About the #legitimacy of books found online
Question: Hello,
Should our kids use this book?
I want to check here before my kids start using it.
May the Lord bless you 🙏
Answer: My dear sister in Christ,
Peace and blessings be upon you and your household. It warms my heart to hear of your deep concern for the spiritual well-being of your children. Truly, raising them in the faith is both a sacred duty and an immense privilege, as it is written, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
Your discernment regarding the books you allow into your home is commendable. We live in an age where subtle influences can have profound effects, and the enemy often disguises himself as an angel of light, leading many astray under the guise of harmlessness. The book in question warrants careful scrutiny.
Firstly, the ambiguity surrounding its Orthodox Christian roots is a significant concern. We are reminded to hold fast to the teachings of the Apostles and the Holy Fathers, which guide us in truth and safeguard us from error. Any work that does not clearly align with or uphold these teachings could inadvertently introduce ideas that confuse or dilute the faith.
Secondly, the issue of artificial intelligence-generated imagery is not merely trivial. As Orthodox Tewahido Christians, we regard icons as more than art—they are holy expressions, "written" through prayer and fasting, serving as windows into the divine. Icons created through AI, devoid of spiritual intention or connection, risk trivializing this sacred tradition and distracting from its deeper significance. While such images may seem innovative or appealing, they lack the grace that flows from the prayerful labor of the iconographer, which sets our sacred art apart.
Furthermore, introducing materials of uncertain origin to children, whose spiritual foundations are still forming, carries the risk of exposing them to subtle distortions. St. Paul’s exhortation provides a clear guideline for what we should seek in any resource: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
In light of these concerns, I encourage you to seek out books from trusted Oriental Orthodox Christian publishers or those recommended by your spiritual father. Such resources, deeply rooted in the wisdom of the Church and adorned with icons blessed by prayer, offer a far richer and more spiritually nourishing experience for your children.
Remember, my dear sister, that your vigilance in guarding their hearts and minds is a reflection of the love of Christ, who called us to shepherd His lambs. May your efforts be guided and strengthened by the grace of God.
May the Theotokos, our Blessed Mother, intercede for you and your family as you strive to raise your children in His light.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
© John's Repentance
Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance