Not Everyone Can Be a Christian Teacher
December 18
(A Word from the 'Pandok'* on Eloquence)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
December 18
(A Word from the 'Pandok'* on Eloquence)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
Especially in recent times, very many people—some out of self-interest, some out of ignorance, some out of spiritual pride—take upon themselves the role of church teachers, and the fruits of this are exceedingly bitter. Such uncalled teachers for the most part distort the dogmas of the faith, interpret the word of God senselessly, twist the lives of the saints beyond recognition, and by doing so, mortally sin themselves and draw others into mortal sins as well. What should be said to such people? This: before teaching others, let them listen to whether every one of us can be a teacher, and whether everyone by his teaching can bring benefit to others.
The word of the Church says: good words proceed from a good heart; but he whose heart is unclean cannot teach rightly, and one must flee from his words, for they are harmful, being without the grace of the Holy Spirit… Whoever has not received from God the gift of teaching should keep silent and not spew forth idle words, lest he receive condemnation from God. To the sinner, God says: “Why do you declare My statutes and take My covenant upon your lips? You hated instruction and cast My words behind you” (Psalm 50:16-17).
From these words of ecclesiastical teaching it is clear that not every one of us can be a teacher of others, and not every one of us is called to church teaching. And this, brethren, is indeed the plain truth. Look at the self-appointed, ignorant teachers who have become so numerous among the people today. What will you see? You will see brazen deceit, temptation, greed, mockery of simple, poor, helpless people. For example, a poor, unfortunate woman, worn out under the burden of illness, comes to such a person. The impostor-teacher begins almost to break her bones, whispers utterly insane words to her — and that is all: the “treatment,” the “teaching,” and the “consolation.” Then such a teacher’s preaching begins. Here again there are distortions of Scripture, senseless words, blasphemies against the Church and the clergy, and along with this shouting, beating of the chest, and other bodily motions, often impermissible and scandalous. What kind of teacher and guide is this? No — this is only a false teacher and a spiritual tormentor.
Flee from such people, brethren, and never yourselves call yourselves teachers, for One is the Teacher of us all — Christ. And you, false teachers, fear the dread Judgment of God and abandon your spiritual sacrilege. Otherwise, do not forget that "judgment has long been prepared for you, and your destruction does not slumber" (2 Peter 2:3). Amen.
* 'Pandok' is an old Russian book containing teachings, folk tales, etc. usually associated with the Old Believers.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
