Submitted October 29, 2004 Regarding “Orthodox Fundamentalism”

I visit your page from time to time.  The article "Orthodox Fundamentalism" written by Nicholas Cobb saddens me.  It is full of a lot of rhetoric without much substance.  I would like him to answer some specific questions. 

1.  If there is any insistence on some kind of dress code, please clarify your basis for being against it.  Are you saying that long ugly dresses and babushkas should not be pushed on people or are you saying they should not be worn at all?  I personally think long ugly dresses are better suited for church than the latest fashions.  I also find it interesting that with very few exceptions the female saints are depicted in the Holy Icons with head coverings.  Why do you think that is?  Do you think St. Paul's writings about head coverings no longer apply? If so, why?

2.  Why should Orthodox clerics not wear cassocks?  What is the justification for wearing western priest suits?  Are you saying the former is wrong or just should not be?

3.  Why should an Orthodox believer be so concerned with what is ugly, scraggily or funny-looking?  Nowhere in the beatitudes do we see a "Happy are the pretty and well-dressed".

4.  Give specific examples of "traditional Orthodox" things that are preached by the fundies that really are not Orthodox.

5.   Is there something wrong with adhering to pre-1900 customs?  How about 33 AD?  Are you saying that we need to get with the times?  What specifically is right about the "modern" methods?

6.      Are you saying that only clerics that have higher education should be looked to for correct doctrine?  Do Galilean fisherman have an exemption from this requirement?

7.      More comfortable on Mount Athos?  Are you saying that Mount Athos types should not be allowed to roam amongst us more educated, better dressed folks?  Do you believe that there are different Orthodox standards for different classifications of believers (lay, clergy, monk)?

8.      Is it possible to follow the letter of the law and also follow the spirit of the law or are you insinuating that they are mutually exclusive pursuits.

9.      You say "complicates teaching of what Orthodoxy really is in following Christ."  What is Orthodoxy, really?

10. The first followers of Jesus Christ were a cult.  As a matter of fact, after Jesus told his followers to eat his flesh, many people left appalled at what they were hearing.  Do you believe that Holy Communion is Jesus Christ's flesh and blood?  Orthodoxy IS a cult like almost every other form of religion.  What about AHEPA, MASONS?  They don't follow traditional Orthodoxy and they wear funny hats;  yet I don't hear too many educated Orthodox speak against them, although they are cultish and probably have no place in the church.

11. You mention a clash.  I agree that there may be a clash, because the Kingdom of God is not attained with political correctness.  Our Saviour was hung for being "politically incorrect", why should his followers expect any different?

It seems to me that since many people claim to be Orthodox,  and there are many approaches and beliefs interspersed in the Orthodox community,  cognitive dissonance kicks in and we feel the need to put down those who disagree with us.  However,  Orthodox Tradition believes in absolute Truth.   The believers who choose to wear head coverings, frequently confess, frequently commune and support the wearing of cassocks and beards obviously should not be judging those who do not and vice versa.  However,  I get the feeling that there is more oppression coming from the modern crowd against the "traditionalists"  than the other way around. 

Peace,

Art Karros