Help My Unbelief

Someone we know recently left the Church after being told that her son, who suffers from a medical condition, could not receive communion after taking medication as prescribed by his doctor. Holy Tradition can be a beautiful thing when approached with love for Christ and our neighbor, but when it is applied without understanding or regard it becomes little more than a hollow customs of man. How do we discern the authority of Holy Tradition, traditions, dogmas, economy, and cultural customs? How can Holy Tradition become a source of faith and encouragement rather than doubt and disillusionment? Plus, a fun Greek lesson on the word πέψη, aka Pepsi . . . Follow the Help My Unbelief Facebook page for updates, resources, and conversations related to faith and doubt. For deeper and more hard-hitting conversations, join our private Facebook group. Resources related to this episode: The New Testament word for tradition is paradosin (παράδοσιν) New Testament references to tradition we mentioned were: Matthew 15:3-9, 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, Colossians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 3:6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-25, 2 Timothy 2-8, 2 Timothy 2:16-17 St. Athanasius' definition of Tradition is found in his first letter to Serapion St Paul's comments on headcoverings are found in 1 Corinthians 11:4-5 We conclude with Matthew 16:18-20

If God gives wisdom liberally to ALL who ask (James 1:5), what about psychopaths who seem to lack a conscience? In this episode, we revisit St. James's notion of doubt discussed in the previous episode and share our own second thoughts. Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. James Fallon's book, The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain David McDermott's essay, "Do Psychopaths Know Right From Wrong?" 1 Peter 1:17 Acts 13:17 “The mystery of our salvation is beyond time and space (υπερκόσμιο), yet it is simultaneously brought to completion (τελεσιουργείται) in time and in place." +Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus (translated from Greek by Basil)

James 1:2-8 ends with some sobering words: "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." What's a person with doubt to do with these tough words? In this episode we tackle these verses, concluding that these verses are not a global statement about doubt in general, but a warning against a particular form of doubt, the kind that paralyzes us with over-analysis, fear, and defeat. Plus, Nicole gets a fun Greek lesson from her tutor, Barsanuphius. Follow the Help My Unbelief Facebook page podcast on Facebook for updates, resources, and conversations related to faith and doubt. For deeper and more hard-hitting conversations, join our private Facebook group. Greek terms for doubt mentioned in this episode: diakrino(menos) (διακρινό/μενος), cf. James 1:6: "to distinguish" amphivallo (αμφιβάλλω): "to wrap in different clothing" amphisvito (αμφισβητώ): to question apistos (άπιστος), cf. John 20:27: distazo (διστάζω): Other resources pertinent to this episode: James 1:2 Interlinear Greek/English translation Teleion (Τέλειον) Matthew 5:25, adversary as our conscience AFCon talks (Ancient Faith Conference for Writers and Podcasters) Story of St. Paisios of Mount Athos (in Greek only)

Every other episode, we revisit the topic of the previous episode and express some “second thoughts” about what was said (or not said). This week we revisit the story of the father with the demon-possessed son as recorded in Mark 9:14-29 and talk about epilepsy, what it means to heal, and what demons are. Resources related to this episode: The Greek term pistis (belief) and pisteuo (I believe) “Angels and Evil Spirits,” The Symbol of Faith Series, Vol. 1: Doctrine and Scripture Epilepsy - Signs, symptoms and treatment

In this inaugural episode, Basil and Nicole discuss the inspiration for their podcast, the father's words to Jesus in Mark 9:14-29: "I believe, O Lord, help my unbelief!" Faith is not the antithesis to doubt but the willingness to surrender doubt to Christ in the spirit of humility and hope. Find the Help My Unbelief page on Facebook. And check out the private group for more in-depth conversations about doubt.

Have you ever doubted? Do you ever feel like you're leading a double life, split between the faithful pilgrim in the pews and a burned-out, faithless failure—secretly wondering if God is even there? In Ancient Faith Radio's newest podcast, husband and wife Basil and Nicole Roccas team up to tackle the tough questions surrounding faith, doubt, and the space in between. The first episode will launch soon—stay tuned!