Again, too many things to reflect on from the last class but the most pressing topic is the fact that I can't help but be perplexed after watching the video on the history of Eastern Orthodoxy. I saddened me to see the men all decked out in their garb and wearing more more bling than Snoop Dogg and Flava Flav combined. I don't want to judge and be harsh, as I too am (as Ken Fong puts it) a recovering Pharisee. However, I can't help but ask how a person can read the gospels and teachings of Christ and not see that you're actually a stronger representative of the Pharisees than you are of Christ. How did we get to the point where faith is defined by attire and certain ceremonial performances and not see how far away we are from Christ's message? Aren't these the exact things that Christ came to preach against and abolish (or fulfill since he has fulfilled the law)? It's one thing to read the history and possibly understand how it could have developed in that manner. But it just makes me sad to see people be so oblivious to how far off they are from what they follow, namely Jesus.I don't discount the beauty of the rituals and ceremonies or the attire and churches of their culture.They are very beautiful. I do like traditions and rituals such as kneeling while praying (that might be very Korean of me) or taking off one's hat during time of prayer.  But to say that a person can't be a believer without these things just sounds too much like what Jesus and Apostle Paul spoke against in the NT.