Rules, rules, rules...

We in the military know what it means to obey rules. We can obey them because we fear the consequences if we choose not to obey them. That is very often the main motivating factor in learning to follow them, especially when you are a newbie in uniform: fear.

Eventually, as we gain experience over time and grow in our profession, we obey rules because we learn obedience is necessary for good order and discipline. We obey them because we trust that our leaders oftentimes understand something more about a situation than we see in our immediate field of view, or that they were made for a purpose possibly beyond what we can understand. We follow legal rules, moral rules, ethical rules. When they are not legal or moral or ethical, we have an obligation to speak up, to have the moral courage and intestinal fortitude to challenge them.

As Orthodox Christians, we quickly become aware there are many rules in our Faith. Some more important than others. When and why we follow them can reveal a lot about where we are in our spiritual walk and maturity.

At the most recent Ludwell Conference, Metropolitan Jonah began his talk with an exclamation, "Rules, rules, rules. Rules are for neophytes!" I asked him what he meant by that, and he provided this response. I have his Eminence's permission to share this response publicly:

“'Rules, rules, rules…'

It’s easy to get caught in legalism and think that by observing all the rules of piety you achieve perfection. So it is with the newly illumined that take great pride (a passion) in how well they keep the fasting rule, make their bows and other such things. These are valuable; but if it leads to pride, then judging others for how they fast or external forms of piety, one has missed the point. Do you take pride in breathing and being able to walk? These are on the same level; it’s just how you behave. These rules of behavior are just the norms for Orthodox Christians living their lives. And, these rules are all in our heads, and not really spiritual. The spiritual, which we are aiming at, is to free ourselves from ego, pride, the passions, and experience the joy of the Spirit in contemplative vision. In other words, deification. To quote St Theophan, you have to get out of your head and into your heart.

Neophytes often don’t understand much beyond rules and 'right behavior'. They are babes in the faith, and they need milk. It is both sad and funny that they discourse on mystical theology on the internet. They need milk, but are served fine meat.

It’s good to learn the rules. But if we condemn our brothers for not being 'strict' or much less, 'not Orthodox enough,' we only condemn ourselves with our own hypocrisy. Rather than judging our brothers, let us pray for them, forgive them, never criticize them or anyone else. Then we will be living like the holy Fathers. In short, 'love your neighbor as yourself.' As St Silouan said, 'Your brother is your life.' This is real Orthodoxy.

The 'big T' traditions are the common traditions all Orthodox practice: the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, the dogmas of the Ecumenical Councils, and things that don’t change: the common moral teachings of the Scriptures (enshrined in the canons) and the like. The 'small t' traditions are the things that can change: what melodies for the services, the food that is served, the way you dress… All that is relative to the culture in which you find yourself.

Metropolitan Jonah"

Why are you following the rules you follow? Is it out of fear? Is it out of pride or ego? Or is it something more, perhaps out of faith, hope, love?