To Convert or Not to Convert

Are you searching for a Church to attend? Maybe you have come across this blog searching about Orthodox Christianity. Maybe you are already Orthodox but reading this blog because you have a friend who is searching. Maybe you are considering becoming Orthodox. Maybe not.

Brethren, do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have demolished thy altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that should not see and ears that should not hear, down to this very day.” And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a pitfall and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs for ever.” So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean?

Romans 11.2-12

In today’s reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans we are reminded that people are constantly ‘on the move’ when it comes to faith. The Jews, the chosen people of God, were ‘supposed’ to follow Christ the Messiah. They didn’t, but Saint Paul understood why.

From what Saint Paul understood, many didn’t follow Christ because God didn’t want them too. God was making room for the gentiles to come to the Church. Since this was from God, they will not be judged harshly for their actions. What about us?

We are the gentiles that Saint Paul was writing about. God made room for us to enter the Church. Eventually the “remnant” would be called by God to return. Then, they will be required to act. What does that say about our journey to Christ?

There are many reasons people join the Church. Each person has a unique journey to Christ. Some are brought into the Church ‘at birth’ because their parents are faithful to Christ and His Church. Others come later in life as ‘converts’ from other Christian traditions.

If you are searching, or even considering joining the Church, I have a challenge for you. Joining the Church should not be because you are running away from some sort of disfunction in your ‘previous’ tradition. There is disfunction in the Orthodox Church. You will not find peace.

Joining the Church should not be because you are required to be a ‘member’ to get married. You should never be forced to join the Church. Joining the Church is joining Christ. Christ wants us to join Him freely with love. He doesn’t compel anyone to join. You will not find peace.

Joining the Church should not be because you read something on the internet (yes, I know the irony) and you agree the Church is correct. There are many things about the Church that you will be forced to CHANGE your opinion on. You will not find peace.

There can only be one reason to join the Church. If you want to live in total communion with God, and work to change anything about your life or your attitude that ‘gets in the way’ of that communion, then maybe you should consider joining. Maybe not.

Why would I say maybe not? Obviously, we want everyone to join the Church, but not out of fear or obligation. If you are thinking of joining the Church, the first step is to find a local Orthodox Church. Connect with the local Orthodox Priest and discuss your journey. He will help.

You cannot join the Church through some website. You cannot join the Church reading the ‘right’ books. You can only join the Church through a local Orthodox Christian community. One final warning. Leave your preconceived notions at home. Get to know the local priest and trust him.