That's very interesting. This article is of course based on my experience, and I've found these to be very distinct steps up the ladder towards purity and chastity. I think it can be very difficult to fight the thoughts without first fighting the deeds. Although from a theological perspective, your point might be true. From a practical perspective though, I've seen this be the most effective approach.
Now that I think about it, it might actually be the same way in the West too. I only say this bc my source is from a book that was originally written by a Roman Catholic priest, but heavily edited by 2 Orthodox saints, which is the version I read. Here's a better summary of what I meant (theologically): https://www.unseenwarfare.net/5-steps-to-forming-a-passion
All good advice. I do struggle with what the proper reaction is to seeing attractive women in public — at the gym, grocery store, or even at church. In these circumstances, a person’s reaction is more spontaneous or based on impulse, rather than making a clear decision point to lust or not.
Those impulses are still supposed to be under control. Of course it isn't easy, but the goal is to develop such self control that you can even control those spontaneous impulses. God bless! Thank you for reading.
I see what you mean, and I agree that you're right in terms of "ease of fight" - it's easier not to pick up a chick than fighting lustful thoughts, still the thoughts/consent are there before you act out. That said, the the reason why the Jesus prayer is so center in my tradition is precisely because it is meant to quell the logisimi.
Yes, completely agree. It's absolutely fundamental to fill our minds with prayer and scripture so we can use them to draw strength form in times of temptation.
As a woman, I am so proud of you guys striving to live chastely.
We all know women and men struggle with lust in a different way. From our pov, the emotional aspect is probably the most important (feeling desired, being chosen).
Most people I know are not "practicing" christians and I've even heard some girlfriends giggle and laugh at men who were, in their eyes, not experienced enough. (*cringe*)
But, just so you know, this is all bs. These girls are the same that later come crying to their nearest friend -me- to complain about feeling used, men being horrible and so on.
For a woman being intimate with someone is and will always be a delicate matter. It's so much more than physical. Finding a man who is willing to honor your dignity and actually put in the effort to care also about your soul ... even when it means to sacrifice himself so that you are always safe and respected → This is a real gem.
While I agree with this list as being ordered in degree of difficulty, the advice I would give is to focus most of the attention on level 5. Yes, put protections in place to gaurd against levels 1-3, but the inner man will only go as far as he conquers step 5. that being said, virtue breeds virtue, and winning the first and easiest battles can lead to previously unimaginable successes down the road.
I like all your writings, even more now! It bothers me a lot, that every time I click on an important article, or a video, even radio and talks interviews, its all about what they can get pay for it, or how many books they can sale. For me its like saying; Hey, do you want to save your soul? Buy this book, or listen to my paid podcast, or attend to one of my seminars. We all need to make living, of course, but did the apostles got pay? I'm against Priests being on salary, why? They became workers.
In Eastern theology, the order is reversed: the first level is fighting at the thoughts, then with the senses (vision), then acting out
That's very interesting. This article is of course based on my experience, and I've found these to be very distinct steps up the ladder towards purity and chastity. I think it can be very difficult to fight the thoughts without first fighting the deeds. Although from a theological perspective, your point might be true. From a practical perspective though, I've seen this be the most effective approach.
Now that I think about it, it might actually be the same way in the West too. I only say this bc my source is from a book that was originally written by a Roman Catholic priest, but heavily edited by 2 Orthodox saints, which is the version I read. Here's a better summary of what I meant (theologically): https://www.unseenwarfare.net/5-steps-to-forming-a-passion
Excelente link! Thank you!
Keep pushing the bar higher, brother. The ladder really does end in the Beatitude you quoted: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
All good advice. I do struggle with what the proper reaction is to seeing attractive women in public — at the gym, grocery store, or even at church. In these circumstances, a person’s reaction is more spontaneous or based on impulse, rather than making a clear decision point to lust or not.
Those impulses are still supposed to be under control. Of course it isn't easy, but the goal is to develop such self control that you can even control those spontaneous impulses. God bless! Thank you for reading.
I see what you mean, and I agree that you're right in terms of "ease of fight" - it's easier not to pick up a chick than fighting lustful thoughts, still the thoughts/consent are there before you act out. That said, the the reason why the Jesus prayer is so center in my tradition is precisely because it is meant to quell the logisimi.
Yes, completely agree. It's absolutely fundamental to fill our minds with prayer and scripture so we can use them to draw strength form in times of temptation.
As a woman, I am so proud of you guys striving to live chastely.
We all know women and men struggle with lust in a different way. From our pov, the emotional aspect is probably the most important (feeling desired, being chosen).
Most people I know are not "practicing" christians and I've even heard some girlfriends giggle and laugh at men who were, in their eyes, not experienced enough. (*cringe*)
But, just so you know, this is all bs. These girls are the same that later come crying to their nearest friend -me- to complain about feeling used, men being horrible and so on.
For a woman being intimate with someone is and will always be a delicate matter. It's so much more than physical. Finding a man who is willing to honor your dignity and actually put in the effort to care also about your soul ... even when it means to sacrifice himself so that you are always safe and respected → This is a real gem.
Stay strong, gentlemen.
Thanks for reading and for the kind, encouraging words! God bless you Maya
So timely. Thank you for this piece.
My pleasure, glad you liked it!
❤️
Thank you for this thoughtful support. Much needed right now. God bless you.
Thanks for the kind words brother. It's a pleasure! God bless you too.
Thank you for publishing this article free of charge. God bless you.
Glad that it helped brother. God help you too!
While I agree with this list as being ordered in degree of difficulty, the advice I would give is to focus most of the attention on level 5. Yes, put protections in place to gaurd against levels 1-3, but the inner man will only go as far as he conquers step 5. that being said, virtue breeds virtue, and winning the first and easiest battles can lead to previously unimaginable successes down the road.
What do the girls think? Life gets pretty lonely. We need each other at all levels with honesty.
I like all your writings, even more now! It bothers me a lot, that every time I click on an important article, or a video, even radio and talks interviews, its all about what they can get pay for it, or how many books they can sale. For me its like saying; Hey, do you want to save your soul? Buy this book, or listen to my paid podcast, or attend to one of my seminars. We all need to make living, of course, but did the apostles got pay? I'm against Priests being on salary, why? They became workers.
What?