Very recently, Fr. Thomas Hopko passed away. Someone has started circulating a collection of his writings called "The fifty five maxims." I have had the opportunity to read through these and while they come across as possibly helpful and beneficial, I have to consider them from an Orthodox, historical perspective.
Regardless of background, education or intent, ones prior religious beliefs and convictions will have a direct effect upon ones Orthodoxy. In other words, everyone that is Orthodox today carries religious baggage from their previous faith. This is because many of these beliefs are presuppositions, that is, beliefs that are held unquestioningly and sometimes even unconsciously.
So in reading through these fifty five maxims, we have to ask, are these historic Orthodox or are these evangelical?
Regardless of background, education or intent, ones prior religious beliefs and convictions will have a direct effect upon ones Orthodoxy. In other words, everyone that is Orthodox today carries religious baggage from their previous faith. This is because many of these beliefs are presuppositions, that is, beliefs that are held unquestioningly and sometimes even unconsciously.
So in reading through these fifty five maxims, we have to ask, are these historic Orthodox or are these evangelical?
I say "evangelical" simply because Hopko was born in the United States. Now it may very well be that his thoughts and presuppositions are entirely Orthodox. But at the same time, it very well could be that some of his thinking has been influenced by the culture and persons around him. We should never drop our guard and believe that simply because someone is Orthodox, that everything that they say will be in perfect line with the historic faith. Fr. Thomas was an incredible individual that accomplished great things for promoting and forwarding the Orthodox faith in America.
So in considering his "Fifty Five Maxims," we should be attentive to what is being said.
May God have mercy upon us.
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