Speaking the Truth in Love

In Part 10 of his series on Bishops, Fr. Thomas looks at the canons of the 4th Ecumenical Council.

Is it possible to really see Christ and God as they are? Did the Disciples have an advantage over us because they lived with Christ? Fr. Tom explores these questions in light of the resurrection!

In Part 9 of his series on Bishops, Fr. Thomas looks at the canons of the 3rd Ecumenical Council.

Fr. Tom reads from and comments on this 2nd century historical Christian letter to the unknown Diognetus.

The 5th century brought much controversy, schism, and anathemas but the Church survived. Some of these divisions exist even today.

Many listeners have asked about Fr. Tom's favorite books. In today's episode he identifies them and tells us why. The list includes: The Sayings of the Desert Fathers The Arena - Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov The Art of Prayer - St. Theophan the Recluse St. Silouan the Athonite We Shall See Him As He Is - Elder Sophrony His Life is Mine - Archimandrite Sophrony Christ, Our Way and Our Life - Archimandrite Zachariah The Hidden Man of the Heart Remember Thy First Love - Archimandrite Zachariah The Complete Fenelon Atheist Delusions - David Bentley Hart The Abolition of Man - CS Lewis

If we believe that the Orthodox Church is the True Church, how are we to relate to those in other faith traditions or even non Christians? Fr. Tom takes us to the Church Fathers for answers.

What do the Orthodox mean, when in the Creed we confess, "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church"? As we approach the Sunday of Orthodoxy, this is a good time to explore that question with Fr. Thomas Hopko.

As Great Lent approaches, Fr. Tom Hopko provides helpful reading recommendations both from Scripture and from other books. A very helpful book to read during this season is Fr. Tom's own The Lenten Spring.

In this next episode of the series on Bishops, Fr. Tom reflects on 4th century Bishops, Monks, Martyrs, and Saints.

The phrase "With God all things are possible" is found three times in Holy Scripture. How are we to interpret the meaning of that phrase, and how does it relate to the way we live our lives today?

Fr. Tom talks about the other canons of the fourth century in addition to the Council of Nicaea.

Fr. Tom looks at the fourth century canons concerning bishops and clergy.

In his ongoing series on bishops, Fr. Thomas explores the fourth century under the Emperor Constantine.

As we enter the New Year, Fr. Tom is thinking about the end of the world or "age." Don't miss this powerful and prophetic talk!

In a new episode, Fr. Thomas Hopko presses the question on the Incarnation of Christ - do we REALLY believe it?

In his continuing series on the Bible, Fr. Tom addresses the problem of God's violence against people and the war and violence that is prevalent in general in the Old Testament.

Fr. Tom looks at the lies and deception that are replete in the Old Testament stories and how God worked with sinful human beings to accomplish His purposes.

What are we to make of the moral behavior of many of the heroes of the Old Testament like David, Solomon, Abraham, Lot, and others? Fr. Tom helps us deal with these figures in the proper way and according to God's ultimate plan.

Fr. Tom received a number of emails about his talks on reading the Bible and the various translations. Several listeners asked about the scandalous nature of the Old Testament with stories of murder, slaughter, multiple wives, concubines, etc. So today, Fr. Tom begins a short series of talks to deal with this subject.

Fr. Thomas looks at the writings of three of the earliest Church Fathers to see the structure of the Church in the second and third centuries.

In the third part of his series on reading the Bible, Fr. Tom discusses the various English language translations that are available and offers his recommendations.

In the second in his series on bishops, Fr. Tom reflects on the New Testament and early Church formulations of the offices and functions of clergy.

Fr. Tom responds to some email questions he received after his recent episode entitled "How to Read the Bible." In particular he talks about reading the Old Testament and explains the role of the Septuagint in the Church.

Fr. Tom begins a series of talks on the role of bishops in the Church and their relationships to each other, to the priests, the deacons, and to us. He begins by identifying what is common to all of us in creation. Please also listen to a special encouragement at the very beginning of today's episode.

As he travels, Fr. Tom is often asked to say some things on the radio about how to read the Bible. Where do you start? What translation does he recommend? What presuppositions should be discarded and what should be maintained? In this new episode, Fr. Tom addresses each of these questions and more.

Today, Fr. Thomas Hopko reflects on the nature of our thoughts and emotions in this fallen world.

Fr. Thomas Hopko reflects on one of the twelve great feasts of the Church.

Everyone at one time or another has been fearful. But how do we deal with unhealthy anxiety and fear? Fr. Tom looks at this problem in light of Holy Scripture.

Fr. Thomas Hopko gives one Orthodox Christian's understanding of unity.

In this final installment in his Darwin and Christianity series, Fr. Tom Hopko compares the task and method of natural science with the task and method of Christian theology.

On August 15, the Church celebrates the Dormition of the Mother of God. Fr.Tom explores the theology associated with this Feast and the implications on our own resurrection.

This is the next-to-last episode in the Darwin series.

On August 6, we will celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord, and Fr. Thomas Hopko helps us understand the pivotal nature of this event in Christian history.

As Fr. Tom gets close to the end of his series on Darwin and Christianity, he reflects on the terms and concepts of nature and super-nature.

What are some of the misunderstandings and misgivings about miracles, and how does that relate to natural science and Christian theology?

Fr. Tom continues his series on Darwin and Christianity with some musings on God and Creation.

How do you describe the distinction between human beings and animals? Is it the soul or is it something else altogether?

In this episode on the Darwinian Revolution and the relationship between natural science and Christian theology, Fr. Thomas Hopko reflects on the issue of death.

A meditation on God as a consuming fire and the imagery of fire in the spiritual life. Particularly appropriate as we think about Pentecost.

Part 4 of the teachings from Genesis as a section in the larger series on Darwin and Christianity.

Part 3 of the teachings from Genesis as a section in the larger series on Darwin and Christianity.

Fr. Tom Hopko continues his series on Darwin with his 2nd reflection on the creation story in Genesis.

In his continuing series on Charles Darwin and Christianity, Fr. Tom begins a reflection on the creation story as told in Genesis.

Fr. Tom reflects further on the letter he received asking if God played favorites particularly as it relates to the canonization of saints.

Fr. Thomas addresses a listener question on the often misunderstood admonition in the Gospel of Matthew to call no man father.

Father Thomas educates us on why the Sunday a week after our Lord's Resurrection is also called Antipascha.

In his continuing series on Charles Darwin, Fr. Thomas reflects on the Darwinian revolution and Christian theology having to do with the Bible. How do the Scriptures relate to the scientific world in which we live especially following the 19th century?

On this, the greatest of all Feast Days, Fr. Thomas explains what we, as Orthodox Christians, know for certain about Jesus Christ.

Fr. Thomas continues his examination of Passion Week with Jesus' teachings on the final judgment.