The Pastoral Epistles of Saint Paul
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), part 4, Romans chapter 2
September 14, 2021
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Summary: A discussion of Paul's letter to the Romans, Chapter 2, with comments from various Church Fathers. Regarding God's righteous judgement and impartiality compared to our sinful judgements of others, which bring self-condemnation. 

Topics discussed include: 1. On judgement: We judge others for what we see in ourselves that bothers us --- their sin resonating with ours! Rather we should condemn the sin but not say that any sinner is worse than we are. We don't judge the individual but judge the deadly acts --- this is to love the sinner even more, because those acts lead to misery. We are called to examine OURSELVES to see if we are living according to the will of God. Are we focused on personal REPENTANCE?

2. Natural Law, homosexuality, shame, 'pride', and compassion;

3. The Law of Moses, the natural law, and conscience;

4. The responsibility that comes with knowledge and living in the Church ... do we too "blaspheme the name of God among the Gentiles?";

5. Obedience to the Law of God (love of God and neighbor) vs. piety. You cannot compare acts of piety (good, important and valuable as they may be) with compassion towards the poor and forgiving and loving your neighbor;

6. On resisting peacefully.