your ignorant and uncharitable remarks are unwarranted. I noticed that you have an agenda of becoming an orthodox priest without learning any profession worthwhile. That will make you a liability priest for the rest of the orthodox people. Therefore please learn a job and as part time do the gospel work. Further, we have a good opinion about the American youth. They are supposed to be cultured. Your temperament, culture and language proved otherwise. Please drop the cowboy language particularly, when you are coming to the orthodox blog.
Mariamma.
A.V.Thomas said:
Regarding the comment on "Rebellious House" by Rev.Fr.James Kuttikandathil, I asked him the meaning of his comment. He said that he has written to the media about the material being published. He did not mention anything about the author because he knows nothing about the author. He felt sorry for the readers if they have thought any thing about the author.
ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് സഭയില് നിന്നുകൊണ്ട് ഈ സഭയേയും വിശ്വാസത്തേയും യഥാത്ഥമായി പഠിക്കാതെ വായില് വരുന്നത് കൊതക്ക് പാട്ടായി എന്ന പോലെ വഴിയെ പോയ പാസ്റ്റര് പറഞ്ഞതും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കുന്നത് സഭാ വിരുദ്ധ പ്രവര്ത്തനമാണ്സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തില് ശക്തമായി നില്ക്കാന് കഴിയാത്തവര് ഈ വിശ്വാസത്തില് നിന്ന് പുറത്തുപോകണം അതിന് സ്വാതന്ത്രം ഏതു മനുഷ്യനും ഉണ്ട്, പേരും പെരു മയും ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് കാരനെന്ന് നിലനിര്ത്തി മലര്ന്നുകിടന്ന് കുകളിലേക്ക് നോക്കി തുപ്പിയാല് സ്വന്തം തുപ്പല് മുഖത്ത് തന്നെ വീഴുന്ന പ്രവര്ത്തനം സഭയുടെ അകത്തുനിന്ന് ചെയ്യുന്നത് അപഹാസ്യമാണ് കുളത്തി ലെ തവളയ്ക്ക കുളം വിശാലമാണ്. അതുകൊണ്ട് സഭയുടെ അന്തസത്ത മനസ്സിലാക്കാതെ,സഭയെപ്പറ്റി പഠി യ്ക്കാതെ,സഭയെഅപമാനിക്കുന്നത് സ്വന്തം പെറ്റമ്മയുടെ മുഖത്ത് ചെളി വാരിയെറിയുന്ന സംസ്ക്കാരം,സഭാ വിശ്വാസത്തില് നിന്നുകൊണ്ട് ചെയ്യു ന്നത് സഭാവിരുദ്ധപ്രവര്ത്തനമാണ് വിശ്വാസവിപരീതവുമാണ്.സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസആചാരഅനുഷ്ടാനങ്ങളില് അടിഉറച്ചുനില്ക്കാന് കഴിയാത്തവന്, കഴിയാത്തവള് സ്വയം ആശ്വാസം കണ്ടെത്തുന്ന ഇടം തേടി പോകുക അതിന് തയ്യാറല്ലങ്കില് സഭ നടപടിസ്വീകരിക്കണം.ഈ പുസ്തകത്തെയും അതിലുള്ള പ്രതിപാദനങ്ങളും ഓര്ത്തഡോക് സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസ ആചാര അനുഷ്ടാനമോ അല്ല. പൊട്ടക്കണ്ണന് ആനയെ കണ്ടതുപോലെ സഭയുടെ പഠിപ്പിക്കലിനെ എവി തോമസ് എഴുതിയത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ സഭയെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള അറിവു പുനപിശേധിച്ച് വ്യക്തമായി പഠിച്ച് ഒരു പുനരെഴുത്ത് നടത്തുന്നില്ലങ്കില് താന് നില്ക്കുന്ന സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തില് നിന്ന് സ്വയം മാറി പോകുന്നതല്ലേ ഉചിതം. സ്വന്തം കാല് ഉറപ്പിച്ചമണ്ണില്,സ്വന്തം ഇരിപ്പട ത്തില് ചെളിയുണ്ടങ്കില് അത് മനസ്സി ലാക്കിയവന് അവിടെ ഇരിക്കുമോ, അഥവാ ഇനി അവിടെ തന്നെ ഇരുന്നാല് ആവന്റെ ഗതികേടന്നല്ലാതെ എന്തുപറയാന്ഇന്ന് ഏതു സാധനവും വാങ്ങിയാല് അതിന്റെ കൂടെ ഫ്രീആയി ചിലവാകാത്തസാധനം ഫ്രീകിട്ടും. എന്നാല് എവി തോമസ്സിന്റെ പുസ്തകം തന്നെ ഫ്രീ ആണ് ഒരു മനുഷ്യന്റെ ഗതിയും - അവന്റെ ഗതികേടും നല്ല ഒരു ജീവിതത്തെ പിശാച് കൂട്ടികൊണ്ടുപോയത് പുനപരിശോധിച്ച് സത്യകുന്പസാരം നടത്തി അനുതപിച്ച് പ്രായശ്ചിത്തം ചെയ്ത് നല്ലപുത്രനായി തിരിച്ചെത്താന് കഴിയട്ടെ ഒരു നല്ല തിരിച്ചുവരവ് പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചുകൊണ്ട്
ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് സഭയില് നിന്നുകൊണ്ട് ഈ സഭയേയും വിശ്വാസത്തേയും യഥാത്ഥമായി പഠിക്കാതെ വായില് വരുന്നത് കൊതക്ക് പാട്ടായി എന്നപോലെവായില് വന്നതും വഴിയെ വഴിയെപോയപാസ്റ്റര്പറഞ്ഞതും പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കുന്നത് സഭാവിരുദ്ധ പ്രവര്ത്തനമാണ്സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തില് ശക്തമായി നില്ക്കാന് കഴിയാത്തവര് ഈ വിശ്വാസത്തില് നിന്ന് പുറത്തുപോകണം അതിന് സ്വാതന്ത്രം ഏതു മനുഷ്യനും ഉണ്ട്, പേരും പെരുമയും ഓര്ത്തഡോക്സ് കാരനെന്ന് നിലനിര്ത്തി മലര്ന്നുകിടന്ന് കുകളിലേക്ക് നോക്കിതുപ്പിയാല് സ്വന്തം തുപ്പല് മുഖത്ത് തന്നെ വീഴുന്ന പ്രവര്ത്തനം സഭയുടെ അകത്തുനിന്ന് ചെയ്യുന്നത് അപഹാസ്യമാണ് കുളത്തി ലെ തവളയ്ക്ക കുളം വിശാലമാണ്. അതുകൊണ്ട് സഭയുടെ അന്തസത്ത മനസ്സിലാക്കാതെ,സഭയെപ്പറ്റി പഠിയ്ക്കാതെ,സഭയെഅപമാനിക്കുന്നത് സ്വന്തം പെറ്റമ്മയുടെ മുഖത്ത് ചെളി വാരിയെറിയുന്ന സംസ്ക്കാരം,സഭാ വിശ്വാസത്തില് നിന്നുകൊണ്ട് ചെയ്യു ന്നത് സഭാവിരുദ്ധപ്രവര്ത്തനമാണ് വിശ്വാസവിപരീതവുമാണ്.സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസആചാരഅനുഷ്ടാനങ്ങളില് അടിഉറച്ചുനില്ക്കാന് കഴിയാത്തവന്, കഴിയാത്തവള് സ്വയം ആശ്വാസം കണ്ടെത്തുന്ന ഇടം തേടി പോകുക അതിന് തയ്യാറല്ലങ്കില് സഭ നടപടിസ്വീകരിക്കണം
ഈ പുസ്തകത്തെയും അതിലുള്ള പ്രതിപാദനങ്ങളും ഓര്ത്തഡോക് സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസ ആചാര അനുഷ്ടാനമോഅല്ല. പൊട്ടക്കണ്ണന് ആനയെ കണ്ടതുപോലെ സഭയുടെ പഠിപ്പിക്കലിനെ എവി തോമസ് എഴുതിയത് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ സഭയെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള അറിവു പുനപിശേധിച്ച് വ്യക്തമായി പഠിച്ച് ഒരു പുനരെഴുത്ത്നടത്തുന്നില്ലങ്കില് താന്നില്ക്കുന്ന സഭയുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തില് നിന്ന് സ്വയം മാറി പോകുന്നതല്ലേ ഉചിതം. സ്വന്തം കാല് ഉറപ്പിച്ചമണ്ണില്,സ്വന്തം ഇരിപ്പടത്തില് ചെളിയുണ്ടങ്കില് അത് മനസ്സിലാക്കിയവന് അവിടെ ഇരിക്കുമോ, അഥവാ ഇനി അവിടെതന്നെ ഇരുന്നാല് ആവന്റെ ഗതികേടന്നല്ലാതെ എന്തുപറയാന്ഇന്ന്ഏതു സാധനവും വാങ്ങിയാല് അതിന്റെ കൂടെ ഫ്രീആയി ചിലവാകാത്തസാധനം ഫ്രീകിട്ടും. എന്നാല് എവി തോമസ്സിന്റെ പുസ്തകം തന്നെ ഫ്രീ ആണ് ഒരു മനുഷ്യന്റ ഗതിയും-അവന്റെ ഗതികേടും നല്ല ഒരു ജീവിതത്തെ പിശാച് കൂട്ടികൊണ്ടുപോയത് പുനപരിശോധിച്ച് സത്യകുന്പസാരം നടത്തി അനുതപിച്ച് പ്രായശ്ചിത്തം ചെയ്ത് നല്ലപുത്രനായി തിരിച്ചെത്താന് കഴിയട്ടെ ഒരു നല്ല തിരിച്ചുവരവ് പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചുകൊണ്ട് ......
Dear Rev Fr.james,
I wonder if you don't know ENGLISH LANGAUAGE Please accept that...Why you are Belettling the Author...!!
Hannah
“Rebellious House”
I read half of the book “Rebellious House vs Spiritual House” for want of time. But when there was a remark by a bishop that it has got something to do with the IT professionals, I read it fully and studied it as a reference book whenever the subjects mentioned in the book appeared. As an IT professional I did not see anything special for us. But to me the book appears to be very precious. The pain taken by the author and the uncharitable comment he received are remarkable. In the preamble of the authors reply to Milithios, we can fell that the author is more orthodox than the commentators. The author was upholding the truth based on the Holy Bible, while the commentators were beating around the bush. None of them quoted correctly from the book. They took it as granted that layman means knowing nothing! Learned clergy did not try to respond because his tool was the Holy Bible and many of them were convinced about many things if not all. He touched one bishop who was principal of theological seminary and little less than Almighty and proved his ignorance in the specific subject. For me the book is marvelous because it teaches us to reject so many unwanted things thrust on us by the foreigners. It teaches us to come closer to Jesus our Savior. Author’s reply to Milithios and Enchakkattil are very knowledgeable and will form a supplementary to Rebellious House.
A. V. Thomas is really rebelling against the so called orthodox people while upholding all Indian orthodox faith. I never new, that I am such a valuable person, until I read the chapter “Who Are You”. Many of my notions and misconceptions were removed by the book “Rebellious House”. The most important factor is the book is based on the Holy Bible rather than ‘fathers books’. I expect more such publications from more writers other than biased people!
Storm in a cup cannot last long! Truth will not be accepted without resistance. We should know that God is the ultimate judge. I read the book “Rebellious House vs Spiritual House” with great interest as there was a hue and cry created by ignorant section of religious orthodox church goers. As a humble Christian I treat this book, one of its kinds because the author is talking from the word of God. We can verify what he is trying to tell. All that the author wants is we should try to imitate the life of Christ. As orthodox what he is trying to point in us is replace our religiosity with spirituality. Yes the author spent years with the Holy Bible to write such a book.
I am a software engineer from Banglaore and know the author quite well. In Bangalore everyone knows him as a practicing Christian. The remark of Milithios brought me closer to Rebellious House and started visiting this blog. Rebellious House vs Spiritual House is a fantastic book based on the reference from the Holy Bible. Pointing out the error of religious people, the author is inviting one and all to imitate Christ in their life.
The remarks of the readers who responded in this blog can be split into 3 groups. 1) Milithos and Kuttikkandathil, are two priests eating without working, against the word of God. The author proved that they are telling all lies. (Reply to Milithios must be added as a supplementary to this book). Other Bishops and priests are enlightened people who respects the Holy Bible and fortunately the author has brought out all the biblical references to prove his points from the Holy Bible itself. They realized that this book is in line with the teachings of St. Thomas and St. Paul. 2) Religious Orthodox group who found fault with the book without pointing out a single error. They are the Pharisees whom our Jesus criticized. The author says time and again Orthodoxy is fantastic but we have added Babylonian gentile’s faith to our faith through the Antiochian contact. He says “this is tip of the ice berg” and our violent reactions threw cold waters into his hot plate. The author is critical about it because this has resulted in doing so many rituals against the teaching of the Bible. This group owes an apology to the readers because they have proved their blind religocity while they were accusing the author without reading the book carefully. Of course, the book is hard to chew. Our priests are doing M Th in UTC, where this book is kept as a reference book. 3) Other believers form the third group who appreciates the book and value it as one of its kind because they wanted to say the same thing but did not have the courage to speak out. From the language and temperament we can easily make out that this group is educated and cultured. In fact this book brought me personally closer to Jesus and before that I never knew my worth. I will request the second group to introspect and do natural justice.
'ഉരലില്ക്കിടന്നു ഉലക്ക വരുന്നേ' യെന്നു വിളിച്ചു കൂവുന്നതു പോലെയാണ് ഇവിടെ സംഭവിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്. സഭയ്ക്കെതിരായി വരുന്ന "കൊന്ത്രാക്കൊള്ളികളെ " തട്ടിമാറ്റി വിടുകയായിരുന്നു ഉത്തമം, കൂടുതല് പ്രചാരണം കൊടുക്കേണ്ടതില്ലായിരുന്നു. "മദ്യം" ദോഷമാണെന്ന് പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കാന് വേണ്ടി മദ്യത്തിന്റെ ഉന്മാ ദാവസ്ഥയെപ്പറ്റി അധികം വിവരിച്ചാല് ഫലം വിപരീതമായിരിക്കുമെന്ന് പറയേണ്ടതില്ലല്ലോ. സഭയില് നിന്ന് ആരെങ്കിലും പ്രത്യേകിച്ചു യുവാക്കള് വിട്ടു പോകുന്നുണ്ടെങ്കില് അത് വിശ്വാസത്തിന്റെ പേരിലാണെന്ന് ഒരിക്കലും കരുതുന്നില്ല. വിശ്വാസത്തിന്റെ പേരില് പറഞ്ഞുകൊണ്ടു വരുന്ന മുടന്തന് ന്യായങ്ങള് ആര്ക്കാണ് മനസ്സിലാകാത്തത്? വാങ്ങിപ്പോയ തങ്ങളുടെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ടവരേ ഓര്ത്ത് പ്രാര്തിക്കുന്നതോ ദൈവ മാതാവിനോട് പ്രാര്ഥിക്കുന്നതോ അത്ര വല്യ അപരാധമോന്നുമാല്ലെന്നു ഇവര്ക്കും അറിയാം. അഥവാ അങ്ങനെ പ്രാര്ഥിക്കുന്നതില് താല്പര്യമില്ലെങ്കില് അത് വേണ്ടാന്നു വയ്ക്കാനുള്ള സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യമുണ്ടല്ലോ, സഭ വിട്ടു പോകേണ്ടതില്ലല്ലോ. എനിക്ക് തോന്നുന്ന ഒരു കാരണം, കുറച്ചു പണവും അല്പം ഇംഗ്ലീഷു
മറിയാമെങ്കില് (കുറച്ചു ധാര്ഷ്ട്യം കൂടിയുള്ള ആളാണെങ്കില് പറയുകയും വേണ്ടാ) താനൊരു സാധാരണക്കാരനല്ലെന്നൊരു തോന്നല് മദ്ധ്യ വയസ്കരിലും ചെരുപ്പക്കാരിലും കണ്ടു വരുന്നു. ഈ സമയത്ത് ടൈയും കെട്ടി അകലെ നിന്ന് മാടി വിളിക്കുന്ന "ക്ലീന് ഷേവുകാരന്റെ" വലയില് ചെന്ന് വീഴുന്നത് സ്വാഭാവികം മാത്രം. ചെന്ന് വീഴുന്നത് എട്ടുകാലി വലയിലാണെന്നു മനസ്സിലാക്കുമ്പോഴേക്കും സമയം അധിക്രമിച്ചിരിക്കും. ഏറ്റവും വള്നറബിളായിട്ടുള്ളത് മാതാ-പിതാക്കളില് നിന്നകന്നു ജോലി (ഐ.ടിയിലും മറ്റും) ചെയ്യുന്ന ചെറുപ്പക്കാരാണ്. 'ഒരു വെടിക്ക് രണ്ടു പക്ഷികള്'.
മലങ്കര സഭ ഇതൊന്നും കണ്ടില്ലാന്നു നടിക്കാതെ ഇറങ്ങി പ്രവര്ത്തിക്കേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു. ഒരു പ്രത്യേക വിംഗ് രൂപീകരിച്ചു സഭയില്നിന്നു വിട്ടുപോയവരെ മടക്കിക്കൊണ്ടുവരുന്നതിനു പ്രവര്ത്തനം തുടങ്ങേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു.
Dear George Cherian
Really I'm very surprised by seeing your criticism of the Metrpolitan. What conservative comment did he make on the book, he just pointed out the wrong interpretations and criticism of Bible and Malankara Sabha in that book. It is his primary duty to defend his church and people. Orthodox belief is not this and that- a strong belief in what we believe.
I don't understand what you mean by saying "We should be able to get salvation without being an orthodox believer".
You said the Metropolitan has done a mistake to our church-I don't think so. What he did is hundred percent right. Your aim is different and is easy to understand, you are disguising as a sheep, man stop it.
"Rebellious House VS Spiritual House" the book authored by Mr. A.V.Thomas, a very staunch Orthodox Syrian Christian and philanthropist of Bangalore has won acclaim and attention of many readers. As a layman the author has pointed out certain believes and practices, customs, cultures and traditions blindly being followed by some Christian denominations. It is to be noted that he has not criticized any specific Christian group or community. As such, if any Christian denomination claims that the author had written against them, then it will only be an incorrect assumption. The claim of certain priests that they are the middlemen and direct pass-port suppliers to the kingdom of God has been pointed out. This has irritated some religious fanatics and they tried in vain to resist the author. The History shows that the same fanatics had sentenced Galelio to death and tried to kill Martin Luther. However, the idea boldly presented in the book has helped to trigger the sleepy minds of many. Apart from that, the book also has helped many to grasp the inner meanings of Biblical teachings and practices. As such, the book is worth reading and I thank OM Books for publishing it.K.M.Peter Mattackal.
Dear Sir,
Two learned people, Principal G.Chacko and Scientist K.M.Peter Mattackal have recently reviewed this book in an honorable manner.It appears they understood the worth of the book as God fearing people took it. But it pains to note that one ignorant clergy has made four comments in malayalam about a book written in English and you have published it.
It should have been thrown in the gutter as such people are a liability to the church; eating without dong any work. We expect many more such books in the future. Mariamma.
I am glad to see that more and more people like this book after careful reading. I wonder the purpose of critisizing a book without reading it. It is sad to see that few people including our clergy want to get publicity and expose their blind belief. I hope that more people will read this book carefully and get something out of it. I want to thank the author for writing this book and making it available to all of us.
We do not need PHD to read Bible every day.Our education are always deployed to disobey God and justify it.The Disciples received stripes, beatings,death and sorts of persecutionbut it is to their accounts .But Jesus paid the ransom on our account.that is how he is qualified as the mediator ; no one else can claim that .John 19;26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," She need a savior too!
Psalm 146;3-4 Do not trust in princes,
In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation.
His spirit departs, he returns to the earth;
In that very day his thoughts perish.
col 3:3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.They can not do nothing.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Hebrew 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Our greatest duty on earth ;Mathew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Shibu Podiyan,DC
You have quoted several things from both Old & New testaments of the Bible. But these all are few unrelated quotes. If you read carefully, the first three gospels never say whether Jesus was God or son of God. It is only gospel by John start telling these stories as God or son of God etc. So what do all these quoted statements mean to Christians?
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