The Orthodox understanding of the spiritual life is unlike most things that we think about in our culture. There is not a "technique" that produces "results." Instead, it is a way of life. Fr. Stephen Freeman explores this understanding. 

Glory to God

The Slow Road to Heaven - Why the Spiritual Life Doesn’t “Work”

Fr. Stephen Freeman looks at the role of knowledge in our Orthodox faith, including the importance of what we do not know. 

What To Do With What You Know

Across all human cultures, there is a drive to clothe ourselves, to decorate ourselves, far beyond any concern for mere warmth and protection. Fr. Stephen Freeman examines this cultural drive from a theological perspective. It sheds light on the deepest part of our life and illumines our relationship with Christ. 

Clothed in the Image

In the liturgy we pray that we have a "Christian ending to our life: painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ." Father Stephen Freeman looks carefully at the true nature of that judgment seat. It might surprise you. 

Before the Judgment Seat of Christ

Fr. Stephen Freeman describes some of the problems that arise when our morality is a "mere morality," marked only by our outward behavior rather than inward healing and transformation. 

Humble and Meek and Middle Class Morality

Fr. Stephen Freeman looks at the notion of "allegory" as it is used in the New Testament and in the Orthodox worldview. He also considers the true nature of "literalism" and how we should understand it. 

Literalism and the Other Word

Fr. Stephen Freeman offers thoughts on the place of the heart during our nation's struggles. Along with the example of St. John Chrysostom, he points us toward the role our own shame plays in the turmoil of our lives. There is a better way. 

At the Heart of the Capitol

In these two podcasts, Fr. Stephen Freeman describes the theme of deliverance from chaos that is found buried in Old Testament texts and how it continues in the New. It is an important way of understanding Christ's teaching of the gospel. 

When Chaos Ruled the World - Part 2

When Chaos Ruled the World - Part 1

We often imagine that kings and generals and great battles are the turning points of history. Fr. Stephen Freeman points us towards much smaller things and tells us why. 

Of Kings and Things and What Matters

On Star Trek, the guys wearing the Red Shirts are expendable. Fr. Stephen Freeman tells us there's a lot to think about in that. 

Getting Saved on Star Trek

Thoughts and reflections on Orthodox theology and life - Thoughts and reflections on Orthodox theology and life from Fr. Stephen Freeman.

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Glory to God

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