A SEEKERS MANUAL: OUTLINES FOR DISCUSSION AND STUDY OF THE ORTHODOX FAITH --
A clearly written, thorough study guide on the Orthodox Faith, answering questions on knowing God, prayer, Jesus,... More > the Holy Trinity, salvation, faith, worship, conversion, the Christian Creed, Church history, theology, heresy, infant baptism, icons, fasting, confession, the Divine Liturgy, saints, Mary, Communion, the Church's yearly cycle of feasts, Holy Tradition, the Bible, the Church calendar, American Orthodoxy, Chrismation, almsgiving, sin, angels, gender, homosexuality, pornography, modesty, tithing, monasticism, the Sign of the Cross, incense, vestments, exorcism, silence, Orthodox spirituality, and more.
Designed for the Christian inquirer, formatted so any Orthodox leader could use for group discussion.
A complete survey in twenty topical presentations, 8 1/2" X 11", 415 pages, illustrations.
“An excellent introduction to the Church, her theology, and her worship... I highly recommend.”
+JOB< Less
On September 11th, +2001, Americans awakened to a global threat which hit home all too tragically. That day was selected by terrorists to begin a new phase of the millenium-old jihad against... More > infidels which was halted at the gates of Vienna on September 11th, 1683. What is a Christian response to such ruthless mass murder in the name of Allah? Who is Allah, and how does he relate to the Christian God? Aren't all religions just about equal? What is it about our culture that offends Muslims? Why do so many of the world's followers of Islam hate the United States? Are terrorists practicing a “fringe form” of Islamic “extremism,” as President Bush told the nation, or are they simply taking the commandments of the Quran seriously? What did Mohammed teach about holy war? What does Jesus say about similar tragedies? Is this great national tragedy a call to retaliation, or to patriotism, or to repentance? These and other timely, important questions are explored in AN ORTHODOX RESPONSE TO TERRORISM.< Less
THE BATTLE OVER STEM CELLS explains one of the hottest topics in politics and science today to the non-technical reader. What is at issue with embryonic stem cell research? Do the stem cells of... More > embryos show promise of being agents of healing? What about non-destructive, adult stem cells? What is the value of human life before birth? The Bible, the consistent, unanimous teachings of Christianty, and modern scientific breakthroughs are all brought together in this enlightening and timely booklet. Essential reading for anyone interested in the ethical implications of biological research.< Less
A Guide to General and Personal Confession for individual and parish use, explains the practicalities and the purpose of confession. This book includes both the rites of "General... More > Confession," and private confession. Also included are meditations in preparation for confession, and prayers in preparation for holy Communion. Appendixes offer Fr. Alexander Schmemann's report to the Holy Synod of The Orthodox Church in America on the need for the renewal of confession, and the Holy Synod's direction for the faithful.< Less
"INFANT BAPTISM: BIBLICAL, HISTORICAL, AND SPIRITUAL" explores the practice and purpose of baptizing the youngest of children. Differences with "believers baptism" are explained,... More > focusing on what saving faith is according to Scripture, the 2,000 year old practice of the Christian Church, and the witness of ancient teachers of the Faith. But perhaps the greatest contribution this little book offers to the dialogue about baptism is a vision of its spiritual value as the sign of the New Covenant in Christ. What happens in baptism? Why is it important? Is it essential, or optional? How can babies believe, and what is saving faith? What about original sin, the Augustinian reason for baptizing infants --is original sin an Orthodox concept? What about "limbo," where unbaptized babies go, according to Roman doctrine? What benefits do infants receive upon baptism? These and many other questions are addressed in "Infant Baptism: Biblical, Historical, and Spiritual."< Less
MARRIAGE IN CHRIST: THE WITNESS OF THE SCRIPTURES AND THE CHURCH ON WHAT MARRIAGE IS INTENDED TO BE is an examination of the unity of husband and wife. Marriage is explained as a gift of God, given... More > from the beginning to mankind, in which a man and a woman become “one” in love. The Bible calls marriage a “sacred covenant.” It is God Himself who created the state of marriage as a reflection of His divine nature, and it is God Himself who unites the two into one. This encouraging essay gives the Orthodox Christian perspective on the eternality of marriage, and demonstrates how our very personhood is transfigured for our salvation in Christ-centered matrimony.
After the essay, three extensive appendixes explore current issues in the remarriage of clergy within the Orthodox communion: The Remarriage of Clergy in History, The Responsibility of Laity to Correct an erring Bishop, and A Detailed Critique of “Widowed Priest: A Crisis In Ministry.” Recommended for all Orthodox Christians.< Less
FORGIVING: Both forgiveness and interpersonal reconciliation are explained in a compassionate, clearly-written text. How can I forgive someone who has intentionally betrayed me and ruined my life? ... More > What about situations where the offender has died? What is forbearance, and how does it differ from forgiveness? What does Jesus say about forgiving? Is repentance, or at least an apology required to forgive? What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? How do I reconcile with someone who wronged me? What about when I sin against someone else?
The bottom line is, forgiveness can free your life.
When we have truly forgiven, we have performed a miracle.
No other act is so personally freeing. No other act can work the deeper healing we need. No other act can change our lives for the better.
This little book is for all who ask God, "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."
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About Fr Mark Hodges
father of eight
married 29 years
homeschooler
Orthodox archpriest (OCA)
Mission founder in Lima, Ohio
St Stephen Orthodox Mission 3560 Shawnee Road Lima OH 45806 (419) 224-8600 fr.mark.hodges@juno.com
listen to The Beatles and Gladys Knight
watch The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Cosby Show
play guitar, keys, drums, bass love to sing
B.A. in Education from Michigan State University (go Spartans!)
M.Div w/Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
M.Div from Saint Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary
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