Podcast – 20140313 Epistemology, Schindler, and Ukraine

This episode begins with a reflection on the Orthodox understanding of knowledge (epistemology), but the bulk of it is an interview with John Schindler, PhD (XXCommittee.com) on spycraft, propoganda, provokation, disinformation and Ukraine.  I know you will love it! http://traffic.libsyn.com/orthoanalytika/20140312-Schindler-Ukraine.mp3

War, Ukraine, and Orthodox Epistemology

“Love your enemies… unless they invade your ancestral homeland, overthrow a government you prefer, or enact policies you find abhorrent.”The Antigospel of Satan (i.e. “Things Jesus NEVER said”).  Introduction: the temptation of demonization in times of warI have seen what what war does to the souls of good people. Far too often, the temptations of […]

Nick Perkins – Allegory on Afghan Education

Saturday- 0800 There was no time for fear.  There was no time for anything.  One moment, the world was still.  Aeva sat eagerly in her chair as the teacher introduced the class to letters, things that Aeva had only ever seen her Aunt or big sisters work with.  Her littlest (and favoritist) sister, Habiba, was […]

Some Advice for Ukrainian “Experts”

I’ve done several interviews on the Maidan and the pig’s breakfast the situation in Ukraine is becoming.  Here’s the most recent (lightly edited). As for my statement, I am a retired military intelligence officer (and political science professor) who spent many years working the war in Afghanistan for the US Intelligence Community.  I’m also a […]

From Intelligence Officer to Orthodox Priest

I gave this talk as part of the “Orthodoxy on Tap” program.  It is designed to take Orthodoxy out to where it can meet people where they are (the fact that that place happens to have good food and drinks is a bonus).   While the conversation went in many directions (but not into aliens, […]

A Meditation on MLK Jr and Our Own Cowardice

The Lord God stands in the midst of the Divine Council and judges among the gods.”How long will you rule unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?Defend the poor and fatherless, maintain the rights of the afflicted and the destitute.  Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:1-4) […]

From the UOC-USA: Human Dignity and the Basic Rights of Freedom Must be Preserved

Council of Bishops of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA Human Dignity and the Basic Rights of Freedom Must be Preserved  Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ! It has been only a few weeks, and most recently just two days since the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA expressed its […]

From the UOC-USA: The use of force, confrontation, and violence will fail to resolve political issues!

The use of force, confrontation and violence will fail to resolve political issues! Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ! The events of the last several days and especially the last several months in the life of independent Ukraine have caused the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA to call upon […]

Four Orthodox Christian Lessons from MLK Jr

 This is a nice article by Andrew Estocin. Here’s a quote; “Martin Luther King Jr. and Archbishop Iakovos both knew that the human person as the image and likeness of God was a truth worth breaking the law, fighting and (in Rev. King’s case) ultimately dying for. Orthodoxy in America needs this type of courage […]

Orthodox Help on Keeping Resolutions (from Sunday’s bulletin)

As Orthodox Christians, we can draw on a lot of wisdom on how to improve our lives.  As we go into the New Year and all its hopes, let me share some nuggets that I have found useful. Resolution (i.e. “willpower”) is not enough.  Our faith is built around this reality.  If we want to […]