This is an email to Bible class and will be edited and added to in the future:
I still think you need works and that Orthodoxy thinks you need both, or it seems too much like the Protestant
"I am saved" and that is it.
"I am saved" and that is it.
I also think we are obligated, within the parameters of our choices, and giving ourselves times to rest, to grow and increase our talents to show appreciation for what God gave us, inspire others (which can also mean doctors since medicine with art; medicine is not the only thing that heals), and make a difference, including by sharing any money gained.
For those of us not called to be nuns or monks, we are going to be in this world. For some, given their personalities and circumstances, that may mean to concentrate on family. For others that is or includes art and science. If those are done in the context of having faith, the person has two entities going for them. I have seen what a female psychologist said, an emptiness of some artists (and perhaps if they are not anchored in faith, some turn to drugs, etc.), but I have alternatively seen some artists, especially dancers, who are loving and spiritual whether Christian or Orthodox or not. (In fact, I think of all artists, dancers are the most special no matter the race, gender, sexuality, or religion) in general. (You can find jerks everywhere)
With art, whether music, a poem, or dance, you can explain all kinds of human conditions and emotions, albeit not of Heaven or just praising God, but that are in the world which, after all, God gave us (although it was influenced by the Fall). If an artist can express the complication of human emotions, the beauty of what another may overlook like a rose or even an orange, our psychology and more, while being in and appreciating Christ or God or at least human love (for atheists), that is divine and sacred.
An artist can express angst or death via music, a painting, a dance a photograph, and show suffering in the world, as we spoke about on Zoom.
Some desires can also be to me since we are of and in this world and you can always be Christ-conscious.
A scientist interested in a bacterium, as well, while having a passion to understand God's world and help to cure a disease, fight for the environment, or other, also is often being Christ- or God-conscious.
On the other hand, many in church who are middle or upper class, may speak about doing away with passions, while giving 1% of what they have for others. And that may include myself.
We can keep God first, but work on our talents and be ourselves as we grow daily and have free will.
I can write more, but will wrap Here is some wonderful chanting:
