Talk 31: Does Christianity Really Cause Guilt and Depression?
In the writings of the Holy Fathers we often find statements such as: “One must consider oneself the worst person of all”; “Self-esteem is a sin”; “One must only look at one’s failures, never at one’s virtues”; “The proud cannot be saved”; “Always consider yourself a sinner”; and “There is nothing good in us”. Many find these types of statements upsetting, and come to the conclusion that Christianity causes guilt and depression.
In this talk Father Kosmas explains that, if one has the proper spiritual attitude, the teachings of the Holy Fathers regarding self-condemnation, repentance, and fear of sin and hell do not lead to guilt and depression but to peace, spiritual joy, humility, love, and – ultimately – unity with God.
The following questions are also discussed: what are spiritual freaks? Is constant fear of deception spiritually healthy? Is it blasphemous to say that our sins can help us to attain salvation? Why is it wrong to enjoy our spiritual life? What is the difference between piety and pietism? What is meant by “our passions are our spiritual friends”? Is medication the only solution for unwanted thoughts? Is it okay to sometimes have self-esteem? How is spiritual correctness dangerous? Are Orthodox zealots and the ecumenists actually of the same spirit?
Other topics covered in this talk include: how the demons can help us teach the truth; the foolishness of using Lent as a means to lose weight; the untrue teaching of some Catholic theologians that Judas repented; how distorted spiritual struggle can lead to heresy and blasphemy; the importance of penances; the repulsiveness of false humility; how the passions cause spiritual blindness; the difference between weaklings and the spiritually weak; and the true root of despondency.
Talk Duration: 182 minutes
Chanting Duration: 34 minutes
3 CD set