St. Nicodemus Society – a private FaceBook group

In John 3 we read about a prominent Jewish leader, Nicodemus, who met with Jesus under the cover of night. At the time, Jesus of Nazareth was a highly controversial figure. He had just thrown the Temple into turmoil by overturning the tables of the money changers and driving out the merchants who were selling animals for the Temple sacrifice. Then, to the consternation of the Jewish leaders Jesus made an ominous statement: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19, OSB) Yet, John the Baptist had earlier pointed out Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) While many of the Jewish leaders viewed Jesus as a threat, the possibility remained that he may have been truly sent by God. This called for a sincere search for truth.

Nicodemus was a prominent religious leader. In John 7:50, we see him taking part in the judicial proceeding of the Sanhedrin, the ruling body of the nation of Israel.  When he spoke up in defense of Jesus, he met with “blind hatred” from his fellow rulers. (See the footnote comments in the Orthodox Study Bible.) Thus, for someone with Nicodemus’ high position, a public open-minded inquiry would be difficult to carry out given the social pressures on him. This explains why he met with Jesus in private away from the glare of public view in order to find out whether Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ.

Recently, there has been an upsurge of interest in Orthodoxy. The Internet offers a wide array of resources for Protestants and Evangelicals curious about Orthodoxy. Some will find to their surprise that their inquiry into Orthodoxy may lead them to renounce their Protestantism and convert to Orthodoxy. For some, converting to Orthodoxy is a matter of changing places of worship on Sunday morning. But for some church leaders inquiring into Orthodoxy may prove more disruptive and costly. This is especially true for pastors who may need to resign their pastorate and seek another occupation. Thus, the need for caution, due diligence, and much prayer. Converting to Orthodoxy is not something one rushes into.

Among the challenges for church leaders inquiring into Orthodoxy are the theological differences between the two traditions. Below are some of the theological issues:

  • Icons (religious images) in churches
  • Praying to the Virgin Mary and the Saints
  • The Eucharist (Lord’s Supper) as the body and blood of Christ
  • Liturgical worship versus contemporary worship
  • Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) versus Scripture and Holy Tradition
  • Apostolic succession through the office of the bishop
  • The Orthodox Church as the one true Church
  • Sola fide (faith alone) versus synergy (cooperating with God’s grace)
  • Salvation as theosis/deification

Besides theological issues, there are practical concerns such as:

  • How to investigate Orthodoxy discreetly
  • Whether to continue in church office or resign
  • Steps towards relinquishing one’s Protestant ordination
  • How to explain or disclose one’s interest in Orthodoxy
  • How to explain Orthodoxy in a peaceable manner
  • The manner and timing of resignation
  • The possibility of formal church discipline
  • How to deal with disrupted relationships and friendships
  • How to deal with loss of income
  • How to deal with reluctant spouses and children
  • How to deal with upset extended family members

Thus, it is clear that inquiring into Orthodoxy is likely to be a complicated process for the Protestant and Evangelical “Nicodemus.” That is why a private Facebook group “The St. Nicodemus Society” was formed for the purpose of assisting pastors and church leaders who need wise counsel given in confidence. It is a private group and by invitation only. The group is committed to maintaining confidentiality. It is also committed to inquiry free of peer pressure. Our goal is to support inquirers, not to browbeat them with arguments. Inquirers who have tough doctrinal questions will be treated with courtesy. However, this is not a forum for debate but rather a safe place for inquirers to ask hard questions and express their doubts. The key element here is trust and sincerity. Members of the St. Nicodemus Society come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are former pastors or church elders from Reformed churches. A number have received seminary degrees, while others are self-taught. The St. Nicodemus Society is generally Reformed in background, but we welcome inquirers from other Protestant and Evangelical backgrounds.

If you are interested in joining the St. Nicodemus Society please go to Facebook and send a personal message to Jamey William Bennett about the St. Nicodemus Society. It would be a big help if you were to describe where you are in your journey to Orthodoxy—just curious, very serious, or serious but struggling certain aspects of Orthodoxy or Protestantism. It would also help if you could give us a sense of your level of responsibility: lay leader, church elder, assistant pastor, senior pastor, seminary faculty, seminarian, part of the denominational leadership.

Robert Arakaki

 

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