"But he who has doubts is condemned, if he eats, because he does not act from faith; Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." St. Paul concludes Romans 14 with a stark statement concerning faith, doubt, and judgment. After saying that he is convinced that nothing is unclean, how can Paul now say that someone who eats is condemned? This verse makes an important point concerning one's conscience. Join us tonight as we discuss this and continue with some further comments on the current Orthodox fixation on end time prophecies by monks and saints. How reliable are they?

“Do not let your good be spoken of as evil.” How can good be spoken of as evil? As we continue St. Paul’s lessons on love and the correct Christian attitude toward each other, how are we to apply that lesson against judging another servant of the Lord? It's easy to talk about loving others, but as a practical matter, how do we resolve conflicts in our own parish community over various issues? Does Paul’s instruction against judging another’s servant mean that we are to say nothing? Does this mean that we are to disregard our Orthodox traditions or ignore them? Is it ever appropriate to correct others? On the other extreme, do we bear any responsibility if we scandalize others by following only our own opinion? St. John Chrysostom has plenty to say about these issues.

“As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything while the weak man eats only vegetables” (Rom. 14:1-2). As we begin chapter 14 of Romans, Paul warns us not to have disputes over food. He describes some Christians as “the weak” while presumably others would be “the strong.” Orthodox Christians might be surprised about who is considered “weak” and who is considered “strong.” Who are these groups in the Roman Church, and what lesson is St. Paul teaching us about the observance of food regulations?

"Love is the fulfillment of the Law." St. Paul brackets his statements of advice for the Roman Christians by returning to the subject of love. It is easy to talk about love or to believe that we are loving toward our fellow human beings. But what do the holy Fathers tell us about how this commandment to love ought to be demonstrated in the ordinary situations of daily life?

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." The first few verses of Romans 13 are the basis for what has traditionally been called "the Divine Right of Kings." On the basis of this section of Romans, monarchs claimed that worldly powers received their authority from God, and for that reason, the populace was obligated to obey them. The question of the relationship between Christians and the government continues to provoke debate, no less than during the recent COVID pandemic. Did Paul really intend this verse to be taken literally and expect us to passively comply with all government directives?

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." The first few verses of Romans 13 are the basis for what has traditionally been called "the Divine Right of Kings." On the basis of this section of Romans, monarchs claimed that worldly powers received their authority from God, and for that reason, the populace was obligated to obey them. The question of the relationship between Christians and the government continues to provoke debate, no less than during the recent COVID pandemic. Did Paul really intend this verse to be taken literally and expect us to passively comply with all government directives?

We will continue discussing Paul's words of encouragement in Romans 12. After his description of spiritual gifts and how they ought to be used both within the community and to help those outside the Church, he turns his attention to address how we ought to react to those who oppose us. This passage contains one of the most peculiar verses in Romans: that by being kind even to one's enemy, we thereby "heap burning coals on his head." This strange comment has resulted in much confusion. But it leads into another very controversial statement about the role of government and political authority, often called "the divine right of kings." Are we required to submit to political authority?

The final chapters of Romans are among the most poetic and inspirational passages of the entire Bible. As we continue our deep dive into Romans 12, we will uncover the richness and power of Paul's pastoral instructions and the patristic application to our lives.

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." This famous verse introduces a new section of Romans which focuses on Christian phronema: our lifestyle and manner of thought. What do the Orthodox mean by terms like "illumination" and "sanctification" and "deification"? How do such terms relate to Paul's instructions in Romans 12 and elsewhere in Romans about the correct Christian attitude and way of life?

Paul has finished his discussion of the future of the Jewish people and their role in the plan of salvation. Now, in Chapter 12, he begins a new

section of Romans, a new section of the letter, the "paranesis" which contains many of the most memorable passages of Romans.

Paul began by telling us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed. What did he mean by that?